Don't Risk It! Podcast: Recent Episodes
VFIS
Don’t Risk It is designed to help emergency service organizations better protect their responders, equipment and clients by covering a range of safety-related topics. Every other week, host Chris Rodgers, of VFIS Client Risk Solutions, will speak with industry veterans and risk management experts to discuss what crews can do to help limit common ESO exposures. Don’t miss a single episode of Don’t Risk It! Subscribe today.
With 5 generations in the workforce today, learning how to effectively engage with different age groups is more important than ever—especially in emergency service organizations (ESOs).
For this episode, VFIS Emergency Services Specialists Blair Tyndall and Megan Carr, and former VFIS Education Specialist and current Battalion Chief at York Area United Fire and Rescue, Jake Hoover, join Chris Rodgers to discuss:
- Challenges of having multiple generations in ESOs
- Effective communication strategies
- Benefits of voluntary mentor programs
Take less than 16 minutes to learn how your organization can foster better relationships between generations—and ultimately bridge this generational gap.
Social media has become a powerful communication tool for ESOs—but responsible use across both your organization's accounts and members' personal accounts is essential.
In our latest podcast episode, VFIS Emergency Services Specialists, Chris Rodgers, Dave Bradley, and Blair Tyndall, discuss the benefits and challenges of social media use.
Take less than 16 minutes to learn how ESOs can use these platforms effectively, what to include in a social media policy or code of conduct, and how to ensure posts reflect your organization's mission.
Apparatus getting struck by vehicles on divided highways or other high-speed roadways is a leading cause of firefighter injuries—and sometimes even fatalities.
Jake Hoover, former VFIS Education Specialist and current Battalion Chief at York Area United Fire and Rescue, joins Chris Rodgers of VFIS to talk about the best practices for responding to calls on these roads.
Listen to this episode to hear them discuss:
- Safe turnaround approaches
- Acceleration and deceleration on high-speed roadways
- Blocking traffic with vehicles on the scene of an incident
Take less than 14 minutes to learn about safety measures that can help keep your members safe.
Unsafe driving of emergency vehicles can result in significant risks, such as damage to apparatus and serious injuries to drivers, passengers, and other individuals on the road.
Deputy Fire Chief Scott Henry joins Chris Rodgers from VFIS to discuss a new driver monitoring system implemented by Southern Area Fire and Emergency Rescue (SAFER) in York, PA.
Take 15 minutes to learn how this system operates, what driving factors it monitors, and how the system has encouraged safer driving habits.
In this episode, Fire Chief Bill Wiegman joins the VFIS podcast to talk about how his shared experience as a firefighter and mental health clinician informs his work in youth-set fire prevention, intervention, and investigation.
Listen to Chief Wiegman and Chris Rodgers talk about the:
- Psychology behind these incidents
- Importance of expertise and compassion
- Deep need for continued education
Take less than 17 minutes to learn more about how you can take a holistic approach to arson prevention in your community.
Fidelity risk refers to the financial loss your emergency service organization could face due to intentional dishonest acts by your members, such as theft, embezzlement, or forgery.
Some of the major areas of fidelity risk include:
- Financial management
- Fundraising & special events
- Cybersecurity
In our latest podcast episode, VFIS Emergency Services Specialists, Chris Rodgers and Blair Tyndall, discuss simple ways you can better protect your agency against these risks.
Take less than 15 minutes to get quick tips you can implement today, like always requiring two signatures on every check—and only signing after it's been completed in full.
Lives lost. Millions of dollars in damages. Up to four-year production delays for apparatus. These are just some of the potentially devastating costs that your emergency service organization could face because of a vehicle accident.
One possible tool to help decrease vehicle crashes are digital alerts that notify the public about approaching emergency services vehicles.
In this episode, Darrell Fisher of New Holland EMS joins Chris Rodgers of VFIS to share how their organization utilizes HAAS Alert technology and how they integrated it into their fleet.
https://www.haasalert.com/
EMS personnel face very real threats each day, including the risk of violence.
Melanie Kempf of Lancaster EMS joins Chris Rogers from VFIS to share how a seemingly routine call turned into a lifechanging experience.
Listen to hear her recall the violent event, how it impacted her mental health, and changes that she helped implement to help future first responders cope with trauma
Sensitive Content Warning: This podcast discusses violence against EMS personnel, including a real-life example.
This episode looks at the benefits of an Injury Prevention Specialist in Emergency Services applying athletic trainer concepts to help prevent staff injuries. Specifically, Lancaster EMS in Pennsylvania is a front runner in using an on-staff Injury Prevention Specialist to help reduce workplace injuries and keep the first responders fit for duty.
https://www.psatsociety.com/
On this episode we are joined by Brent Lewis, with Correll Insurance Group, Inc. Brent is the Regional Sales Director and Producer for VFIS of South Carolina. He helps us explore the role of service animals in emergency services to include roles, certifications, training, deployment and what legal protections are in place through the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Brent also shares a personal and amazing journey with "Maggie", his own service animal!
A lack of understanding, limited communication, and stereotypes are just a few of the reasons that 911/communication center personnel and field first responders, like firefighters and EMS personnel, may have some animosity towards one another.
However, breaking down barriers between your emergency service organizations and establishing better relationships may not only help improve your working relationships—but benefit your entire emergency response system as well.
In this episode, Chris Rodgers and Blair Tyndall, VFIS Industry Specialists, offer a few ideas help establish better "off air communications" and relationships within your response chain.
EMS teams are often asked to be on standby at events, like community gatherings and sporting activities, to provide assistance if a participant or spectator needs medical aid. However, while these scenarios are common, they're not without risk to your organization. For example, these events are often contacted on either a dedicated or non-dedicated basis, meaning you may or may not be obligated to leave the event to respond to 911 calls, which should drastically change your written agreement for the event to help protect your organization.
Join Chris Rodgers and David Bradley, VFIS Industry Specialists, as they discuss risks to be aware of and best practices to help protect your EMS agency during standby assignments.
The declining and aging volunteer firefighter base is a major concern for many fire departments and community leaders—especially in more rural areas and among smaller departments.
To help combat this challenge, many emergency service departments have implemented programs, like a cost-effective LOSAP plan, to help them recruit, retain, and reward volunteer firefighters based on their longevity of service.
VFIS is proud to be the leader of LOSAPs in emergency services nationwide and to serve as a trusted resource to LOSAP clients to help them better understand and utilize their benefits.
That's why Chris Rodgers, VFIS Industry Specialist, and Sarah M. Talerico, VFIS LOSAP Client Relationship Manager, sat down to share some best practices to help you properly maintain your LOSAP, including important paperwork and information to keep updated.
