front line workers

Apollo Gerolymbos is a digital, data and technology leader with experience in finance, the arts, market research and the emergency services sectors. 

He is part of the London Fire Brigade as the Head of Data Analytics, Insight & Reporting Leading a multidisciplinary team of 15 people covering data analytics, insight and reporting relating to all the LFB’s activities. 

Today you learn:

• What is Data Analytics
• The Role of Data Science in the Future of Fire and Rescue
• The benefits of Decisions based on Data
• How AI language models can be used for incident command
• Some actionable steps to use Data Analytics for service efficiency 

We are trying to commit more time and resource to make the podcast a lasting resource for people and we are doing this through our Patreon page & It's only £3 a month.
 
We give patreon members discounts on merch like coins, hoodies, clothing, patches, tally and also access to all documents shared with the podcast.

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY with every episode ever made & also get access to every Debrief & Subject Matter expert document shard with us then join our PATREON crew and support the future of the podcast by clicking HERE

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Back in June this year our very own Pete visited the GORE team out in Germany. Going behind the scenes at their European manufacturing base he got to meet the people behind the high-performance culture as well as the GORE-TEX moisture barriers that protect him and all of us in fire services around the world.

Over the coming week there will be some videos going out on theirs YouTube channel. We want to share where the podcast is going and the videos are a way of taking you all with us so check the link in our bio, subscribe to the channel to be first see a few short videos and interviews.

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

Get hold of podcast hoodies, clothing & apparel by visiting RIP INTO HERE

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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RIP INTO
 
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Dave Hodge recently retired from an incredible career in the fire service.

Born in Scotland & grew up Australia Dave joined the fire service later than expected given how much he squeezed into his career. Through the firefighter exchange program he ended up working 30 years made  up of 15 year stints in  fire and rescue services on opposite sides of the world whilst also going on exchange 3 times to America during his career. 

Today, we peak about;

• Why being practically minded is essential for a firefighter
• how being inquisitive is a super power
• what you learn leading a bushfire strike force
• the benefits of the international exchange programme
• Queensland,  Australia originally from Hampshire FRS in the UK
•  & how Back burning is an effective Wildfire strategy

If you want to reach out you can contact Dave at davidhodge1960@gmail.com to learn more about his life & career

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY with every episode ever made & also get access to every Debrief & Subject Matter expert document shard with us then join our PATREON crew and support the future of the podcast by clicking HERE

Get hold of podcast hoodies, clothing & apparel by visiting RIP INTO HERE

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
HAIX Footwear
GRENADE
RIP INTO
 
Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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Shaun & Paul come from a background is complex investigations, standards checking, codes of practice compliance and quality assurance. They have experience of taking witness statements and conducting interviews to criminal law standards (the highest legal standard of proof 'beyond reasonable doubt'). In particular, they have significant experience of managing sensitive information (up to level of Top Secret) including associated security measures.

Say so launched in 2017 to make a difference in organisations including Fire & Rescue, Police, NHS & care sector to make workplaces safer and better and to create the best possible workplace culture.

you can find out more about SAY SO:

• Website  www.say-so.co.uk
• Web site contact form  https://www.say-so.co.uk/contact/
• Email  info@say-so.co.uk           
• Tel 0800 321 3546  (option 2)  for client relationship and sales team

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY with every episode ever made & also get access to every Debrief & Subject Matter expert document shard with us then join our PATREON crew and support the future of the podcast by clicking HERE

Get hold of podcast hoodies, clothing & apparel by visiting RIP INTO HERE

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
HAIX Footwear
GRENADE
RIP INTO
 
Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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Andy Kirk is a highly experienced retired officer in the UK Fire service who now teaches incident commanders with a specialist knowledge in MTA awareness training through his company Centurion Command as well as a variety of other skillsets to first responders and others in related sectors.

In todays conversation we cover many aspects including:

• Experiencing a real backdraft
• common sense in the fire service
• the importance of ongoing training
• how to prepare officers for assessment and promotion
• how to manage disengaged firefighters
• the decision vortex
• and much more.....

You can connect with Andy HERE

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

Get hold of podcast hoodies, clothing & apparel by visiting RIP INTO HERE

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
HAIX Footwear
GRENADE
RIP INTO
 
Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Most organisation would like to believe they support and empower their leaders, commanders & first responders to make efficient and effective decisions, use discretion, apply a risk-based approach and provide the organisation with both competency-based assurance and operational accountability. 

