SAMatters Radio

In this episode, Dr. Gasaway talks with Dr. Burton Clark on the topic of Dyslexia in the fire service.

Dr. Burton A. Clark, EFO has been in the fire service for 53 years. He’s known he was a Dyslexic since early …

In this episode, Dr. Gasaway is interviewed by Ed Mann, Director of Training and Education for Provident Insurance about the SAMatters Online Academy and why this training is so important for first responders.

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In this eposide, Dr. Gasaway sits down with Andrew Bozzo, Co-Founder of the Tablet Command Incident Management software.

Tablet Command is a mobile …

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is proven, effective treatment to help first responders suffering from Post-Traumatic Event Brain Injuries.

This episode is provides first responders a look into a …

Captain Saul burned while searching for a trapped child in a row home fire in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Captain Jeremy Saul, a Situational Awareness …

Chief Ron Warren shares the valuable information about drone services provided by the North Central Pennsylvania Unmanned Emergency Services Department

While presenting a situational awareness program for the Fireman’s …

Captain Eric Wappel shares a tale of complacency and how he faced it head-on with his department.

On January 3, 2022, the North Judson – Wayne Township Fire Department was dispatched for the second time to the same …

Dr. James Densley is Professor and Department Chair of Criminal Justice at Metro State University, part of the Minnesota State system. He is also …

Emergency services provide an invaluable service to communities and cities around the world. Research has shown these professionals encounter …

This interview is with Bob Bemis, a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper who was struck and severely injured while attending to a vehicle fire on I-81 in eastern Pennsylvania.

Eugene-Springfield crews were dispatched to a report of a residential fire with multiple callers confirming a residential dwelling fire.  As the …

Eugene-Springfield crews were dispatched to a report of a residential fire with multiple callers confirming a residential dwelling fire.  As the …

Merry Christmas everyone! I know everyone’s feeling particularly festive this time of year and ole Santa is feeling the situational awareness love. …

Lieutenant Alden is a paramedic and operations officer for the Akron (OH) Fire Department. He has 17+ years of experience as a firefighter and 15 + years as a paramedic. He is also a member of the SWAT Tactical Medic …

Lieutenant Alden is a paramedic and operations officer for the Akron (OH) Fire Department. He has 17+ years of experience as a firefighter and 15 + years as a paramedic. He is also a member of the SWAT Tactical Medic …

John Gonzalez is a past District Chief of Toms River Fire District 1 in Ocean County, NJ and has been an active volunteer firefighter for over 30 …

On September 4, Grayhawk bass player, Darin Wall, stopped a potential mass shooting by preventing a man from gaining entry into a private party at an event where the band had played earlier in the evening. 

Wall thought …

Stan Mettinger was setting up a training scenario that involved setting vehicles on fire.  He was using diesel fuel to ignite hay inside the vehicle …

On May 26, 2021, Monte Fronk, native American and Emergency Manager for the Mille Lacs Bank of Ojibwe received the most unimaginable news a father …

On May 26, 2021, Monte Fronk, native American and Emergency Manager for the Mille Lacs Bank of Ojibwe received the most unimaginable news a father …

In the early days of decision making research, most of the studies were conducted in college classrooms and laboratories. These settings were nothing …

Under the best of conditions there can be miscommunications. When you add stress, uncertainty, changing conditions, and risk, communications can become very challenging.

The first level of developing situational …

Challenges to a decision maker’s situational awareness from issues related to staffing were among the most significant findings from my research. I …

Flawed situational awareness (SA) is one of the leading contributing factors to first responder near-miss and casualty events. In fact, it is nearly impossible to find a line-of-duty death investigation report that does …

Your highest level of situational awareness is formed when you are able to make accurate predictions about future events. In neuroscience, this is called projection and it simply means you are able to predict, or …

Your highest level of situational awareness is formed when you are able to make accurate predictions about future events. In neuroscience, this is called projection and it simply means you are able to predict, or …

Complacency is a dangerous affliction and a very challenging barrier to situational awareness for workers in high-risk environments. When a worker becomes complacent they let their guard down. What does that mean? It’s …

Along a worker’s journey toward envisioning, developing, and implementing their plan to guide their (hopefully) successful outcome, they are likely …

Short-term memory can create a formidable challenge to situational awareness. Long-term memory is huge, some might argue it’s limitless. Short-term memory, not so much. The capacity of the average person’s short-term …

Dr. Donnie explores the health and wellness qualities that make for successful firefighters and other first responders at work and home.  He teaches …

Dr. Donnie explores the health and wellness qualities that make for successful firefighters and other first responders at work and home.  He teaches …

John Moore lives in Southwest Ohio with his wife of nearly 15 years and their two children (ages 7 and 9). He attended Sinclair Community College …

John Moore lives in Southwest Ohio with his wife of nearly 15 years and their two children (ages 7 and 9). He attended Sinclair Community College …

This Q&A session addresses questions from recent live situational awareness programs. Much of the inspiration for the blog posts come from participant questions but this may be the first podcast episode dedicated to …

The red flags discussed in the episode are clues and cues that provide conscious (overt) awareness of what is going on or subconscious (covert) awareness of what may be going on. The red flags are clues and cues that …

I get asked a lot of questions about what the first arriving company officer should do at a working structure fire. Specifically, the debate revolves …

First responders spend a lot of time together, on calls, in the station, and in many cases in social settings outside of work. All of this interaction builds relationships that allow responders to trust their lives to …

In this episode we put the shoe on the other foot… and I am interviewed by Chris Crawford is a firefighter with the Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania Fire Department and a Public Administration major at Point Park University. …

First responders spend a lot of time together, on calls, in the station, and in many cases in social settings outside of work. All of this interaction builds relationships that allow responders to trust their lives to …

First responders spend a lot of time together, on calls, in the station, and in many cases in social settings outside of work. All of this interaction builds relationships that allow responders to trust their lives to …

The San Francisco Fire Department conducted an internal review of the incident and issued a 156-page report on their findings. Many of the lessons relate to situational awareness and it is from that perspective that I …

The San Francisco Fire Department conducted an internal review of the incident and issued a 156-page report on their findings. Many of the lessons relate to situational awareness and it is from that perspective that I …

Good or bad, we all have habits. On an emergency scene good habits can save your life and bad habits can result of tragic consequences. So it stands …

It is amazing how many articles and videos I have watched lately in which they are talking about decision making based on “gut feel.” It is also disheartening how many first responders I have interviewed who have …

This discussion includes the four steps in the progression of competency:

Step 1: Unconscious incompetence – being unaware of what you do not know.

Step 2: Conscious incompetence – being aware of how much you do not …

The Denver Drill that John discusses had been performed all week using two ladders and two firefighters at the sill.  But the crew on duty on this …

The Denver Drill that John discusses had been performed all week using two ladders and two firefighters at the sill.  But the crew on duty on this …

Back on Episode 55, then Cypress Creek Lieutenant Jason Corthell shared his close call survival story where he was operating on the second floor of an exterior stairwell at an apartment building fire.

The stairwell, …

Back on Episode 55, then Cypress Creek Lieutenant Jason Corthell shared his close call survival story where he was operating on the second floor of an exterior stairwell at an apartment building fire.

