Government
**A Duty To Act**

EMS, Fire, and Police are necessary for the health and safety of our communities. Join Jennifer Russell, active duty paramedic/firefighter, department administrator, and instructor, as she interviews other active duty public service members and officials. The mission is to understand better the medical, fire, and police services, the challenges they are tackling, and what can be done to ensure our departments and teams are healthy and strong into the future.

Latest Episodes:

Benjamin Vernon: Survival and Administrative Betrayal Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

Takeaways

Arriving in the middle of a call can be dangerous as you may not be aware of the dynamics and tensions already present.
Compassion fatigue can lead to a lack of empathy and compassion, which can impact patient care and increase the risk of violence.
It is important for first responders to reconnect with their purpose and maintain a compassionate mindset to avoid burnout and negative interactions with patients.
Having a clear and universal code for calling for help in emergency situations can improve communication and response times. Seeking professional help for mental health is crucial, especially in traumatic situations.
Departments should prioritize mental health and create robust mental health programs.
Sleep is essential for overall health and wellness, and shift workers face unique challenges in getting adequate sleep.
Informal peer support has its limitations, and professional help may be necessary in certain situations. The aftermath of the stabbing incident had a significant impact on Benjamin and his crew, leading to silence and a lack of communication within the crew.
Benjamin expressed concern for his captain and crew members who did not seek mental health help, highlighting the importance of mental health support in the fire department.
The concept of administrative betrayal was discussed, emphasizing the need for departments to carefully consider the discipline they impose and the potential impact on individuals' mental health.
Benjamin emphasized the need for more education and training on mental health at every rank in the department to create a better understanding and support system.

Sound Bites

"I was blown away by that, that paradigm shift of calling it that."
"The entire fight lasted less than five seconds."
"I was not a very nice person... I was bitter and burned out."
"If I could go back and anything, would just help my guys be compassionate again, know, make sure they're rested and remind them of why we do this job so that when we're on scene, we are better patient caregivers."
"What is it that launches your instinct?"
"You can only [pass judgment] when you are an expert in that field."
"We're not going to talk about the stabbing, okay?"
"That's a very strange dynamic."
"The skyscraper in the room"

Innovative Protocols for Post-Shift Recovery Exploring Wellness and Recovery for First Responders May 29, 2024

Show notes

Takeaways

The transition from counseling to the fire service provided an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth.
Preserving mental and physical health in the fire service is crucial for resilience and longevity.
Post-shift recovery protocols focus on physiological and psychological restoration, emphasizing the importance of relationships and holistic well-being. The importance of solitude and restorative activities for first responders
The physiological and mental benefits of sauna, cold plunges, and cycling
The impact of community involvement on overall well-being and resilience
The concept of creating a wellness center within first responder departments

Sound Bites

"The fire service has been a process of trying to hold onto both toughness and tenderness."
"I had been researching and reading about more things that have to do with mental health and physical longevity."
"At the core of that, you're gonna find that in relationships, that you're gonna find that in the space between you and another person."
"Reconnecting with activities that fulfill and reorient oneself"

Building a Data-Driven Culture in Public Safety May 15, 2024

Show notes

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Jennifer Darling and Josh discuss the progress and impact of their podcast, "A Duty to Act." They reflect on the most impactful episodes so far, including the Des Moines episode and the discussion on secondary traumatic stress with Pat Ellis. They also mention the importance of addressing cancer in the fire service and their plans to cover topics such as lifeguards, smoke jumpers, and tribal EMS. Josh shares his experience in building a data science course for EMS and fire leadership, emphasizing the importance of thinking like a data scientist and using data to make meaningful changes in departments. They discuss the value of a data-driven culture and the need for curious minds to analyze and interpret data accurately.

Key Takeaways:

The Des Moines episode and the discussion on secondary traumatic stress have been the most impactful episodes so far.

Cancer in the fire service is an important issue that needs to be addressed.

Lifeguards, smoke jumpers, and tribal EMS are potential topics for future episodes.

Building a data-driven culture is crucial for making informed decisions and improving departments.

