5-Alarm Task Force!

Latest Episodes:

Episode 5-8 - Dr Burton A. Clark, EFO - How to Lead the Fire Service in the Next 50 Years Oct 23, 2020

Show notes

*From the newest cadet to the 30-year firefighter, we have all become part of the “fire culture.” We enjoy hearing stories from the senior folk and cannot help but to juxtapose those stories to this fire service in 2020. Lots of changes and adaptations have occurred. For some we know the reason and for others, we have no idea. Most of those changes came about through the first person who thought about them. They shared that idea with others and, sometimes soon and sometimes much later, those changes became part of out fire culture.
Our guest, Dr. Burton Clark, EFO, discusses the fire culture through his presentation, titled above. In it, he describes not just “somebody” had an idea and made a change, but how he, himself, was able to bring about change in the fire service. And he shares his story of how the word, MAYDAY went from being forbidden by the NFPA to its acceptance, yet it took 10 years for that change to come about.
YOU can be the “one.” YOU can have that first idea which, in some way, you believe deep in your heart, will bring about positive change in the fire service. You can be the one of the leaders in the fire service in the next 50 years!
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform or visit us at www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PRESENTATION WAS RECORDED ON ZOOM, USING THE POWER-POINT PRESENTATION. DR. CLARK WAS SPEAKING AS EACH SLIDE WAS PRESENTED. TO SEE THE VIDEO, PLEASE VISIT OUR CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE, 5-ALARM TASK FORCE CORP.
Photo Courtesy Dr. Burton A. Clark, EFO

The Fight Against PFAS/PFOS in the Fire Service & Beyond Oct 19, 2020

Show notes

We fight fire, we fight HAZMAT, we rescue the ill and injured. And we don’t think twice about doing so. This is who we are and what we do. However, imagine that your enemy is unseen, yet deadly. You have no way to protect yourself, not your gear, or SCBA! What do you do?
That is part of question raised by attorney Robert Bilott. If you saw the recent movie, “Dark Waters,” actor Mark Ruffalo portrayed Mr. Bilott and you saw how this attorney filed a multi-million lawsuit against a major chemical manufacturer and won! The chemicals he fought against are most easily referenced as PFAS/PFOS.
This podcast is not a chemistry class. However, you will hear Mr. Bilott explain how these “forever chemicals,” (as they are man-made and will not break down, even after millions of years) are poisoning firefighters, as the chemicals are in our bunker gear since 1977, as well as in everything from stain-resistant carpets, non-stick cookware, etc. And he has recently filed a federal request for class-action status to allow every firefighter since 1977 and, every resident in this country since 1977, so they can join as plaintiffs in this major lawsuit.
You and everyone you care about should listen to this podcast.
So, tune in on your favorite podcast platform or visit us at www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org
Photo Courtesy NIH

Episode 5-6 – Aaron Zamzow – Firefighter Health & Fitness-for-Duty Oct 08, 2020

Show notes

OK, let’s be honest. For many, this pandemic with lockdowns, quarantines, etc., gave folks a lot of home time. Sitting around, binge-watching on cable or satellite and eating. I don’t mean three squares a day, I’m talking about potato chips, tacos, ribs, candies, etc. You probably just stopped reading and dropped your chin on your chest! “How does HE know what I did?” you ask yourself. How? Because many of us did it and it is basic human nature.
Fear not – for our good friend from Fire-Rescue Fitness, Aaron Zamzow is back, and we talk about these very problems. More than that, Aaron provides numerous ways for you to get back into your best health and fitness-for duty. And you just might be surprised how easy many of his suggestions are!
Additionally, he has a great promotion going on now, together with the NFFF and you will find a link to that on Aaron’s profile page on our website, under the PODCAST tab on the home page. Additionally, he provides a peek at his annual contest which begins in January where there will be five cash prizes!
So, tune in on your favorite podcast platform or at http://Bit.ly/DalmatWeb and coming soon - http://Bit.ly/5-ATFC