The stairwell, …

If you are the type of person who can work on your notebook, listen to music on your iPod, talk on your cell phone and text message at the same time, (maybe all while driving) this episode is for you. Advances in …

It’s been 5 years since my last interview with my son, Cameron Gasaway.  At that time, he was serving as an apprentice firefighter in Madison, Wisconsin.  In this episode, he will share his lessons learned and offer …

Rick Mehaffey serves as an engineer for the Waynesville Fire Department, is combination department that runs 2500 calls a year out of two stations. (He has since been promoted to Captain.)

At the time of the near miss …

On August 11, 2007, Captain Martin and his partner were over run by a fast-moving wildland fire. On retreat, his partner became entangled on a barbed wire fence. Captain Martin used a utility knife to cut away his …

A confabulated reality is one that we believe to be real but, in actuality, it is made up in our brain.  The problem with this is we rarely are able …

On July 28, 2011, the Asheville Fire Department was forever changed by the tragic LODD of Captain Jeff Bowen. During this interview, Fire Chief Scott …

On July 28, 2011, the Asheville Fire Department was forever changed by the tragic LODD of Captain Jeff Bowen. During this interview, Fire Chief Scott …

On May 22, 2010, John Glaser, a 33-year-old career fire fighter died while conducting a primary search of a residential house fire. Firefighter …

On May 22, 2010, John Glaser, a 33-year-old career fire fighter died while conducting a primary search of a residential house fire. Firefighter …

On May 5, 2014 Perry Hall was part of an engine crew conducting a search when he got separated from his crew and accidentally locked in one of the …

On May 5, 2014 Perry Hall was part of an engine crew conducting a search when he got separated from his crew and accidentally locked in one of the …

On Wednesday, February 18, 2009, Elyria Fire Captain Joe Pronesti responded to a fire alarm activation call on a college campus. The first arriving …

Scott Gieselhart served 24 years as a firefighter in Frazee, Minnesota. Along the way, several incidents contributed to Scott developing a Post …

Scott Gieselhart served 24 years as a firefighter in Frazee, Minnesota. Along the way, several incidents contributed to Scott developing a Post …

Throughout his 43-year career, retired fire chief Jim Arie had experienced multiple near-miss events.  He’ll discuss a few of them but none were as …

Throughout his 43-year career, retired fire chief Jim Arie had experienced multiple near-miss events.  He’ll discuss a few of them but none were as …

While there are more than 100 barriers that can flaw situational awareness, this episode focuses on 7 that can be particularly challenging to first …

You might think that by now the importance of completing a 360-degree size-up would be second nature for firefighters.  But it’s not.  In fact, …

The pandemic has been tough on everyone, especially first responders who have stepped up to the task.  But for many first response agencies, the worst is yet to come as the economic fallout will likely create budget …

Bravado is defined as “a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate.”  A co-worker or boss displaying bravado can be …

There are three component parts to situational awareness – perception, understanding and prediction.  There are barriers that can impact awareness on all three levels. The application of best practices can help incident …

The fear of public speaking consistently ranks near the top of the list in fear surveys.  This won’t come as a surprise for many.  But the consequences of not speaking up can be catastrophic for organizations and for …

Misty Worrell and her partner on Cypress Creek EMS responded to a medical call that would result in two fatalities and the EMS crew being exposed to …

Misty Worrell and her partner on Cypress Creek EMS responded to a medical call that would result in two fatalities and the EMS crew being exposed to …

The mission of the Operational Mindset Foundation is to mentally, physically and emotionally prepare those who choose to place themselves in harm’s way every day for the benefit of others… and give them the opportunity …

Situational awareness barriers block a worker’s ability to perceive, understand or predict. I have uncovered and researched more than a hundred barriers to awareness. This episode talks about two of the barriers – …

In the early morning hours of January 17, 2016, Chesterfield County Fire & EMS responded to a residential fire on Wicklow Lane that would result …

In the early morning hours of January 17, 2016, Chesterfield County Fire & EMS responded to a residential fire on Wicklow Lane that would result …

In the early morning hours of January 17, 2016, Chesterfield County Fire & EMS responded to a residential fire on Wicklow Lane that would result …

Episode 315 focused on the process for developing and maintaining situational awareness. The program was very engaging and there were over 40 questions asked.  This episode is part 2 of a 2-part episode addresses the …

Episode 315 focused on the process for developing and maintaining situational awareness. The program was very engaging and there were over 40 questions asked.  This episode is part 1 of a 2-part episode addresses the …

During this Pandemic, I have heard the term situational awareness spoken more times than I can ever remember.  Media pundits, medical experts, emergency managers – they’re all telling us it’s important to maintain …

During this Pandemic, you might experience three types of stress: Acute stress, episodic acute stress and chronic stress. This episode explores how stress can impact your situational awareness and, equally concerning, …

The world made a major shift in March, 2020. Very quickly and unexpectedly, I lost 44 scheduled programs and now have no work scheduled until …

While attending the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute’s National Fire Service Staff & Command School I had an opportunity to interview …

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Laverne Friesen was a guest on Episodes 301 and 302, talking about his mental health near-miss. Upon the completion of the recording, he mentioned …

This interview with Battalion Chief Troy Elmore, Firefighter/Acting Captain Brian Oullette, and Firefighter/EMT Jason Shuck shares their powerful …

This interview with Battalion Chief Troy Elmore, Firefighter/Acting Captain Brian Oullette, and Firefighter/EMT Jason Shuck, shares their powerful …

The fire service continues to be plagued by occupational health risks that have been directly related to the rigors of firefighting. The author has written about and published on these extensively terming it the …

The IAFC’s Firefighter Near Miss Reporting System has been undergoing substantial changes in 2019 to improve functionality and provide better …

The IAFC’s Firefighter Near Miss Reporting System has been undergoing substantial changes in 2019 to improve functionality and provide better …

On July 3, 2019, the Atascocita Fire Department responded to a commercial building fire at Coach’s Sports Bar.  First arriving units reported …

On July 3, 2019, the Atascocita Fire Department responded to a commercial building fire at Coach’s Sports Bar.  First arriving units reported …

Laverne Friesen spent his career in a variety of first responder positions in Alberta, Canada. His experiences include healthcare, volunteer …

Laverne Friesen spent his career in a variety of first responder positions in Alberta, Canada. His experiences include healthcare, volunteer …

Ryan Pennington is the Lieutenant-Paramedic currently serving with the Charleston WV. Fire Department. Ryan is assigned to Ladder 456 in the Kanawha City area of Charleston. He has over 22 years of fire-EMS …

Midwest Fire has been the Platinum sponsor of our show since 2014 and this episode showcases their company and allows our listeners and viewers to learn more about this amazing fire apparatus builder.

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Roree Payment has just completed his first year as the Chief of the Clearview Fire and Emergency Services.  Prior to that he was the Deputy Fire Chief for the department for the previous 5.5yrs.  Having a love for the …

Roree Payment has just completed his first year as the Chief of the Clearview Fire and Emergency Services.  Prior to that he was the Deputy Fire Chief for the department for the previous 5.5yrs.  Having a love for the …

In this episode, we review the Overconfidence chapter of my new book, How Smart Workers Use Situational Awareness to Improve Safety.

