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Fair Reach Forum

Fair Reach Forum

By Jim Spell

A firefighting podcast to inspire discussion.
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The Firefighter Job Interview: How to Stand Out

Fair Reach ForumNov 01, 2021

00:00
06:36
The Firefighter Job Interview: How to Stand Out

The Firefighter Job Interview: How to Stand Out

Here's how to be your best in the firefighter oral interview, plus 12 do's and don'ts  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Nov 01, 202106:36
8 Tips to Survive Your First Firefighter Shift

8 Tips to Survive Your First Firefighter Shift

The leap from cadet to on-shift firefighter can be daunting; here's how to manage those first impressions you leave and build bonds with the crew  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Oct 01, 202110:53
Scene Safety: Firefighters must prepare for more than smoke, & flames

Scene Safety: Firefighters must prepare for more than smoke, & flames

In today's perilous world, firefighters require a new response paradigm to increase scene safety  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Sep 03, 202105:42
2 Operational Acronyms Firefighters Must Learn

2 Operational Acronyms Firefighters Must Learn

There are hundreds of acronyms in the fire service, but these two are a must for fireground operations. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Jul 09, 202110:41
Be a Better Firefighter with Post-Incident Analysis

Be a Better Firefighter with Post-Incident Analysis

Whether just starting a firefighting career or a seasoned officer, being adept at getting the most out of an after-incident critique makes firefighters and the department better. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Jun 02, 202107:20
Fire Engineers: 12 Rookie Mistakes

Fire Engineers: 12 Rookie Mistakes

Viewed as opportunity or setback, the jump to the driver's seat brings a new set of responsibilities for firefighters. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Dec 01, 202010:58
A firefighter’s Back-to-Basics Guide to Forcible Entry Tools

A firefighter’s Back-to-Basics Guide to Forcible Entry Tools

Understanding the different tool functions, the forces involved, and how it all fits into the overall fireground operation.  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Nov 02, 202010:28
A firefighter’s Guide to Fireground Search and Rescue

A firefighter’s Guide to Fireground Search and Rescue

Part 1 – Detailing situational awareness, size-up and firefighter orientation during this vital operation  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Oct 12, 202008:58
Building Construction Basics: Key Terms Firefighters Need to Know

Building Construction Basics: Key Terms Firefighters Need to Know

A firefighter’s guide to building loads, forces and hazards. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Sep 01, 202011:29
Overcoming Fear: What Firefighters can do to Alleviate Problematic Phobias

Overcoming Fear: What Firefighters can do to Alleviate Problematic Phobias

Steps to dealing with fear involves learning to understand, face and minimize negative reactions.   Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Aug 01, 202007:06
 There is an 'I' in team – and it’s good to recognize and reward it

There is an 'I' in team – and it’s good to recognize and reward it

Individual accomplishment serves the greater good of the entire crew. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Jul 01, 202006:13
Solidifying Firefighter Accountability on the Fireline

Solidifying Firefighter Accountability on the Fireline

How to use communications systems to help ensure personnel accountability during wildfire events.  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com 
Jun 01, 202008:52
What City Firefighters Need to Know about Wildland Fires

What City Firefighters Need to Know about Wildland Fires

Increasingly structural firefighters are called on to battle wildfires encroaching interface areas; these are very different fires that require training and preparation.  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
May 01, 202007:32
When the Power Goes Out: Redundancy is Key with Firefighting Technology

When the Power Goes Out: Redundancy is Key with Firefighting Technology

Technological advances hold promise, but fireground principles and rudiments must be focus of ongoing training efforts.  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Apr 01, 202005:51
A Firefighter’s Guide to Fire Service Politics

A Firefighter’s Guide to Fire Service Politics

Learn to employ smart political tactics while working toward the greater good Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Mar 01, 202012:27
From Meaningful to Mundane: The Importance of Firefighter Conversations

From Meaningful to Mundane: The Importance of Firefighter Conversations

Fire officer tips for effective communication with firefighters at the station.  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Feb 01, 202007:18
4 Roles of a Great Company Fire Officer

4 Roles of a Great Company Fire Officer

So you want to be a fire officer; here are the four key roles you will need to play. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Jan 19, 202007:52
Best Practices for Preplanning Special Events

Best Practices for Preplanning Special Events

Reviewing the safety considerations, interagency planning and preplanning tools to aid firefighters. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Dec 08, 201909:52
A firefighter’s Guide to Radiation and Response