Curiosity and asking the right questions are essential for effective data analysis.

Notable Quotes:

"The Des Moines episode is such an important issue." - Josh

"I hadn't thought about the life and death of it. I had thought about the working environment and longevity and recruitment and retention." - Jennifer

"Everybody wants to grow up to be an influencer. When I was a kid, everybody wanted to grow up to be an astronaut or a firefighter or a race car driver." - Josh

"Everybody's got an ear to ear smile when they get to tour an ambulance or a fire truck." - Jennifer

"Looking at the numbers without context may tell a completely different story than having that kind of context added into it." - Josh

Resources:

A Duty to Act Podcast

Don't miss this engaging episode of "A Duty to Act" as Jennifer Darling and Josh discuss the impact of their podcast and the importance of data-driven decision-making in public safety. Tune in to gain valuable insights and stay informed about the latest trends in the industry.

10 Concepts to Become an EMS/Fire Servant Leader May 01, 2024

Show notes

In this episode Jennifer talks with her colleague Dan Schwartz about his time as a leader in the fire service and the concept of servant leadership.

From Ashes to Action The Fight for Firefighter Cancer Coverage Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

Can a firefighter's battle extend beyond flames? In this episode I am joined by the courageous trio from IAFF Local Number 4—Jason, Aaron, and Joe—as they shed light on the daunting intersection between firefighting and cancer. We share harrowing personal accounts and the pressing need for legislative recognition of cancer as a job-related illness for these heroes. With heartfelt tributes to Mike Broderick and Brian Stokes, two fallen firefighters whose lives and legacies anchor our conversation, this dialogue is a testament to the power of advocacy and the urgent call for comprehensive cancer coverage for those on the frontline.

Imagine fighting fires only to face an even more insidious foe; that's the reality for many firefighters confronting cancer. This gathering uncovers the complexities of advocating for cancer to be covered under presumptive legislation, a term that currently applies to only a fraction of cancers in Iowa. We take a closer look at the health risks associated with firefighting, the emotional and financial toll of the disease, and the strategies employed to tackle legislative change. The episode is a patchwork of personal stories, the evolution of healthcare initiatives to better safeguard our firefighters, and the grassroots efforts that fuel the fight for fair coverage.

This narrative culminates in an urgent call to action, capturing the essence of unity and persistence in the face of political hurdles. We share a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative journey, from unanimous approvals to unexpected roadblocks, and the shared resolve of firefighters and their allies to continue the push for change. As we honor those who've sacrificed so much, we invite listeners to lend their voices, engage with the fire service community, and support the mission for better protection and support. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a rallying cry for solidarity and the undying spirit of those who risk it all.

(08:22 - 09:18) Creation of Cancer Definition in Iowa

(11:48 - 13:18) Innovative Fire Station Design Appreciated

(20:00 - 21:33) Firefighter Cancer Coverage Advocacy Plan

(23:45 - 25:21) Aaron and Voter Voice Software Success

(29:24 - 30:18) Firefighters Lobby for Legislative Support

(33:15 - 34:48) Impactful Visual Stories on Facebook

(44:49 - 46:27) Iowa Firefighters' Pension Concerns

(50:15 - 51:34) Unified Effort for Legislative Thank Yous

(53:40 - 55:18) Bipartisanship in Firefighter Advocacy

(01:01:03 - 01:02:25) Union Efforts for Positive Change

Secondary Traumatic Stress in EMS and Fire: Chaplain Pat Ellis Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, Pat Ellis discusses the importance of shifting to the next continuum of care and finding joy in life despite challenges. They also explore the experience of delivering difficult news and the need for training in this area. The concept of resilience is discussed, with a focus on preparing for the emotional impact of the job and wearing mental and emotional body armor. Decision fatigue and its manifestation are explored, as well as the relationship between stress and nutrition. The mindset of career personnel and the difference between volunteers and career personnel are also examined. The conversation concludes with contact information for further inquiries.

