No Exceptions Leadership

Latest Episodes:

Ground Ladders--EHT Dec 08, 2015

Show notes

This episode is a discussion about ground ladders. It's a basic piece of equipment that has such a huge value to us on the fire ground, but in many cases, get's forgotten. They're forgotten until they are needed, and then it could be a life and death situation for firefighters and victims.

We talk briefly about some very simple aspects to keep in mind regarding ground ladders. Here are few bullet points to think about when considering ground ladder use and the picture of the building that I mention in the podcast.

Consider where the ladders on the apparatus. Don't park too close to the rear or thru-the-tank storage and think about what's on the side where the ladder rack may be lowered. (Mailboxes, cars, trees, etc.)
Lower the ladder racks as soon as possible. If they are out of site, they are out of mind.
We recommend placing ground ladders to just below the sill for any use. You can still ventilate or use a hose line, but it is already for egress, which is the primary purpose.
Give yourself a little less of an angle if possible, it provides a better working angle for balance and gravity.
Know what end to bring first when dealing with roof ladders: butt end first for parapet walls and hook end up first for pitched roofs.
All multiple story buildings get ladders; assign it if it's not done.
Extend above the roof line about chest high, it keeps you from having to bend over to get back on or to grab tools.
Practice in areas that have obstructions and challenging configurations (with permission, of course.)
Check the heat tags and inspection tags for maintenance.
Practice single person as well as multiple-person raises, you never know when you may be alone but still need to raise a ladder for a Brother.

I'm sure I have left something out, please add your thoughts and experiences. Thanks for listening and keep training.

Have a Vision Dec 02, 2015

Show notes

In this episode I discuss the importance of having a vision. We must have a vision to be able to get where we want to go in life and in our professions. It is imperative that we see where we want to be and create an actionable plan for getting there.

That starts with creating a mission and vision statement for ourselves. This is the beginning of the process for following a self development plan.

When you start to have a vision and act upon it, you have some that want to blind you and to make you second guess yourself. They will try to make you feel guilty for moving forward, for working hard and for getting better! DO NOT let them keep you from your vision!

Below is a sample mission and vision statement from a student from one of my officer development classes. It its geared for the fire officer, but it is applicable for anybody.

Thanks for listening and take care,Jason

Vision Statement

“To obtain the rank of Company Officer with the ...........Fire Protection District. In doing so, use the position of Company Officer to positively motivate, lead, and train both new and tenured employees.”

Mission Statement

“To serve the ............. residents and employees with the highest level of professionalism and respect.”

Winter Operations Dec 01, 2015

Show notes

Attached is an outline we used for a quick winter operations class at work. I ran across this the other day and thought it would be appropriate to post now. The podcast is here for this topic as well. Feel free to add and use this as you see fit. If you have some great tips on operating in the winter, please share with everybody, as I'm sure we missed something that could be very useful.

Water Supply--

Frozen Hydrants/Snowed In--make sure we have a shovel and insure that booster tank is full in case there is a delay in obtaining water supply.
Can thaw frozen FDC and hydrant connections with road flares or torches
Monitor ice forming from leaking water and carry salt for slippery surfaces
Identify alternate hydrant locations in the event that the closest hydrant is unable to be used.

Apparatus Considerations

Use Jake Break/Exhaust breaks appropriately for the weather
Keep in mind the restrictions of chains, on the ambulance, speed limits, etc.
Keep salt and or ice melt on the truck for slippery surfaces and for truck tires
We are draining pumps
Use recirculating valve when sitting on scene

Hose Lines

Let nozzles bleed water when not in use during freezing temps
Try to direct draining water away and off of walking and driving surfaces
Hose may need to be taken back to house to thaw before repacking
Blow out hose reels

Ladder Truck Operations

Be aware of snow banks and ices conditions when setting outriggers. Cannot short jack the side your working off of.
Think about ice and the possibility of the truck sliding if on grade and in use
Increasing ice load onto building and ground surfaces from water flow

Ground Ladder Use

Rungs may become slick, three points of contact
Roof surfaces will be slick and dangerous. Guttering may be ice covering causing the ladder to slide laterally.
Lock in and use harnesses or ladder belts when working off of
Ground surfaces may be snow packed or ice covered making butting the ladder difficult and important. Getting proper working angle may be a challenge

Service Calls

Ice and snow can cause electrical lines to break and come down. Be aware of surroundings. Trees may break causing the downed line.
No electric may mean no heat for vulnerable patients. Unapproved alternative heating methods may be used causing fires and CO emergencies.
Broken water mains may cause water supply issues during a fire.
Be familiar with relay pumping and make sure your booster tank is full.

Chimney Fires

Consider best roof access, ice, snow, roof height and slope
Be aware of the condition of the chimney, use caution when working around the chimney, they can fail.
Be sure to check attic spaces and concealed spaces between floors for extension.
The fire box should be emptied to eliminate further heat and fire.
Avoid water in the chimney, it will crack the flue liner.
If dropping dry-chem bags or other extinguishing agents from the top, close fire box doors first.

