Firefighter Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#308 The World of Search & Rescue with Dave O'Neill MBE Part 1 of 2 Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

Dave O'Neill MBE retired from London Fire Brigade as AC of Special Projects in October of 2023 following an incredible career spanning 3 decades in the UK Fire & Rescue Service. In the 2021 New Years Honours he was awarded an MBE for masterminding the fire service support to the Ambulance service and PMART (the multi agency response to covid related deaths at home). He finished his career as the head of Head of Rescue/IEC/International Operations for LFB and now works as the Director of Operations Institute of Search and Technical Rescue, Chair of Fire Aid and International Development and many other personal and professional commitments spending time giving back to the world of Search & rescue.
You can find Dave HERE
Find out more about the Institute of Search & Technical Rescue HERE

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#307 Incident Command Development Team at WFS 2024 Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

This episode was recorded at the 22nd annual Woman In The Fire Service with the Incident command team leading on the multi incident scenarios and developing firefighters and commanders. Women in the Fire Service UK (WFS) was set up in the 1990s with its purpose of Enabling and inspiring confident and successful women to build a more progressive Fire and Rescue Service.
You Can find Siobhan on Instagram HERE
You can find Information on WFS HERE
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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The Diabetes Epidemic & How its affecting first responders with Kate Walker Jun 15, 2024

Show notes

10 June to Sunday 16 June is National Diabetes Week - Type 2 diabetes is a national health emergency in the UK. For every 1,000 employees, 82 have diabetes, 20 of these do not know they have the condition – the majority of people have no symptoms when they are diagnosed. Given how much time we spend at work, workplaces are a significant factor in our personal risk of developing type 2 diabetes and our ability to manage diabetes if we have the condition. diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the working-age population and causes 190 limb amputations a week (outcomes referred to as ‘diabetes complications’). Around 500 people die prematurely each week in the UK from diabetes as the primary cause. This is a growing concern for first responder workers as our life styles, diets, sleep & work conditions can lead us to be more susceptible to this condition.
You can learn more from my guest Kate Walker HERE
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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Siobhan AKA The Fire Mum at WFS 2024 Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

Siobhan is a 38 year old mother of 2 and more recently a firefighter in London Fire Brigade. Whilst going through her application process she realised there was no one explicitly sharing their journey through the training process in the fire service. This is why she set up thefiremum. She wanted to create a safe space where she can share her journey, any tips along the way and allow others to ask questions.
This episode was recorded at the 22nd annual Woman In The Fire Service. Women in the Fire Service UK (WFS) was set up in the 1990s with its purpose of Enabling and inspiring confident and successful women to build a more progressive Fire and Rescue Service.
You Can find Siobhan on Instagram HERE
You can find Information on WFS HERE
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
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Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#306 TELSTAR HOUSE DEBRIEF - LONDON 2003 with Chris Westfield Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

Chris Westfield started his Fire service career in 2003 whereby within the same year he was involved in a near death experience operationally at what became known as the TELSTAR HOUSE fire.

A 20 Pump High-rise Fire; Telstar House was located on Eastbourne Terrace, Paddington, London. It’s an office building that was constructed during the late 60’s, the building did not have a sprinkler installation and the floors are set up with open space office landscapes. London Fire Brigade mobilized 135 firefighters to this incident.

This incident early in his career led Chris down a passionate path studying fire behaviour and firefighting tactics. Chris became an instructor creating courses and delivering for London Fire brigade the fire service college & subsequently in his role still now in the UKFRS.

Chris still serves operationally and in training alongside his current role in fire protection whereby he is using his broad exposure and experience to help drive change within the commercial sector while still delivering fire behaviour training to serving firefighters.
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
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GRENADE
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Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost

Links for today’s episode references:

High Rise Fire-fighting: Telstar House (highrisefirefighting.co.uk)

A black day in E3. – A retired London Fireman (home.blog)

Disused warehouse fire - Bethnal Green | London Fire Brigade (london-fire.gov.uk)

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#305 Welsh Firefighter Challenge Event Debrief 2024 Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

The Welsh Firefighter Challenge is a regional sporting event run alongside The British Firefighter Challenge. It is for both serving and retired firefighters.
Held annually, the Welsh Firefighter Challenge is a set of gruelling physical and mental tests designed to showcase the skills and strength of firefighters. It’s an opportunity to come together as a community, to support and celebrate each other’s achievements, and to demonstrate the professionalism and dedication of firefighters.
Find out more about the event:
Visit the WFC Instagram
Visit the WFC Website
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
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Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#304 Manchester Arena Bombing Debrief & lessons learned with John Fletcher Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

