A Duty To Act

Empowering Women in Fire: Rachael Staebell

In this conversation, Rachael discusses her journey as a retired lieutenant paramedic and her role as the incoming president of Women in Fire. She shares insights into the organization's history, mission, and the importance of advocating for women's issues in the fire service. The discussion covers various topics, including the unique environment of Women in Fire conferences, the significance of proper PPE, and the ongoing efforts in women's health and fitness. Rachael emphasizes the need for co

Love in the Line of Duty: Bill and Rebecca Dane

In this episode, Jennifer Darling interviews Bill and Rebecca Dane, a married couple who are both first responders. They share their journey of meeting in the fire service, navigating their careers while maintaining a strong relationship, and the challenges of parenting in a first responder family. The conversation delves into their experiences with work-life balance, the impact of shift work on family dynamics, and the importance of trust and communication in their marriage. As they approach re

Shining a Light on First Responder Wellness | Conrad Weaver

summary In this conversation, filmmaker Conrad Weaver discusses his journey into creating the documentary PTSD 911, which focuses on the mental health struggles of first responders. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement through screening events and the need for mental health training within first responder organizations. The discussion also touches on the impact of childhood experiences on resilience, the role of leadership in promoting wellness, and the personal stories of indivi

The Power of Shift Meals in First Responder Teams

In this episode, Jennifer Darling and Josh Darling discuss the concept of 'shift meal' and its significance in fostering camaraderie and teamwork among first responders. They explore various experiences from different departments, the impact of shared meals on workplace culture, and the mental health benefits associated with communal dining. The conversation also highlights specific examples of successful shift meals, including taco nights and cooking competitions, emphasizing the importance of

Michael Carunchio | The World's Okayest Medic

In this engaging conversation, Jennifer and Mike Carunchio delve into the world of podcasting, particularly within the EMS community. Mike shares his journey from being a paramedic to starting 'The Okayest Medic Podcast,' discussing the challenges and rewards of creating educational content. They explore the importance of real-life case studies, the ethical considerations of sharing patient information, and the impact of social media on the profession. Mike also reflects on the risks of sharing

Warren Olsen: A Legacy in Fire Safety

In this conversation, Jennifer Darling and Warren Olson discuss the evolution of fire protection, the importance of continuing education, and the role of mentorship in the fire service. They explore Warren's extensive career, his involvement with the NFPA, and the challenges faced in fire safety regulations. The discussion highlights the significance of teaching and the impact of major fire incidents on current safety practices.

Enhancing Emergency Care with Self-Check Techniques | Dr Ryan Keay

In this conversation, Dr. Ryan Keay discusses the Zero Point Survey, a framework for improving pre-hospital care by emphasizing self-check, team dynamics, and environmental awareness before patient assessment. The discussion highlights the importance of mental readiness, effective communication, and emotional resilience in emergency medical services (EMS). Dr. Keay shares practical insights on how to implement these concepts in real-world scenarios, aiming to enhance the quality of care provided

Two Nerds talk Fire and EMS Data | Leonard Chan

Navigating Generational Challenges in Fire Service | Dave Pethick

summary In this conversation, Jennifer Darling and Dave Pethick discuss the generational challenges faced in the fire service, focusing on the dynamics between different age groups, particularly millennials and Gen Z. They explore how these generational differences impact leadership, teamwork, and hiring practices. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches to recruitment and the importance of diversity in thought and experience within fire departments. The conversation emphasizes the

Leadership in EMS: A Journey of Service | Mike Hilley

summary In this episode of A Duty to Act, host Jennifer Darling speaks with Mike Hilley, a retiring administrator and paramedic with over 30 years of experience in emergency medical services. Mike shares his journey from the Coast Guard to becoming a firefighter and paramedic, discussing the challenges and rewards of his career. He reflects on the evolution of EMS, the importance of community service, and the future of paramedicine in addressing modern healthcare challenges. This conversation ex

Hooves and Heroes | Connecting Veterans with Nature and Horses

Summary In this conversation, Jennifer interviews Sonia Jorgensen, a US Navy veteran and founder of Hooves and Heroes, a nonprofit organization that connects veterans and first responders with horses for therapeutic experiences. Sonia shares her journey of founding the organization, the healing power of horses, and how they provide immediate feedback to humans about their emotional and physical states. The discussion delves into the importance of awareness, community, and the unique approach of

