5-Alarm Task Force!
Steve Greene
News and Issues For Today's First Responders. We provide some of the top mentors, leaders and members of the Fire Service from the U.S. and Canada.
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 5-Alarm Task Force! Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best 5-Alarm Task Force! episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to 5-Alarm Task Force! for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite 5-Alarm Task Force! episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
The Firefighter Cancer Foundation
5-Alarm Task Force!
09/17/18 • 142 min
As firefighters, we face some very difficult situations such as flammable liquids, concentrated atmospheres of flammable gas, heavy content fires, mass casualty incidents and more. Yet, many might agree that in 2018, there is one that could bring the bravest and “toughest” firefighter to his/her knees – and that is a diagnosis of cancer. Although today, more people are surviving cancer than ever before, our love for our work can often bring us together with strange, alternative forms of known cancers, even ones that have rarely, if ever, been seen before.
That is where our guest on this podcast, Cindy Ell, comes in. Cindy is the founder of the Firefighter Cancer Foundation, which was established in 2004. Cindy and her group of over three dozen volunteers, spread out across the country to help lead the charge against cancer in the fire service. They work on multiple platforms, including legislative at both state and federal levels; medical, working with medical professionals and facilities who are studying the causes of cancer in the fire service and searching for new treatment methods, and perhaps, their most important mission, working with firefighters and their families who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
This podcast contains excellent information and a great deal of it. You will see that Cindy doesn’t “beat around the bush,” and tells it like it is. The statistics that Cindy provides are somewhat overwhelming. Yet, she counters those with messages of real hope thanks to the work of the FFCF.
Who knows? This podcast just might save your life.
The Value of Education in the Fire Service
5-Alarm Task Force!
09/23/18 • 75 min
Over the years, many men and women have entered the fire service with little or no prior training other than perhaps being a “junior” firefighter, an Explorer® or perhaps the departments basic training program. Yet, as we are all well aware, we are quite often, not fighting the types of fires that our forebears did and, as a matter of fact, we are responding to many different types of calls, altogether. Add to the mix is the fact that many people entering both the career and volunteer fire service are looking towards advancing their knowledge to meet the changing role of the firefighter and the best way to do that is to expand your educational reach.
My guest on this podcast is Anthony Mangeri. Not only has Anthony been a volunteer in NJ for over thirty years, he is the Director of Fire & Emergency Services Initiatives at American Public University System. Anthony clearly and concisely explains how one can advance a career in not only the fire service, but in many areas of emergency services, through any number of choices of fields of studies, as well as the different types of degrees that are available.
If you are thinking of expanding your emergency services educational horizons, I urge you to listen carefully to Anthony’s descriptions of the types of degrees and which ones may or may not be transferable to other fire schools/academies or even towards college credits. This information might help you avoid some of the common difficulties when seeking to transfer your studies and credits.
Episode 248: Episode 9-11 – Todd J LeDuc – Dep. CEO – Lifescan Wellness
5-Alarm Task Force!
11/13/24 • 76 min
How many times have we heard about a friend or relative made his/her annual visit to their doctor. She runs a batch of tests, only to tell you that there is a problem. When the patient is asked, “Why didn’t you come in sooner?” The sad answer is, “I didn’t think it was anything to bother you with.” Sadly, this often results in a serious condition that might have been mitigated with early discovery.
Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” is an ardent supporter of our podcast and always teaches us important and valuable info to promote healthy habits for the fire service and, more important, early detection!
Over the years, even when still serving as the Executive Assistant Chief of the Broward County Sheriff – Fire/Rescue Division. Even long before he was involved with Lifescan Wellness, he brought them into that very department to evaluate the health of the firefighters, officers, etc. And with every appearance on the podcast, Todd has shared some of the wonderful stories of firefighters, police officers and others who, through the exams through Lifescan Wellness, many folks had early detection of what could have led to that person facing a tough, medical battle. Yet, with early detection, the Lifescan teams have found health issues which, had not been discovered, might have led to a significant issue.
Check out our videocast on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp,” and our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms.
********************
Please remember that we need your help especially during this Holiday Season; to raise the important funds we use to financially help our Brothers/Sisters and/or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can afford, any amount will help us.