A firefighter’s Guide to Radiation and Response

Hazmat training should include the four types of radiation, and how time, distance and shielding can protect firefighters from exposure. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Dec 01, 201908:60
Social Media Landmines: Protecting Firefighters from Themselves

Social Media Landmines: Protecting Firefighters from Themselves

Even fire service content shared from private accounts can spread far beyond its intended audience. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Nov 16, 201905:60
Announcing Boot Basics the book

Announcing Boot Basics the book

We are proud to announce the release of a new book by Jim Spell - Boot Basics - A Firefighter's Guide to the Service. Available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Also available as part of Kindle Unlimited. Boot Basics is a concise, general explanation of what a firefighter needs to know to begin a lifelong career in the fire service. Boot Basics provides the all-important overview of the fire service… allowing you to acclimate to the demands and rigors of the profession. Chapter by chapter, quiz and answers, Boot Basics gets you to where you want to go. Amazon Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1703423100/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=boot+basics+firefighting&qid=1573340143&sr=8-2 Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08142H9C6/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
Nov 13, 201900:50
A Firefighter’s Guide to UAS Certification

A Firefighter’s Guide to UAS Certification

New Federal Aviation Administration guidelines announced for fire departments. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Nov 01, 201910:23
10 Keys to Electrical Fires and Emergencies

10 Keys to Electrical Fires and Emergencies

What firefighters need to know about mitigating electrical emergencies.
Oct 01, 201910:40
Reflecting on 9/11 and the Superhero First Responder

Reflecting on 9/11 and the Superhero First Responder

In the years since Sept. 11, 2001, firefighters have been elevated in TV shows, movies and advertising as modern heroes.
Sep 09, 201907:11
Sign of Low Firefighter Morale

Sign of Low Firefighter Morale

Decreasing productivity, lack of participation, bullying as humor and a loss of confidence are the first signs of low firefighter morale in your firehouse.
Sep 01, 201909:12
How to Succeed as a Firefighter

How to Succeed as a Firefighter

A sense of responsibility, being trustworthy and having a positive attitude are three step you need to succeed in your career and in your personal life.
Aug 01, 201909:26
A firefighter's Guide to the Two-Way Portable Radio

A firefighter's Guide to the Two-Way Portable Radio

Firefighters must learn to use the two-way portable two-way radio. If there is ever a moment of equality in the fire service, it is when the microphone of a two-way radio is keyed.
Jul 23, 201908:04
The Challenges of a Railroad Disaster

The Challenges of a Railroad Disaster

Railway disasters are growing more frequent and more severe. They can happen in any community and firefighters must know how to respond safely and effectively. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Jul 10, 201909:24
Fire Service Lessons for a Successful Retirement

Fire Service Lessons for a Successful Retirement

Learning to apply fire service lessons to retirement is a formula for success. From active firefighter to engaged civilian, it is time to reflect and move forward. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Jul 09, 201905:20
Post Incident Analysis

Post Incident Analysis

Whether you are starting your career as a firefighter or a seasoned officer, getting the most out of an incident critique makes you and your department better. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Jul 08, 201906:58
PTSD Part Two - Treatments

PTSD Part Two - Treatments

Here are the primary treatments currently being used to treat firefighter experiencing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Acronyms for the various therapies: CBT-Cognitive Behavior Therapy, ET-Exposure Therapy, CR-Cognitive Restructuring, PE-Prolonged Exposure Therapy, CPT-Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR-Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, SIT-Stress Inoculation Training, PCT-Present Centered Therapy Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Jun 07, 201910:19
PTSD Part One - Symptoms

PTSD Part One - Symptoms

Firefighters need to recognize and understand the symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder as it relates to our profession.  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Jun 07, 201908:14
Tunnel Vision

Tunnel Vision

Tunnel vision can put you and your crew at risk. Learning what it is and how to minimize it is critical to all firefighters.  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Apr 24, 201906:22
Generational Change in the Fire Service

Generational Change in the Fire Service

There is a real need to understand and accept the generational change happening in the fire service.  Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Apr 22, 201908:08
Firefighter Stress and Well-Being

Firefighter Stress and Well-Being

Firefighter stress and well-being. Understanding well-being may be the key to eliminating firefighter stress. Read this article where it first appeared on firerescue1.com
Mar 20, 201909:12