A vehicle or apparatus crash will typically cost your emergency service organization more now than ever, with year-after-year claim costs continuing to rise.
From inflation, rising replacement costs, and increasing labor costs—there are many factors at play when it comes to insurance rates and premium being at an all-time high.
However, there are things that you can do to help your ESO manage the cost of risk.
In this episode, Chris Rodgers, VFIS Industry Specialist, and Scott Harkins, Senior Vice President of Risk Control for VFIS and Glatfelter Insurance Group, take a deep dive into what "cost of risk" means, how to better manage it, and the landscape of insurance in the emergency services industry.
75 years of caring for the caretakers
Captain Randy Gates is a first responder, breathwork facilitator, wellness educator, and founder of Breath of Fire—but he didn't always understand the connection between mental and physical health.
In Part 2 of our Nevada Peer Support Program deep dive, Chris Rodgers, VFIS Industry Specialist, and Captain Gates discuss what led him to emergency services, when he started to realize the importance of mental health, and how he utilizes and teaches breathwork as a proactive technique to both relax and energize the mind and body.
Learn how breathwork can support mental health and resilience in emergency services.
After losing a "top-notch firefighter from a top-notch family" to suicide, Derek Reid and his fire department didn't know where to turn for support.
This challenging time led to the creation of the revolutionary Nevada Peer Support Program, which seeks to smash mental health stigmas and provide support to first responders.
In this episode, Reid joins Chris Rodgers, VFIS Industry Specialist, to share how the program was developed, ways it's utilized, and tips for agencies to implement similar programs in their area.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Nevada Peer Support Network deep-dive coming in two weeks!
Drones have been a hot topic in emergency services for years. But, for some, it's still challenging to grasp how their capabilities outweigh the regulations and risks that come with them.
In this episode, Paul DiCicco, EMS Chief, and Dominick Boyd, Chief of Staff, of Lee County Public Safety Department join the VFIS podcast along with Chris Rodgers, Industry Specialist, to discuss how they're utilizing drones in new and innovative ways to aid emergency response, help reduce risk to their members, and enhance their service to their community.
Plus, learn about how they've addressed regulations and implemented technology to access drone data in real-time.
Too many first responders are struck and injured or killed while working along the roadways each year—making it crucial for emergency service organizations to implement policies, procedures, and tools to help protect their crew. In this episode, Wesley Attwood, Senior Investigator for NIOSH's Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, and Chief Jordon Cramer, South Strabane Township Fire Department in Washington County, PA, join the podcast to discuss one risk mitigation tool for these incidents: truck-mounted attenuators (TMAs). Learn how these energy-absorbing cushions can be mounted to emergency vehicles to help absorb the impact of impending vehicles and better protect responders.
Did you know that vehicles striking fixed objects, like buildings or poles, as well as animals, including deer, are some of the most common claims that VFIS clients face? Adam Kinsey, Employee Compliance and Training Manager for St. Johnsville Ambulance, joins the podcast to discuss how emergency service organizations can utilize brush guards on their vehicles to help mitigate extensive damage during these incidents and reduce downtime for their fleet.
Does your EMS agency utilize whole blood for patients with severe blood loss? In this episode, EMS professionals from Sussex County EMS join VFIS podcast host Chris Rodgers to share how the use of whole blood, which includes red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, has been beneficial for their pre-hospital care protocols. Let’s dive into the concept of using whole blood, why it’s needed, and how to implement it in your emergency service organization.
Every time your emergency service organization makes a leadership change, it’s essential that change is represented across all of your organization’s channels and entities. Members of our VFIS Risk Control and Education team joined the podcast for a roundtable discussion on the importance of previous leaders making a clean-break, best practices for leadership transitions, and tasks that new leaders should consider making a priority.
Additional Resource - New Officers Checklist
Emergency services personnel and their vehicles are increasingly being struck by fellow motorists while responding to emergencies along roadways, resulting in significant damage, injuries, and even death. In this episode, we sat down withFire Chief Dr. Hervy Kornegay of Belfast Volunteer Fire Department in Wayne County, NC to discuss how his department is utilizing an attenuator-equipped vehicle to help battle this issue and better protect their team.
Is your fire department looking for new or better ways to engage with your community? Chris Rodgers, Industry Specialist with VFIS, sat down with Fire Chief Dan Hoff from York Area United Fire & Rescue (“YAUFR”) to learn about their Citizens Fire Academy—which could serve as a great inspiration for your team!
This program gives adults a hands-on, behind-the-scenes view into what firefighters and EMS personnel do and face every day—plus, serves as a great tool for community risk reduction, volunteer recruitment, and community engagement in the process.
Junior Member Program Liability can be a large exposure for an Emergency Service Organization. In this episode, Rachel Breen and Greg Lidstrom of VFIS Underwriting and Dave Bradley of Client Risk Solutions discuss best practices for departments with a Junior Member Program.
In this episode we discuss the concept of modified response in emergency services, what it means and how to integrate it into your operations.
VFIS Education Specialist Nicole Dugan joins us to learn about Freedom House Ambulance—the first paramedic program in the US, which was fully-staffed by African Americans, and their notable impact on emergency services and beyond.
Responder Help is a one stop source for Fire and EMS resources. In this episode, Rick Gurba, Director of VFIS Education and Training, talks about updates made to the site and gives an overview of the resources it provides, including sample SOGs, industry news, training programs and more.
Proof of loss, points of contact and more – In this episode, Mike Leatherwood, Jeff Paul, and Greg Joy of Glatfelter Claims Management discuss items your organization should consider when preparing for a catastrophic event.
Join us as we talk with Donnie Woodyard, Executive Director of EMS Personnel Licensure, and discuss the details of the EMS Compact. The EMS Compact is being utilized by multiple states and allows for greater flexibility of movement of providers’ licenses between states.
As first responder vehicles become more prevalent on our roads, incidents and collisions with these units are on the rise. Join Mike Baker and Dave Bradley of VFIS Client Risk Solutions as we discuss effective controls and best practices for safely operating these vital units.
The NFPA 1582 standard offers essential guidance for fire departments aiming to create tailored occupational medical programs that address the unique risks of firefighting. In this episode, members of VFIS Client Risk Solutions talk about the benefits of comprehensive medical assessments and discuss practical alternatives for agencies facing budget constraints.
We just released our 100th episode of the VFIS Don’t Risk It! podcast—and wanted to let you know that we’re truly honored that this platform gives us the opportunity to share meaningful conversations about the fire and EMS industry, safety best practices, industry news and more.