Takeaways

Secondary traumatic stress is the chronic exposure to other people's traumatic experiences and can impact first responders' mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.
Secondary traumatic stress is different from PTSD and compassion fatigue.
Vicarious trauma is a shift in worldview that occurs after prolonged exposure to trauma.
Moral injury is an emerging term that is relevant to first responders' mental health. Traumatic events can have varying degrees of impact on individuals, and reactions can differ greatly from person to person.
It is important to be aware of the signs of secondary stress, such as isolation, withdrawal, and hypervigilance.
Supporting others and promoting self-care are crucial in maintaining emotional well-being.
Developing daily self-care practices and seeking help when needed can help individuals cope with the emotional impact of their work.
Choosing positivity, practicing positive self-affirmations, and maintaining hope can have a significant impact on one's outlook and resilience. Shifting to the next continuum of care is important for individuals experiencing challenges in their lives.
Finding joy in life is possible even in the face of difficult circumstances.
Training in delivering difficult news is crucial for professionals in emergency services.
Resilience requires preparation and the wearing of mental and emotional body armor.
Decision fatigue can impact decision-making abilities and energy levels.
Stress can affect nutrition and dietary habits.
The mindset of career personnel may differ from that of volunteers.
Proactive planning for resiliency is essential for maintaining well-being.

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00Technical Difficulties

02:00Introduction and Microphone Setup

05:19Background and Purpose of the Interview

08:08Teaching Secondary Traumatic Stress

11:19Success of Recent Class

12:06Definition of Secondary Traumatic Stress

13:18Differentiating Secondary Traumatic Stress from PTSD

18:02Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma

19:41Introduction to Moral Injury

21:27Shift in Worldview

22:50Differentiating Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress

25:33Variability of Impact

26:19Cumulative Effect of Grief

27:44Different Reactions to Traumatic Events

29:36Signs of Secondary Stress

30:01Isolation and Withdrawal

31:19Hypervigilance

36:03Supporting Others

37:30Self-Care and Seeking Help

38:05Preparing for Emotional Impact

49:41Daily Self-Care Practices

53:46Positive Self-Affirmations

57:01Choosing Positivity and Hope

58:59Shifting to the Next Continuum of Care

01:00:05Finding Joy in Life

01:00:22Dealing with Grief and Dying

01:00:42Delivering Difficult News

01:01:11Teaching Others to Deliver Difficult News

01:01:28Striving Towards Resilience

01:02:10Resilience as Psychological Body Armor

01:03:02Preparing for the Emotional Impact of the Job

01:03:49Decision Fatigue and Lack of Energy

01:04:20Wearing Mental and Emotional Body Armor

01:05:53The Green Apron as a Cape

01:06:32The Concept of Decision Fatigue

01:07:21The Manifestation of Decision Fatigue

01:09:06The Relationship Between Stress and Nutrition

01:09:33Different Manifestations of Stress Release

01:12:22The Importance of Education and Preparedness

01:13:46The Mindset of Career Personnel

01:17:48The Difference Between Volunteers and Career Personnel

01:19:47Contact Information

01:23:06Global Reach of the Podcast

01:24:04Proactive Resiliency Planning

Master the Firefighter Interview with Ryan Coffey: Part 2 Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

Specifically, we cover:

The critical importance of preparation and how dedicating time to practice can set you apart from the competition.
Understanding the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) not just as a barrier to entry, but as a baseline for the physical demands of firefighting.
Strategies for answering common interview questions with authenticity and depth, using personal stories to illustrate key strengths and values.
The significance of teamwork and community within the firefighting profession, and how success is measured by collective achievement.
Learning from failures and mistakes as opportunities for growth and improvement, both personally and professionally.
The role of intrinsic motivation in driving excellence and the desire to leave things better than you found them.
Every interaction with a fire department, from emails to station tours, is part of the interview process and should be approached with professionalism.

Ryan's insights not only shed light on the tactical aspects of preparing for firefighting interviews but also emphasize the importance of self-awareness, continuous learning, and the power of helping others succeed. Whether you're a seasoned firefighter looking to advance your career or a newcomer eager to break into the field, Ryan's guidance offers a roadmap to achieving your goals with integrity and passion.