Really smart and talented workers can drift over into a minefield of overconfidence …

Stress can have a significant, and undesirable impact on a worker’s memory and recall.  This 2-part episode from a live presentation explains and demonstrates the undesirable impacts of stress

Stress can have a significant, and undesirable impact on a worker’s memory and recall.  This 2-part episode from a live presentation explains and demonstrates the undesirable impacts of stress.

At the time of the call, Mike Beutler responded as a volunteer firefighter with the Happy Valley Fire District (Oregon) to a commercial structure …

At the time of the call, Mike Beutler responded as a volunteer firefighter with the Happy Valley Fire District (Oregon) to a commercial structure …

Ron Hunter is a Lieutenant with the Spartanburg (South Carolina) Fire Department, working out of the Southside station. He has been with the City …

The AskRail mobile app is a safety tool that provides first responders immediate access to accurate, timely data about what type of hazardous …

I wrote the book “How Smart Workers Use Situational Awareness to Improve Safety to help front-line workers, supervisors, safety managers, and executives understand how to develop and maintain situational awareness …

I wrote the book “How Smart Workers Use Situational Awareness to Improve Safety" to help front-line workers, supervisors, safety managers and executives understand how to develop and maintain situational awareness …

Randy Hanifen serves as a Captain and shift commander with the West Chester Fire Department near Cincinnati, Ohio. At the time of his near-miss event, Randy was a firefighter riding up in the officer position on an …

Brian Collins serves as a Battalion Chief with the Brentwood Fire Department in Tennessee.  At the time of his near-miss event, he was serving as …

In this episode, I am interviewed on the Coffee Talk Show with Carl Potter, founder of The Safety Institute. The Safety Institute is a resource …

Chris Tobin is a firefighter in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Skills to succeed in a world where there is no gray. IT'S NOT ABOUT HOW QUICKLY a paramedic can insert an IV or intubate a patient or victim in trouble. It's not about being able to recognize a heart attack from a …

Skills to succeed in a world where there is no gray. IT'S NOT ABOUT HOW QUICKLY a paramedic can insert an IV or intubate a patient or victim in trouble. It's not about being able to recognize a heart attack from a …

Charles Werner is the retired Charlottesville fire chief and 45-year public safety veteran. After retirement, Charles worked with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management from 2015 - 2017 as senior …

Alex Charoni is a Captain with the South King County Fire & Rescue service in Washington.  For more than a decade Alex has been developing his passion for understanding the root causes for firefighter near-miss …

The Tactical Breakdown podcast is designed to support the men and women who keep our countries and communities safe by delivering real-world, actionable knowledge and experience from the best subject matter experts …

The Tactical Breakdown podcast is designed to support the men and women who keep our countries and communities safe by delivering real-world, actionable knowledge and experience from the best subject matter experts …

We all know we have habits. Some of them are good habits. And some of them are...well...not so good. The less often talked about cousin of a habit is a routine.

Habits and routines can impact situational awareness in …

There's a lot being talked about these days about the concept of high reliability organizations (HROs). The concept is being embraced by many hospitals

throughout the United States and, arguably, for good reason. …

There's a lot being talked about these days about the concept of high reliability organizations (HROs). The concept is being embraced by many hospitals throughout the United States and, arguably, for good reason. The …

In the formation of situational awareness, you gather information – clues and cues. But there are two types of clues and cues: Positive and negative.  We’ll explore their differences and explain why both are important …

This episode shares three examples of complacency, all happening within a 10-minute span of time. While the outcome was not tragic, the potential for tragedy was tremendous. And I got to witness all of it.

Contact …

This episode discusses why radio communications is a critical component to situational awareness and some of the challenges that are created when there is a lack of radio discipline.

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This episode discusses why it is so important for workers, supervisors and safety managers to understand what situational awareness is, how it is developed, how it can be impacted and how to recover once it has …

The ideas in your mind about problems and situations before you actually face the problem or situation is your pre-conception, or your pre-conceived notions about the problem or situation.  There are two fundamental …

Keeping track of how time passes is an important component to situational awareness.  If you lose track of time, you are at risk of not comprehending how fast conditions are changing around you. When this occurs, …

Contact Us

www.SAMatters.com

www.RichGasaway.com

612-548-4424 (office)

651-331-8518 (cell)

Get connected with SAMatters

Facebook: Follow …

Contact Us

www.SAMatters.com

www.RichGasaway.com

612-548-4424 (office)

651-331-8518 (cell)

Get connected with SAMatters

Facebook: Follow …

Matthew Marlow is the Chief of the Medway-Grapeville Fire District in New Baltimore, NY. He has been a member of the District for ten years, and has served as the company’s training officer for the past 6 years. He …

Contact Us

www.SAMatters.com

www.RichGasaway.com

612-548-4424 (office)

651-331-8518 (cell)

Get connected with SAMatters

Facebook: Follow …

Contact Us

www.SAMatters.com

www.RichGasaway.com

612-548-4424 (office)

651-331-8518 (cell)

Get connected with SAMatters

Facebook: Follow …

Paul Speight’s role after 29 years in Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service changed from operational and road safety to virtual reality. He made …

Listen in as I interview Evansville, Indiana Fire Chief Mike Connelly as he shares how he hosted not one… but FOUR… situational awareness programs over a two-year period that cost his department nothing. Not a penny. …

Tom Ehlers was working on the scene of fire at a pallet storage facility when a 14k volt line fell and struck him on his helmet and shoulder. The …

Tom Ehlers was working on the scene of fire at a pallet storage facility when a 14k volt line fell and struck him on his helmet and shoulder. The …

Take a peek into a segment of a live classroom presentation. The segment was also broadcasted on Facebook Live.

Show Notes

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Fire-Medic Roy Lapid was working on Thornton Fire Truck 75 for a single-family residential dwelling fire. Roy entered the first-floor of the structure and started to complete a primary search. However, he quickly …

Fire-Medic Roy Lapid was working on Thornton Fire Truck 75 for a single-family residential dwelling fire. Roy entered the first-floor of the structure and started to complete a primary search. However, he quickly …

Fire-Medic Roy Lapid was working on Thornton Fire Truck 75 for a single-family residential dwelling fire. Roy entered the first-floor of the structure and started to complete a primary search. However, he quickly …

Daniel Konzelman is an Eagle Scout so he was raised to “Be Prepared.”  But what he was about to face on the morning of December 18, 2017 some …

Joe Pronesti has developed a training program to help firefighters understand the special challenges we face when fighting fires in the old …

Joe Pronesti has developed a training program to help firefighters understand the special challenges we face when fighting fires in the old …

Dr. Burton A. Clark, EFO has been in the fire service for 49 years from the local to international levels; working in urban, suburban, and rural …

This episode is packed with lessons learned from an interview with German Township IC Deavron Farmer, with contributions from long-time German Fire Chief (ret.) John M. Buckman III.

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This episode is packed with lessons learned from an interview with German Township IC Deavron Farmer, with contributions from long-time German Fire Chief (ret.) John M. Buckman III.

Show Notes

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This episode is packed with lessons learned from an interview with German Township IC Deavron Farmer, with contributions from long-time German Fire Chief (ret.) John M. Buckman III.