You’ve downloaded 19,000 episodes—and listened to our discussions for over 285,000 hours—and we cannot thank you enough for taking the time to listen, learn and prioritize the safety of your team.
Whether you’re new to ourpodcast community or already have your notifications for new episodes turned on—we’re so glad you’re here.
Join us for this special edition episode, where we dive into the inspiration, origin, and behind the scenes stories that have shaped the podcast series so far.
From ongoing driver training to fidelity practices, in our 100th episode, the VFIS Client Risk Solutions team shares the 5 most-common recommendations that we make during our on-site risk assessments of emergency service organizations (ESOs).
Join us next week for a very special celebration of our 100th episode anniversary, where we reflect on the journey of the Don’t Risk It! podcast so far.
In this episode we hear from members of VFIS Underwriting regarding the VFIS underwriting process and what they look for in a quality account.
It isn’t easy to get everyone together for training classes on a regular basis. In this episode, Rick Gurba, Director of VFIS Education and Training, gives us an update on enhancements to the VFISu platform, including the new Instructor Portal, which allows agencies to distribute training content effectively without members having to attend the class in person.
Turnarounds, exit ramps, crossovers – when responding to a highway incident, there’s always potential for something to go wrong. In this episode, Jake Hoover from VFIS Education and Training discusses some best practices for responding to scenes on highways with limited access.
Legal action against employers related to Employment Practices Liability (EPL) claims is rising. In this episode, we talk with Wendy Melk from Jackson Lewis regarding our EPLI helpline, provided to educate clients about HR-related legal risks and help prevent claims.
The records you keep, or don’t keep, paint a picture of your Emergency Service organization. In this episode, Mike Baker and Scott Harkins of VFIS Client Risk Solutions discuss the importance of recordkeeping, including what records to save and how to maintain them.
Is your crew in a state of readiness? How long have these individuals been awake and active on the road? In this episode, we talk with Daniel Althaus from Orange Cross Ambulance about the Fatigue Management concept and the steps they’ve taken to develop a proactive approach to managing fatigue.
Aditional fatigue management resouces on ResponderHelp.
https://www.responderhelp.com/fatigue
The Don't Risk It podcast team is taking a well-deserved break this winter, but we will be back in January with new episodes. In the meantime, we are revisiting a few episodes that focus on critical issues emergency responders face in their day-to-day duties.
In 2020, gunshot wounds were the leading cause of injury and death to children. In this episode, Trauma Prevention Coordinator Shannon DePatto from Penn State Children’s Hospital talks about the hospital’s efforts to reduce pediatric injuries and trauma, and provides guidance on what emergency service providers need to know about safety when caring for and transporting pediatric patients.
The Don't Risk It podcast team is taking a well-deserved break this winter, but we will be back in January with new episodes. In the meantime, we are revisiting a few episodes that focus on critical issues emergency responders face in their day-to-day duties.
From one-off phishing emails to sophisticated cyber schemes, cybercriminal techniques continue to advance. Shawn Nelson, Chief Information Security Officer at Glatfelter Insurance Group, provides some best practices to help Emergency Service Organizations prevent cybersecurity-related incidents and protect the valuable personal information they collect.
Additional Resource
VFIS University offers cyber training courses to active clients.
Driving is a common and sometimes overlooked risk faced by first responders daily. Despite all the training in the fire service, when it comes to driver training, there is more work to be done. Dave Michaels, Executive VP of VFIS Education, Training and Consulting, talks about updates to the new VFIS Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT) Program, which are based on the latest standards and most recent statistics available.
Crew Resource Management (CRM) is a set of training procedures for use in environments where human error can have devastating effects. Woody Sullivan from VFIS Education Training and Consulting talks about CRM and how to adopt these principles for the fire service
Batteries can be used in anything; not just electric vehicles. In this episode, we talk with Chris Pfaff (Owner-Lead Instructor) of PHRT Hazmat and Rescue Instruction about the widespread use and potential dangers of Lithium-ion batteries from the perspective of consumer commodities such as tablets, scooters and laptops.
It requires a whole community approach to prepare for, respond to, and recover from an active attack event. In this episode, Massachusetts’ Scott Cluett (Statewide ASHER Coordinator for the Dept. of Fire Services), John Mazza (Statewide ASHER Coordinator for the Municipal Police), and Jake Wark (Public Information Officer for the Dept. of Fire Services) join us to discuss details of the NFPA 3000 and how they utilized this standard to develop their statewide ASHER (Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response) program.
Testing aerial devices of fire apparatus is crucial to ensure their functionality, reliability and safety during firefighting operations. In this episode, Sam Yank from Industrial Inspections & Analysis (IIA) discusses the aerial device testing services they provide, the differences in tests and the recommended inspections for aerial apparatus.
What’s the whole story? In this episode, Dave Bradley from Client Risk Solutions along with Nicole Dugan and Jake Hoover from our Education and Training team discuss Patient Care Reporting and why it’s important to document all the events of a call, from the beginning to the end.
Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – What is the difference? Is there a difference? In this episode, Blair Tyndall and Mike Baker of Client Risk Solutions and Emergency Services Specialist Bryan Duquin discuss the importance of SOGs and SOPs, the differences between them, and ways to develop and integrate these governing documents into your organization’s operations.
From aerials to tires, a comprehensive fleet maintenance program serves to protect the organization’s most valuable assets. In this episode, Blair Tyndall from VFIS Client Risk Solutions and Emergency Services Specialist Bryan Duquin discuss fleet maintenance best practices – what to include and why.
Forty-four percent of the professional liability claims experienced by VFIS are attributed to patient handling. Mike Baker and Dave Bradley of Client Risk Solutions join Paul Bachtel of VFIS Claims to talk about trends in patient handling claims and provide key insights and suggestions to help emergency service organizations mitigate this exposure.
In this episode, Jake Hoover and Nicole Dugan from VFIS’ Education, Training & Consulting (ETC) department discuss quality assurance (QA) in the emergency services and provide some suggestions for assessing a quality assurance program to help ensure it enhances efficiencies, improves proficiencies and supports continuous improvement.
Documentation helps minimize the impacts of an incident on the responder. It also helps identify risks and implement change to reduce those risks in the future. In this episode, we talk with Bryan Duquin of VFIS and Tracie Young-Brungard of the PA State Fire Commissioner’s Office about the importance of incident documentation for Fire and EMS.
What’s the big picture? All incidents should be investigated to identify trends and benchmark information, find a root cause and build an educational model for the organization. Find out more about incident investigation best practices in this episode with Blair Tyndall and Bryan Duquin of VFIS Client Risk Solutions.
