FDNY Pro

Donna Jaworski is saving lives as an FDNY EMT–again. Jaworski previously served as an FDNY EMT before leaving the Department in 2003 to raise her family. She was also a September 11th first responder, having worked at the World Trade Center site during the rescue and […]

This is our annual Pro Fit episode, which seeks to promote and provide practical ideas for first responders who are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 2020 marks the 50thanniversary of the New York City Marathon. The event is the largest marathon in the world and […]

This episode marks a milestone for the FDNY Pro Podcast. In this 50th episode we revisit highlights from each of our previous four seasons. From our very first guest from the FDNY Office of Medical Affairs, Dr. Dario Gonzalez, recounting his trip to Liberia where he […]

Incidents involving active shooters, violent extremists, barricade situations or other acts of aggressive deadly behaviors represent some of the most challenging responses to the first responder community. These types of responses test the capabilities of first responders—including mass-casualty care. The FDNY is the primary response agency […]

As of October 2019, more than 1,300 members of the FDNY are veterans or military reservists. That includes Fire, EMS and civilians. As a paramilitary agency, the Department’s organizational structure, tactics, training and culture resembles that of the U.S. Armed Forces. In this episode, FDNY Firefighter […]

Encountering unusual circumstances on the fireground is a frequent experience for veteran Bronx Lieutenant Mike Ciampo. But, in his nearly three decades of experience with the Department he had never encountered this type of unusual fire escape. In the early hours of September 9, 2018, a […]

Lillian Bonsignore currently serves as the highest ranking officer in FDNY EMS. On 9/11, Chief Bonsignore didn’t hold an official leadership role, but she responded to the World Trade Center hoping to save lives. Having arrived after the first tower fell, Chief Bonsignore quickly realized that […]

On March 6, 2017, the FDNY launched its first ever tethered drone to respond to a fire in a 6-story building on Crotona Park North in the Bronx. It was a ground-breaking moment. After September 11, 2001, the need for enhanced situational awareness of the incident […]

With limited access, egress and ventilation fighting cellar fires is one of the most challenging scenarios firefighters face. Not knowing what you might encounter behind the cellar door makes the advance down the cellar steps difficult and dangerous. FDNY Engine Officer, Lt. Tim Klett of Engine […]

Each year, in celebration of National EMS Week, the FDNY holds its Annual Second Chance Ceremony. This special event reunites cardiac arrest survivors with the Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, FDNY EMS Officers, Firefighters, Dispatchers, bystanders, and other first responders who helped save their lives. 2019 marks […]

The misuse of prescription opioids is one of the most significant public health issues in our country. According to health officials, providing access to effective care may prevent misuse and the consequences—such as overdose. So to better comprehend substance abuse, in this episode, we’ll be hearing […]

Construction at the World Trade Center site showcases some of the most forward-thinking building and fire prevention features ever designed and implemented. In this episode, Lt. John Amsterdam of Ladder 10 talks about some of these features which are featured in two WNYF articles, 01/2017 “An […]

In military training you often hear the adage, “train as you fight, fight as you train.” And in sports you often hear, “you play the game the way you practice.” Both of these truisms have rightly migrated into EMT and Paramedic training courses. There is evidence […]

Rapid fire events are a rare phenomenon that even the most seasoned Firefighter may never encounter during their careers. And while there is much still to learn about what environments or tactics are best suited to avoid them, there are some patterns to their occurrences. In […]

Training for an athletic event with a team brings lots of benefits, including improved performance and accountability. Even when participants compete as individuals, the opportunity to connect with others is there. In this episode, FDNY Firefighters David Guilford and Michael Reno talk about their involvement with […]

The Fire Department of the City of New York is continually looking to advance the opportunities for young people to become part of the City’s Bravest. To help support this goal, the Department has created a Youth Workforce Development Initiative. To date, this initiative’s programs have […]

Frequent drilling and communication prior to arrival at a fire is critical to proper apparatus positioning. Veteran FDNY members, Battalion Chief Christopher Eysser and Lt. Ray McCormack discuss efficient and effective placement techniques of the FDNY’s fleet that can elevate performance on the fireground and even […]

During the early morning hours on September 17, 2016, Bronx Box 2759 was transmitted for a commercial occupancy fire. While entering the occupancy and on their initial size-up, no units had encountered any signage for steel plating and were surprised to find it both on the […]

Chief James Booth is a 35-year veteran of the FDNY with experience responding to some of the most significant natural and manmade disasters to occur during his career. Chief Booth responded to the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993 and the terrorist attacks on […]

On August 2, 1978, twelve FDNY Firefighters plunged into a burning Waldbaum’s Supermarket when the bowstring truss roof collapsed at the center of the store. Six of the Firefighters made the Supreme Sacrifice. In this episode, retired FDNY Captain Howard Venetsky, who was working in Rescue […]

Pre-hospital care providers face many potential job hazards, including exposure to and handling of hazardous chemical substances. In this episode, FDNY EMS Lieutenant Robert Carlo discusses the types of chemical exposures Department Emergency Medical Services members are exposed to, how to identify the symptoms of a […]

Nearly 26 years ago, the first NYC EMS Museum opened on the grounds of Fort Totten in Bayside, Queens. In 2013, it was closed to make way for some much needed construction. The NYC EMS Museum reopened in May 2018 to display how the FDNY’s EMS […]

The FDNY’s Reduce Your Risk project was established in 2017 by the Department’s Contamination Reduction Workgroup to increase awareness of the cancer risk faced by Firefighters and promote the proactive measures that should be taken to combat this deadly, but frequently, avoidable occupational hazard. FDNY Deputy […]

On March 16, 2018, FDNY Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kerry Kelly retired after 37 years of dedicated service. The FDNY has set the standard for monitoring the health and well-being of its members and Dr. Kelly was instrumental in getting that done. Dr. Kelly began the […]

In 2017, for the first time ever at the FDNY Academy, the majority of Rescue Paramedic trainees were women. Rescue Paramedics bring advanced pre-hospital care to any civilian or member of service in a precarious position while extrication procedures take place. Members selected for this program […]