Winter Loads

Be aware of the loads being placed on a building by ice and snow. The weight coupled by fire attacking the structural members and the fire flow will increase likelihood of collapse and the collapse will happened faster.
Carports and large open span buildings are especially susceptible to collapse
Ice hanging off of structures can break loose and injure a firefighter.
Monitor conditions above us in regards to falling ice and snow sheets off of buildings.

Episode 7: Be Thankful for the Hard Things Nov 25, 2015

Show notes

In this episode we take fall in line with the season of Thanksgiving and discuss being thankful for not only the things that are good and enjoyable in our lives, but also the things that are challenges or perceived failures.

We can learn and grow so much more from the hard things than the good things. The fun and good times can make us complacent and allow us to let our guard down.

It's the tough times that we should be thankful for, they are what will define us and our success and legacy.

The Jason Hoevelmann Podcast: Leadership Leaning UP Nov 23, 2015

Show notes

Throughout our lives we have challenges, frustrations and failures. There is no way to avoid them and we have to learn how to deal with them. Certainly, we try to do all we can to minimize them and avoid those situations, but life happens!

This Monday Mantra addresses being resilient. We must be resilient and have the ability to move on in a productive way from these challenges and especially our failures. Nobody is perfect and the most successful people in any profession and in life have had and will continue to have set backs and failures. What separates them from others is their ability to be resilient.

Stock up on the lessons from those moments that are trying and frustrating and disappointing and pull them off of the shelf later down the road when a similar challenge arises.

Learn who to deal with these challenges and be resilient in everything we do.

Leadership Leaning UP: Episode 5 Nov 18, 2015

Show notes

This episode is a discussion about the power of humility for leaders. All of us need to be and could demonstrate more humility in our daily and professional lives. The kind of humility I"m talking about isn't deflecting compliments, although giving credit where it's due is important and nobody likes a bragger, we need to be humble when challenged.

I talk about how important it is to be humble enough to put away pride and ego when our faults and deficiencies are pointed out. Look at it as an opportunity to grow and learn from these experiences.

Getting mad, getting defensive does not entrust your team members to be honest with you and others when the conversations and circumstances are difficult.

Don't get hung up on yourself, have humility and get better!

Episode 4: The Monday Mantra Nov 16, 2015

Show notes

In this episode discuss the challenges we are confronted with everyday. Some of those challenges are at work, at home or in other organizations or functions we participate in. The can be from the things we love to do or in the form of things we don't like to do.

In any event, we need to rise above them, keep our focus on the goal and objective and persevere. We can't allow these challenges to throw us off the tracks and to discourage us. We must keep everything in perspective and to find ways to overcome them.

Persevering doesn't always equate to achieving the goal, but may be just overcoming an obstacle on the way to that goal.

Only one person has control over whether or not you preserve, and that is YOU! Get your mind right, pump yourself up and get ready to persevere!

Episode 3--Tackling Problems Nov 11, 2015

Show notes

This episode with Jason Hoevelmann addresses and discusses the issues and challenges with solving large problems and putting those problems in perspective.

Jason shares a story about his son moving desk on his own, and realizing that when he takes the drawers out, the desk is significantly lighter and easier to move. It was a great analogy for solving and dealing with large problems.

Break you problems into smaller, more manageable pieces and tackle them one at a time. Don't get overwhelmed by the challenges and problems that you may face each day.

Attack your problems and cut them down to size to successfully deal with them.

As always, please share and tell your friends about our podcast.

Also, we want to mention that the intro music is from podcastthemes.com and they have many options for you short music needs.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @jasonhoevelmann

As always, thanks for listening and following and Exceed Expectations!

Leading Under Fire: Episode 2, The Monday Mantra 1 Nov 09, 2015

Show notes

Every Monday I will post a new podcast from Leading Under Fire to give you a little boost to get your week started. I will provide inspirational quotes, helpful tips and just straight encouragement to have the best week you can. This episode focusses on Exceeding Expectations.

In this episode we discuss that meeting just the minimum is setting us up to be just the minimum. I don't anybody wants to be considered as just the minimum. No matter what we are doing, not matter what job we do and no matter what we are involved in, we should strive to exceed expectations!

Write down just one thing, one task or one challenge that you want to exceed in. Look at it an believe that you can be more than the minimum this week.

Think about how you will do this and pass it on to others.

Be excellent! It's really your choice.

As always, we thank podcastthemes.com for the intro music and be sure to check us out on Twitter at:

@leadunderfire

Leading Under Fire on Facebook.

Thanks for listening, share with your friends and have a great week!

Jason

Leading Under Fire: Episode 1 Nov 03, 2015

Show notes

This first episode describes the goals and objectives for presenting and creating this podcast. Jason provides a background and lays the foundation for his leadership principles by sharing his failures and a few of his successes. Jason provides some examples of how failing can be used to catapult you to greater success and improving your outlook.

Please share and review this podcast. The intro music is provided by podcastthemes.com, be sure to check them out.

podcastthemes.com

All the best, Jason

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