From cell phones to e-bikes - In today’s world, you would be hard pressed to go to a fire where a lithium ion battery is not involved. In this episode, Bobby Salveson from The Haz Mat Guys talks about the dangers of lithium ion batteries and some best practices for emergency service providers to consider when encountering these products at the scene.
www.thehazmatguys.com
How do you put a price on your fire apparatus? In this episode, VFIS Regional VP of Sales, Joe Giorgi, and Sales Executive Scott Cain provide an overview of the agreed value concept and discuss updates to the VFIS policy.
What is agreed value? (glatfelters.com)
Whether it’s a public assist call or a police response call, emergency service leadership and providers should be concerned about their patient refusal process. In this episode, Paul Bachtel of VFIS Claims joins Mike Baker and Dave Bradley of Client Risk Solutions to discuss patient refusals, including trends and best practices for patient refusal procedures.
Incident rehab serves to identify conditions in personnel that may otherwise go undetected and could lead to serious health conditions, disabilities and death. In this episode, Tracie Young-Brungard, Director of Recruitment and Retention for the PA State Fire Commissioner’s office, discusses how the concept of incident rehab applies to emergency services.
“Documentation wins the day.” In this episode, David Givot, Esq., EMS Defense Attorney at The Legal Guardian, author of Sirens, Lights and Lawyers: The Law and Other Important Stuff EMS Providers Never Learned in School, and former paramedic from LA County, provides insight on issues he’s observed with protecting and defending EMS clients.
Sirens, Lights, and Lawyers: The Law & Other Really Important Stuff EMS Providers Never Learned in School: Givot, David: 9788350901871: Amazon.com: Books
From electronic vehicles and mobility devices to best practices for collecting and capturing thermal batteries, in this episode, Fire Chief Michael O’Brian from Brighton Area Fire Authority talks about some best practices when encountering electronic vehicle fires.
From large apparatus to brush vehicles and trailers, there’s a huge liability exposure when a service vehicle exceeds the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight. In this episode, Mike Baker and Bryan Duquin from Client Risk Solutions discuss why it’s important for ESOs to obtain the heights and weights of their emergency vehicles and some best practices for doing so.
Additional Resource
Visit www.responderhelp.com for additional resources on gross vehicle weight and axel weight ratings.
From one-off phishing emails to sophisticated cyber schemes, cybercriminal techniques continue to advance. Shawn Nelson, Chief Information Security Officer at Glatfelter Insurance Group, provides some best practices to help Emergency Service Organizations prevent cybersecurity-related incidents and protect the valuable personal information they collect.
Additional Resource
VFIS University offers cyber training courses to active clients.
From patient handling to driving vehicles, in this episode, Michael McCabe, host of the EMS World Podcast and Director and CEO of McCabe Ambulance in Bayonne, NJ, talks about what keeps him up at night and the issues he’s observed in the ambulance service.
https://emsworldpodcasts.podbean.com
As part of their work to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has developed the Fire Vulnerability Assessment Program (VAP). In this episode, Fire Chief Nick Perkins from Travis County Emergency Services District #2, provides an overview of the VAP process and explains how your organization can use this assessment to help your department’s risk reduction strategies.
Body cameras are being used more frequently in the emergency medical services to help with incident management and to ensure the responder behaves and is treated appropriately. In this episode, we are joined by Tim Hearn from Fort Smith EMS (Fort Smith, AR) to talk about body cameras in EMS, why and how his agency implemented this type of program, and the policy they adopted.
The Don't Risk It podcast team is taking a well-deserved break this winter, but we will be back in January with new episodes. In the meantime, we are revisiting a few episodes that focus on critical issues emergency responders face in their day-to-day duties. Whether Santa is riding in the hose bed for the holidays, or a citizen or non-member is riding along for clinical experience, when non-members ride in department apparatus, it can take the driver’s attention off the road. When a driver is distracted from safe vehicle operation, the risk of injury or damage increases. In this episode, members of the VFIS team discuss important considerations for allowing non-ESO members to ride in department vehicles.
The Don't Risk It podcast team is taking a well-deserved break this winter but we will be back in January with new episodes. In the meantime, we are revisiting a few episodes that focus on critical issues emergency responders face in their day-to-day.
Be ahead of the game when preparing your property for seasonal changes in temperature. In this roundtable discussion with members of the Client Risk Solutions team, we talk about some best practices for winterizing stations and support facilities, as well as things to inspect after a major storm. Visit https://www.vfis.com/Property-Management for additional resources on this topic.
VFIS Risk Control’s expertise and commitment to safety have not only saved countless lives but also improved the overall effectiveness of emergency service providers across the country. In this episode, we talk with Randy Hess, former Director of VFIS Risk Control, about the historical impact of Client Risk Solutions on Emergency Services.
From intersection best practices to smart use of privately-owned vehicles, it’s important that every vehicle operator understands what is expected from management. In this episode, members of the VFIS Client Risk Solutions team discuss the importance of having written policies and procedures in place and offer some best practices for developing emergency response guidelines for your ESO.
Lights and Sirens response increases the chances of an emergency vehicle crash by 50% and almost triples the chances of a crash during a patient transport. It’s critical to think about how you’re responding to the event you’re dispatched for. In this episode with members of the VFIS Client Risk Solutions team, we discuss modified response and the use of lights and sirens in your organization.
In addition to significant injury or death, rollover accidents leave the ESO without a vehicle, facing costly repairs and long turnaround times for a replacement. In this episode with members of the VFIS team, we discuss the significance of rollover prevention and some best practices for driver training and policy development.
To maintain the viability of volunteer fire and emergency services there is a definite need to recruit and retain volunteers. Tracie Young-Brungard BS, EMTP, RRC, Recruitment & Retention Administrator for the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner joins the discussion on retention and recruitment of personnel in emergency services, offering suggestions on recruiting and retaining members and providing some supportive legislative materials.
Whether Santa is riding in the hose bed for the holidays, or a citizen or non-member is riding along for clinical experience, when non-members ride in department apparatus, it can take the driver’s attention off the road. When a driver is distracted from safe vehicle operation, the risk of injury or damage increases. In this episode, members of the VFIS team discuss important considerations for allowing non-ESO members to ride in department vehicles.
