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In this episode, David gives us a taste of his new project with Dan Kerrigan & Jim Moss – the Firefighter Functional Fitness book and program. Here's what you need to know to start your fitness journey: What are the changes and challenges we face off the Fireground? How do we develop the habits and disciplines of healthy firefighters? What are "career side effects" and what can we do to mitigate them? How do we equip ourselves with the mental and physical tools to be successful in the job? What's in the Firefighter Fitness program?

In this episode, David and Deputy Chief Frank Viscuso discuss the various challenges leaders face in dealing with their team, and becoming a role model in the fire service and the community. Defining the 3 Us: Unaware, Unable, Unwilling and a guide to dealing with them. Social media etiquette and how it reflects on you and your team. What is the biggest challenge that leaders face? Credibility. How do you deal with conflict? The importance of recognition and reward.

Becoming a great firefighter and leader requires a consistent and sustained effort. You have to instill and implement the HABIT of excellence in your career and your life. In this episode, David breaks it all down for you.   What are the 3 habits of great firefighters and leaders? The Habit of Training (often and continuously). The Habit of Teaching and Training Others. The Habit of Being Prepared.

In this episode, we welcome back Camille Gallinger of Vitality Exchange to help us shed stress and pressure from our lives by taking better care of our bodies with 3 simple changes in our diets. We discuss: What is the most important key to removing stress from our body? Why should we eliminate dairy from our diet? What are alternatives to everyday dairy products? How do we minimize exposure to pesticides/herbicides in our food? Is going organic worth it? What are the benefits of bone broth?

Welcome to the first episode of Firefighter Toolbox for 2016! In this episode David guides us as we go through this new year and take advantage of this opportunity to get the best out of your firefighting career and life. Stay tuned for what David and the Firefighter Toolbox team has in store for 2016! Ask yourself: What are you grateful for? What's great about gratitude? What drives you? What do you want to accomplish? Where/How do you start accomplishing your goals?

In today’s episode, David Soler and Lt. Jim Moss talk about how being able to do our job on the fire ground hedges on staying motivated to take care of our health. We discuss: What keeps you motivated about firefighter fitness? How do you get in to the right mindset? What does your workout consist of? How do you stay motivated? What are some examples of real health risks we face everyday? Some tips/ways to keep yourself motivated that have worked for David and Jim.

In today’s episode, David Soler shares years of field experience, training, and interviews with great and respected firefighters and thought leaders through his book and audio program, “Firefighter Preplan.” He gives us a glimpse of what it takes to be a great and respected firefighter and how to earn it in the fire service. David tells us about his book: What is Firefighter Preplan about? How did the book come about? How did he test these principles? Who is this book for? Who are these great and respected firefighters? How can you use this book or program?

In this episode, Camille Gallinger and David Soler discuss firefighter nutrition to help you take care of your body better and become more effective on the fire ground and in life. We discuss: What is the #1 thing we need to know about nutrition? What are the side effects of not working to replenish the vitamins/minerals we use up? Why do we need to pay attention to building our adrenal glands? Why do we need to take better care of our digestive system? When is the best time to take digestive enzymes? What are the benefits of probiotics and in what form is it best to take them? What are alternative, healthy oils we can use for cooking? Where should we purchase our supplements and why?

In this firefighter training episode we had Lt. Jim Moss spend some time with the next generation Halligan bar, the Maxximus Rexx, a tool widely raved about as the new ultimate tool for forcible entry. Jim Moss and David Soler shares their review of the Maxximus Rexx to see if it’s up to the task and if it lives up to its reputation.   In this review we discuss: What are our initial impressions of the Maxximus Rexx? What are the main features/specifications of the Maxximus Rexx? What are the issues firefighters have met with previous tools that the Maxximus has improved upon? Why is it called the “Rexx?” Does the Maxximus Rexx deserve its reputation and do we recommend it?