Contact Us

www.SAMatters.com

The Situational Awareness Matters Show was launched in 2014 with the primary goal of providing a platform for near-miss survivors to tell their stories and their lessons learned. This episode summarizes the 10 most …

Mental rehearsals allow a worker to pre-load experiences into their memory. This can improve safety and decision making by creating mental scripts …

Join us for a short visit to a situational awareness live training event at Syncrude Canada in Fort McMurray, Alberta as Dr. Gasaway shared with oil refinery operators how pre-arrival lens, task fixation, mission …

Join us for a short visit to a situational awareness live training event at Syncrude Canada in Fort McMurray, Alberta as Dr. Gasaway shared with oil refinery operators how to develop the understanding component of …

Merry Christmas everyone! I know everyone’s feeling particularly festive this time of year and ole Santa is feeling the situational awareness …

There are two ways you can develop the knowledge needed to improve high-risk decision making. First, you can experience events first-hand. This method can be slow and dangerous. Or, you can experience events …

On November 14, 2014, Indianapolis Captain (then Lieutenant) Eric Dreiman was assigned on Ladder 19. His station was dispatched at 1159 hours to a …

On November 14, 2014, Indianapolis Captain (then Lieutenant) Eric Dreiman was assigned on Ladder 19. His station was dispatched at 1159 hours to a …

A crew of three firefighters, including Cypress Creek Fire Lieutenant Jason Corthell, ascended an exterior stairwell on a fast-moving apartment fire. The fire was inside the apartment and in the attic. The stairs, …

Recently I was having a conversation with a fire commander who shared an experience he had. He stopped by one of the stations for a visit and came upon a group of firefighters huddled around a computer screen …

On Saturday, September 13, 2014, the Brooklyn Park Fire Department was dispatched to a medical call that had the potential to be catastrophic for the members of their department, their EMS transport provider and …

The first arriving crews attempted to knock down the fire from the exterior but were not success. Subsequently, companies went to the basement, expecting to find fire in the basement. The conditions were warm with …

The house that was on fire was a vacant, dilapidated structure with a fire on the second floor. John was part of a crew that was looking for fire extension on the second floor of this large farm-style house. While on …

On this episode, I interview Firefighter Richard Marcus of the New Hartford Volunteer Fire Department in Connecticut. On May 5, 2006, Firefighter …

Most workers know, intuitively, that having strong situational awareness is important, but very few actually understand the process involved with …

Most workers know, intuitively, that having strong situational awareness is important, but very few actually understand the process involved with …

On June 30, 2015, the Franklin Fire Department was dispatched to a multi-family structure fire. The first-arriving officer reported heavy smoke …

On June 30, 2015, the Franklin Fire Department was dispatched to a multi-family structure fire. The first-arriving officer reported heavy smoke …

The brain does not like confusion and in the absence of factual information it can make up its own reality, notwithstanding what true reality is. …

Firefighter Jonathan Hancock and his partner made entry into a single-family residential dwelling fire.  They were advancing a hose line when the face piece on his partner’s breathing apparatus become dislodged. His …

On May 5, 2014 Perry Hall was part of an engine crew conducting a search when he got separated from his crew and accidentally locked in one of the …

On May 5, 2014 Perry Hall was part of an engine crew conducting a search when he got separated from his crew and accidentally locked in one of the …

On August 5, 2014 Assistant Fire Chief Jamie Middlebrook of New Carlisle Fire Department (Indiana) died after being trapped under a roof collapse …

Disclaimer: The comments shared during this interview are of the individual and do not represent the views of any company, employer or agency.

On August 6, 2012, the Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Refinery in Richmond, …

On August 6, 2012, the Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Refinery in Richmond, California, experienced a catastrophic pipe failure in the #4 Crude Unit. The pipe ruptured, releasing flammable, hydrocarbon process fluid which …

Like many of you, I do my best work when I am not interrupted. Whether it’s someone trying to carry on a conversation, a phone ringing or a text message, an interruption disrupts my train of thought. And when the train …

On this episode (Part 2 of 2) I interview with Indianapolis Health & Safety Chief Doug Abernathy. At the time of the fire Doug had served on the …

On this episode (Part 1 of 2) I interview with Indianapolis Health & Safety Chief Doug Abernathy. At the time of the fire Doug had served on the …

On this episode (Part 2 of 2) I interview with Captain John Lightly. At the time of the recording of this episode John had served as a member of the Youngstown, Ohio Fire Department for 13 years. Youngstown FD has 8 …

On this episode (Part 1 of 2) I interview with Captain John Lightly. At the time of the recording of this episode John had served as a member of the Youngstown, Ohio Fire Department for 13 years. Youngstown FD has 8 …

I titled the original episode (#18) “What I learned in two minutes.” This is an interview with Lieutenant Sean Dolan from the Aurora Fire …

It’s not something talked about often, especially in high-risk work environments – overstaffing. Far more often the focus is on issues of understaffing which, coincidentally, can be a significant barrier to situational …

Some people confuse tunnel vision and task fixation.  This episode explains the difference and provides best practices for developing and maintaining situational awareness.

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On May 5, 2015, Chicopee Fire Deputy Chief Dave Beauregard responded to a report of an electrical fire – reported to already be out –  at an industrial facility on Meadow Street in Chicopee. Chief Beauregard discusses …

On May 5, 2015, Chicopee Fire Deputy Chief Dave Beauregard responded to a report of an electrical fire – reported to already be out –  at an industrial facility on Meadow Street in Chicopee. Chief Beauregard discusses …

On March 20, 2003, Twinsburg Firefighter-Paramedic Jim Woolf responded on Engine 4 to a reported electrical fire in an apartment building under …

On March 20, 2003, Twinsburg Firefighter-Paramedic Jim Woolf responded on Engine 4 to a reported electrical fire in an apartment building under …

In 2007, Situational Awareness Matters was founded, initially, to help first responder improve high-risk decision making. From a single program delivered at a conference a movement was started that now includes over …

This was my 20th year presenting at the Fire Department Instructors Conference. This is the first time I’ve dedicated an episode of the podcast to observations I made from the classes I attended and the attendees I …

Tacit knowledge is that collection of life’s experiences, education and training that resides outside conscious awareness. It’s the knowledge one …

If we’re being honest with ourselves, we know that not all team members are created equal. It is a situational awareness best practice to know the strengths (and weaknesses) of your team before engaging in high-risk, …

Because individuals and teams frequently operate in environments where there are multiple auditory inputs (e.g., radio traffic, face-to-face …

Arguably, to accomplish a mission, it would be very beneficial to have a shared set of goals that everyone understands and everyone is working on …

Anyone who’s been frustrated knows it can consume a lot of your mental energy and thinking space. This can significantly impact your situational awareness. In fact, depending on the level of frustration, your brain can …

We make assumptions every day. Some of them are accurate. Others are not. Assumptions occur when there is an absence of complete information. Such is the case at just about every high-risk, high-consequence event you …

We rationalize that because we are operating in conditions of stress and consequence, with urgency and a feeling of pressure to perform quickly, we can take shortcuts to our best practices.