Peer support has been shown to help recognize and reduce presentations of incident stress and pre-PTSD and can be a beneficial route to help first responders avoid PTSD. VFIS’s Bryan Duquin and Chief Chaplain Jimmy Fannin of Chaplains Corps of Lancaster County join the program to offer suggestions for providing peer support to ESO members
A good grounding system is designed to keep electrical surges out of your building. A better system also has a failsafe for electricity to bounce out if it does get in. What grounding system do you have in place? Chances are, it’s obsolete, even if it has been maintained. In this episode, Tom LaBarge from GroundLinx Technologies, LLC provides some education and best practices when it comes to lightning protection and grounding for emergency service facilities.
Unintentional hose deployment is an embarrassment at best for a fire department but the key concern is for the life and property of others. In this episode, members of the VFIS team discuss the significance of hose securement and provide some best practices to help reduce the exposure.
More information regarding this topic can be found in section 15.10 of the NFPA 1901: Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus (2016).
In 2020, gunshot wounds were the leading cause of injury and death to children. In this episode, Trauma Prevention Coordinator Shannon DePatto from Penn State Children’s Hospital talks about the hospital’s efforts to reduce pediatric injuries and trauma, and provides guidance on what emergency service providers need to know about safety when caring for and transporting pediatric patients.
Backing into stations or fixed objects is one of the most common types of claims we see in the VFIS program. Having a Backing Policy in place gives members and volunteers an understanding of management’s expectations when it comes to backing. In this conversation with members of the VFIS Client Risk Solutions team, we discuss some best practices to consider when developing a backing policy.
An ambulance and crew performing a long-distance transport of a psychiatric patient may not be the most efficient use of an ESO’s resources. As an alternative, non-emergent psychiatric transport vehicles can be a safe and efficient way to transfer these individuals, requiring lower operating costs and less manpower. In This episode, Deputy Chief Jerry Schramm, B.S, EMT-P, Director of Operations for Lancaster EMS discusses his organization’s integration of these types of mental health vehicles into their fleet.
VFIS University offers quality online education and training courses for emergency responders. In this episode, Maria Lichty, ETC Distance Learning Coordinator, reviews some recent changes to the VFIS University learning management system, including enhancements and new features to come. Learn more at www.vfisu.com.
While leasing out apparatus bays, social halls, meeting spaces and pavilions can be a good source of revenue for an Emergency Services Organization, rental exposures, such as alcohol, vandalism, and slips, trips and falls also present some significant liability risks. In this episode, the Client Risk Solutions team discusses rental exposures and agreements and offers suggestions for ESOs considering renting their facilities.
Elevator rescues are not uncommon occurrences in fire response and can pose significant challenges to rescuers if they have no basic training. In this episode, Sam Clark of Clark Fire and Rescue Training addresses some of the challenges and risks of elevator rescues, from the modernization of elevator technology to deficits in this type of training. Contact Sam at ftig75@gmail.com for more information on Elevator Rescue Training opportunities and additional resources for your ESO.
Each year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sponsors a national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Join us for this episode, featuring Foundation Chairman of the Board, Troy Markel, who reflects on what this event means to him and how we can all make a difference in responder safety.
First responders see victims when they’re at their worst and don’t typically know the outcome. Who helps the responder process and manage the emotional trauma they see every day? In this episode, Jimmy Fannin, Emergency Services Chaplain and Chief Chaplain for Chaplains Corp of Lancaster County, talks about managing incident stress to help responders avoid PTSD and some of the hurdles in creating chaplaincy programs within ESOs.
What are the different types of physical damage insurance for emergency vehicles? Which may be best suited for your organization? In this episode we are discussing the concept of “Agreed Value” and how it applies to the VFIS client base. Peter Feid, Sales Executive with VFIS, and Mike Baker, Director of Client Risk Solutions for VFIS, join the program to clear up some confusion about this type of coverage, provide a better understanding of the concept and offer suggestions that clients can use as a framework for insuring their apparatuses.
Community paramedicine is coming back to the forefront as ESOs are seeing the benefits of doing business a different way. In this episode, we talk with Emergency Services Industry Specialist Dave Bradley and Industry Specialist Blair Tyndall of VFIS Client Risk Solutions about community paramedicine and the various models they’ve seen throughout the country. We also touch on some of the challenges of maintaining a successful and ongoing program.
Water can be powerful and relentless. Although low in volume, water-related emergencies are high risk. Todd Stahl, President of WhiteCap Rescue Training, joins us along with Bryan Duquin of VFIS to talk about water rescue training and some best practices to help keep rescuers and victims as safe as possible. Don’t underestimate the power of moving water. Responders must continue to train in all conditions, be proficient in swimming skills and be able to save themselves before saving others.
Fundraising events are not just a way to raise money for an emergency services organization. They also provide visibility in the community. Bryan Duquin and Blair Tyndall of VFIS Client Risk Solutions join us to discuss some creative ways organizations can engage in fundraising and some things to consider when your agency chooses to go this route, including fidelity best practices for handling money potentially collected during fundraising events.
Evolutions in vehicle construction and safety, changes in procedures for PPE, emergency lighting, securing portable equipment and new training needs (to name a few), have altered the landscape of emergency response over the years. In this roundtable discussion, we hear from members of the VFIS Client Risk Solutions team as they reflect on changes They've observed in the industry over the course of their careers.
Who is responsible for making HR decisions in your organization? In this episode, we talk about the ever-changing field of Human Resources and how it applies to emergency services. Glatfelter’s Suzanne McConkey, Vice President of Human Resources, and Sara Spangler, Manager of Talent Acquisition and Engagement, join us to provide their insight and offer some best practices for organizations who may not have the resources to employ full-time HR personnel.
Intentional or unintentional, wrongdoing or a mistake made within an ESO makes for a bold headline. The vast majority of emergency responders set out to do the right thing; but that doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing as being compliant. In this episode, we’re joined by VFIS Education Specialist Justin Eberly who offers clarification and guidance on operational requirements for emergency services versus recommended best practices.
Be at the top of your game by following your organization’s policies and procedures. Dave Bradley and the VFIS team look back on what they wish they knew when serving as responders — including the importance of having an increased focus on driver training, burnout and fatigue in the workforce, best practices for documentation, developing a strong safety culture and risk resources and training availability.
Volunteer recruitment and retention are among the top issues facing volunteer Fire and EMS organizations. In this episode with Rick Gurba, VFIS Director of Education and Training, we talk about the difference between these two separate functions and discuss a unique way to address these issues within emergency service organizations.
“Keep your brand in your voice” as this is the identity of your department. Jenny Bragiel, Communications Specialist with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue., joins us to talk about social media and how to improve your department's brand and digital presence to recruit and retain new members. She walks us through how to leverage social media to reach out to other groups/organizations, build bonds within the community and promote members. Following these key concepts can assist your organization with improving your recruitment and retention campaigns.