Master the Firefighter Interview with Ryan Coffey: Part 1 Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

In our conversation, we dissect the art of preparing for and excelling in firefighting interviews. Specifically:

The transformative power of understanding the hiring process and the importance of preparation
Strategies for presenting oneself authentically while being meticulously prepared
The significance of aligning personal values with departmental mission, vision, and values
Insights into the evolving nature of firefighting interviews, including the shift away from traditional questioning to more personal and situational inquiries
Practical advice on attire, handling tattoos in interviews, and the nuanced approach to the "speed date" interview format
How personal stories and experiences can be leveraged to demonstrate compatibility with the firefighting ethos
Ryan's personal story of finding a department that embraced his identity, highlighting the importance of finding a department that aligns with one's values and identity

Join us as Ryan Coffey shares his wealth of knowledge and personal experiences, offering a roadmap to success for aspiring firefighters and anyone looking to improve their interview skills. Whether you're navigating the complexities of the firefighting hiring process or seeking to make a lasting impression in any professional interview, Ryan's insights are sure to light the way.

Behind the Scenes with a 911 Dispatcher: A Decade of Calls Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

Matthew Williams: A Decade of Excellence in Emergency Dispatch

Matthew has dedicated over a decade of his career to the critical role of emergency dispatch, currently serving as a fire dispatcher at Skagit 911, also known as Cascade Dispatch. With eleven years of experience, Matthew has evolved from a 911 call taker trained by our host, Jennifer Darling, to a seasoned fire dispatcher. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in emergency response communication has significantly contributed to the safety and well-being of Skagit County residents.

In our conversation, we uncover the intricate world of emergency dispatch, the evolution of technology in the field, and the personal challenges and triumphs faced by dispatchers.

Specifically, we discuss:

The transition from traditional dispatch methods to the ProQA system and its impact on emergency response accuracy.

The challenges of adapting to new technologies and methodologies in dispatch.

The importance of building strong relationships between dispatchers and field responders for effective emergency management.

Strategies for managing the emotional toll of handling life-or-death situations over the phone.

The critical role of continuous training and the unique approach to recruitment and retention in the dispatch profession.

Matthew's initiative in creating a dispatch newsletter to foster community and share knowledge among emergency response teams.

Building Bridges: How Officer Danny Rabelos is Changing Police-Community Relations Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

Interview Summary: Officer Danny Rabelos - From Adversity to Law Enforcement Inspiration

Danny Rabelos' conversation with Jennifer Darling provides insight into how personal experiences can shape one's career path in law enforcement.

During "A Duty to Act", Rabelos recounts growing up in challenging circumstances within a poor community where encounters with police were often negative due to abuse at home and racial injustices faced by friends. These experiences fueled his determination to change perceptions of policing by joining the force himself.

Rabelos describes key moments that propelled him toward policing—specifically recalling when he was unfairly detained alongside a friend who had been racially targeted; this incident left a lasting impression leading him towards seeking justice through fair treatment within law enforcement.

His career trajectory took him from high school football fields under mentorship guidance through college education at WSU earning degrees in psychology and sociology before embarking on testing for various departments ultimately landing at Everett PD.

With retirement looming due to an injury sustained while on duty, Rabelos looks forward to exploring photography further while reflecting fondly upon nearly three decades spent serving the Everett community.

The interview also touches upon effective recruitment strategies highlighting how Rabelos championed Everett PD’s embrace of Instagram against initial resistance favoring traditional platforms like Facebook; this move significantly enhanced engagement particularly among younger demographics crucial for future recruitment efforts.

In addition, Rabelos sheds light on fostering interdepartmental camaraderie sharing anecdotes about friendly competitions between police officers firefighters raising funds for charitable causes showcasing solidarity beyond professional duties.

An intriguing aspect discussed is Rabelos’ extensive tattoo artwork covering both arms featuring superheroes villains each symbolizing aspects of good evil respectively reflecting personal growth overcoming adversity throughout life’s journey; these tattoos played part influencing changes regarding visible tattoo policies within Everett PD enhancing relatability amongst officers communities alike.