In this firefighter training episode Darren Dake and David Soler talk about the field of fire death investigation, and what we, as firefighters, need to know about how we can help medical examiners preserve evidence and get the answers that they need. We discuss: What are some of the biggest mistakes/issues you see firefighters doing in terms of the Medical examiner? What are, maybe, the top priorities that we need to have in our minds as firefighters or EMS personnels on a scene like this? How can firefighters / EMS work with the Coroner / MEs at fire scenes? How can we have better cooperation and scene management? How can we (fire service) do a good job preserving the evidence and scene while still doing our job? What else should we as firefighters/EMS know about to help?

In this firefighter training episode, Anita Brooks and David Soler gives us some tools to help others and ourselves through the emotional battles we go through. We learn about secondary traumatic stress, how constantly dealing with death and destruction affects our people in the fire ground, and how we can properly prevent the stress from building up and breaking us down. We discuss: What is Secondary Trauma? What do we need to know about dealing with dealing with death and destruction repeatedly as firefighters? What are some of the things that we can to identify the stress in ourselves and others? What can we do to help ourselves and others? How are we burying stress in to ourselves? What does "We can take stress" mean? Some more advice on how can help ourselves and others.

In this firefighter training episode we have Brian Kazmierzak here to tell us about the S.L.I.C.E.-R.S. method and how it incorporates fireground tactics with modern firefighter safety research, the website ModernFireBehavior.com, what has happened over the last 12 months with regards to firefighter close calls, as well as some LODDs. We discuss: What is S.L.I.C.E.-R.S. and how can we use it? What is the ModernFireBehavior.com? Who is that for and how can we use it? What is FirefighterCloseCalls.com? What are ways we can lessen instances of close calls? What are the common causes of LODDs and how can we prevent them?

In this firefighter training episode Lt. Scott Ebbert and David Soler share with us how firefighters can do their part in helping investigators in dealing with situations at the fire ground. We discuss: What is spoliation? How does spoliation affect us? What are some of the consequences of spoliation? How can we help the investigator and how do we avoid spoliation?

In this firefighter training episode Jim Moss and David Soler maximizing your potential and being the best that you can be by pouring in to each other. We discuss: What does it take to be a great firefighter? What does it take to be a great leader? What advice do you have for aspiring officers? How did you come up with “iron sharpens iron?” Where did it come from? Explain why you are passionate about mentorship in the fire service? What does it take to be a great mentor?

In this firefighter training episode Aaron Zamzow and David Soler share with us why and how members of the fire service should train, eat, and treat our bodies as if we're athletes. We discuss: How vitally important is stretching for firefighters? What's the proper way for us to stretch and when do we stretch? What are some things we can do to stretch and warm up before we go in to the field? How important is hydration? How do we keep our bodies hydrated?  

In this Firefighter Training Episode, we have a 15-minute training clinic with Captain Brian Smith about the importance of the primary attack line in having a safe fire ground. We discuss: Why is getting the attack line and service vitally important? How can we best get that attack line in service quickly and efficiently? Why is training important to having an effective attack line?

In this Firefighter Training Episode, David interviews Chief Les Karpluk, author of “Leadership Prescribed,” about the challenges in fire service leadership and some rules to live by to becoming a successful Fire Officer. Learn the 4 rules for Fire Officer Success: Rule 1- Lead by Example Rule 2- Find the Strengths in your People Rule 3- Support Your People Rule 4 – Be Patient

In this Firefighter Training Episode, David interview’s author and Deputy Chief Frank Viscuso about his book Step Up Your Teamwork. Item’s discussed: Why did he write step up your teamwork ? Who can this book help? What are the team building stages and how do they relate to the stages of fire? The "What about me?" mindset and how it is destructive to teams. How the Best ideas have to win for teams to be great. The 6 rungs of listening

Chief Bobby Halton, Capt Angela Hughes and David J Soler discuss 2-3 successful traits of leaders as well as successful habits. They also discuss this years FDIC 2015 and iWomen Conference 2015. What you can look forward to in this year’s FDIC 2015 Conference and the 2015 iWomen Conference Things up and coming leaders should be focusing on this year. Developing and cultivating the right habits. Qualities of a successful leader. The value of real world experience Being a cheerleader for the fire service and others

Firefighter Training Episode 055 of the FirefighterToolbox podcast is about the relationship between a fire department and its community.Capt. Greg May shares how the Fort Lauderdale City Fire Department had earned the support and admiration of its community by going above and beyond just doing their job.Greg May Discusses1. How good community relations can impact your fire department.2. 4 Ws of building great community relations.3. Simple strategies in building great community relations.4. How to combat bad publicity.5. Some ideas on how your department can engage with the community.