There is no such thing as safe ice. Although a low-volume occurrence, water and ice rescue is a high-risk situation and it’s easy for a rescuer to become part of the problem and not the solution. In this episode, we interview Todd Stahl, President and Lead Instructor of WhiteCap Water Rescue, to discuss how to effectively train for these conditions.
Be ahead of the game when preparing your property for seasonal changes in temperature. In this roundtable discussion with members of the Client Risk Solutions team, we talk about some best practices for winterizing stations and support facilities, as well as things to inspect after a major storm. Visit https://www.vfis.com/Property-Management for additional resources on this topic.
The Fire Service industry has undergone dramatic changes in the past decade - from training, station design, mental and physical health and wellness of responders, to command structure, accountability and more. In this group discussion with the VFIS team, we take on several topics and industry trends regarding safety and risk reduction. Our hope is to spark ideas of how to positively affect your department. Change is inevitable. Be a leader and catalyst for change within the industry and your department’s culture.
In this episode, we revisit with VFIS Emergency Services Specialist Blair Tyndall and discuss employment practices and the challenges mid-level managers face. Blair has presented the Risk Control for Mid-Level Management program to departments across the country and joins us to share some of the things he’s learned while teaching the course and offer some advice to potentially assist your organization in better preparing these individuals to succeed in their role as a manager.
Please reach out to your regional director, insurance agent, or directly to the Client Risk Solutions team at www.vfis.com/client-risk-solutions-team to find out more about this and other training opportunities.
“It’s easy to focus on the negatives of an incident, but the positives are what you continue to build on.”
Fire Chief Todd Gauldin with Stokesdale Fire Department in N.C. talks to us about an incident his department experienced, the post-accident investigation process they used, and the lessons they learned. Reach out to Chief Gauldin via the Stokesdale Fire Department website for more details about their Post-Accident Investigation presentation and how you can receive the training.
Parked vehicles, utility poles, other emergency vehicles, the station itself - striking fixed objects is a common type of loss in fire and EMS services. But, these types of losses are largely avoidable. In this roundtable discussion with members of the VFIS Client Risk Solutions team we discuss this issue and how crews can help reduce the rate of incidents through written response guidelines, training and a positive safety culture.
The Don't Risk It podcast team is taking a well-deserved break this summer, but we will be back soon with new episodes. In the meantime, we are revisiting a few episodes that focus on critical issues emergency responders face in their day-to-day.
Fatigue impacts personal health as well as a responder’s ability to perform key functions including patient care, incident command and vehicle operations. In this episode we revisit the discussion of fatigue management in EMS operations with Fire Chief Loy Senter and Battalion Chief Kevin Moran from Chesterfield Fire & EMS. Chief Senter and Chief Moran join us to talk about the details of an internal fatigue management study they’ve recently conducted within their department.
To learn more about the study conducted by Chesterfield Fire & EMS, please email fire@chesterfield.gov.
The Don't Risk It podcast team is taking a well-deserved break this summer, but we will be back soon with new episodes. In the meantime, we are revisiting a few episodes that focus on critical issues emergency responders face in their day-to-day.
Fatigue impacts personal health as well as a responder’s ability to perform key functions including patient care, incident command and vehicle operations. Efforts to move to shorter shifts continue to face significant resistance while the number of EMS agencies using 24- and 48-hour shifts continues to rise. Dave Bradley details the potential hazards associated with fatigued drivers and provides some potential solutions.
The Don't Risk It podcast team is taking a well-deserved break this summer, but we will be back soon with new episodes. In the meantime, we are revisiting a few episodes that focus on critical issues emergency responders face in their day-to-day.
Critical incident stress can have a lasting effect on emergency responders; yet, the stigma surrounding mental illness often interferes with seeking help. Dr. Kathy Jansen discusses potential solutions to help manage traumatic situations when they arise and tools to consider when integrating a critical incident stress management program into your organization.
Additional resources on this topic can be found at ResponderHelp.com and on our website.
Download the Risk Bulletin: https://hubs.la/H0TTsmh0
The Don't Risk It podcast team is taking a well-deserved break this summer, but we will be back soon with new episodes. In the meantime, we are revisiting a few episodes that focus on critical issues emergency responders face in their day-to-day.
Distracted driving is a significant factor in vehicle accidents and emergency services organizations (ESOs) are not immune to these incidents. Historically, emergency vehicles have had a degree of distraction built in by design with two-way radio traffic, sirens, air horns and flashing lights. Blair Tyndall discusses the origin of the sterile cab concept and how it can potentially reduce distracted driving in emergency response.
Additional resources on this topic can be found at ResponderHelp.com and on our website.
Situational awareness is a person's ability to perceive and understand what is happening in the environment around them, while accurately predicting what will happen next - a critical skill for firefighters and emergency responders. Dr. Rich Gasaway is widely considered one of the nation's leading authorities on human error, situational awareness and high-risk decision-making processes. He has also spent over three decades as an emergency responder, and will join us this week to discuss situational awareness and how to better develop this skill.
Implicit and explicit biases can greatly impact the culture of an emergency service organization, as well as how responders react to their environments in the field. This week, Director of VFIS Training Programs, Rick Gurba joins the podcast to discuss suggestions on how to manage personal differences while avoiding behaviors that divide personnel within the workplace.
Following up from our previous episode, we continue our discussion on the prevalence of cancer within the fire service. We welcome Fire Chief Jake Williams, Deputy Fire Marshall Travis McGaha and Training Chief Joshua Simpson from Concord Fire Department of North Carolina and ask them about their decontamination program and procedures.
Research has shown that firefighters have a higher risk of developing cancer. Why is this happening and how can fire departments help protect their volunteer and career first responders? Keith Brandstedter, President of Glatfelter Specialty Benefits, joins the podcast this week to discuss this important issue firefighters face.
Wildland fires have increased in frequency and intensity in recent years. Taking steps to prepare for these events before they occur can help limit the devastation. Deputy Chief J.R. Fox of Campbell County Fire Department in Wyoming joins the podcast to discuss what his department does to plan and prepare for the wildland fire season.
Communication is the most helpful thing an ESO can give to an Emergency Call Center (ECC). As a public safety answering point (PSAP), 911 call centers are a unit of first response, dispatching to multiple ESOs under various sets of operating agreements. Mark J. Boudreaux, Executive Director of Terrebonne Parish Communications District, joins us to talk about 911 centers, their role in emergency response, and how they manage the relationships with the ESOs they dispatch and the communities they serve.