Some even go as far as to …

The premise behind relationship bias is that we tend to be attracted toward (and like) people whom we know well and to whom we know share similar interests. The stronger our relationship with another person, the more …

When everything goes as planned, your expectations are met and situational awareness is easily formed and sustained.  However, sometimes your …

In the early morning hours of January 17, 2016, Chesterfield County Fire & EMS responded to a residential fire on Wicklow Lane that would result …

In the early morning hours of January 17, 2016, Chesterfield County Fire & EMS responded to a residential fire on Wicklow Lane that would result …

In the early morning hours of January 17, 2016, Chesterfield County Fire & EMS responded to a residential fire on Wicklow Lane that would result …

Jason Bonney has been with the Central Jackson Fire Protection District in Blue Springs, Missouri for 15 years where he serves as the Assistant Chief of Training.  Jason is working on his research paper for the …

Jason Bonney has been with the Central Jackson Fire Protection District in Blue Springs, Missouri for 15 years where he serves as the Assistant Chief of Training.  Jason is working on his research paper for the …

Christo Motz is an International Consultant on Survival and Resilience. As a board member he writes articles for the Crisis Response Journal on …

Christo Motz is an International Consultant on Survival and Resilience. As a board member he writes articles for the Crisis Response Journal on …

Herd mentality occurs when individuals group together and follow each other for inexplicable reasons. This is sometimes referred to as the “mob …

On December 18, 2017 an Amtrak train bound for Portland from Seattle derailed on a busy overpass on Interstate 5 in DuPont, Washington. This interview is Chief Creekmore’s first hand perspective of the incident. He …

In October I was in Chesapeake to deliver two-days of situational awareness training and I caught up with one of my life-long friends, Norfolk …

In September I was in Chesapeake to deliver two-days of situational awareness training and I caught up with one of my life-long friends, Norfolk …

In reading casualty reports you will often see issues related to communications as a contributing factor. Miscommunications, lack of communications or too much radio traffic (to include overloaded radio channels) are …

In reading casualty reports you will often see issues related to communications as a contributing factor. Miscommunications, lack of communications or too much radio traffic (to include overloaded radio channels) are …

This episode chronicles an event where responders were managing two cardiac arrest calls in a hotel room.  Initial response teams did not consider the possibility of carbon monoxide as the potential cause and the …

Oftentimes employee training involves scenarios where workers learn how to perform to the scripted standards. On the surface, there’s nothing wrong …

If you have attended one of my situational awareness programs you have learned how stress is a game-changer when it comes to situational awareness and decision making quality.

Most employee training programs focus on …

On January 3, 2014, the St. Charles Fire Department responded to a single-family residential dwelling fire on Nancy Drive.  This podcast chronicles …

On January 3, 2014, the St. Charles Fire Department responded to a single-family residential dwelling fire on Nancy Drive.  This podcast …

On January 3, 2014, the St. Charles Fire Department responded to a single-family residential dwelling fire on Nancy Drive.  This podcast chronicles …

On May 31, 2017, I delivered a presentation to the Colorado Springs Fire Department in Situational Awareness. During the program we engaged in a …

On May 31, 2017, I delivered a presentation to the Colorado Springs Fire Department in Situational Awareness. During the program we engaged in a …

Accountability is a critically important component to the safety of employees when they are operating in hazardous environments. From the …

The potential issue from uncoordinated, independent action is it may be unrealistic to think multiple individuals, or multiple teams can begin work …

When it comes to developing and maintaining situational awareness, tunnel vision is a big deal. Situational awareness is developed by having a broad perception of the environment in which you are operating. As your …

Your highest level of situational awareness is formed when you are able to make accurate predictions about future events. We call this projection and it simply means you are able to predict, or project, the future.

…

In this episode, we discuss how to use your imagination to anticipate outcomes – an important component of developing strong situational awareness.

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Intro music

Safety Dance …

In this episode, I am taking on a topic often discussed in my leadership programs more often than in my situational awareness programs – motivation. I’m not going to get in to depth on the topic of motivation as it …

We have many traits that make us uniquely human. Among them is our ability to engage in complex communications. We can look at black ink squiggled …

A person displaying bravado is not concerned with his or her own safety. They are only concerned with looking courageous. This does not make the individual brave. It makes the individual dangerous. 

Once a person …

The foundation of situational awareness is capturing clues and cues in your environment – what some would call “paying attention” – and then making …

One way to control your reaction to stress is to first understand what causes you to be stressed. There are the obvious stressors – physical …

It is so easy to trudge over your intuition and to trust your logical, rational form of thinking. Not only can this be unwise, it can also be deadly. Today’s guest shares an experience where he trusted his intuition …

If you have spent time reading a large number of firefighter fatality reports you might start to see the real-life manifestation of Einstein’s …

If you have spent time reading a large number of firefighter fatality reports you might start to see the real-life manifestation of Einstein’s …

If you have spent time reading a large number of firefighter fatality reports you might start to see the real-life manifestation of Einstein’s …

If you have spent time reading a large number of firefighter fatality reports you might start to see the real-life manifestation of Einstein’s …

If you have spent time reading a large number of firefighter fatality reports you might start to see the real-life manifestation of Einstein’s …

Developing situational awareness is a three-part process that begins with perception, and then understanding, and finally prediction – or forecasting what is going to happen in the future. Many first responders are …

In this episode, I interview three members of the Lynchburg Fire Department who responded to a structure fire where conditions changed rapidly and caused the crews to leave the structure just short of being over-run by …

In this episode, I interview three members of the Lynchburg Fire Department who responded to a structure fire where conditions changed rapidly and caused the crews to leave the structure just short of being over-run …

This episode is an interview Karl McNorton, Dusty Nichols and Joe Hawkins who were involved in a brush fire incident that was complicated when a …

On Dec. 19, 2016 at 1:05pm, the Virginia Fire Department responded to a report of an apartment building fire in the 700 block of 5th Avenue South.  Noting a change in smoke conditions, the incident commander ordered an …

In this episode, we discuss the Synergist - the person who seeks others who are like-minded and tends to side with their compatriots point of view regardless of the presence of mounting evidence that refutes the …

In this episode, we discuss the Slacker: A person who avoids work or effort. I think we all knew that already. The slacker does the least amount of work possible to remain employed. They are a minimal contributor and …

In this episode, we discuss the super hero dangerous mindset. You might think of this as the person who sees him or herself as unstoppable, bullet …

This episode discusses the history of SAMatters and Dr. Gasaway shares his background and the work he has done to improve first responder situational awareness and high-risk decision making.

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The silent individual members, for whatever reason, may not speak up even if something is going horribly wrong. This can have devastating consequences on first responder safety because the Silent member may see …

In this episode, we discuss the stubborn – an individual that is set in their ways, closed minded and perhaps even defiant. Their narrowed view can impact relationships and, more importantly, their situational …

This episode discusses the boss who lets his or her authority get the best of their judgment or that boss who suffers from feelings of inadequacy …

This episode is part three of a nine-part serious on dangerous mindsets that first responders can develop and I offer some advice for dealing with each. This week we talk about the Specialist, (a.k.a. The Know-it-all).

This episode is part two of a nine-part serious on dangerous mindsets that first responders can develop and I offer some advice for dealing with each. 

Last week we started off the series by talking about the …

Everyone of us should be able to relate to this mindset. We have all been there, albeit some more recently than others. Being the new responder can …

Have you ever driven your vehicle somewhere, arrived at your destination and wondered to yourself “How did I get here?” If so, you have experienced mind drift. This can happen when you’re driving your car, sitting in a …

James Johnson is a Firefighter for Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  He is currently assigned to Firehouse …

First responder training is often conducted in topical segments. One week it might be fire attack. The next week the training might focus on search and rescue and the next week on forcible entry.

