Unlock the latest news on fire safety and firefighter trends with our accomplished hosts as they are joined by a new fire industry expert each episode. We'll take a deep dive into conversations that navigate current news and evolving issues within the fire service. Season 1 Host: Retired FDNY Battalion Chief, Bob Keys Season 2 Host: Battalion Chief of Charlotte FD & Founder of Insight Training Andy Starnes. This podcast is hosted by Fire-Dex.
What an exciting 2 Seasons that we've had! Thank you to our loyal listeners for tuning in and to our guests who have shared their knowledge and expertise with firefighter world-wide. We hope you have walked away with a few new tips and lessons on how to make firefighting a little bit safer. Fire-Dex still have tons of educational resources available for you on our blog and social channels. Make sure to check them out! Again, thank you so much for listening! Learn more abo...
8 Sept 2022
Educate and Innovate: Keeping Up with High-Fidelity Training
Navigate the ever-changing world of fire training with Chiefs Shane Bentley and Webster Marshall as they discuss the founding principles of their organization Bearers of the Oath. Tune in as they explore the importance of high-fidelity training and express their commitment to firefighter mental and physical health. WHAT YOU CAN LEARN Prepping Firefighter Recruits How Well Firefighters are Educated on PPE What Comes Between You and the Danger Realist...
5 Aug 2022
How to Be Efficient in Fireground Search
Join Andy Starnes and Chief Schwalbe as they discuss the best ways to be efficient during fireground search training and how to become a better fire instructor. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN: How to be a better fire instructor The basics of search & rescue training How to utilize data to better your search tactics Ways to train at home Best practices for efficient tool placement Search curriculum ABOUT OUR GUEST: Grant Schwalbe is the Division Chief...
24 Jun 2022
Realistic Firefighter Training & Aggressive Mindset
Understand the importance of modern & realistic firefighter trainings and why the benefits are invaluable with Andy Starnes and Chris Kessinger as they discuss how the industry is bridging the gap between firefighter safety and protecting the environment. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN How realistic training is conducted Why consistent training is critical to a firefighter's job Maintaining a safe work environment Tips to conduct in-department trainings...
17 May 2022
Understanding Your PPE & How to Mitigate Exposure Risks
Understand how to reduce exposure risks and the importance of doffing PPE correctly. In this episode, Andy Starnes, Dr. Farzaneh Masoud, and Richard Kesler as this trio dives deep into THL & TPP, how to reduce inflammation and the future of gross decon. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN Effects of exposure within the body and cancer risks How to reduce cross contamination in the fire house Why PPE is helpful and not a hinderance The importance of prope...
11 Jan 2022
Addressing Mental Health in the Fire Service
First responders are expected to be calm and level-headed but the stressors faced by those in the fire service can have a cumulative impact on mental health and well-being. Listen in as Andy Starnes and Dena Ali discuss the stigma associated with firefighters seeking help and how peer support resources can be a solution. What You Can Expect To Learn Biggest misconceptions about mental health in firefighters Addressing feelings vs recycling them PTSD...
22 Nov 2021
Q&A with Season 2 Host Andy Starnes
Tune in as Season 1 host Retired Battalion Chief Bob Keys passes the reigns to Battalion Chief Andy Starnes of Charlotte Fire Department and Founder of Insight Training. Join us as we bid farewell to Bob and get to know our new Season 2 host as he shares stories about his journey in the fire service and how he hopes to help make firefighting a little bit safer! WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN: What Hosting Has Meant to BobWhere Bob's Next Adventure in the Fire Service Will Lead HimHow Andy Was ...
13 Sept 2021
The Evolution of PPE Since 9/11
Learn about the changing culture within the fire service that has led to a better understanding of health and safety needs for firefighters through advancements in PPE in the years since 9/11. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN: Conceptualization of today's particulate blocking hoods Expectations of gear inspections and cleaning Inefficiencies in past PPE technology Ergonomic design of modern turnout gear Introduction of alternative PPE ABOU...
12 Jul 2021
Why Alternative PPE Matters
Listen in as Instructor Andy Starnes of Insight Training translates THL & TPP into firefighter speak, discusses why alternative matters to your health, and reviews advancements in firefighting technologies. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN: The History of THL and TPPPositive Culture Changes in the Fire ServiceThe Reasons to Consider Alternative PPECardiac Issues, Heat Stress, and Your GearFirefighting Tech Advancements ABOUT OUR GUEST: Instructor Andy Starnes of Insight Training is a ...