First responders are accustomed to the bright lights and loud noises associated with an emergency scene, but for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), these sights and sounds can be debilitating. Saranika Griffith from Lancaster EMS joins the program to talk about sensory bags, developed in partnership with Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, and how they can be used by responders to help patients with SPD.
Recent changes in payment policy have driven changes in EMS organizations, allowing for the integration of telemedicine. In this episode, Matt Zavadsky from Medstar in Fort Worth, TX joins us to talk about the rapid expansion of telemedicine in emergency medical services and how his organization has integrated this technology into their response operations, including platform selection, patient criteria and protocols.
Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) are the foundation of an ESO’s safety culture. Without them, employees can only guess what leadership expects of them. In this roundtable discussion with members of the VFIS Client Risk Solutions team, we talk about how SOGs play a role in a positive safety culture when it comes to driver selection and training, and why it’s important to have SOGs in front of employees on a routine basis.
For more resources and sample SOGs visit https://www.responderhelp.com/safety-culture-roundtable
Intersections are responsible for the majority of accidents involving emergency vehicles. This week on the program we discuss best practices when it comes to training, policies and procedures concerning emergency response and intersections. Our guests for this week are Mike Baker, Director of VFIS Client Risk Solutions and Blair Tyndall, Emergency Services Specialist.
Roadside safety starts with education. In this episode, we talk about responders being struck on roadways. Tim Hayes, former medic and CEO of Medic Tim Hayes Ministries, leads us with his inspiring story and powerful message about highway incident response and offers suggestions on how to improve roadside safety through education. Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Turnpike, also shares his valuable work to promote stronger safety practices at roadway incidents and talks about some internal challenges often found when educating responders on the importance of scene safety. Find out more about Tim and his work through Medic Tim Hayes Ministries at www.timhayes.org.
First responders regularly deal with intense and emotional situations where the people they are serving may be angry or in crisis. Law enforcement professional and adjunct professor Ben Iobst joins us to discuss effective techniques for verbal de-escalation and the significance of having an effective psychological and experienced based skillset for responding to others in a crisis situation.
Ben Iobst teaches Verbal De-Escalation for First Responders at Northampton Community College. Visit the NCC website at www.northampton.edu for class information and dates.
It's been one year since the launch of the Don't Risk It! podcast, and to help commemorate this important milestone, we're revisiting some of the most popular and relevant episodes.
Emergency service organizations operate a wide range of vehicles in terms of size, weight, and operating abilities. In this discussion with Jackie Ireland of VFIS of NC, we talk about how vehicle dynamics contribute to rollover incidents along with some prevention strategies to help departments reduce this risk.
It's been one year since the launch of the Don't Risk It! podcast, and to help commemorate this important milestone, we're revisiting some of the most popular and relevant episodes.
Emergency vehicle drivers have in their care, custody and control most of the major assets possessed by an organization: the vehicle, portable equipment and personnel. With so much, literally riding in their hands, all drivers need to be trained to understand the dynamics associated with operating an emergency vehicle. Additionally, all drivers need to have continuing and on-going refresher training to keep their skills sharp. In this episode, Sr. Risk Control Representative Dave Bradley provides some best practices for driver training programs.
It's been one year since the launch of the Don't Risk It! podcast, and to help commemorate this important milestone, we're revisiting some of the most popular and relevant episodes.
Most volunteer emergency service departments rely heavily on the ability of their members to respond to calls, either to the scene or the station, in their personal vehicles. While this is essential to the organization’s ability to react to emergencies in a timely manner, there are also inherent risks. Blair Tyndall, Industry Specialist with VFIS Client Risk Solutions joins the program to identify these risks and some potential solutions to help reduce their impact.
Did you know, a large number of Glatfelter associates are actively involved or have previously served in leadership roles in Emergency Service Organizations? This profoundly shapes the organization’s culture and is just one of the unique benefits that comes with a VFIS insurance policy. In this episode, VFIS Sales Regional V.P. Dan Naylor joins us to discuss some of the value-added services VFIS provides that go beyond the financial protections of an insurance policy, including remote training and online content, train-the-trainer courses, field training, risk consultations, SOPs, human resource manuals, cyber health checklists, and more.
In today’s society, your reputation can be destroyed at the speed of light. Dave Statter from Statter 911 Communications joins the program to discuss the significance of ESO relationships with the media and the effects of building reputational equity through communication with standard media outlets.
For more information from Dave Statter, visit the Statter 911 Communications website at www.statter911.com.
The use of drones, in emergency services imposes the need for ESOs to have a structured UAS program in place; but, what does that look like for the department? In this follow-up conversation about drone use in emergency services, Deputy Chief Scott Hamblen from Northwest Fire District in Tucson, AZ shares details of his agency’s UAS operations, including its flight certification process, SOGs and training.
A responder’s health can impact the safety of other crew members, agency resources, and civilians. Medical evaluations can help ESOs protect their members by intercepting potential health issues and preventing future illness. Scott Cain joins the program to discuss these benefits and others of adopting a medical evaluation program, as well as some key components to include.
Additional resources on this topic can be found at ResponderHelp.com and on our website.
Emergency service organizations operate a wide range of vehicles in terms of size, weight, and operating abilities. In this discussion with Jackie Ireland of VFIS of NC, we talk about how vehicle dynamics contribute to rollover incidents along with some prevention strategies to help departments reduce this risk.
Portable equipment is essential in fire and EMS response but these vital pieces of equipment are often damaged in the course of providing emergency services. In this episode, Chris Bardsley shares some of the trends he’s observed while working in property claims, as well as a first responder and provides some strategies to help protect portable equipment and mitigate potential loss situations.
As changes occur within an ESO and in the community, departments may need to make adjustments that often require additional resources or funding. Maintaining a positive working relationship with local government officials helps to ensure the needs of the ESO are met. Jerry Ozog joins the program to discuss how to effectively work with government leaders in support of the ESO’s mission.
Additional resources on this topic can be found at ResponderHelp.com and on our website.
Maintaining a positive culture throughout an ESO must include building a culture of safety within the agency. Rick Edinger joins us to discuss how organizational culture impacts the health and safety of ESO members. We’ll also discuss best practices for steering the culture of your ESO towards a producing a more positive and safer environment.
Additional resources on this topic can be found at ResponderHelp.com and on our website.
Critical incident stress can have a lasting effect on emergency responders; yet, the stigma surrounding mental illness often interferes with seeking help. Dr. Kathy Jansen discusses potential solutions to help manage traumatic situations when they arise and tools to consider when integrating a critical incident stress management program into your organization.
Additional resources on this topic can be found at ResponderHelp.com and on our website.