There is a reason a …

Fear is one of two emotions that drive all human behavior. The other is desire.  Whatever a first responder chooses to do, or not do, is based on one of these two emotional drives.  This episode discuses how fear can …

There’s no doubt that in dynamically changing, high-risk, high-consequence environments someone could be called upon to perform many varied tasks, …

We see with our brains, not with our eyes.  The eyes are simply a tool to gather photons of light. The processing of images happens in the visual …

There are two types of memory we will discuss in this episode, short-term and long-term. Both play important roles in helping first responders …

At the time of the fire, Rick Mehaffey served as an engineer for the Waynesville Fire Department, a combination department that runs 2500 calls a year out of two stations. (He has since been promoted to Captain.)

At the …

Confabulation is a fascinating phenomenon where a person’s brain can make up its own reality and the individual it happens to will not realize that …

In this episode, Madison Firefighter Cameron Gasaway shares his observations about why it is so hard for a new firefighter to speak up when they think something is going wrong. We also share a real-life experience …

The researchers who study expertise have concluded it can take roughly 10,000 hours of training and practice to achieve expert-level knowledge and …

As you attend conferences that have vendor display areas, pay attention to how many incident management software vendors claim to have programs that can “develop situational awareness” in first responders. This claim is …

When it comes to first responder radio traffic I am reminded of the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. You may recall that in the story …

The Situational Awareness Matters Online Academy officially opens its doors in January. SAMatters Radio podcast episode #132 was dedicated to explaining the features of the Academy. This episode is dedicated to …

One of the ways to improve your situational awareness is to develop a conscious awareness about your awareness. Developing and maintaining situational awareness can be challenging while operating in high stress …

It is important for a commander to have situational awareness about the resources available and to use that knowledge to drive decisions. Setting strategy without consideration to the quantity and quality of resources …

One of the problems that can happen while working in high stress, time compressed environments is a person can develop a flawed perception of reality. When this happens, they will not realize it until something happens …

One of the most common pieces of feedback received from live events is “Everyone in my department needed to hear this message.” I could not agree …

The research I have conducted on the neuroscience of situational awareness and high-risk decision making has been fascinating and extremely enlightening to me. Over the past 9 years, it has been very rewarding to take …

A person suffering from auditory exclusion will experience temporary hearing loss.  While it is most often identified and associated with individuals who are working in high stress environments, the truth is it can …

Beaver Dam (WI) Fire Chief, Alan Mannel, was working as a police officer in Crete, Illinois where a suspect opened fire on officers while they were …

Lieutenant Jarrod Sergi attended one of my situational awareness programs in Virginia earlier this year and during the program we discussed, among many other topics, the impact of sleep inertia on awareness and decision …

It is not uncommon for responders to be told: “If you see something that is causing you a concern, speak up.” And everyone nods their heads in the …

On February 14, 2014 the Birmingham Fire Department was dispatched to a residential dwelling fire at 0130. On arrival the first-in company reported heavy fire conditions on the CD corner of the house. There were two …

One of the best ways we can learn how to be safer is to learn from our mistakes. Truly, haven’t we all said “I’ve learned more from the mistakes I’ve …

Your chances of getting killed in a commercial airline accident while traveling with one of the top 20 U.S. carriers is roughly 1:87 million. As a researcher and practitioner of first responder safety this incredible …

As we train first responders to improve situational awareness it is important the lessons include a list of both positive and negative clues and cues. Clues and cues are another way of saying “information”… the …

Locus of control is a psychological principal that refers to the extent to which a person feels they are in control of the events that can affect …

First responders can experience three types of stress: Acute stress, episodic acute stress and chronic stress. This episode explores how stress can impact a first responder’s situational awareness and, equally …

Instructor John Dixon discusses the normalization of deviance, complacency, groupthink and more. He offers ideas about how to recognize the problem and recommends best practices for individuals and organizations for how …

On January 19, 2009 the West Metro Fire Department responded to a well-involved, wind-driven residential dwelling fire. This multiple alarm fire was …

On January 19, 2009 the West Metro Fire Department responded to a well-involved, wind-driven residential dwelling fire. This multiple alarm fire was …

On May 22, 2010, John Glaser, a 33-year-old career fire fighter died while conducting a primary search of a residential house fire. Firefighter …

On May 22, 2010, John Glaser, a 33-year-old career fire fighter died while conducting a primary search of a residential house fire. Firefighter …

This episode explores two near-miss events involving vehicle fires. The first comes from a Situational Awareness Matters member and the second from …

A few years ago I had the honor of presenting at a conference called Fire Asia. It was hosted in Hong Kong and brought together fire professionals from Asia, Europe and Australia. While there, I received a tour of the …

The red flags discussed in the episode are clues and cues that provide conscious (overt) awareness of what is going on or subconscious (covert) awareness of what may be going on. The red flags are clues and cues that …

There is a three stage process to develop and maintain situational awareness that starts with perception and then advances to understanding and, …

If you are a student of near-miss and casualty reports then you know, without a doubt, that flawed communications is a major contributing factor when things go wrong and flawed communications is often a factor when the …

This Q&A session addresses three questions from recent live situational awareness programs. Much of the inspiration for the blog posts come from participant questions but this may be the first podcast episode …

The phrase “Perfect Storm” is used to describe a combination of unpredictable circumstances that cause drastic outcomes. The term is also used to describe circumstances that occur so infrequently that they are thought …

I get asked a lot of questions about what the first arriving company officer should do at a working structure fire. Specifically, the debate revolves …

In this interview with Chief Lohr, we discuss how he is working to change a culture and to improve safety for the members of the Hagerstown Fire …

The process by which situational awareness is formed begins withusing your five senses (seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting andsmelling) to gather information from your environment. That mayarguably be the easiest part of …

Interview questions discussed included:

1. While conducting live burn evolutions fire instructors are bound by NFPA 1403 for safety reasons. And while …

On November 14, 2014, Indianapolis Captain (then Lieutenant) Eric Dreiman was assigned on Ladder 19. His station was dispatched at 1159 hours to a …

On November 14, 2014, Indianapolis Captain (then Lieutenant) Eric Dreiman was assigned on Ladder 19. His station was dispatched at 1159 hours to a …

In my efforts to research and share what causes issues with situational awareness I have uncovered over 100… what I call… Barriers. These barriers impact a person’s ability to develop and maintain situational awareness.

Captain Ryan Cox, Fire Apparatus Operator Tom Reel, Firefighter Jay McManigal and Firefighter John Alvey share the details of a close call during a routine truck check when Ladder 7 came into contact with a 33 kV …

Very few podcasters make it this far… to their 100th episode. When you consider that each episode takes 2-3 hours of script writing, recording, editing, arranging and interviewing guests, that’s quite an investment of …

Greg Yost has served as a firefighter in Hancock, Maryland for more than 30 years. He has been an advocate for improving responder safety on highways incidents for many years.

