The Firefighters Podcast

Pete Wakefield

The Firefighters Podcast is a global podcast seeking to develop, inspire, connect, motivate, represent & celebrate the world of our emergency services operators through a series of wide-ranging conversations celebrating those within our emergency services family and encouraging the support of this incredible group of people.

Operational UK firefighter Pete Wakefield speaks with individuals from all walks of life who share a connection with, can add value to, or can develop those who choose this life path.

Our driving purpose is to create a legacy resource for the current and future generations of firefighters & first responders

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Episodes

#297 Highs and Lows of Forces Life from the Longest Serving Female RAF Chinook Force Crewmember with Liz McConaghy
5d ago
#297 Highs and Lows of Forces Life from the Longest Serving Female RAF Chinook Force Crewmember with Liz McConaghy
Liz McConaghy was the longest serving female crewman on the Royal Air Force Chinook Fleet spanning a 17 year career flying on the aircraft.   Originally from a small town in Northern Ireland she attended RAF Cranwell on her 19th birthday to begin her exciting career thereafter on Chinook Helicopters. She was the youngest aircrew to deploy to Iraq aged just 21 and also the only female crewman on the Chinook wing for 4 years, so her story is completely unique.  Her career saw her amass 2 deployments to Iraq and 10 deployments to Helmand Afghanistan in support of Operation Herrick which gave her an insightful and very personal perspective on war. Upon leaving the RAF in 2019 Liz slowly became unravelled after a series of traumatic events that compounded her PTSD. This led to her trying to end her life in Aug 2020. You can connect with Liz belowINSTAGRAMFACEBOOKTWITTER/XWe 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 HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HEREA big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyHAIX FootwearTUFFKINGGRENADERIP INTOLyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost lives, worsens our long term health and reduces cognitive ability.Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
#296 Are all Firefighters Bullies - A Conversation on Workplace Culture with Dr Jason Price
Apr 15 2024
#296 Are all Firefighters Bullies - A Conversation on Workplace Culture with Dr Jason Price
Are all Firefighters Bullies. If you were to read the papers each week you may well hold this view but like so many things in life its a very small number that can build a bad stereotype of a group of individuals that I feel very proud to be part of.However there is no smoke without fire so clearly some people are not having a very positive experience in the fire & rescue service and today we want to develop an understanding of how we can better understand the world of Bullying & Harassment with a view to begin to move forward with a healthier, more positive and safe workplace culture where high performers can grow and develop.My guest today Dr Jason Price is an Independent specialist in workplace culture, bullying and complaint management. You can get guidance, support for your organisation of for yourself personally including insight into professional standards & complaint management by reaching him HEREWe 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 HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HEREA big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyHAIX FootwearTUFFKINGGRENADERIP INTOLyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost lives, worsens our long term health and reduces cognitive ability.Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon CPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
#293 Why a Lack of Sleep is Killing our First Responders with Dan Evison
Apr 1 2024
#293 Why a Lack of Sleep is Killing our First Responders with Dan Evison
Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our life, health and longevity and yet it is increasingly neglected in 21st century society, with devastating consequences: every major disease in the developed world - Alzheimer's, cancer, obesity, diabetes - has very strong causal links to deficient sleep.Based on the Journal of Global Health, first responders are as much as three times more likely to suffer from insomnia than non-shift workers & a Recent UClan document stating 61% of firefighters have sleep problems.My guest today is Dan Evison a Father of 3, a Firefighter (Watch Manager) of 22 years & now (since 2021) an adult sleep coach & consultant.Contact Dave at sleepandthrive@outlook.comDeeper dive & Help available at his website HERERead/Audio book "Why We Sleep by Mathew Walker" HERECleveland Clinic study HEREMental health of UK firefighters | Scientific Reports (nature.com)Common Sleep Disorders Increase Risk of Motor Vehicle Crashes and Adverse Health Outcomes in Firefighters | Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (aasm.org) Association between sleep quality and type of shift work in Korean firefighters - PMC (nih.gov)Implementing a Sleep Health Education and Sleep Disorders Screening Program in Fire Departments - PMC (nih.gov)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 HEREA big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyHAIX FootwearGRENADERIP INTOLyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost lives, worsens our long term health and reduces cognitive ability.Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