And you can always reach us at [email protected]
The Importance of the 360 Size-Up + More!
5-Alarm Task Force!
12/11/19 • 155 min
As long as we have had two-way radios in the fire service, the first arriving officer (or whomever was in a “right seat”) would provide some sort of report upon arrival. In my active years in two different departments from ’77-’85, the FAO might give a 15-30 “quick view” to dispatch. I remember being assigned to “recon” a structure file, a few times and report back to the ranking officer on scene. And mind you, in those days we had two radios: one fixed in the apparatus and one for the person in the right seat. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then!
For this special “Panel Discussion” episode of “5-alarm Task Force,” I am joined my Commissioner Jared Renshaw, Battalion Chief Andy Starnes, Captain Andrew Roach and Lt. Jason Liska; four, seasoned and well-experienced officers. Together, we discuss the critical importance of the good report; preferably one derived from a 360. We concede that there will be occasions where a quick, “windshield” size-up will be expedient to expedite an initial ops plan; however it must be followed up with a more complete size-up, 360 preferred, if possible. Our discussion is backed-up by the results of numerous post-LODD NIOSH reports.
While my guests and I always believe that every episode is a “learning tool” for the listener, this panel and I see this episode as one that is as important for the line firefighter as it is for the chief officer. This one might very well save a firefighter’s life.
For this special “Panel Discussion” episode of “5-alarm Task Force,” I am joined my Commissioner Jared Renshaw, Battalion Chief Andy Starnes, Captain Andrew Roach and Lt. Jason Liska; four, seasoned and well-experienced officers. Together, we discuss the critical importance of the good report; preferably one derived from a 360. We concede that there will be occasions where a quick, “windshield” size-up will be expedient to expedite an initial ops plan; however it must be followed up with a more complete size-up, 360 preferred, if possible. Our discussion is backed-up by the results of numerous post-LODD NIOSH reports.
While my guests and I always believe that every episode is a “learning tool” for the listener, this panel and I see this episode as one that is as important for the line firefighter as it is for the chief officer. This one might very well save a firefighter’s life.
Proper Rehab on the Emergency Scene!
5-Alarm Task Force!
03/29/19 • 124 min
“REHAB” – a word that’s both prized and despised by most first responders, especially, firefighters. Why? Simply put, because it takes them away from the job they were doing. Prized? Because you get a quick breather, a cold drink and, if you’re lucky, a towel. This old model of rehab comes from the age when we told firefighters who were having difficulties dealing with some of the tragedy and trauma, to “Suck it up!” That command is no longer appropriate, and neither is poor or even incorrect rehab!
My guest, Erica Wood, is a veteran firefighter and paramedic. And one of her greatest concerns is the well-being of emergency personnel; both those she works with and in the greater fire service, as well. In this podcast, Erica discusses the importance of proper rehab for emergency workers who are fighting a major fire, dealing with a structural collapse, mitigating a HAZMAT incident or other major emergencies.
For example, Erica explains that drinking an ice-cold drink after exiting a building where you had been fighting fire, pulling down walls and ceilings, all while wearing all your bunker gear and keeping that heat inside you, is not a healthy idea! Neither is the pizza, hot dogs and hamburgers that the friendly guy from the burger joint in town, sends over!
Listen, as Erica explains what the real purpose of on-scene rehab is supposed to be about and the correct ways to carry it all out. One of most important things to remember is that rehab is not a punitive measure; it’s sole purpose is to care for the well-being of every emergency worker on the scene. Tune in and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Find “5-Alarm Task Force” on our website, www.dalmatianproductions.tv or on your favorite podcast platform. Stay Safe & Stay Well!
My guest, Erica Wood, is a veteran firefighter and paramedic. And one of her greatest concerns is the well-being of emergency personnel; both those she works with and in the greater fire service, as well. In this podcast, Erica discusses the importance of proper rehab for emergency workers who are fighting a major fire, dealing with a structural collapse, mitigating a HAZMAT incident or other major emergencies.
For example, Erica explains that drinking an ice-cold drink after exiting a building where you had been fighting fire, pulling down walls and ceilings, all while wearing all your bunker gear and keeping that heat inside you, is not a healthy idea! Neither is the pizza, hot dogs and hamburgers that the friendly guy from the burger joint in town, sends over!