On June 21, 2014 Greg’s daughter, Daniele, …

It is a widely held belief that the best decisions are made without the interference of emotions. Economists and statisticians alike stand fast to this belief – the best decisions are made with using pure logic. Facts …

The precursor to situational awareness is situational readiness, which I define as: Having the ability to anticipate what things need to be in place to be well-prepared for an emergency response; and then, taking the …

This episode was inspired by an email from a listener wanted to know if an officer’s administrative duties, assignments, tasks and workload can impact on situational awareness.

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First responders spend a lot of time together, on calls, in the station, and in many cases in social settings outside of work. All of this interaction builds relationships that allow responders to trust their lives to …

Your brain is awesome at capturing, processing, storing and recalling information. But it has limitations, especially when it comes to memory under stress. There are four steps in the process of developing a memory: …

To think being safe and being aggressive cannot coexist is to believe that responders must sacrifice safety if/when they choose to be aggressive. Or, when responders choose to do things safely, they can no longer be …

The San Francisco Fire Department conducted an internal review of the incident and issued a 156-page report on their findings. Many of the lessons relate to situational awareness and it is from that perspective that I …

Good or bad, we all have habits. On an emergency scene good habits can save your life and bad habits can result of tragic consequences. So it stands …

If you are the type of person who can work on your notebook, listen to music on your iPod, talk on your cell phone and text message at the same time, (maybe all while driving) this episode is for you. Advances in …

While attempting to command an understaffed incident scene, the attention of the company officer or the incident commander can be narrowly focused on what is causing him or her the greatest stress. In the case of …

I recently read with great interest a very long thread on Facebook about whether or not an incident commander should wear turnout gear at a fire …

If I were to tell you that on an emergency scene it is possible for you to use X-Ray vision, you'd probably think I've been watching too many …

This episode defines high reliability organizations and looks at the common threads that have emerged in organizations that embrace HRO philosophies. …

In this episode we provide a working definition of situational awareness and take the mystery out of how it is developed and maintained by individuals working in high risk, high consequence environments.

Specifically, …

In this episode we discussed some really important and valuable topics that all firefighters can face, including:

• How to maintain control of you …

Dispatched to a report of multiple people trapped on the second floor of an apartment building with rising water, Tiger Schmittendorf and two of …

John Martens is Founder of NMotion UAS, which provides Drone (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) technologies to public safety professionals and emergency …

On January 30, 2010, Captain Tim Kohlbeck and Lieutenant Chase Longmiller, assigned to the heavy rescue at Sheboygan Fire Station #1 were dispatched to a structure fire with the possibility of people trapped on the …

On February 8, 2009, Lieutenant Lentz (now Assistant Chief) was working a residential dwelling fire when a wall unexpectedly collapsed on him.

This …

This discussion includes the four steps in the progression of competency:

Step 1: Unconscious incompetence – being unaware of what you do not know.

Step 2: Conscious incompetence – being aware of how much you do not …

One of the essential components of well-developed situational awareness is being able to accurately predict the future. This prediction should be …

As it relates to first responders operating in emergency situations, their behaviors can be classified into one of two categories: Desired and undesired. Desired behaviors are those rooted in safety and best practices. …

The Ontario Fire Service Critical Incident Initiative was formed when training officers in the province realized that, armed with accurate and timely …

Today’s guest is Shawn Rafferty, and expert on how to help people be more aware of their surroundings and how to prevent themselves from become a …

In this episode, I discuss how to create thinking firefighters and share powerful examples of how our training may be a set-up for failure not …

color:#262626">The latest Book from Ryan Pennington, Hoarder Homes: Pile of Hazards for Firefighters is a culmination of three years of research …

Some of the least appreciated members of the emergency response team are the communications specialists (in some venues, termed dispatchers). How do I know this? First, I served as a communications specialist (my job …

This episode is a recording on an interview conducted by Adam Farrar, Fire Chief in Wadesville, Indiana. Chief Farrar’s department hosted a full-day …

Simply stated, the stressed brain does not function the same as the non-stressed brain and for first responders, that’s a BIG DEAL… because the environments we work in are often flooded with stress. Stress changes brain …

You’ve heard the saying that a person learns more from their mistakes than they do from the things to do right. This is true in life and in firefighting. But there is a place and time to allow failure and this episode …

During the Mental Management of Emergencies program we talk about the process of how to develop and maintain situational awareness. And then, we talk about how to use situational awareness as the foundation for decision …

Lieutenant Todd Budd, at the time of his close call event was serving as the acting officer on Brownsburg ladder company 131. They were dispatched to assist a neighboring community for a working building fire. The call …

In this episode Dave Dodson shares how he created the Art of Reading Smoke program that has become a must-attend program for all firefighters. He also discusses his latest project – his recently released Art of Reading …

Situational awareness starts with capturing clues and cues in your environment (perception) and then understanding what those clues and cues mean (comprehension). At a structure fire the process of capturing information …

Deputy Chief Nick Miller was first-in on a residential trailer home fire that resulted in two close calls. The first occurred when Miller’s SCBA was …

The episode addresses five questions asked during SAMatters live Tour events, including:

1. You've shared many of the challenges we face as first …

What can you learn from someone who has survived close call? The answer is… A LOT. When I launched this show in April 2014, the purpose was, as it remains, to help first responders improve situational awareness and …

One of the essential components of well-developed situational awareness is being able to accurately predict the future. This prediction should be …

On this episode we discuss how to make decisions in dynamically changing environments and the importance of using situational awareness as the foundation for making good decisions under stress. It is the decisions that …

Individuals impacted by tachypsychia have described it as having the appearance that time is elongated, giving the appearance that events are moving slower than reality. The opposite has also been described, where it …

The tones drop for an apartment building fire. On the way, dispatch is advising multiple calls, confirming a working fire and the possibility of …

On June 30, 2008 an intense wind driven blaze destroyed a apartment building in Speedway, Indiana. As crews arrives on the scene a large column of …

It is amazing how many articles and videos I have watched lately in which they are talking about decision making based on “gut feel.” It is also disheartening how many first responders I have interviewed who have …

In this episode, Cypress Creek Lieutenant Jason Corthell shares his close call survival story where he was operating on the second floor of an exterior stairwell at an apartment building fire.

The stairwell, not …

In this episode, Dr. Richard B. Gasaway responds to five listener questions. Tune in as he shares the answers and provides some best practices for developing and maintaining strong situational awareness while working in …

On May 12, 2012, Atascocita Volunteer Fire Captain Brian Mulligan and his crew responded to a reported gas leak that resulted in a very close call. …

In this episode, I interview Andover (MN) Fire Chief Jerry Streich on the value of having a safety officer assigned during training evolutions. Chief …

On Sunday March 29 Fire Captain Pete Dern was leading his crew across the roof to provide ventilation for the safety of attack crews when a …

Peter Schenk has a wide and varied background. He has worked as a firefighter and a police officer. And he served 32 years with Northwest Airlines …

Just after 0700hrs Washington County 911 Dispatch received a call reporting heavy black smoke to the rear of 110 North Conococheague Street in Williamsport. The caller advised them that her house was also filling with …

Firefighters and addiction. It’s not something we like to acknowledge or talk about. On this episode, we both acknowledge the problem and I have two guests from the American Addiction Centers here to give first …

mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Chief Haltoncolor:#262626"> began his fire career in structural firefighting with the Albuquerque (NM) Fire …

mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Chief Haltoncolor:#262626"> began his fire career in structural firefighting with the Albuquerque (NM) Fire …