#290 Science Backed Data driven firefighting with Chief Fire Officer Dan Stephens
Mar 25 2024
#290 Science Backed Data driven firefighting with Chief Fire Officer Dan Stephens
Dan Stephens Is a highly experienced and operationally competent Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Officer. Currently serving as Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor and Inspector to Welsh Government Prior to which he was Chief Officer/Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade having previously served for 7 years as the Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. Dan led Merseyside through 7 years of the most significant challenges in the history of the organisation maintaining excellent levels of performance throughout.  With extensive operational leadership experience around critical incident decision making Dan has been the Fire and Rescue Service Incident Commander at a number of major incidents.Dan was the Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Operations Coordination Committee, the strategic lead officer for National Resilience and capability lead officer for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and the UK International Search and Rescue Team (UK ISAR). He was awarded the Queens Fire Service Medal (QFSM) in the Queens New Year’s Honours List 2015 for service to the Fire and Rescue Service.Prior to joining the FRS he was a soldier in the Third Battalion, The Parachute Regiment from which he was discharged with an Exemplary Service Record.You can connect with Dan via his LinkedIn HEREWe 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 HEREA big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyHAIX FootwearGRENADERIP INTOLyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost lives, worsens our long term health and reduces cognitive ability.Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
#286 THE SHIFT WORKERS BLUEPRINT - How to become a happy, healthy & strong first responder with Grace Cowan
Mar 11 2024
#286 THE SHIFT WORKERS BLUEPRINT - How to become a happy, healthy & strong first responder with Grace Cowan
Your job takes priority most of the time, which often puts you bottom of the list. Well, that’s in the past. It’s time to start serving number one – YOU. Because, ultimately you need to be at your best all year round, you’re needed to serve and protect. You can only get so far on your own – stop trying to wing it.Grace Cowan AKA The Shift Workers’ Coach has been where you are right now serving as a police officer she was passionate about the job but completely lost on how to get her fitness where she needed it to be. It took her years of training, frustration, overwhelm and nearly hitting rock bottom to get here. Now she helps other first responders and shift workers do the same but without the guess work and years of wasted time.You can get help, resources and guidance from Grace and her team HEREYou can follow Grace and benefit from all her free tips and training approaches on her socials HEREWe 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 HEREA big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyHAIX FootwearGRENADERIP INTOLyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost lives, worsens our long term health and reduces cognitive ability.Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
#285 Iron Man, Edge Detection & The Future of Firefighting with Captain (Ret) Kirk McKinzie
Mar 4 2024
#285 Iron Man, Edge Detection & The Future of Firefighting with Captain (Ret) Kirk McKinzie
Captain (Ret) Kirk McKinzie, now President at MCKINZIE SMART TECHNOLOGIES LLC is a Strategic Next Gen and SMART Partnership subject matter expert. Connecting, cooperating, and delivering to regional, national, and global leaders in 360/3D/ SMART cyber-physical systems for saving lives and leveraging his 30 years of hands-on and practical emergency responder and rescue experience handling over 10,000 emergencies.Some links from todays episode:JUMP AERO - First responders taking to the skyC-THRU augmented reality for firefightersKirk's website full of tech innovation for first respondersGO AERO £2 million pound First responder flight competition Connect with Kirk on LinkedinWe 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 HEREA big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyHAIX FootwearGRENADERIP INTOLyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost lives, worsens our long term health and reduces cognitive ability.Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
#284 FDIC & Tall Buildings Fire Safety Conference with Russ Timpson
Feb 26 2024
#284 FDIC & Tall Buildings Fire Safety Conference with Russ Timpson