Listen, as Erica explains what the real purpose of on-scene rehab is supposed to be about and the correct ways to carry it all out. One of most important things to remember is that rehab is not a punitive measure; it’s sole purpose is to care for the well-being of every emergency worker on the scene. Tune in and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Find “5-Alarm Task Force” on our website, www.dalmatianproductions.tv or on your favorite podcast platform. Stay Safe & Stay Well!
Staffing, Recruitment & Retention – A Panel’s View
5-Alarm Task Force!
02/04/19 • 104 min
There are few greater issues facing not only the fire service today, but all manner of first responders. To address these important matters, I am proud to present four current or past chiefs, who share their own experiences and views.
Joining me is Chief Anthony Correia (ret.) Burlington Township NJ Fire Dept., Commissioner Jaren Renshaw, Western Berks Fire Dept., PA, Chief Brian Soller, Monticello NY Fire Dept. and Chief James Tornebene, TX.
As the roles and demands of our ever-changing society push and pull us in diverse directions, so have our abilities to be able to serve our communities, not only as first responders, but in serving those civic and religious organizations that we once devoted free time to. This ever stronger “push-pull” requires new ideas and approaches as we look to both increase and retain those who wish to serve their communities as members of career, volunteer or paid-on-call departments.
These four gentlemen share their experiences over their many years of service. They have seen this evolution of society, as well as the fire service over the past forty years and how our job descriptions and requirements have changed many times over. With that much change, we might also see confusion and high turnover in our departments. Each of these chiefs share with you the listener, what they have seen and/or done, within their own or neighboring communities.
Be ready to take notes! This is a podcast the likes of which we have never done before!
Joining me is Chief Anthony Correia (ret.) Burlington Township NJ Fire Dept., Commissioner Jaren Renshaw, Western Berks Fire Dept., PA, Chief Brian Soller, Monticello NY Fire Dept. and Chief James Tornebene, TX.
As the roles and demands of our ever-changing society push and pull us in diverse directions, so have our abilities to be able to serve our communities, not only as first responders, but in serving those civic and religious organizations that we once devoted free time to. This ever stronger “push-pull” requires new ideas and approaches as we look to both increase and retain those who wish to serve their communities as members of career, volunteer or paid-on-call departments.
These four gentlemen share their experiences over their many years of service. They have seen this evolution of society, as well as the fire service over the past forty years and how our job descriptions and requirements have changed many times over. With that much change, we might also see confusion and high turnover in our departments. Each of these chiefs share with you the listener, what they have seen and/or done, within their own or neighboring communities.
Be ready to take notes! This is a podcast the likes of which we have never done before!
Situational Awareness Matters!
5-Alarm Task Force!
01/28/19 • 78 min
If you’re a firefighter or in law enforcement, if you’re in EMS or another profession where “risk” at the top of the job description, you have probably had that “feeling in your gut.” You know the one; you are about to do something, but that little voice inside whispers to you to reconsider? If you’re in any profession with high risk, you know exactly what I am talking about. That is your inner-self speaking to you, as it sees or knows a bit more than you do at that very moment.
My guest on this episode is Dr. Richard Gasaway, renowned authority on human factors, situational awareness and the decision-making process in high stress, high consequence, work environments. He has authored six books and he has been widely cited in more than four-hundred books, book chapters, journal articles and online publications. He is the creator and host of the podcast, “Situational Awareness Matters,” available on your preferred podcast streaming service.
In our discussion, we focus on the concepts of “gut feeling” and “intuition;” are they the same, complimentary or different and how the concept applies. Dr. Gasaway shares some of the details from his recent episodes, “Top 10 Near-Miss Interviews,” and “Mental Rehearsal.”
Look at this way, not every decision we make on a day-to-day basis, drives that “gut feeling” or needs that intuitive angle. However, if you to “5-Alarm Task Force” on a regular basis, most likely, you are a first responder. If so, you probably know what we are referring to. To learn more about it, tune in with us for this podcast, “Situational Awareness Matters!”