Do You Know C.L.U.E.S. for Your TIC?? Oct 01, 2020

Show notes

Welcome our monthly installment of “MAKE DUE,” with Capt. Nick Peppard, Sean Duffy and our guest, Capt. Joe DeVito. In this episode, Capt. DeVito, with twenty years’ experience and, who has become an excellent instructor in the use of thermal imaging cameras (TIC’s), makes a strong point that TIC’s are not just for overhaul. As a matter of fact, your TIC is an invaluable tool for your size-up!
Capt. DeVito begins with a quick review of the key terminology regarding different TIC terms and capabilities. Not all TIC’s are created equal and it is imperative for you to know the “ins and outs” of YOUR camera! If you do not to learn to use it correctly and efficiently, it becomes nothing more than an expensive doorstop!
Capt. DeVito also explains the acronym he uses when conducting a size-up, C.L.U.E.S. At only five letters, it is an excellent guide for you to remember and make use of at every size-up. Mastering how your TIC works and using the C.L.U.E.S. acronym, might just save the life of a victim or, another firefighter!
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform or at
http://Bit.ly/DalmatWeb
Photo Courtesy of Insight Training LLC

Behavioral Health in Fire & EMS Sep 17, 2020

Show notes

When the average person thinks about firefighters, paramedics and EMTS, the adjectives that often come to mind include, brave, caring, compassionate, putting others’ needs first, etc. The words they often do not think of include, depressed, anxious, upset, confused and more. Why? While most of us love our jobs and helping others when it is most needed, that “love” does not include the pain, trauma, tragedy and more, that we often see.
My guest today is Jeff Dill, a former firefighter and founder of the FHBA (Firefighters’ Behavioral Health Alliance (www.ffbha.org). For nearly ten years, Jeff was the only one with a connection to the fire service, who has been keeping track and validating the suicides of our brothers and sisters in fire and EMS.
Listen as Jeff and I discuss what he has seen and learned and stands read to share and teach others. Just like our international fight against cancer in the fire service, we have also had the Behavioral Health Initiative for several years now. The question is though, does YOUR department have a program? If yes, that’s great news! If no – where will you turn. Jeff shares some of those answers in this episode. Please…don’t just listen or watch this episode – do something about it, either for yourself or someone you care about.
To all our members and followers of the Jewish faith, best wishes to you and yours for a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year.
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform or at http://Bit.ly/DalmatWeb

What's Hiding in Our Bunker Gear!?! Sep 10, 2020

Show notes

Sadly, the word, “cancer,” is all too common in today’s fire service. Sure, we have made some bold strides in both educating our members and providing tools and funding in many cases, to mitigate our exposure to carcinogenic compounds. However, there was one place we never thought to look for it, if it were not for a former Worcester MA firefighter and his wife. That location? The very bunker gear we wear to protect us from this crap!
“Miss D” sent a letter to a nuclear scientist at Notre Dame University with a piece of her husband’s bunker gear. The researcher is our guest, Dr. Graham Peaslee. Using the equipment in his lab, he first tested these pieces and found the presence of certain, unhealthy compounds. He then went on to test multiple samples of gear from still-in-the-bag new sets, to gear dating back to the 1970’s. ALL CONTAINED THESE COMPOUNDS.
Even though Dr. Peaslee states there are several more years of testing to come, there is a lot to learn from our discussion on this podcast. And if there is one thing that firefighters like, it is to always be open to learning something new about our craft!
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform or at http://Bit.ly/DalmatWeb
Photo (C)ISU.edu

The How & Why of Leadership + ?? Aug 29, 2020

Show notes

It is the “buzz-word” of the fire service today - “Leadership.” With about 1.2 million firefighters in the U.S., there are probably about 1.2 million definitions of fire service leadership!
In this second podcast of our fifth season, I am joined by a well-educated and well-trained leader in the fire service, Lt. Jason Liska, aka “The Can Man,” who is also a dear friend and colleague, in more than just the fire service! Jason is often found instructing at both the Florida State Fire Academy or the Lake County Fire Academy and “leadership” is one of his favorite topics.
In our interview, Jason and I share what we have learned and taught regarding leadership; Jason in the fire service and me in the world of nonprofit. While seemingly polar opposites, they share a great deal. We focus on the “how” and “why” of leadership from both views – a firefighter looking to take on a leadership role and the firefighter who is already in a leadership position and how he/she works to find the next leader coming up. And we both share personal stories of several people who were our leaders.
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform or at http://Bit.ly/DalmatWeb
Photo (C) 2019 Florida State Firefighters Association - The Great Florida Fire School