World’s Leading Thinkers on High-Rise Fire Safety Coming to FDIC International 2024 -  The 8th International Tall Building/High Rise Conference will make its US debut April 15-18, 2024 alongside FDIC International in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event, recognized by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), will bring delegates together with speakers from around the world for three days to provide valuable insights into current best practices, tall building fire safety innovation, and relevant high-fire safety issues including façade testing, 2nd stair debate, smoke hoods, green walls, electric vehicles, PV panels, tall timber, means of escape for vulnerable people, smoke control, high-rise firefighting, drones, hoarding residents, balcony fire risks, new generation fire detection, case studies, car parks, high-rise construction, lithium-ion batteries, tenant/resident engagement, arson prevention, fire engineering developments, and lots more. Link to Tall Building conference HEREWe 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 HEREA big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyHAIX FootwearGRENADERIP INTOLyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost lives, worsens our long term health and reduces cognitive ability.Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
Waldbaum’s supermarket fire Debrief: The historic fire that killed 6 FDNY firefighters
Feb 19 2024
Waldbaum’s supermarket fire Debrief: The historic fire that killed 6 FDNY firefighters
On Aug. 2, 1978, a fire at a Brooklyn Waldbaum’s supermarket claimed the lives of six firefighters. Twelve firefighters who were working on the roof plunged into the seat of the fire when the roof suddenly collapsed 32 minutes after the first company arrived. Six of the firefighters fell to the floor and were seriously injured. The other six were hung up in the truss area between trusses 4 and 6, and ultimately died from severe burn injuries.Lt. James E. Cutillo, Battalion 33 (working in Ladder 156)Firefighter Charles S. Bouton, Ladder 156Probationary Firefighter William O’Connor, Ladder 156Firefighter James P. McManus, Ladder 153Firefighter George Rice, Ladder 153Firefighter Harold F. Hastings, Battalion 42We 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 HEREA big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyHAIX FootwearGRENADERIP INTOLyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost lives, worsens our long term health and reduces cognitive ability.Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
#282 Firefighter Cancer, Decontamination & Particulate Protection
Feb 12 2024
#282 Firefighter Cancer, Decontamination & Particulate Protection
Episode today from the Firefighter Decontamination & Particulate Protections Seminar 2024 where we spoke with many services attending and many subject matter experts in this space from across the worldThis seminar attended by the podcast in January of 2024 focused on the current epidemic of cancer among firefighters. It is with a sense of urgency that we shed light on this pressing issue and explore avenues for effective solutions. The epidemic of cancer among firefighters is a stark reality that demands our attention, collaboration, and action. It is a challenge that affects not only the individuals who selflessly serve but also their families, colleagues, and the communities they safeguard. In the episode you will hear the current state of affairs regarding firefighter health, delving into the factors contributing to increased cancer risks, and explore strategies to mitigate and prevent these risks. A distinguished panel of experts, researchers, and advocates shared insights, experiences, and innovative approaches to address this critical issue. 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 HEREA big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyHAIX FootwearGRENADERIP INTOLyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost lives, worsens our long term health and reduces cognitive ability.Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
#279 Resilience & Mental Fitness with Hadleigh Fischer
Jan 29 2024
#279 Resilience & Mental Fitness with Hadleigh Fischer
Too often, we hear that we need to have a ‘problem’ or a ‘diagnosis’ before we can start taking an active interest in our mental health – how do we shift this ?What does resilience mean?What are the key components of resilience?How do we get people talking openly about improving their Mental Fitness?At Resilience Agenda, we envision a world where people imagine their mental health just like their physical health.Hadleigh Fischer created the Resilience Agenda where they envision a world where people can talk about mental health in a language that is free from stigma and that is more relevant, engaging and empowering.They help everyone start talking openly and proudly about what they are doing to improve their Mental Fitness, just like they do their Physical Fitness.Find out more about Resilience & Mental Fitness HEREWe 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 HEREA big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyHAIX FootwearGRENADERIP INTOLyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost lives, worsens our long term health and reduces cognitive ability.Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew