Better Every Shift

• Aggressive firefighting: ‘We’ve corrupted the concept’

  The two smartest Johns in the fire service are digging into the hottest topic in the fire service. Chiefs John Oates and John Tippett unpack the What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey results, tackling the much-debated question of whether safety culture and aggressive tactics can coexist. Spoiler alert: They can! But it’s how they coexist that’s drives this nuanced discussion of training priorities and go/no-go decision-making. Resources: Download: What Firefighters Want in 2025 [eBook] More data: What Firefighters Want This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T, the nationwide dedicated communications platform built to support firefighters like you. Email [email protected] to share your feedback.

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• Extra Alarm: How to deliver strong initial on-scene size-up reports

  This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Keith Padgett, who emphasizes the importance of clear, consistent communication from the first-arriving officer to establish command and set the tone for incident operations. He outlines a standard format for initial reports that includes arrival notification, structure description, visible conditions, tactical actions and command declaration. He also highlights the value of practicing these reports in training to build confidence and clarity under pressure. Officers are encouraged to use tools like thermal imaging during the walkaround to identify hidden hazards such as basement fires. The goal is to improve operational efficiency, reduce confusion for incoming units and enhance firefighter safety.

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• ‘You can really decrease your risk’: Dr. Jeff Burgess talks firefighter cancer

  “We can now answer all sorts of questions” about firefighter cancer risks and mitigations, shares Dr. Jeff Burgess, one of the most well-known fire service researchers who is fighting the good fight — for you. Dr. Burgess, who serves as director of the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research at the University of Arizona, details the two major categories where firefighters can take action to reduce their cancer risks — exposure reduction and healthy living — and offers simple steps related to both. Tune in to hear his guidance on the following: PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”) Overhaul and engineers on air Plasma and blood donation Municipal water sources On-scene decon Carpet at the station Resources: Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com. Email [email protected] to share your feedback.

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• Extra Alarm: Continuation of command — what happens when the IC goes down?

  This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Deputy Chief Vince Bettinazzi, addressing the critical steps for managing a situation where the incident commander (IC) becomes incapacitated. Bettinazzi emphasizes the importance of preparing for such scenarios, including training and designating backups. He explores the impacts on fireground operations and various strategies for continuity of command, such as transferring responsibilities to other battalion chiefs, safety officers or rapid intervention team officers. The need for clear identification and communication from the IC is highlighted, along with practical solutions to maintain command structure effectively. The episode serves as a prompt for fire departments to develop or review their contingency plans for unexpected IC incapacitation.

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• ‘As goes the Metro, so goes the global fire service’: Inside the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association

  “Metro Chiefs is leading the fire service — and I know there are other entities that would argue that, but I’ll take that to the bank.” Fire Chief John Butler, president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association,” emphasizes the influence of the association, which represents just 1% of departments but covers 50% of population. Part of Metro’s influence stems from its unique governance, with its “two parents” — the IAFC and the NFPA. Chief Otto Drozd, Metro Chiefs executive secretary, also explains why the association acts as a “safe space” for fire chiefs to share challenges and ideas. We dig into this and more: The associations quest to grow membership Why relationships are “high octane” for Metro How to tap into Metro Chiefs resources What’s on the agenda for the next Urban Fire Forum This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share your feedback.

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