It’s time to track your incidents. Chief Oates explains how and why

“Document everything.” It’s advice commonly given in legal, medical and workplace settings — and now the fire service. Tracking fireground exposures, traumatic calls, hazmat incidents and even workplace incivility gives firefighters a reliable record to reference if health, insurance or legal questions arise later. Chief John Oates explains how the IPSDI Exposure Tracker allows firefighters to document the full scope of the job, including the calls they may not think matter at the time. Because the tracker is confidential and not connected to department or federal systems, it serves as a personal record you control. After all, you don’t always know which calls will follow you, but having them documented can make all the difference. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.