3 May 2021
Pre-Screen to Intervene: A Proactive Approach to Firefighter Health and Survival
Understand how preventative measures and regular monitoring can help reduce occupational health concerns like cancer and cardiovascular disease with Todd LeDuc, Chief Strategy Officer of LifeScan Wellness Centers, and Rob Brown, Physicians Assistant and founder of the New York Firefighters Heart & Lung Institute, who are helping firefighters gain access to regular health check-ups and spread awareness about early detection. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN: Why You Should Schedule R...
24 Feb 2021
Fire as a Weapon
Explore the history of fire as a weapon and its uses within the fire service, law enforcement, and the latest technological devices. Listen as Chief Keys is joined by Assistant Fire Chief Homer Robertson of Fort Worth Texas Fire Department and Special Agent in Charge, Christopher Combs of the Federal Bureau of Investigation San Antonio Division. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN: The history of fire as a weapon Police and fire service coordination during riots &nbs...
28 Jan 2021
Turning the Table on Retired Battalion FDNY Chief Bob Keys
Get a behind the scenes look into Chief Keys’ robust career as Allen Rom takes the lead as host while the Chief shares his experiences becoming a firefighter, completing his first engine run, and moving up the ladder in FDNY. ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Battalion Chief Keys completed a total of 31 years of service, beginning as a firefighter for a high volume station, Engine 48, in the Bronx. As a Captain and Lieutenant, he served in many areas of NYC including Midtown Manhattan. Soon after earni...
28 Dec 2020
Wildland Firefighting and the Impacts of COVID-19
Discover how Wildland firefighting has evolved this year during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In this episode, Chief Keys is joined by Deputy Chief Douglass Ferro, who oversees state and federal programs under Cooperative Fire Protection at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and Tony Petrilli, a Fire Equipment Specialist for the U.S. Forest Service’s National Technology and Development Program. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN: Major differences between Urban a...
29 Sept 2020
Reducing Carcinogen Exposure and Managing Issued PPE
Join Fire Chief Christopher Bowcock and Firefighter Paul Rushton of Burnaby City Fire Department, and Lieutenant Kevin Tomyk of Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, with Chief Keys, to get an inside look into how their departments take steps to reduce carcinogen exposure and manage issued PPE. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN: Comparisons between having spare PPE vs. a 2nd set of gearIn house decontamination steps Ways to reduce carcinogen exposure Proper steps during on-scene decon for...
5 Aug 2020
How Metro Departments Respond to Fires and Emergencies During Civil Unrest
Assistant Chief Brandon Wade who is in charge of Operations and Communications at the Austin Fire Department in Texas, and Deputy Chief Chris Costamagna, who supervises Fleet, Facilities, Logistics, Information Technology, Communications and Support Services at Sacramento Fire Department in California, join Chief Keys to discuss how their departments respond to emergencies during recent protests and the growing civil unrest in their areas. ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Assistant Chief Brandon Wade Wi...
15 Jun 2020
Paying Respects to Fallen Firefighters During COVID-19
Retired Chief Ron Siarnicki, who actively serves as the Executive Director of the National Fallen Fire Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in Maryland, and Joe Minogue, retired FDNY Lieutenant and lead advocate for the NFFF on Long Island, join Chief Keys to discuss how firefighters are coping with COVID-19 and how to organize a line of duty death funeral despite the current social challenges. ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Retired Chief Ronald Siarinicki began his fire service career in 1978 with the ...
3 Jun 2020
How COVID-19 is Impacting the Fire Service
Assistant Chief Adam House, who is in charge of training, health and safety for the Sacramento Metro Fire District in California, and Assistant Chief Bryan Norris, the Executive Officer of Emergency Services for the San Antonio Fire Department in Texas, join Chief Keys to discuss how their departments implemented changes to procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ABOUT THE HOST: Battalion Chief Keys completed a total of 31 years of service, beginning as a firefighter for a high volu...
27 May 2020
Rapid Fire Trailer
Rapid Fire, hosted by Fire-Dex, is a podcast series that unlocks current and trending topics affecting the fire service. Join us as retired FDNY Battalion Chief Bob Keys explores relevant topics and news with highly-esteemed fire industry experts within the U.S. Chief Keys completed a total of 31 years of service, beginning as a firefighter for a high volume station in the Bronx. As a Captain and Lieutenant, he served various municipalities including Midtown Manhattan, until settling in...
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