B Shifter

Across The Street Productions

Fire command and leadership conversations for B Shifters and beyond (all shifts welcome)!

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Our Editor's Take

The B Shifter podcast with host John Vance analyzes what's needed to excel in fire service. Firefighters are a distinct breed. They're tough but caring, self-sufficient but team-oriented. This podcast focuses on helping fire commanders improve operating procedures. Josh Blum, Alan Brunacini, and Nick Brunacini of the Blue Card certification program share their expertise. The podcast covers serious topics and firehouse antics.

"Mayday" is the call no firefighter wants to hear. B Shifter speaks with Don Abbott, who devotes his life to preventing maydays. He created Project Mayday to study patterns and analyze operating procedures. Falls through the roof were once the number one cause of maydays for the Phoenix fire department. They're now number three after completing the Blue Card training programs.

The podcast compares mayday prevalence among career firefighters and volunteer firefighters. Leaders discuss solutions for the primary cause of maydays, which is separation from the hose line. The conversations are often tactical, with some episodes sharing a Timeless Tactical Truth.

Life in a fire command unit is a recurring topic. Guests explain the risks of captains who show favoritism. They provide valuable information on the mental health of firefighters. They also share essential tips for cancer prevention and work-life balance. B Shifter explores melting hearing aids, physiological strain, cardiovascular health, and PTSD.

Fire chiefs share less serious moments here too. One jokes about firefighters who sing in fire station intercoms. Another answered repeat 911 calls from a woman claiming to have seizures. After several trips to the home, they determined she was having an affair with her neighbor. She called 911 if her husband arrived to pretend her neighbor was helping her with an emergency.

B Shifter's stories of fire service are heroic and extraordinary. It's a life one must live to understand. This podcast unites fire department members and improves their life on the B shift.

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Episódios

Blue Card ARFF Module
23-09-2024
Blue Card ARFF Module
Send us a textWhether you’re department may respond to aircraft emergencies, have a small municipal airport or a bustling international hub, this resource offers a structured, certifiable incident command system designed to enhance coordination and efficiency.From the nuances of pre-incident information to the pivotal role of trained Incident Commanders (ICs), we cover the essentials of managing aircraft emergencies. Discover how standardized initial radio reports, strategic declarations, and effective communication with pilots and incoming resources can save lives and property. On this episode we talk about the tactical and strategic approaches necessary for handling these high-stakes situations, emphasizing risk management and the importance of prioritizing savable lives. This is a must-listen for anyone that may be involved in aircraft emergencies, offering invaluable insights that could make all the difference during critical incidents.This episode features Jeffery King, Chris Stewart and John Vance.We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/BuckslipShop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.comRegister for the 2024 Hazard Zone Conference here: http://hazardzonebc.com/All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifterPlease subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!This episode was recorded at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on September 10, 2024
LIVE! From Fire Rescue International in Dallas
14-08-2024
LIVE! From Fire Rescue International in Dallas
Send us a textThis episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart, and John Vance.We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/BuckslipShop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.comRegister for the 2024 Hazard Zone Conference here: http://hazardzonebc.com/All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifterPlease subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!This episode was recorded August 14, 2024 at Fire-Rescue International in Dallas, TX. Join us live from the Fire Rescue International (FRI) conference in Dallas, Texas, as we sit down with Josh Bloom, and Chris Stewart. We kick things off with an exciting offer exclusive to FRI attendees, including free T-shirts and a discount on 2024 Blue Card Hazard-Zone Conference registration. We also dive into the highly anticipated two-day May Day Management Workshop, where we explore Mayday prevention and management through expert-led sessions and real-life case studies.To round things off, we underscore the importance of ownership and responsibility at all levels of fireground operations. From task-level actions to strategic command decisions, every role is vital to the success of an operation. Using sports analogies, we illustrate the necessity of a coordinated incident action plan and a cohesive team. Don't miss our special promotions and event highlights for the FRI conference – stop by booth 1822 and join the conversation!
Hot Washes, Command Presence, and Leadership Insights
05-08-2024
Hot Washes, Command Presence, and Leadership Insights
Send us a textThis episode features Steve Lester, Grant Light and John Vance.Experience the power of post-incident reviews, or "hot washes," within the firefighting community. This episode sheds light on how these reviews offer a comprehensive understanding of incidents, highlighting effective actions and clarifying questionable decisions. We emphasize the crucial role of positive reinforcement from leadership to boost morale and reinforce good practices. You'll get detailed guidelines for conducting hot washes, including handling defensiveness and ensuring constructive feedback, fostering a productive and positive atmosphere even in tense situations.Get your Hot Wash Quick Reference Guide here: https://files.constantcontact.com/dcea1db4901/9b8dedf7-92f1-4ce3-b10e-4129995ff31d.pdf?rdr=trueWe want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/BuckslipShop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.comRegister for the 2024 Hazard Zone Conference here: http://hazardzonebc.com/All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifterPlease subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!This episode was recorded on July 30, 2024 in Charlottesville, VASteve Lester dives into his fascinating topic, blending competence, confidence, and control with insights from neuroscience. Meanwhile, Grant Light provides a sneak peek into his session on the "Eight Functions of Command for Technical Rescue," emphasizing customized training for various rescue scenarios. As a bonus, we share our love for Charlottesville and encourage you to secure your spot for the upcoming Hazard Zone Conference in Sharonville, Ohio.Finally, we explore the benefits of immediate debriefings and self-diagnosis after incidents. Discover how real-time learning and self-criticism can occur right at the back of the fire truck, capturing pivotal information without external judgment. We discuss the challenges of conducting these reviews in public or high-tension situations and stress the necessity of formal after-action reviews for significant incidents. Learn effective methods for documenting and disseminating lessons learned, and recognize the role of proactive leadership in driving continuous improvement and fostering a culture of learning within fire departments. Through personal stories and practical advice, this episode underscores the impact of effective leadership on team cohesion and operational excellence.
Frank Leeb on His New Mission, Safety, Training and Effective Firefighters
09-07-2024
Frank Leeb on His New Mission, Safety, Training and Effective Firefighters
Send us a textThis episode features Chris Stewart, Frank Leeb and John Vance.We are happy to welcome back Frank Leeb to the B Shifter Podcast! Firefighter safety, health, and resilience aren't just buzzwords—they're lifelines to a long career (and post-career). This episode gets into the nitty-gritty of mental health resources, cancer prevention, and the role of the Firefighter Cancer Registry. We discuss the proactive steps being taken to ensure firefighters not only survive but thrive in their careers and beyond. From PFAS awareness to quality training and mental resilience, we cover all aspects essential for a long, healthy, and effective career in firefighting. Tune in to hear how you can contribute to a safer, healthier future for all first responders. More information on the First Responder Center for Excellence here: https://firstrespondercenter.org/The National Firefighter Cancer Registry is here: https://nfr.cdc.gov/ We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0 Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com Register for the 2024 Hazard Zone Conference here: http://hazardzonebc.com/ All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter  Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!  This episode was recorded on July 8, 2024