Better Every Shift FireRescue1

“I absolutely do have bad days. I just make sure I don’t let myself give up.” EMT Kate Smith, who began her public safety journey as a junior firefighter and EMS explorer at 14, before becoming a below-the-knee amputee at 16, shares how EMS helped reveal an inner strength that propelled her to where she is today – working to complete paramedic school, training for obstacle course races and inspiring others through her Adaptive Kate TikTok videos. Plus, we dig into all this:
The high school job shadow requirement that drove her love of public safety
How her work in EMS ultimately helped reveal the true reason she lost her leg – suspected Münchausen Syndrome by proxy
The impact of Spartan races on her mental health
Her thoughts on gratitude after trauma and overcoming obstacles to pursue your passions
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It was a “constant state of readiness” that contributed to the successful rescue of an unconscious victim from a structure fire – an incident that ultimately earned Hilton Head Island (S.C.) Fire Rescue FAO Brendan Horlbeck, Lt. Sean Kavlick and Battalion Chief David Bell the 2023 IAFC Ben Franklin Award of Valor. Bell, Kavlick and Horlbeck detail the incident response, plus get into all this:

How a unique dispatch note was the difference between life and death


The generational impact of a single rescue


The urgent reminder that this type of fire could happen to any crew at any time

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“It’s about bells and whistles, but it’s also about smiles and connecting.” Another FDIC has come and gone, but our cohosts are joined by The Fire Store’s Amanda Keesey to talk conference highlights and which industry innovations garnered the most attention on the exhibit floor. Plus, we dig into all this:

Emerging solutions for electric vehicle fires


How the industry is leaning into health and wellness


The demand for flashlights

Additional resources:

National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer


FireRescue1's FDIC coverage

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

The Better Every Shift team is at FDIC this week, so we’re reaching into the vault to re-release one of our favorite episodes. Battalion Chief Corley Moore talks all things fire service culture, toxic leadership and how to fight your way back from complacency. Chief Moore – founder of Firehouse Vigilance and host of the Weekly Scrap podcast – details his own evolution from struggling with complacency to now serving as a motivational speaker and instructor. Plus, we dig into all of this:
Moore’s empathy for burned out, complacent members
The origins of the “The 9L’s: Keys to High Performance Culture,” plus Moore’s favorite “L”
The scene in the movie “The Break-Up” that exemplifies intrinsic motivation
Finding balance between being right and being effective
The power of having a plan because “luck and hope are not strategies”
Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

“Our mission is to support you in your mission.” Eriks Gabliks, superintendent of the National Fire Academy, joins the show to talk all things NFA programs and goals, and to hear about Zam’s first time visiting the campus and experiencing NFA life.
Gabliks knocks down the top excuses firefighters give for why they can’t attend the academy and details how the program is continually evolving in sync with fire service culture. Plus, we dig into all this:

How the campus experience rejuvenates passion for the fire service


The American history embedded in the NFA campus


Why one of the top NFA-attendee complaints features ice cream sprinkles

Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share feedback and offer guest suggestions!

“It’s about crew bonding and laughter in my firehouse – and apparently me being the butt of every joke.” Fairfax Firefighter-Paramedic Stephanie White details how she nurtures her relationship with her crew every shift, not just with laughter, but also by being vulnerable enough to have difficult conversations when needed. Plus, we dig into all this:
How crews can best support a pregnant firefighter on the job
Why the color of White’s hair can determine the potential for shift chaos
How to create a space for vulnerable conversations and real talk
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.