Download the Risk Bulletin: https://hubs.la/H0TTsmh0
ResponderHelp.com is a valuable resource for emergency personnel, developed and administered by VFIS and offering content sourced from a broad variety of industry specialists. The website offers a robust variety of safety-related resources in response to the needs and questions of emergency responders everywhere. ETC Technical Writer and Site Administrator Rick Gurba talks with us about some of the site's features and the sign up process.
Patient handling is a complex task that emergency service organizations (ESOs) undertake every day. However, the basics of patient handling are often taken for granted and associated incidents can result in injury and damage to the responder, the patient and the organization. Sr. Risk Control Representative Dave Bradley joins the program to discuss how poor patient handling impacts organizations and some potential solutions to help control this exposure.
Download the Risk Bulletin: https://hubs.la/H0TTs-T0
Is your emergency service organization getting the most out of your current driver monitoring program? In this episode, we join VFIS Client Risk Solutions Director Mike Baker to discuss how driver monitoring systems can help improve your organization’s fleet safety and impact overall maintenance costs. We’ll explore how the data generated by these systems can provide timely alerts of risky driving behaviors to fleet managers so they can proactively address them before they lead to an accident.
When’s the last time your department updated its severe weather plan? This week on Don’t Risk It! we sit down with Chief Woody Sullivan from Pender EMS & Fire of North Carolina to discuss the importance of being proactive, not reactive, in storm response.
Fatigue impacts personal health as well as a responder’s ability to perform key functions including patient care, incident command and vehicle operations. In this episode we revisit the discussion of fatigue management in EMS operations with Fire Chief Loy Senter and Battalion Chief Kevin Moran from Chesterfield Fire & EMS. Chief Senter and Chief Moran join us to talk about the details of an internal fatigue management study they’ve recently conducted within their department.
To learn more about the study conducted by Chesterfield Fire & EMS, please email fire@chesterfield.gov.
Theft of emergency vehicles, including the specialized medical equipment and medications onboard, can be costly; and in some cases, losses of this nature have resulted in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Furthermore, vehicle and equipment theft can occur anywhere. VFIS Industry Specialist Blair Tyndall provides some considerations for securing vehicles while away from and at the station.
Sexual harassment continues to be a hot topic for business and organizations. What can EMS and fire departments do differently now to address and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace? How can ESOs protect personnel from unwanted attention? Mike McCall, President of MJ Consulting, sits down to discuss what departments can do to foster safe and positive work environments. Join us for a special two-part series exploring this topic.
Sexual harassment continues to be a hot topic for business and organizations. What can EMS and fire departments do differently now to address and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace? How can ESOs protect personnel from unwanted attention? Mike McCall, President of MJ Consulting, sits down to discuss what departments can do to foster safe and positive work environments. Join us for a special two-part series exploring this topic.
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, have become favored tools among emergency service organizations (ESOs) for a variety of tasks. A UAS program can be a vital asset to an ESO. It’s recommended that ESOs develop a UAS protocols before purchasing a UAS platform, as the intended use for the drone may impact selection. Chris Rodgers discusses some things to consider when looking to adopt a UAS program.
Emergency vehicle drivers have in their care, custody and control most of the major assets possessed by an organization: the vehicle, portable equipment and personnel. With so much, literally riding in their hands, all drivers need to be trained to understand the dynamics associated with operating an emergency vehicle. Additionally, all drivers need to have continuing and on-going refresher training to keep their skills sharp. In this episode, Sr. Risk Control Representative Dave Bradley provides some best practices for driver training programs.
Most volunteer emergency service departments rely heavily on the ability of their members to respond to calls, either to the scene or the station, in their personal vehicles. While this is essential to the organization’s ability to react to emergencies in a timely manner, there are also inherent risks. Blair Tyndall, Industry Specialist with VFIS Client Risk Solutions joins the program to identify these risks and some potential solutions to help reduce their impact.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) works to honor firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty, as well as support their surviving families, communities and crews. We sit down with NFFF's executive director, Chief Ronald Siarnicki to discuss the organization's history, mission and outreach initiatives.
Emergency responders are utilizing social media at a rapid pace. EMS employees’ usage, written content, images and videos on social media platforms can create a multitude of problems for them and the entities they work for. Mike McCall joins Don’t Risk It! in this two-part program to highlight some of the potential challenges facing ESOs with regard to electronic devices and social media use.
Emergency responders are utilizing social media at a rapid pace. EMS employees’ usage, written content, images and videos on social media platforms can create a multitude of problems for them and the entities they work for. Mike McCall joins Don’t Risk It! in this two-part program to highlight some of the potential challenges facing ESOs with regard to electronic devices and social media use.
Sr. Vice President of VFIS Client Risk Solutions Scott Harkins joins the program to discuss firefighting foam concerns associated with per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS pose a hazard to the environment and to the people that use them. Scott will discuss steps to help mitigate these exposures while helping protect emergency responders and the environment.
Risk Control for Mid-Level Managers is a program developed by John Kottmyer, Director of VFIS Training Programs, and designed to re-introduce the emergency services officer (supervisor, FTO, etc.) to risk control and how it plays an integral part in safety as well as overall operations. We visit with John Kottmyer to review some of the program details including risk management, roles, responsibilities and potential pitfalls.
Fatigue impacts personal health as well as a responder’s ability to perform key functions including patient care, incident command and vehicle operations. Efforts to move to shorter shifts continue to face significant resistance while the number of EMS agencies using 24- and 48-hour shifts continues to rise. Dave Bradley details the potential hazards associated with fatigued drivers and provides some potential solutions.
Distracted driving is a significant factor in vehicle accidents and emergency services organizations (ESOs) are not immune to these incidents. Historically, emergency vehicles have had a degree of distraction built in by design with two-way radio traffic, sirens, air horns and flashing lights. Blair Tyndall discusses the origin of the sterile cab concept and how it can potentially reduce distracted driving in emergency response.
Additional resources on this topic can be found at ResponderHelp.com and on our website.
Introducing the Don’t Risk It! Podcast
We’re excited to announce the launch of VFIS’s new podcast, Don’t Risk It! Don’t Risk It is designed to help emergency service organizations better protect their responders, equipment and clients by covering a range of safety-related topics. Each episode will be available on multiple streaming and podcast platforms – making it a fast, easy way to brush up on your crew’s safety IQ.
Every other week, host Chris Rodgers, of VFIS Client Risk Solutions, will speak with industry veterans and risk management experts to discuss what crews can do to help limit common ESO exposures. Don’t miss a single episode of Don’t Risk It! Subscribe today.