Columns

We Key the Mic for Innovative Training: CPR Through Comedy

Author: Key the Mic Staff
Published: 5/18/2021
Training through comedy? Yes. In 2019, Fire Department Chronicles (FDC) premiered Comedy CPR, a YouTube video for viewers to learn how to save people’s lives while laughing at the same time. It has 382,231 views! We recently caught up with FDC creator and star Jason Patton to talk about a new program he’s started. Jason’s a busy guy—he’s a full-time firefighter/paramedic and VP of Fire Department Coffee, a company run by active and retired firefighters. In March, Jason announced an audacious goal of training 22 MILLION people in CPR and other life-saving skills by the end of 2022. In this episode, Jason shares how he became a firefighter, developed his insanely popular FDC YouTube video series, and his plans for training people everywhere that "...CPR is a normal thing, 'Cause it is." read more

We Key the Mic for the Latest Technology: Drones

Author: Key the Mic Staff
Published: 3/16/2021
Fire officials across the country are quickly realizing the benefits drones can offer emergency responders. Drones come in all shapes and sizes, and can be aircrafts, boats, or wheeled vehicles. Drones are easy to learn and operate, but there are laws to ensure that it’s done safely. If you are curious about how to implement a drone program in your district or department, or what it takes to acquire and use a drone legally, this episode is a great place to start. Engineer Paramedic Kevin Dykes and Engineer A-EMT Nick Robinson from the Depoe Bay Fire Department in Oregon will walk you through their experience starting a drone program, the costs and training involved, and how it has benefitted their department and community. read more

We Key the Mic for Liquid CO2 Decontamination

Author: Key the Mic Staff
Published: 2/23/2021
Exposure to toxins while on the job is a certainty for firefighters. Rinsing turnout gear on-scene, using disinfecting wipes and showering, along with washing turnouts in detergent are all important steps to removing toxins that may adversely affect firefighter health. According to NFPA, traditional methods for washing turnout gear removes 15%-40% of carcinogens from turnouts. But what if there was a way to remove 99% of the toxins that get on firefighter gear? Now there is. Join us for a conversation with Mike Duyck, Vice President of Emergency Technical Decon (ETD). He’ll share the science behind liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) cleaning and how it removes 99% of the carcinogens left on turnouts, masks, helmets, SCBA and more. read more

We Key the Mic for Fire Service Leaders: Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr

Author: Key the Mic Staff
Published: 2/03/2021
In this episode, we talk with City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr. She is a fourth generation firefighter and the first female Chief in the department’s 106-year history. In 2015, she achieved another first—she was elected President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). This appointment made her the first woman in the 142-year history of the organization. Join us to hear how Chief Kerr actively managed her career as she rose through the ranks, and her wisdom for aspiring fire service leaders. She’ll tackle topics including mentoring, crew and community safety, women in the fire service, and developing policies and procedures that recognize and celebrate diversity. read more

We Key the Mic for Firefighter Health

Author: Key the Mic Staff
Published: 12/03/2020
Recently, we introduced you to Key the Mic, our new podcast about innovation in America’s fire service. While the pandemic has revealed many new ideas and the people behind them, there is another pandemic of sorts affecting the fire service: heart disease! In this episode, you’ll meet Rip Esselstyn, a pioneer for the advancement of plant-based eating. He’s a world-renowned triathlete, best selling author, and former firefighter, all of which has been powered by a Plant Strong lifestyle. Rip joins us to talk about his plant-based journey, food culture in the fire service, and the inextricable link between health and performance. read more

We Key the Mic for COVID Innovators

Author: Key the Mic Staff
Published: 11/19/2020
The most-clicked articles in the Daily Dispatch are often about innovation in the fire service. These popular stories illustrate how chiefs, firefighters, and other creative thinkers developed new tools to get the job done. Key the Mic, our new podcast, will introduce you to these inventive minds, and take a closer look at how their ideas became a reality. read more

Bringing Tech to the Table: Welcoming WFCA’s New Senior Technology Advisor, David Blankinship

Author: Daily Dispatch
Published: 2/03/2020
David Blankinship has joined Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) as its new Senior Technology Advisor, and will be at the forefront of Western's work to prioritize technological progress in emergency response. Daily Dispatch had the opportunity to speak with David about his new role and what the future could hold for tech in public safety. read more

Discussing IAFC’s National Mutual Aid System (NMAS) with Chief Kim Zagaris

Author: Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 1/28/2020
Daily Dispatch had the opportunity to discuss the IAFC’s National Mutual Aid System (NMAS) with WFCA’s Wildfire Policy and Technology Advisor, Kim Zagaris. As the former State Fire and Rescue Chief for the State of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and current Chair of IAFC’s Emergency Management Committee, Chief Zagaris’ extensive background in incident operations and command lends him an educated and insightful perspective on unfolding emergency management initiatives. read more