But how do you ensure that these front line leaders and the teams they work within, can operate safely and effectively, when faced with less frequent, but potentially more complex situations and cases, when realistic experience or training is harder to come by. 

 Dr Katherine Lamb is a respected authority on the training and assessment of Incident Command and crisis decision making. Katherine worked as an accomplished research academic before joining the Fire Service in 2004. During her Fire Service career, Katherine served in Birmingham, Manchester and Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Services, her final post was Lead Officer for incident command training and assessment.

In 2015, Katherine developed Effective Command, a behavioural marking system for the assessment and recording of incident command competence. This development tool is accredited and endorsed by several professional bodies and academic institutions, and it is used Internationally as the Best Practice methodology to train and assess incident command competence.

Find out more about EFFECTIVE COMMAND HERE
Connect with Katherine HERE

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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We recently went and undertook The National 3 Peaks 24 hour challenge with Elite Adventures with some ex-military, marines and most importantly some great friends.

Climbing can be hard, but it's the most rewarding thing many of us have ever done. It takes us to places of incredible beauty, and it challenges us to find untapped reserves of strength and resourcefulness. It's also just plain fun, if you don't mind putting out a little effort.

If you want to find out more about Elite Adventures click HERE

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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James is a UK firefighter, writer & champions firefighter health, sharing knowledged and to reduce the likelihood of getting cancer over the course of their careers through his platform Stoke & Vent.

There has been a lot of progress, awareness and guidance come out about FIREFIGHTER CANCER since James first came on the podcast. Today we cover over some of the recent case studies, data and guidance and share what firefighters can be doing to reduce the likelihood of getting cancer over the course of their careers.

James shares the message of stoke and vent where he Encourages firefighters to take a proactive stance on maintaining their health and abilities - Through a conscientious approach to physical & mental wellness, health & safety, and personal development he helps show how we can combat the risks we face at work and give ourselves the best possible chance of living a long and happy life throughout our career and into retirement.

James first episode on the podcast episode #69 HERE
James on LinkedIn HERE
Stoke and Vent socials HERE

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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Today I'm talking with Firefighters Jack Baker & Matt Adams who both competed at this years British Firefighter Challenge

Jack was the fastest Male in the 18-29 category and also won the entire competition with his time of 02:14:09 taking home the trophy, gold medal and a second William Woods Watch as the now reigning champion.

Matt took second place in Male in the 18-29 category with his time of 02:18:43.

This years event was hosted by The Firefighters podcast at the Cathedral Gardens, Manchester City Centre on the 29th & 30th of July.

The venue for our 2024 event is Liverpool, Pierhead , underneath the iconic Liver Building famous in so many great films. It is also being co-hosted with Pride 🌈 so plenty of reasons for our competitors and spectators to take the journey north next year. Firefighters wanting to take part will be able to register their interest on the website and then registration as always will be 1st January.

You can register for the 2024 event HERE

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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Today i catch up with my good friend, retired firefighter and fellow podcaster James Geering.

James runs the Behind The Shield Podcast based in the US and you find more information about him by visiting the podcasts website HERE

Find out more about the Human Performance Project HERE

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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Today im joined by Ed Sullivan who is the Hazardous Materials Lead at Ricardo - National Chemical Emergency Centre & Andrew Barnes who is an Incident Management Specialist at Environment Agency

You can connect with Ed HERE
You can connect with Andy HERE

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

As a civil engineer Michael Reick started to work at the University of Stuttgart and at their fire testing and research laboratory.

As a volunteer fire fighter he started the training for the career fire service and worked as a regional fire chief.  In 2004 Michael Reick used his study leave to perform computational fluid calculations about positive pressure ventilation. His aim was to prevent smoke spread into stairways to keep people and fire fighters safe by controlling the smoke and air flow in buildings.

This work and lead to the development of portable smoke blocking devices now referred to commonly as SMOKE CURTAINS. This tool and the strategy to control fire and smoke developed itself to a proven standard for thousands of fire departments globally.

Find out more about Smoke Curtains HERE
Purchase them HERE
Connect with Dr Michael Reick HERE

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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How much do you know about High Visibility ?
Do you know what you could be wearing to keep you safe and ensure you get seen &  found when perhaps your life depends on it.

Luke Evdemon talk to us about Reflective & Phosphorescent Technology and his work as part of  Viz Reflectives. Viz Reflectives are Innovators and experts in reflective and phosphorescent technology.

Find out more about Viz Reflectives HERE
Find them on Linkedin HERE

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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999 RE:SET is a charity based in Scotland creating weekend experiences for First responder Mental & physical wellbeing in the outdoors.

You can find more information and book onto their upcoming weekend where the podcast will be in attendance on their platforms below
Instagram - https://instagram.com/999_reset?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 Twitter - https://twitter.com/999_reset?s=21&t=mg8CEVqs1Hg1pQP-Dp8O2w

We hope to see you there

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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HAIX Footwear
 
Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
Please subscribe to the podcast on Youtube

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Dawn Whittaker is the Chief Fire Officer for East Sussex Fire & rescue service.

During our chat today we discuss her journey into the emergency services as well as her incredible knowledge and experience outside of the sector. Her mantra is to improve the performance of organisations through people and well managed change.

For more information on some of the topics discussed please see links below:

• Blue Light Programme - Mind 
• Lunch and Learn | Podcast 1 | Neurodiversity - YouTube
• Equality of Access to Services and Employment Neurodiversity | NFCC CPO (ukfrs.com)
• Neurodiversity past and present - an introduction to the Neurodiversity Reader - Kent Academic Repository
• Watersports Safety
• National Water safety forum

You cant contact Dawn on the following platforms:

• Twitter
• Linkedin

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

The Podcast team recently attended a 2 week fire behaviour Instructor course at the largest and most renowned fire training facility in the UK.

Some of the incredible Instructors leading the course included:
Steve Luke
Dave Payton
John MacDonald

At the end of the course Pete & Sarah sat down with Steve Luke to discuss some of the key learnings from the course as well as some of the misconceptions about fire behaviour and fire craft.

Steve served in the Military before becoming a Firefighter where he found his niche which is that he loves to teach people.

He teaches new students from day 1 in their Fire Service career to confirmation of skills then up to the most experienced operators.

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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HAIX Footwear
 
Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
Please subscribe to the podcast on Youtube

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

Rob is a serving firefighter in the UK fire & rescue service. In his first career in the fire service he served across many stations both retained/on-call and wholetime finishing at the rank of station manager before choosing to re-apply and join again as a firefighter.

Rob has had some incredible personal and professional experiences that he shares on todays episode. For context this episode was recorded back in October of 2022.

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
Please subscribe to the podcast on Youtube

Enter our monthly giveaways on the following platforms
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Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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

Mike Maybin is the Co-founder - Director of IRRTC Rescue LTD

Mike has a unique horizontal approach to learning and passing knowledge on through proven educational methods. He is passionate about this from every level - basic up to more advanced.  His expertise is wide ranging from Trauma, Military, Trench rescue, vehicle rescue and collision which he delivers through exposure to real world incidents in emergency services and the continual development of technology.

His company IRRTC delivers bespoke content to military, emergency services and security organisations & specialist industries.

Reach out to Mike HERE
Find out more about IRRTC HERE
Find out more about their 2 Day – Trench Rescue Awareness Course HERE
Find out more about their  5 Day – Trench Rescue Technician HERE

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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HAIX Footwear
 
Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
Please subscribe to the podcast on Youtube

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

The WFS renowned national event has been running for over two decades and is open to all genders in any role in the Fire and Rescue Service. Everyone is welcome.

Fuel your motivation to learn new skills, invest in your development and discover your true potential. A space to connect with like-minded professionals across a multitude of Services.

Be Inspired

Inspire Others

Expand Your Network

Empower Yourself

Unlock Potential

Learn more about WFS HERE

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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HAIX Footwear
 
Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
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Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Victoria is a Veterinary Surgeon and Certified Coach experienced at resolving personal and professional challenges. Manager within Dogs Trust's veterinary team to provide the best possible care to dogs within UK-based rehoming centres, outreach and worldwide projects.

I first met Victoria in her role as Lead Veterinarian for UKISAR where he is in charge of Coordinating a team of three vets to ensure high welfare standards, health and safety of the canine team during training exercises and international deployment.

She is also a Trustee for the international development charity, PENHA, including leading a project to improve working animal welfare and community resilience in the Horn of Africa.

Her other voluntary roles include mentoring disadvantaged women through Luminary Bakery.

She has travelled to over 65 countries and worked in over 14 as a veterinary project manager, as well as teaching veterinary students and staff in developing countries.

She has a wealth of knowledge and is one of my favourite friends to have as a guest on the podcast.

You can connect with Victoria on LinkedIn by clicking HERE

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

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
HAIX Footwear
 
Support the ongoing work of the podcast by clicking HERE
Please subscribe to the podcast on Youtube

Enter our monthly giveaways on the following platforms
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Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew