Nicholas Higgins

The 5-Tool Firefighter

Welcome to the 5-Tool Firefighter Podcast where we discuss how to become a well-rounded firefighter and a well-rounded individual. You'll learn from many professionals in and out of the fire service.

Author

Nicholas Higgins

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.thefirehousetribune.com

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

Where to listen?

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Episodes

Reaching Your Potential - Episode 130 27.11.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the benefits and ways to remove the limitations of success and why it is important to think about how you're living your life in order to maximize your potential. How hard do you train? in the gym, the firehouse and in the training room. How consistent are you with your training? What kind of decisions do you make when choosing between the easy way and the right way...

Caring For Your Crew: The Foundation of Leadership - Episode 129 20.11.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses why it is more important for fire officers to show they care for their firefighter rather than showing how much they know. This is an example of caring for your crew, a foundation of true leadership

The Continual Success of a Firefighter. Be That Dawg - Episode 128 12.11.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses why it is important to continually have that black helmet firefighter mentality throughout your career and career progression up the ranks.

The Mainstay of the American Fire Service: 2 1/2” Hoseline - Episode 127 05.11.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the history and importance of the 2 1/2-inch hoseline. He further discusses its benefits and when to consider putting it into operation on the fireground. Nick ends the episode with ways to train on the hoseline for better performance of it on the fireground.

The 360 Size-Up - Episode 126 29.10.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses why it is important for firefighters to preform a 360-degree size-up of a structure upon arrival to the incident and why alot can be discovered during the pre-incident phase that plays dividends when responding and working on an incident. Further, Nick provides examples of what can be accomplished by performing a 360-degree size-up and various way this could be acco...

The Importance of Passive Stretching - Episode 125 22.10.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the benefits and value of passive stretching before and during shift, before training and adding it to your daily routine especially when winding down from a stressful day in the firehouse or off. Nick explains why passive stretching is important and how it impacts your growth, performance and mindset.

Own the Outcome - Episode 124 15.10.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the importance of and how to "own the outcome". Nick shares ways on to how be held accountable in order to grow and develop your skills - using the after-action review and using the "take a look in the mirror approach" for self-reflection and self-accountability.

Benefits & Importance of Dynamic Stretching - Episode 123 03.10.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the benefits and value of dynamic stretching before and during shift, before training and adding it to your daily routine. Nick explains why dynamic stretching is important and how it impacts your growth, performance and mindset.

Value Stream of Success - Episode 122 24.09.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the value stream of success and how to implement this dynamic into your family, fire service career and personal life. Nick shares examples of how to make this happen and how his workbook, " The 5-Tool Firefighter Tactical Workbook " could assist in doing so. ⁠⁠⁠The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Bundle Package — The Firehouse Tribune⁠

Perception. Life in the Public Eye - Episode 121 19.09.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses how being a first responder can have setbacks when off duty in public places while in company attire. Nick goes into how although the community looks up to firefighters, the harsh realities of social media and connectivity can tarnish a member or department based on one bad decision or being in the wrong place at the wrong time off duty. ⁠The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠...

The Good with the Bad - Episode 120 09.09.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses when developing yourself as a professional why it is important to accept the good with the bad in order to perform your job at a high level for a consent amount of time. He also shares how the bad parts of the job lead into opportunities of growth. The Firehouse Tribune⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Bundle Package — The Firehouse Tribune

The Importance of Rapid Intervention in Today's Fire Service - Episode 119 03.09.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the importance of the rapid intervention crew at incidents, briefly touches on prior line of duty deaths, and highlights the role of the RIC crew on the fire ground. Why a RIC Team is Important in Today's Fire Service — The Firehouse Tribune ⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Bundle Package — The Firehouse Tribune

The Importance of Checking the Apparatus - Episode 118 27.08.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the importance of a thorough apparatus check and why it pays dividends before and during the alarm. Further, Nick shares how this job in the firehouse enabled him to grow as a firefighter and fire officer and used that same mentality to develop younger firefighters. ⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Bundle Package — The Firehouse Tribune

Second Due Company Considerations for EV Fires - Episode 117 20.08.2024

On this episode, Nick talks electric vehicles, their dangers and considerations for the second due company. Nick details tactical decision making for fire suppression and identifying, locating and cool thermal runaway in Lithium-Ion batteries in EV's. ⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Bundle Package — The Firehouse Tribune

Fitness and its Impact on Fire Ground Operations w/Lee Throckmorton - Episode 116 12.08.2024

On this episode, Nick sits down with Lee Throckmorton, ret. firefighter and owner of hybrid groundworks performance to discuss how fitness has its impact on fire ground operations. groundworkshybridperformance.com The 5-Tool Firefighter Bundle Package — The Firehouse Tribune

Electric Vehicle Fires for the 1st Due Engine Company - Episode 115 07.08.2024

On this episode, Nick talks electric vehicles, their dangers and considerations for the first due engine company. Nick details tactical decision making for fire suppression and identifying, locating and cool thermal runaway in Lithium-Ion batteries in EV's. The 5-Tool Firefighter Bundle Package — The Firehouse Tribune

The Past is Over. What Matters is Now - Episode 115 30.07.2024

On this episode, Nick talks about preparing for now and living and training for today. We are only as good as we are right now, and we can only learn from the past and adaptable and train for today. The 5-Tool Firefighter — The Firehouse Tribune

Assessing Situations & Making Decisions - Episode 114 22.07.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the importance of assessing situations and making decisions off the assessments but more importantly as firefighters, it is important to understand that sometimes being the one assessing the decision and leading the charges it just as important if not more important that the doers of the job itself. ⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter — The Firehouse Tribune

Firehouse Pride - Episode 113 16.07.2024

On this episode, Nick discuss the meaning and sense of what having firehouse pride means to him and how it was instilled in him during his years as a young recruit firefighter. He shares his message and how other can develop this same pride in their firehouse. The 5-Tool Firefighter — The Firehouse Tribune

Solar Panels: An Addition to the Fire Service Enemy - Episode 112 09.07.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses solar panels for residential and commercial structures and how as firefighters we need to keep a look out for these panels when arriving on scene for a proactive approach to fireground decision-making. Solar Panels: A New Addition to Today’s Fire Service Enemy — The Firehouse Tribune The Book: The 5-Tool Firefighter Bundle Package — The Firehouse Tribune

Magnesium 101 & How it Benefits Firefighters - Episode 111 02.07.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the importance of the mineral Magnesium for a overall health and wellness, including, what is it, how it benefits your body and how it can be useful for optimal performance and long-term health. Please note, these are strictly recommendations from what has worked for Nick and not a prescription for the listener. It is highly recommended to consult with your healthca...

What Do You Consider Success - Episode 110 25.06.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses what success looks like for firefighters just starting their journey and career and those who have already established themselves. Are you a cert collecting firefighter? Or are you a letters chaser firefighter? Does doing your job to your utmost capabilities and providing for yourself, your family and crew make you successful? The Book: The 5-Tool Firefighter Bundle...

The Overlooked Benefits of Resistance Training - Episode 109 11.06.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses five overlooked benefits of resistance training for longevity long after your job and for overall wellness and success on the job. The Book: The 5-Tool Firefighter Bundle Package — The Firehouse Tribune

When to Detach - Episode 108 03.06.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the pre-planning phases of preparing the IAP and your strategies and tactics for success at the command and company level and dives into when there are times to detach from the plan. Nick further discusses critical thinking beginning with the outcome of the incident to determine how to strategize and execute the plan and how to reduce confirmation bias. The Book: Th...

Benefits of Electrolytes - Episode 107 20.05.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses what electrolytes are, how they affect the body and why as firefighters we should be ensuring we are adding to our supplementation and nutrition plan for optimized health, wellness and performance on and off the job. Remember, when taking any supplementations of any kind, it is important to consult with your primary healthcare provider first. This episode is for rec...

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