Firefighter Training Episode 054 of the FirefighterToolbox podcast is about how even a rookie can make a difference in the fire service.In this David Soler lays down the groundwork to becoming a great and well respected firefighter: Start with the right attitude and mindset from day one. Do your best to know and master the job/position assigned to you. Be willing to get your hands dirty. Be a student and a teacher of the fire service. Let your actions tell your story.

In this episode Chief Walt Lewis shares how your peers can influence your career and how you can become a positive influence to those wanting to join the fire service.We discuss: Consciously making an effort to surround yourself with great firefighters. Dedicating yourself and your time to becoming a better firefighter. Qualities of a leader and taking the initiative. Being a master of your craft. Why it's okay to want and find ways to be good at your job.

Firefighter Life Insurance Training Firefighter Training Episode 052 of the FirefighterToolbox podcast is about what firefighters need to know about life insurance. In this episode David Soler  discusses an overview of life insurance and why we need it.. He shares: What Life Insurance is. Why and when we need life insurance.  The different types of life insurances. How to calculate the amount of life insurance we need. Why getting life insurance outside of your work maybe better.

In this episode David Soler and Lt. Rob Ramirez discuss the mental and physical training and preparedness required to have our members overcome mayday situations.We discuss: Including psychological and mental strengthening in our trainings. Getting rid of the stigma against calling a mayday. 2 Key factors in overcoming a mayday situation. The black zones, red zones, and how anxiety affects the cognitive process. Various ways to train subconscious competence.    

Listen in to this Firefighter Training Podcast on what is situational awareness and why it's a must have skill for everyone in the fire service from the firefighter to the incident commander. David Soler discusses with Rich Gasaway the specifics of what it is and how we can develop it.  David also shared a  situation of when he did not have situational awareness and things went wrong in a hurry.   Learn more at FirefighterToolbox.com/050

Listen in to this firefighter training podcast and learn: Strategies for maximum efficiency and maximum safety when when firefighting personnel are faced with an attic fire. The dangers firefighters encounter when dealing with attic/compartment fires. In this firefighter training episode, Mike Daley gives us a short course on Attic Fires 101. We discuss: Understanding fire behavior and fire ground tactics. The risks involved in facing attic fires. The current trends in construction and how they affect fire ground safety. Strategies in identifying the presence on an attic fire. Strategies in extinguishing attic fires and keeping your firefighting personnel safe. Useful tools when dealing with compartment fires.

Listen in to this firefighter training podcast and learn: Dominating fireground with the Pig Tool. Believing in yourself and your ideas, and going for it. In this firefighter training episode, Chris Moren shares with us how he came up with the Pig Tool and the advantages of having one in your firefighting toolbox. How Chris came up with creating the Pig tool. Why the tool is called "The Pig"? Tips on getting the most use out of your Pig. Specifications and features of the Pig Tool. The importance of why the Pig is set at 8 lbs. Know Chris Moren the firefighter. Getting an idea and running with it.

Listen in to this firefighter training podcast and learn: The qualities that make a great firefighter. The 6 C’s found in a great leader. Applying the “I am third” attitude in your life. How you can motivate your crew to continue working on becoming great firefighters. In this firefighter training episode, Rob Cannon shares with us the elements of great leadership, and their role in taking you to where you want to be in your life and in your organization. Are you ready to become a leader? Ask yourself: How is your relationship with your colleagues? Are you morally, mentally, and physically prepared? Are you willing to do the right thing even when no one’s looking? How well do you know your job? Do you have the courage to do what needs to be done? Can you express your ideas and your feelings respectfully and professionally? Are you committed to your cause? Are you living up to your character ideas? What are you willing to work for?