Coroners, the last first responders: Rep. Peter Abbarno

summary In this conversation, state representative Peter Abbarno discusses House Bill 1002, which aims to provide PTSD coverage for medical examiners and coroners in Washington State. He shares insights on the unique stresses faced by these professionals, the legislative process involved in authoring the bill, and the importance of community input in shaping policy. The discussion also touches on the funding mechanisms for the bill and the broader implications for public service providers dealin

Building Support Systems for First Responders | Brooke Lundquist

summary In this conversation, Jennifer and Brooke Lundquist discuss the importance of mental health and wellness for first responders. They explore the challenges faced by first responders, the significance of establishing relationships with counselors, and the innovative EMDR therapy that helps process trauma. Brooke shares her journey into counseling first responders and emphasizes the need for accessible mental health resources. The discussion highlights the evolving perception of mental heal

The First First Responders: Island Comms 911 Dispatch | Sofia Kohfield

In this episode, Jennifer interviews Sofia Kohfield, the executive director of ICOM 911, discussing the intricacies of dispatching, the challenges faced by dispatchers, and the importance of wellness in this high-stress environment. They explore the recruitment and training processes, the unique challenges of operating on Whidbey Island, and the technological limitations that impact emergency response. The conversation highlights the critical role dispatchers play as first responders and the nee

Winning Social Media for First Responder Agencies| Joshua Darling

In this episode of 'A Duty to Act', Jennifer Darling and her husband Josh discuss the importance of activating communities through social media for public service agencies. They explore the need for effective marketing strategies, the significance of establishing a unique brand identity, and the role of authenticity in social media personas. The conversation also covers various content creation strategies to engage the community and highlights the types of content that can be effective for publi

From EMS to Physician | Jeffery Davis

In this conversation, Jennifer and Dr. Jeffrey Davis discuss his journey from EMS to becoming a board-certified internist. They explore the challenges faced by EMS professionals, including low wages, mental health issues, and the need for better metrics in evaluating success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community care, wellness, and the integration of EMS into the healthcare system. Dr. Davis shares insights on the evolving role of EMS and the necessity for self-care among provid

The Art of Ultra-realistic Trauma Simulations | Bobbie Merica

takeaways Moulage Concepts creates realistic training scenarios for first responders. Personal trauma can lead to innovative solutions in training. Resilience is a key component in overcoming challenges. Community engagement is essential for mental health support. Training should incorporate sensory experiences for better learning. Every story in training matters for effective education. The importance of realism in simulation training cannot be overstated. Innovative training techniques can enh

Dr. Joshua Corsa | Part 2

Dr. Joshua Corsa, a trauma surgeon and medical director, discusses his background in public service and EMS. He shares his experience working in various capacities in different locations, including rural and isolated areas. Dr. Corsa highlights the challenges and unique circumstances of providing medical care in remote locations, such as the Outer Banks and San Juan Islands. He emphasizes the importance of having progressive protocols, advanced equipment, and highly skilled paramedics in these a

Dr. Joshua Corsa | Pre-Hospital Innovations, Rural EMS response, and special forces trauma care

Dr. Joshua Corsa, a trauma surgeon and medical director, discusses his background in public service and EMS. He shares his experience working in various capacities in different locations, including rural and isolated areas. Dr. Corsa highlights the challenges and unique circumstances of providing medical care in remote locations, such as the Outer Banks and San Juan Islands. He emphasizes the importance of having progressive protocols, advanced equipment, and highly skilled paramedics in these a

Stabbed on the Job & EMS Mental Health | Benjamin Vernon

In this conversation, Jennifer interviews Benjamin Vernon, a captain with the San Diego Fire Department, about his experience with administrative betrayal. Benjamin shares the story of a traumatic incident in 2015 where he and his partner were attacked by a bystander while responding to a medical call. They discuss the concept of arriving in the middle of a call and the importance of being aware of the dynamics and tensions already present. Benjamin reflects on the impact of compassion fatigue a