Don't Risk It! Podcast

Recruiting the next generation of volunteer firefighters has become increasingly challenging. Empire Hose Company 3 of the Merrick Fire Department in New York is taking a creative approach to this issue—and seeing positive results.  In this episode, Jon Loew and Kyle Stibritz from Empire Hose Co. 3 join Chris Rodgers from VFIS to discuss the Empire Games, a competition designed to introduce high s...

Electric vehicles have increased in popularity over the years—but when an EV catches fire, fire departments can face challenges when extinguishing and managing the vehicle.  Deputy Chief Rick Reeg from Aldine Fire & Rescue in Houston, Texas, joins Chris Rodgers from VFIS to discuss the EV Tainer, a specialized piece of equipment his department uses to manage electric vehicle incidents.  Listen to...

Are you overlooking property hazards that could turn into a major incident at your facility? Listen to hear some common risks we observe at emergency service organizations relating to: Above ground fuel tanks Training props Facility systems And more! In our latest podcast episode, VFIS Emergency Services Specialists, Chris Rodgers, Blair Tyndall, and Dave Bradley, discuss considerations for your f...

Steve Rabine, former VFIS Education Specialist and Claims Adjuster, current Public Safety Equipment Specialist with Witmer Public Safety Group, and Fire Chief, joins Chris Rodgers from  VFIS to discuss personal protective equipment (PPE) inspection, maintenance, and replacement. Listen  to hear them answer questions such as: How often should a department inspect their gear and what should they loo...

When an emergency call comes in, every second matters—but responding in a privately owned vehicle (POV) can create unique safety risks.  In this podcast episode, Rick Lago, Investigator for Firefighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program with NIOSH, joins Chris Rodgers from  VFIS to discuss a tragic incident involving a firefighter driving a POV and the lessons learned through NIOSH's in...

Could the training in your fire department be more structured, consistent, or effective? In our latest podcast episode, Chris Rodgers from VFIS , and Rodney Foster, Education, Training, and Consulting Specialist from VFIS of Oklahoma and Arkansas , discuss the best strategies to improve training processes in your organization.  Listen to hear them talk about: Ways to improve training participation...

With 5 generations in the workforce today, learning how to effectively engage with different age groups is more important than ever—especially in emergency service organizations (ESOs).  For this episode,  VFIS  Emergency Services Specialists Blair Tyndall and Megan Carr, and former VFIS Education Specialist and current Battalion Chief at York Area United Fire and Rescue, Jake Hoover, join Chris R...

Social media has become a powerful communication tool for ESOs—but responsible use across both your organization's accounts and members' personal accounts is essential. In our latest podcast episode,  VFIS Emergency Services Specialists, Chris Rodgers, Dave Bradley, and Blair Tyndall, discuss the benefits and challenges of social media use.  Take less than 16 minutes to learn how ESOs can use thes...

Apparatus getting struck by vehicles on divided highways or other high-speed roadways is a leading cause of firefighter injuries—and sometimes even fatalities.  Jake Hoover, former VFIS Education Specialist and current Battalion Chief at York Area United Fire and Rescue, joins Chris Rodgers of  VFIS to talk about the best practices for responding to calls on these roads.  Listen to this episode to...

Unsafe driving of emergency vehicles can result in significant risks, such as damage to apparatus and serious injuries to drivers, passengers, and other individuals on the road.  Deputy Fire Chief Scott Henry joins Chris Rodgers from  VFIS to discuss a new driver monitoring system implemented by Southern Area Fire and Emergency Rescue (SAFER) in York, PA.  Take 15 minutes to learn how this system...

In this episode, Fire Chief Bill Wiegman joins the VFIS podcast to talk about how his shared experience as a firefighter and mental health clinician informs his work in youth-set fire prevention, intervention, and investigation. Listen to Chief Wiegman and Chris Rodgers talk about the: Psychology behind these incidents Importance of expertise and compassion Deep need for continued education Take l...

Fidelity risk refers to the financial loss your emergency service organization could face due to intentional dishonest acts by your members, such as theft, embezzlement, or forgery. Some of the major areas of fidelity risk include: Financial management Fundraising & special events Cybersecurity In our latest podcast episode,  VFIS  Emergency Services Specialists, Chris Rodgers and Blair Tyndall, d...