My guest on this episode is Dr. Richard Gasaway, renowned authority on human factors, situational awareness and the decision-making process in high stress, high consequence, work environments. He has authored six books and he has been widely cited in more than four-hundred books, book chapters, journal articles and online publications. He is the creator and host of the podcast, “Situational Awareness Matters,” available on your preferred podcast streaming service.
In our discussion, we focus on the concepts of “gut feeling” and “intuition;” are they the same, complimentary or different and how the concept applies. Dr. Gasaway shares some of the details from his recent episodes, “Top 10 Near-Miss Interviews,” and “Mental Rehearsal.”
Look at this way, not every decision we make on a day-to-day basis, drives that “gut feeling” or needs that intuitive angle. However, if you to “5-Alarm Task Force” on a regular basis, most likely, you are a first responder. If so, you probably know what we are referring to. To learn more about it, tune in with us for this podcast, “Situational Awareness Matters!”
The Difficult Psychology of First Responders
5-Alarm Task Force!
02/08/19 • 80 min
From an outside view, the life of first responders looks glamorous and exciting. The red, white and blue lights flashing, “busting” the speed limit, sirens screaming. However, when those first responders arrive on the scene, they often find sadness and desolation, the darkest side of humanity or tragic, unnecessary loss. Now, imagine facing those situations day-after-day or on almost every shift. As we are about to close the second decade of the twenty-first century, our first responders see this dark side far too often. Add to that the pressures of everyday life in today’s “I need it now” society and some reach a breaking point.
They don’t wear capes, nor do they have super powers, for those first responders are our neighbors, members of our church or synagogue, shop at the same grocery store that we do. And when we do see them in public, whether in uniform or not, there will probably always be a smile or a friendly nod. However, if we could look deeper, we just might see a very troubled individual.
My guest, Mark Lamplugh, Jr., is a former fire captain and knows of what I describe above. And he has dedicated himself to helping those first responders who suffer from the trauma of the profession, that truth be told, they love. For the past ten years, Mark has answered phone calls and emails from first responders around the county, reaching out from the darkness for help.
In today’s episode, Mark discusses the issues that many first responders face and how he has helped them deal with these behavioral health problems. Additionally, he has taken that experience to create a non-profit agency, to allow first responder agencies or their communities to have their own, private and secure website, customized specifically for that agency or community, where those first responders can turn to learn or for help that has already been vetted to not only work with first responders, but will also accept the insurance coverage of the responder. Learn more with my guest, Mark Lamplugh, Jr.
They don’t wear capes, nor do they have super powers, for those first responders are our neighbors, members of our church or synagogue, shop at the same grocery store that we do. And when we do see them in public, whether in uniform or not, there will probably always be a smile or a friendly nod. However, if we could look deeper, we just might see a very troubled individual.
My guest, Mark Lamplugh, Jr., is a former fire captain and knows of what I describe above. And he has dedicated himself to helping those first responders who suffer from the trauma of the profession, that truth be told, they love. For the past ten years, Mark has answered phone calls and emails from first responders around the county, reaching out from the darkness for help.
In today’s episode, Mark discusses the issues that many first responders face and how he has helped them deal with these behavioral health problems. Additionally, he has taken that experience to create a non-profit agency, to allow first responder agencies or their communities to have their own, private and secure website, customized specifically for that agency or community, where those first responders can turn to learn or for help that has already been vetted to not only work with first responders, but will also accept the insurance coverage of the responder. Learn more with my guest, Mark Lamplugh, Jr.
Hoods for Heroes Part II-Who Pays for My Cancer Treatment?
5-Alarm Task Force!
01/07/19 • 83 min
I am happy to welcome back the two founders of Hoods for Heroes, Jeff Rountree and Bill Hamilton. In Part I of their program, we learned how Jeff and Bill have dedicated the past year to providing new flash hoods, ones with a special weave, the precludes soot, toxins and carcinogens for passing through to the sensitive skin on our neck and face. Their foundation is raising funds from other foundations, corporate sponsors and others, to meet the goal of providing these hoods to every firefighter in the U.S.
In this second appearance, Jeff and Bill are here to answer two very important questions,
1. “Who pays for my cancer treatment if I am diagnosed?