At just after 22:30hrs on Monday 22nd May 2017, a suicide bomber detonated an improvised device at the Manchester Arena in the UK where around 14,000 people, mainly teenagers and family, had travelled from across the UK to attend the concert of Ariana Grande.
The bomb killed twenty-two people including many children. Over one hundred were physically injured and many more suffered psychological and emotional trauma. The Manchester Arena attack was the deadliest in the UK since the London bombings on 7th July 2005. Although the Greater Manchester Resilience Forum had done many planning exercises, the events of 22nd May were something none of those involved had ever encountered before. This was a real-world test of the plans and assumptions.
My Guest today John Fletcher, with over 28 years experience as a uniformed manager with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service & was the lead NILO (National Inter-agency Liaison Officers) during the Manchester attack. John takes us through the events of 22nd of may drawing lessons learned as we dip in and out of different reports overlaying his own experiences and recollections of the event.
You can download FREE RESOURCES HERE
You can connect with John HERE
Kerslake Report
Manchester Arena Enquiry
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
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Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost

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Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Bonus Episode: It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves - An adventure with Daisy Byron & Clare Fletcher from Women Wanderers 999 May 30, 2024

Show notes

On this Bonus episode we joined Daisy Byron, Clare Fletcher & 160+ first responders from 31 fire and rescue services across the UK for an adventure in the peak district. hear about how this whole event came about and how to get involved yourself.
You can download FREE RESOURCES HERE
You can connect with Daisy at womenwanderers999@outlook.com
Join the Facebook Page for Women Wanderers 999
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
PATROL STORE UK
HAIX Footwear
ROAM all Natural Meat Snacks
GRENADE
RIP INTO Podcast Apparel
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#303 Andy Starnes Understanding Thermal Imagery, Your Leadership Style & the key to survive the fire service May 27, 2024

Show notes

Andy Starnes joined the Fire Service in 1991. Serving 12 years as a firefighter & then Captain on an Engine Company before being assigned to Battalion Chief in a busy Metropolitan area in the United States. He retired in 2023 after 25 years.
Andy’s fire behavior and thermal imaging journey began with the "Kill the Flashover Project" (Applied Science in Fire Behaviour) which was founded by his father Chief Joe Starnes.
Andy serves as an SME for Thermal Imaging, consults manufacturers, and provides training to organizations and fire departments on tactical TIC use in the US and globally having trained individuals in 20 countries through his company Insight Training LLC. Andy developed the world’s first firefighting Thermology curriculum credentialed by Western Kentucky University and peer reviewed by Kentucky Thermal Institute.
Andy is a published author & writer most notably for our audience in books such as Euro Firefighter II with Paul Grimwood. His articles can also be found at: Firehouse.com, Fire Engineering, International Fire Safety Journal, Carolina Fire Rescue Journal, and Fellowship of Christian Firefighter's,
Andy’s company supports behavioural health initiatives through his program “The Ultimate House Fire-YOURS” by raising funds to support organizations such as Next Rung and Five Alarm Task Force and more. Andy is the founder of "Bringing Back Brotherhood Ministries" with a passion for counselling, encouraging & assisting firefighters with behavioural health. Andy shares some incredible insights into causing a lot of self-reflection during our conversation today.
You can find Andy at the following places:
LINKEDIN
INSIGHT FIRE TRAINING
YOUTUBE TUTORIALS
You can download FREE RESOURCES HERE
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
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RIP INTO
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Lancashire IFE CPD 6 of 6 Closing Round Table Discussion May 25, 2024

Show notes

This mini series of 6 episodes comes from an event attended by the podcast in 2024 hosted by Lancashire Fire & Rescue and it was an IFE CPD event focussed on Structural firefighting & Tactical Ventilation lead by John McDonough & Karel Lambert. Both well respected international fire behaviour instructors.
John McDonough First came on the podcast back in episode #113 and Karel Lambert is also a previous guest from episode #163. Be sure to check out their full episodes as well
You can download FREE RESOURCES HERE
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
HAIX Footwear
TUFFKING
GRENADE
RIP INTO
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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