Lives lost. Millions of dollars in damages. Up to four-year production delays for apparatus. These are just some of the potentially devastating costs that your emergency service organization could face because of a vehicle accident. One possible tool to help decrease vehicle crashes are digital alerts that notify the public about approaching emergency services vehicles.  In this episode, Darrell F...

EMS personnel face very real threats each day, including the risk of violence. Melanie Kempf of Lancaster EMS joins Chris Rogers from  VFIS to share how a seemingly routine call turned into a lifechanging experience. Listen to hear her recall the violent event, how it impacted her mental health, and changes that she helped implement to help future first responders cope with trauma *Sensitive Conte...

This episode looks at the benefits of an Injury Prevention Specialist in Emergency Services applying athletic trainer concepts to help prevent staff injuries. Specifically, Lancaster EMS in Pennsylvania is a front runner in using an on-staff Injury Prevention Specialist to help reduce workplace injuries and keep the first responders fit for duty.   https://www.psatsociety.com/  

 On this episode we are joined by Brent Lewis, with Correll Insurance Group, Inc. Brent is the Regional Sales Director and Producer for VFIS of South Carolina. He helps us explore the role of service animals in emergency services to include roles, certifications, training, deployment and what legal protections are in place through the Americans with Disabilities Act. Brent also shares a personal a...

A lack of understanding, limited communication, and stereotypes are just a few of the reasons that 911/communication center personnel and field first responders, like firefighters and EMS personnel, may have some animosity towards one another. However, breaking down barriers between your emergency service organizations and establishing better relationships may not only help improve your working re...

EMS teams are often asked to be on standby at events, like community gatherings and sporting activities, to provide assistance if a participant or spectator needs medical aid.   However, while these scenarios are common, they're not without risk to your organization.  For example, these events are often contacted on either a dedicated or non-dedicated basis, meaning you may or may not be obligated...

The declining and aging volunteer firefighter base is a major concern for many fire departments and community leaders—especially in more rural areas and among smaller departments.  To help combat this challenge, many emergency service departments have implemented programs, like a cost-effective LOSAP plan, to help them recruit, retain, and reward volunteer firefighters based on their longevity of...

A vehicle or apparatus crash will typically cost your emergency service organization more now than ever, with year-after-year claim costs continuing to rise.  From inflation, rising replacement costs, and increasing labor costs—there are many factors at play when it comes to insurance rates and premium being at an all-time high. However, there are things that you can do to help your ESO manage the...

Captain Randy Gates is a first responder, breathwork facilitator, wellness educator, and founder of  Breath of Fire —but he didn't always understand the connection between mental and physical health. In Part 2 of our  Nevada Peer Support Program  deep dive, Chris Rodgers,  VFIS Industry Specialist, and Captain Gates discuss what led him to emergency services, when he started to realize the importa...

After losing a "top-notch firefighter from a top-notch family" to suicide, Derek Reid and his fire department didn't know where to turn for support. This challenging time led to the creation of the revolutionary  Nevada Peer Support Program , which seeks to smash mental health stigmas and provide support to first responders.  In this episode, Reid joins Chris Rodgers,  VFIS Industry Specialist, to...

Drones have been a hot topic in emergency services for years. But, for some, it's still challenging to grasp how their capabilities outweigh the regulations and risks that come with them.  In this episode, Paul DiCicco, EMS Chief, and Dominick Boyd, Chief of Staff, of Lee County Public Safety Department join the  VFIS podcast along with Chris Rodgers, Industry Specialist, to discuss how they're ut...

Too many first responders are struck and injured or killed while working along the roadways each year—making it crucial for emergency service organizations to implement policies, procedures, and tools to help protect their crew. In this episode, Wesley Attwood, Senior Investigator for NIOSH's Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, and Chief Jordon Cramer, South Strabane Townsh...

Did you know that vehicles striking fixed objects, like buildings or poles, as well as animals, including deer, are some of the most common claims that VFIS clients face? Adam Kinsey, Employee Compliance and Training Manager for St. Johnsville Ambulance, joins the podcast to discuss how emergency service organizations can utilize brush guards on their vehicles to help mitigate extensive damage dur...