We define what IC "task saturation" is and Blue Card News including a recap of 2023 and more important, what is coming up for 2024! This episode features Josh Blum and John Vance. Sign up for the free Decision Making Webinar on December 6, 2023 here: https://streamyard.com/watch/wvmht9qGt4bp The link to the latest NIOSH Report is here: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face201903.html We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0 Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.consta ..read more

Today, we bring you an engaging conversation with Fire Chief Greg Timinski from Star/ Middleton, Idaho. (Greg is also a Blue Card Lead Instructor). He shares his journey of uniting two fire departments, a task that took over two years, but resulted in a more efficient and effective service for his community. Now, they're all one big family with identical uniforms, and a unanimous desire to officially become one. We shed light on the intricacies of merging government entities, particularly fire departments. It's not just about combining resources, but also about maintaining fairness in terms o ..read more

We dive into the recent renovations to the Blue Card system, unpack the enhancements to the learning management system and the ARFF module, and provide a glimpse into our collaboration with the National Fire Sprinkler Association. We also reveal our plans for new CE modules and share the positive feedback garnered from the Silverback Leadership presentation. But it doesn't stop there. We're always looking for ways to elevate our services and support our customers, and we ruminate on how we can deepen our commitment to continual improvement. Ever wondered how firefighters and first responders ..read more

Ever wondered how the values and behaviors of individuals can reflect an entire organization? Or how the actions of our upbringing can follow us into our professional and personal lives? Join us, as we navigate these intriguing questions and much more in a captivating discussion centered around leadership dynamics, especially in emergency services. We delve into the critical role of customer service, both within and outside an organization, and how it can shape the collective perception of the entity. We also unearth the unique concept of "following ugly kids home," illustrating how our action ..read more

This is a live recording of the last session at the 2023 Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference in Sharonville, Ohio. This episode summarizes some of the emerging topics discussed at this year's Hazard Zone Conference. This episode features Josh Blum,  Nick Brunacini, Dan Madrzykowski, Frank Leeb, Chris Stewart, Jeffery King, and John Vance. Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here. Shop B Shifter here. You can register for the 2024 Hazard Zone Conference now!  Register here! Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening! Lastly, we express our gratitu ..read more

We review audio from Las Vegas Fire/Rescue with a fire in a vacant building that's known to house the homeless. Crews are challenge with holes in the floor and other structural hazards during the 2nd alarm incident. We'll walk you through their response, from the arrival of the BC on scene first to  task assignments and the ensuing operations.  We'll also discuss the significance of the blue card principles in high-stakes situations like these. You'll get to understand the role of EMS in managing the medical side of things, and the decision-making process of an incident commander du ..read more

Ready to navigate air management in firefighting? How do you ensure compliance with NFPA 1404? We are here to take a deeper dive into NFPA 1404 and SOG's to help your department achieve compliance. We look at operations of different fire departments, drawing vital lessons from each, and leaving you with practical tips for your own department.  We are publishing a new SOG each week for eight weeks and this week the SOG addresses Air Management. This episode features Josh Blum & John Vance. Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter and get the Air Management SOG ..read more

This episode features the wise insights of Battalion Chief Steve Lester of the Cobb County Fire Department. Steve brilliantly decodes the role of competence, confidence, and control in successful fireground operations, emphasizing the indispensable role of practice and experience. Hear about how the Blue Card system has been instrumental in sculpting proficient incident commanders. This episode also features Josh Blum and John Vance. We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0 Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip to get t ..read more

We are recored live from the floor of FRI in Kansas City, Missouri! We tackle the importance of Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) aimed at refining fire service operations. By tailoring these SOGs to fit your organization's needs, you can streamline your workflow and boost effectiveness. To help us navigate this topic, we have Shane Ray from the National Fire Sprinkler Association, who shares keen insights on managing fires in large buildings and the role of SOGs. We then pivot to a discussion on the significance of grants for Blue Card certifications, Fire Command Training, and equipment ..read more

Are you eager to learn from experts in the field, like Chief Gary Fleischer from the Worcester Fire Department and Shane Ray from the National Fire Sprinkler Association? If yes, then you're gonna love this episode! We'll be talking all about the upcoming Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference in Cincinnati and the invaluable lessons you can draw from it. This isn't just any other conference. We're talking drone demonstrations, ATF dog demos, and mingling opportunities with those who prioritize the command function and skill. We'll be shedding light on the free SOGs by Blue Card, especially designe ..read more