2. Is there a way to financially prepare myself and/or my family?
As someone who was declared disabled at the age of 40, with a wife, two young children and a new house, I was lucky to have purchased a private disability policy at age 29. That policy saved my butt! Now ask yourself, with our strong Firefighter Cancer Initiative education and mitigation programs, do you have any idea of what happens if you receive a diagnosis of some type of cancer?
Joining Jeff and Bill is a friend Tanya, who firefighter husband was recently diagnosed with a Stage 4 cancer. Tanya, who had been in the insurance business until her husband’s illness, explains the financial “tornado” they find themselves in. They had thought that with her husband’s insurance policies through work, everything would have been taken care of. But that is not the case.
Jeff and Bill and explain how payments may work depending on your insurance coverage and tell us about a new program, “Living Benefits,” that provides funds for the patient and his/her family, and not necessarily for just a cancer diagnosis. Every first responder should listen to this podcast!
In this second appearance, Jeff and Bill are here to answer two very important questions,
1. “Who pays for my cancer treatment if I am diagnosed?
2. Is there a way to financially prepare myself and/or my family?
As someone who was declared disabled at the age of 40, with a wife, two young children and a new house, I was lucky to have purchased a private disability policy at age 29. That policy saved my butt! Now ask yourself, with our strong Firefighter Cancer Initiative education and mitigation programs, do you have any idea of what happens if you receive a diagnosis of some type of cancer?
Joining Jeff and Bill is a friend Tanya, who firefighter husband was recently diagnosed with a Stage 4 cancer. Tanya, who had been in the insurance business until her husband’s illness, explains the financial “tornado” they find themselves in. They had thought that with her husband’s insurance policies through work, everything would have been taken care of. But that is not the case.
Jeff and Bill and explain how payments may work depending on your insurance coverage and tell us about a new program, “Living Benefits,” that provides funds for the patient and his/her family, and not necessarily for just a cancer diagnosis. Every first responder should listen to this podcast!
"Fully Invlolved Leadership" with Chief Gary Ludwig
5-Alarm Task Force!
05/06/19 • 98 min
If you have been involved in fire and/or EMS, you probably know the name, “Gary Ludwig.” Chief Ludwig has over 40 years of experience in fire-rescue and EMS. He has served as the Chief Paramedic of the St. Louis Fire Dept, the Deputy Fire Chief for the Memphis Fire Dept, and currently serves as the Chief of the Champaign IL Fire Dept.
In his new book, “Fully Involved Leadership,” Chief Ludwig shares some new and fresh perspectives on good leadership. He brings a new view of the leadership triangle and you’ll be surprised at the vision he presents.
Listen, the best leaders are not the ones who shout the loudest or intimidate those of the lower ranks. Chief Ludwig draws on his years of experience, from when he started his career with the St. Louis Fire Dept., just two months after graduating high school to his present position as Chief of the Champaign IL Fire Dept. His new book is for any firefighter/paramedic who aspires to be a leader in this field, from the newest recruit to well-experienced line officer to the chief.
In his new book, “Fully Involved Leadership,” Chief Ludwig shares some new and fresh perspectives on good leadership. He brings a new view of the leadership triangle and you’ll be surprised at the vision he presents.
Listen, the best leaders are not the ones who shout the loudest or intimidate those of the lower ranks. Chief Ludwig draws on his years of experience, from when he started his career with the St. Louis Fire Dept., just two months after graduating high school to his present position as Chief of the Champaign IL Fire Dept. His new book is for any firefighter/paramedic who aspires to be a leader in this field, from the newest recruit to well-experienced line officer to the chief.
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does 5-Alarm Task Force! have?
5-Alarm Task Force! currently has 199 episodes available.
What topics does 5-Alarm Task Force! cover?
The podcast is about Leadership, Ems, Podcasts, Education, Firefighting and Government.
What is the most popular episode on 5-Alarm Task Force!?
The episode title 'Who Knew? This Doctor Did!' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on 5-Alarm Task Force!?
The average episode length on 5-Alarm Task Force! is 103 minutes.
How often are episodes of 5-Alarm Task Force! released?
Episodes of 5-Alarm Task Force! are typically released every 7 days, 18 hours.
When was the first episode of 5-Alarm Task Force!?
The first episode of 5-Alarm Task Force! was released on Mar 2, 2018.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