Listen in to this firefighter training podcast and learn: The importance of setting goals in achieving personal success. Some tips and how-tos on how to set effective goals. Studies on how writing down goals can get you closer to achieving them. We want to be great firefighters. We want to take our skills to the next level. How? In this firefighter training episode, David Soler teaches us about the one thing we have to do to start moving forward: Set Goals. He discusses why you should: Know where you are in your career and know where you’re going. Say “yes” or “no” to certain things based on how it will help you achieve your goals. Write down your goals. Keep your eye on the prize. Set SMART goals Come up with specific goals using the three Ws: What, Why, Who? Break down your plan and focus on one thing at a time. Have an accountability partner

Listen in to this firefighter training podcast and learn: How to do a force/entry size up How to determine the correct strategy for forcing a door. The how-to’s on forcing entry by going thru-the-lock. In this firefighter training episode, Sean Wilson of Search & Destroy Fire Training gives us a quick guide on the whys and hows of forcible entry. We discuss: The 2 major elements that affect your approach on making a forced entry. Why fire service personnel should care about minimizing property damage. Always bring your irons as Plan B. The different kinds of locks, where you can find them, and what you can use to open them. Why you should always have your tools with you on every call. Benefits of having a forcible entry bag. The 3-step process of force entry through the lock Getting your hands dirty: How and where to get some practice.

Listen in to this firefighter training podcast and learn: 1- How you can start preparing and becoming a better fire officer. 2- What it takes to be a leader in the fire service. In this firefighter training episode, Frank Viscuso guides us as we take the reigns on our journey to become the leader the fire service deserves and needs. We discuss in depth How and why we should invest in our future. Surrounding ourselves with people that will push us to be better. The 4 best ways to learn How to become a better officer on the fire ground. Instincts and muscle memory – why we should practice, practice, practice. The importance of having your resources and tactical support tools on hand. Ways we can prepare or train ourselves to be confident on the field and much more

Listen in to this firefighter training podcast and learn: 1- The whys and hows in using Enhanced Water Streams (EWS)  in the fire service. 2- How Enhanced Water Streams (EWS) helps in improve safety for our fire service personnel. In this firefighter training episode, I talk with Chief Shawn Oke Co-Founder of Kill The Flashover about Enhanced Water Streams and why this is the future of the fire service. Questions that get answered: What are the main differences between wetting agents vs foam? What is an Enhanced Water Stream (EWS)? How does EWS improve efficiency in firefighting? What are the Pros and Cons of using EWS? How do these EWS solutions affect your current delivery system? What basic information should we look up when choosing a concentrate? How does EWS improve site safety? and much more

In this firefighter training episode, I talk with Capt Bob Farrell about the creation of the Halligan bar, Pro Bar, Shove Knife, Saws, Maxximus Halligan, and many more that Capt Farrell created or knows the story behind it. We also talk about awesome stories throughout his career, 9/11, how the coffin cut, trench cut and so much more was created and named.  This is a once in a lifetime interview and it's one of my favorites. Capt Farrell's career spans the times in the 60's & 70's known as "The War Years" Captain Farrell’s tenure at Engine 82 / Ladder 31 was considered the “The War Years” (1960’s-1970’s) and was arguably the busiest firehouse in the world! The conditions in the Bronxduring these times were conditions similar to war zones. Companies would respond to fireafter fire, most times non-stop. And Bob was in the thick of the action for many years.

In this firefighter training episode, I talk with Dr. Karlie Moore of Fit For Duty Consulting and a Contributor with Firefighter Toolbox about the 5 common exercises that most of us do and that are hurting us or are going to hurt us.  This means we should be avoiding these exercises! Let's learn which ones they are and what we should do instead. Exercises to avoid are sit-ups, calf raises on a machine with the weight on our shoulders, and more.

