Better Every Shift

Welcome to FireRescue1’s Extra Alarm – your audible source of original content from FireRescue1. In this inaugural episode, learn how to minimize scheduling strains and mission misalignment between the department’s shift-workers and administrative workforce, insights courtesy of Chris Paskett, a battalion chief with Eugene Springfield (Oregon) Fire. Listen to FireRescue1 content when you’re out and about, driving to or from work, when you’re looking for some alone time at the station or during your career development time. Listen to the end for additional insights from Chief Marc Bashoor.

“Why are healthy people having cardiac events?” This was the question that first fueled Kepra Jack’s interest in cardiac health among firefighters – and the fact that her husband is a firefighter further drove her investment in the topic. As the co-founder and director of HeartFit for Duty, Jack builds education programs for first responders and physicians alike. Jack has made it her mission to support firefighter health, and she’s got some great guidance. We dig into all of that and more: The 10-minute exercise with the greatest impact on overall health. What surprises doctors about firefighting. Why “what you eat today directly impacts your retirement.” The #1 habit every firefighter should start. Resources we discussed on the show: Download the Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Medical Evaluations. Read next: “A fire department physical saved my life – twice!” 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!

Fire Chief Jason Caughey joins the team this week to reflect on the decisive themes of 2024, whether those hot topics will continue to make waves in 2025, plus the critical areas of focus for any fire service leader who’s working to support their members. Plus, we dig into all this: Innovative events and forward-thinking groups driving change Reimagining the debate about what it means to be safe and aggressive Why fire service leaders can no longer get away with being “full of sh*t” How to take proactive steps to break down silos Embracing a “train ’em, trust ’em, let ’em go” mindset A reminder to focus on the positive – and why you joined Thank you for your support of Better Every Shift in 2024! Are you ready to thrive in 2025? 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. Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share your feedback!

Ventura Fire Captain Fernando Calderon has appeared on five seasons of Discovery Channel’s hit reality TV show “Naked & Afraid,” where participants are dropped into remote locations – without clothes – to survive for upwards of three weeks. Most of the show’s participants have years of experience living off the grid or teaching survival strategies – but not Calderon. He went from watching the show at the fire station to feeling “possessed” to apply.” It was the ultimate test to learn what he was made of. Now over 10 years later, Calderon is what they call an All Star in the Naked & Afraid universe – and he’s sharing the many survival challenge lessons that apply to the fire service. Plus, we dig into all of this: How the show helps Calderon reset Feeling pressure to make his fire department proud The superpower that gives him an edge on the competition Implementing “mental mind control” to make it through tough times The worst thing he ate during one of his survival challenges The competitor he calls a “wild card” The #1 food he craves post-competition This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Better Every Shift listeners receive 10% off now through Dec. 31, using the promo code, FR10. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Email [email protected] to share your feedback!