We Kick-Off a new Season & a New Monthly Feature - "Make Due" Aug 13, 2020

Show notes

Here is a fact – approximately eighty percent (80%) of America’s firefighters serve in suburban departments! Sure, they might work in “cities,” but when we think about urban firefighting, we think of FDNY, Boston, Chicago, Pittsburgh and many more. But most of us are not in cities that large. We may be close to one, but it still means we are suburban firefighters. Sure, we have mixed usage, i.e., residential, industrial, commercial, etc. You may even have a high-rise or two or three! So, what is the difference?
The difference is that our departments (including career, volunteer, part-paid, etc.) certainly do not have the funding or the number of personnel that our urban brothers and sisters have. If they call a “box,” they will probably have 2-3 engine companies, two trucks (tiller, platform, quint, etc.) a heavy rescue, rehab bus, and much more! Does your department (not counting mutual aid) have that much support when you strike a box for a working fire?
We are happy to bring you the monthly series, “Make Due!” Created by Capt. Nick Peppard and Sean Duffy, it is devoted to address some of the key issues that suburban departments face. And for some, that is not just “once in a while!” It can be a daily grind.
Each month, Nick, Sean and I will bring you a guest to address some of those issues, e.g. staffing, apparatus, hints for TIC use. Searching, leadership and much more. Have an idea for a discussion? Send it to us at Dalmatprod-at-Outlook.com.
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform.

Chief John Salka & Chief Rick Lasky Jul 06, 2020

Show notes

One of the most lasting discussions in the fire service, at least since I started in 1977, are those about leadership and mentoring. No matter your generation or your background, when we joined up we were all “rookies,” “probies,” “newbies,” or any other name you wish to attribute to the newest member in your “house.” However, to achieve that sought-after goal of “riding the rig,” we had to learn to be firefighters.
My guests on this episode are Chief (ret) John Salka and Chief (ret) Rick Lasky. If you have been in the fire service for more than a year or two, you know these two great officers. Since back in the ‘90’s, Chiefs Salka and Lasky got together and dedicated themselves to teach the importance of strong leadership and the high value of mentoring in the firehouse. And not only do they teach these topics in the fire service, they teach their courses to almost every branch of our Armed Forces!
We invite you listen to their words. Whether you are a front-line firefighter, senior firefighter, officer, or even a chief officer, you will learn from these two great firefighters. No fancy terms or doubletalk, they teach the importance of sharing knowledge, encouraging those firefighters who demonstrate the will and the drive to improve their learning and could be the leaders of tomorrow. And they also discuss the importance of sharing what YOU know with the new firefighters in your house; just as others did for them.
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform, on our website at Bit.ly/DalmatWeb, on Podomatic at Bit.ly/5ATF-POD or watch our video on our YouTube channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.”
Photo courtesy of and © The Firefighter Toolbox

Who Knew? This Doctor Did! Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

When most of us first heard about the coronavirus, we probably thought that is was a problem for the Chinese to solve. That opinion held until we saw it begin to spread throughout East Asia and Europe. But who thought it could “swim” across the Atlantic or Pacific to reach our shores?
My guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force” one of those who did! Dr. James Augustine has served as the Medical Director for numerous fire, and EMD agencies in the Eastern U.S. From Atlanta GA to Dayton OH, along parts of the East Coast and into Florida,
Dr. Augustine shares with us his long history of being part of an organized response to many of the “well-known” viruses, going back to the 1980’s until now, dealing with HIV, SARS, Ebola and now the virus that can result in Covid-19.While our lives have been turned topsy-turvy since March, it is good to know that there are excellent medical teams who start preparing for these type of emergencies, long before most of us even know about them.
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform, on our website, www.dalmatianproductions.tv or at http://Bit.ly/5ATF-POD

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