Dave Martin’s crew was assigned to the task of keeping the wildland fire from jumping Highway 97.  Around 2100, Captain Martin and a member of the tribal fire management team were assigned to conduct a back-burn …

Fire Chief Scott Burnette began his career as a firefighter for the City of Asheville (NC) Fire Department in 1995. Chief Burnette has an Associates …

In this two-part interview we start by talking about the structure fire at 445 Biltmore Avenue on July 28, 2011 that resulted in the tragic …

Raleigh Fire Captain Stephen Page, serving on the busy Ladder 4 in downtown Raleigh, responded to restaurant fire at 311 Glenwood Avenue. The ladder …

In this episode Dr. Gasaway interviews Santa Clara County Deputy Chief Steve Prziborowski, Contra Costa Battalion Chief Bob Atlas and Pinole …

In this episode I interview Ryan Pennington who runs the website ChamberOfHoarders.com. Ryan has a passion for helping first responders understand the challenges of fighting fires in hoarded environments. In this …

I recorded the featured content of this episode a few weeks back so you’ll notice the difference in the sound quality because I was using my standard podcasting microphone.

This episode was inspired by a long …

This episode is an interview with Dr. Burt Clark, author of the recently released book “I can’t save you but I’ll die trying: The American fire …

Dr. Charles “Chad” Weinstein is the founder and president of Ethical Leaders in Action, a firm that exists to empower ethical leaders to achieve …

This is part 2 of a 2-part Interview.

Feb. 4, 2007, is the day that changed the lives of Lionel and Joanna Crowther forever. A firefighter with the Winnipeg, Manitoba, Fire Department, Lionel was off duty when he got …

This is part 1 of a 2-part Interview.

Feb. 4, 2007, is the day that changed the lives of Lionel and Joanna Crowther forever. A firefighter with the Winnipeg, Manitoba, Fire Department, Lionel was off duty when he got …

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Intro music

Safety …

On January 14, 2010 the Wadesville Fire Department was dispatched to a residential dwelling fire. Deputy Chief Adam Farrar served as the incident commander.

During the incident, a crew on the interior attack nearly …

Here is my Twelve Ways to Situational Awareness wish list. I hope you have all of them on Christmas day and every day throughout the year.

12: Communications skills: This includes both listening and speaking skills. …

On February 18, 2009, Elyria Fire Captain Joe Pronesti responded to a fire alarm activation call on a college campus. The first arriving engine …

On Saturday, September 13, 2014, the Brooklyn Park Fire Department was dispatched to a medical call that had the potential to be catastrophic for the members of their department, their EMS transport provider and their …

On July 5, 2013, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported commercial building fire at the Mayfair Professional Building, located at 5901 …

This episode is an interview with Technology Guru Darrell O’Donnell. I met Darrell through my social media channels. Darrell is located in Ottawa, …

On this episode I interview Jeff Dill from the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance and Les Karpluk, retired fire chief and owner of Genesis 2020 …

For more show notes and pictures, visit: www.SAMatters.com/26/

On this episode I interview Fire Chief Gord Schreiner from the Comox Fire Department, …

On this episode, I interview Firefighter John Dantuono of the Lakeside (New York) Fire Department. Lakeside is located west of Syracuse. The …

On this episode, I interview Firefighter Richard Marcus of the New Hartford Volunteer Fire Department in Connecticut. On May 5, 2006, Firefighter …

On this episode I continue my interview with Captain John Lightly. John as served as a member of the Youngstown, Ohio Fire Department for 13 years. Youngstown FD has 8 stations and a sworn strength of 135 firefighters. …

This episode is Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Captain John Lightly. John as served as a member of the Youngstown, Ohio Fire Department for 13 years. Youngstown FD has 8 stations and a sworn strength of 135 …

Hello and welcome to episode 21 of the Situational Awareness Matters radio show. I am your host, Rich Gasaway.

The purpose of this show is to improve situational awareness and decision making for individuals and teams …

On this episode I interview Fire Chief Patrick Kenny from the Village of Western Springs, Illinois Fire Department. Chief Kenny talks candidly about losing his son, Sean, to suicide – and the importance of mental health …

On this episode I interview retired Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Investigator Steven Hough. Steven was shot three times by a suspect and the return fire mortally wounded the assailant. In this gripping interview, …

I titled this episode: What I learned in two minutes. It is an interview Lieutenant Sean Dolan from the Aurora Fire Department. On January 7, 2013 …

On this episode I interview Indianapolis Fire Department Chief of Health and Safety, Doug Abernathy. Doug’s career has spanned almost three decades …

This episode is a recording of a near-miss panel discussion held at Fire-Rescue International in Dallas, Texas. The panel, consisting of Chief Josh Waldo (Oakridge, TN), Training Officer Andrew Beck (Mandan, ND) and …

The SAMatters mission is simple… To help you see the bad things coming… in time to avoid bad outcomes.

On this episode….

1. We will look at the hot button issue of first responder fatigue.

2. We will review a …

The SAMatters mission is simple… To help you see the bad things coming… in time to avoid bad outcomes.

On this episode…. 

1.We’ll discuss how radio traffic can impact situational awareness. 

2.I’ll share a near-miss …

On this episode I interview Dave Casey, Director of the Louisiana State Fire & Emergency Training Institute on the need for realistic first responder training. During the interview, Dave shared:

1.The need to turn …

Hello and welcome to episode 013 of the Situational Awareness Matters radio show. I am your host, Rich Gasaway.

The purpose of this show is to improve situational awareness and decision making for individuals …

Hello and welcome to episode 12 of the Situational Awareness Matters radio show. I am your host, Rich Gasaway.

The purpose of this show is to improve situational awareness and decision making for individuals and …

On this episode I had the opportunity to tour the Seattle Fire Department training facility and I sat down and talked with Phil Jose, the training chief for the Seattle Fire Department. During the interview, Chief Jose …

On this episode I interview Jack Sullivan, Director of Training for the Responder Safety Institute. The mission of the Institute is to reduce highway …

On this episode we walk with Captain John Wright from the Flower Mound (Texas) Fire Department. Captain Wright survived an extremely close call while operating as an interior search crew at a residential dwelling fire.

…

In episode 2, I spoke a little bit about complacency. The feedback was awesome, thank you everyone for that.

1. In this episode I will continue on that topic and share a how a false alarm mindset can lead to …

On this episode we celebrate the International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week. My guest is Ryan Pennington, webmaster at Views from the Jumpseat and host of Jumpseat Radio. We are talking about the International Fire …

Hello and welcome to episode 7 of the Situational Awareness Matters radio show. I’m your host, Rich Gasaway. The purpose of this show is to improve situational awareness and decision making for individuals and teams who …

On this episode we’ll talk

1. Briefly about the myth of multitasking

2. We’ll listen to an interview I recorded with a wildland firefighting safety …

On this episode we’ll talk about…

On this episode we’ll talk about…

On this episode we’ll talk about…

On this episode we’ll talk about…

Welcome to the first episode of the Situational Awareness Matters! Radio show.

And since this is the first episode I thought it would be …