In this Firefighter Training Episode… In this firefighter training episode, we train on how to gear up fast and effeciency every time. Just like professional athletes have a specific “routine” for getting mentally focused and prepared for their shot/performance,  great firefighters... The post 035- How To Gear Up Even Faster appeared first on FireFighterToolBox.

About Episode 34: In this episode, David J. Soler shares the best way/how to wear a portable radio so that it is protected and ready when we need it.  In some departments, the importance of properly carrying and protecting your portable radio is not stressed enough. If we look at videos of firefight... The post 034- The Best Way How To Wear Our Portable Radios appeared first on FireFighterToolBox.

About Episode 033: In this firefighter training episode, I talk with Captain Erik Wood about getting up to speed as a new fire officer.  We all know it takes more than lieutenant's bars to lead a crew effectively.  Making decisions on the fireground, running drill night, and keeping your own skills ... The post 033- How To Get Up To Speed As A New Officer appeared first on FireFighterToolBox.

About FirefighterToolbox Podcast/ Internet Radio Show Episode #032 In this episode, we learn the 4 things we need to know about Autism as firefighters.  Autism is growing rapidly and 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with autism.  Firefighters are inflicting unknown pain unto these patients because of ... The post 032- 4 Things We Must Know About Autism As Firefighters appeared first on FireFighterToolBox.

About this Episode 031: Whether you are a firefighter or an officer, getting a new firefighter up to speed is essential.  In this episode, I talk with Lt. John Hayowyk, Jr. about ways to do just that in both volunteer and career departments.  Topics include: Understanding and embracing your initial ... The post 031- How To Get Up To Speed As a Firefighter appeared first on FireFighterToolBox.

About the Firefighter Toolbox Podcast Episode #30: In this episode, I talk with Mark von Appen of Fully Involved about what it takes to be a great firefighter and a true leader in the fire service. Topics include: The value of learning for a lifetime and from everyone The positive and negative aspec... The post 030- Fully Involved with Mark vonAppen appeared first on FireFighterToolBox.

FirefighterToolbox Podcast/ Internet Radio Show Episode #029 Authority Interview with Chief Bobby Halton, Editor In Chief at Fire Engineering Magazine About this Episode: Intro Provided by:  Mark vonAppen from FullyInvolved In this episode, I interview  Fire Engineering’s Editor In Chief and t... The post 029- Authority Interview- Fire Engineering & FDIC Chief Bobby Halton appeared first on FireFighterToolBox.

FirefighterToolbox Podcast/ Internet Radio Show Episode #028 Interview with Chief Jim Murphy About this Episode: Intro Provided by:  David Jeffers, Morrisville FD (VT), 2014 Fire Class from Holland, MI In this episode I interview Chief Jim Murphy on what it takes to be a great firefighter and leader... The post 028- It Takes Heart To Be A Great Firefighter appeared first on FireFighterToolBox.

FirefighterToolbox Podcast/ Internet Radio Show Episode #027 Interview with Dr Onieal About this Episode: Intro Provided by:  FDNY Battalion Chief Mike Meyers and  Baltimore City FD Captain Josh Fannon. In this episode I interview Dr Onieal on what it takes to be a great firefighter and leader.  We ... The post 027-Leading From The National Fire Academy appeared first on FireFighterToolBox.

Are You Smarter Than A Probie? Game Show About the show: The Firefighter Toolbox’s “Are You Smarter Than A Probie?”  game show. Where firefighters are asked questions from the FFI and FFII books and exams. Listen in and see if you are smarter than a probie and if today's firefighte... The post 026-Are You Smarter Than A Probie? Game Show appeared first on FireFighterToolBox.

FirefighterToolbox Podcast/ Internet Radio Show Episode #025 Interview with Alan Brunacini About this Episode: Intro Provided by:  Ryan Pennington of ViewsFromTheJumpseat.com  and Frank Viscuso, author of Step Up & Lead. In this episode I discuss several important aspects of being a great firefi... The post 025- Long Term Leadership with Chief Alan Brunacini appeared first on FireFighterToolBox.