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My guest today is Rowena Hill, Rowena is a Professor in the psychology department at Nottingham Trent University, she is a Professor of Resilience, Emergencies and Disaster Science.

Contact Dr Rowena Hill MBE at rowena.hill@ntu.ac.uk

Important LINKS:
Dr Hill NTU
National review of community risk methodology across UK Fire and Rescue Service
ACER Group
FF Health & Wellbeing Work
FF Charity Suicide Prevention

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Today were closing up with part 2 of 2 from this years NBAC as I sat down after the competition with some of the organizers Mark Andrews & Phill Sanders.

The National Breathing Apparatus Challenge is an extraordinary event that highlights the relentless pursuit of excellence, safety, and best practices within the UK Fire and Rescue Services and brings together firefighters from across the UK to test their skills, teamwork, and knowledge in real-world firefighting scenarios.

Each year, teams of five firefighters from different brigades battle it out for the title of Best Breathing Apparatus Team. Their challenge? To navigate the intensity of a property fire, with just 30 minutes to extinguish the flames and rescue casualties.

Find out more about the NBAC here - National Breathing Apparatus Challenge Official Website (nbac.co.uk)

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Today we dive deep into an extraordinary event that highlights the relentless pursuit of excellence, safety, and best practices within the UK Fire and Rescue Services known as the National Breathing Apparatus Challenge. This is a special two-part episode dedicated to this incredible competition, which brings together firefighters from across the UK to test their skills, teamwork, and knowledge in real-world firefighting scenarios.

Each year, teams of five firefighters from different brigades battle it out for the title of Best Breathing Apparatus Team. Their challenge? To navigate the intensity of a property fire, with just 30 minutes to extinguish the flames and rescue casualties.

In today's part 1 episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of this intense and inspiring event. We’ll explore how it started, how teams prepare, the high standards they must meet, and the cutting-edge safety measures in place. So, stay with us as we showcase what it truly means to continuously improve and embody best practices in one of the most challenging and essential professions in the world.

Order of conversions:

• John Taylor South Yorkshire FRS (01:54)
• Sam Cushing & Matt Adams Gloucestershire FRS (09:03)
• Dan Jones LFB (27:22)
• Paul Marcs LFB (34:06)
• Adam Clark Lancashire (45:30)
• Domonic Norcross Mid & West Wales FRS (51:30)
• Jamie chalk Norfolk’s, Sam west mids, Steph Hereford and Worcester (56:23)

Find out more about the NBAC here - National Breathing Apparatus Challenge Official Website (nbac.co.uk)

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Today we welcome back Roy Wilsher from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

During our conversation we discussed fire and rescue services in England, focusing on the handling of misconduct, the impact of toxic cultures and the importance of encouraging difficult conversations in the workplace.

Roy highlighted the need to address ongoing distrust in misconduct processes and the underrepresentation of women and minority groups in the fire service. We also explored capacity issues faced by services, the need for a College of Fire and for collaboration to create positive changes across the sector.

Find the reports and more at the following LINKS

Standards of behaviour: The handling of misconduct in fire and rescue services - His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk)

State of Fire and Rescue: The Annual Assessment of Fire and Rescue Services in England 2023 - His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk)

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My guest on the podcast today is Ian Greenman. Ian is Director & Trustee of UKRO

Today, we’re shining a light on the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation a leader in improving rescue standards across the UK. For over 30 years, UKRO has been at the forefront of innovation and development in professional rescue, uniting rescue services to enhance their skills and better serve the public.

Were also discussing the recent National Rescue Challenge Event help on 26th to 28th Sept 2024 in the historic Dockyard Portsmouth.

The event is a chance for emergency services personnel to share techniques across all rescue disciplines.

UKRO is powered by dedicated volunteers from the Fire and Rescue and Medical sectors, both serving and retired, who are passionate about advancing rescue practices. With the support of the Board of Trustees, UKRO ensures its services and products meet the evolving needs of rescue professionals, adapting to both existing and emerging risks.

A highlight of UKRO’s initiatives is the Rescue Challenge, which offers a safe environment for professionals to test new techniques and equipment across various disciplines, including vehicle extrication, trauma management, rope rescue, water rescue, and Urban Search and Rescue. These challenges promote information exchange and peer learning, helping to elevate standards nationwide.

Join us as we delve deeper into the impact of UKRO and the incredible work being done to save lives and improve rescue operations.

Find out more below links
Rescue Challenge Events – UNITED KINGDOM RESCUE ORGANISATION (ukro.org)

(36) Ian Greenman | LinkedIn

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Emily Watkins - Researcher & Technical Instructor at the University of Brighton

The conversation explores the value of academia in the first responder community and the consequences of chronic high exposure firefighting. The discussion focuses on the research conducted by Emily Watkins, a senior lecturer at the University of Roehampton, on the health and wellbeing of firefighters.

The conversation delves into the challenges of funding research in this field and the reluctance to address the long-term implications of occupational exposure. The World Health Organization's declaration on firefighting as a carcinogenic occupation is also discussed, along with the need for evidence-backed preventative measures.

The study conducted by Watkins examines the inflammatory and immune responses of breathing and operating instructors (BAIs) in the firefighting profession. The findings suggest that BAIs may experience chronic inflammation due to their high frequency of exposures.

The study also explores the physiological and psychological effects of firefighting workloads on BAIs and firefighters. The conversation covered various topics related to the health and well-being of firefighters, including mood states, fatigue, biomarkers, cardiovascular disease, and the World Health Organization's research on firefighter health.

The discussion highlighted the need for comprehensive testing and screening for firefighters, as well as the importance of self-care and early support. The conversation also touched on the challenges faced by female firefighters and the need for research and support specific to their unique physiological differences.

You can connect with Emily at - Emily.Watkins@roehampton.ac.uk

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This conversation delves into the complexities of fire safety in high-rise buildings, highlighting the upcoming conference aimed at addressing these issues. The discussion covers the evolution of fire safety practices, international case studies, the challenges posed by single staircase designs, and the importance of effective evacuation strategies. It also emphasizes the need for innovation in fire safety solutions and the critical role of fire doors in preventing fire spread. The conversation looks at emerging trends in building design and safety regulations.

We also delve into the complexities of fire safety in residential buildings, particularly focusing on high-rise structures. We cover various aspects such as the importance of fire doors, the challenges faced by building managers, innovations in fire safety technology, and the human factors that complicate fire safety management. Russ also highlights the significance of tenant engagement and international perspectives on fire safety practices. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration and shared knowledge to improve fire safety standards.

GET YOUR TICKET TO The International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference HERE

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Now & Next episodes are where members of the podcast team get together & touch base on some of the current topics in the sector, reflect on previous guests episodes and events & also look at what’s coming up next.

Carl Boasman first appeared on the podcast back in episode #301 Leadership & The Impact we have on others. Since then Carl has come onboard with the podcast team supporting on our strategic partnership work and in today episode we are talk about:

In this conversation, we reflect on the legacy of Paul Grimwood, discuss insights from various episodes of the podcast, and explore themes of decision-making, community resilience, and leadership within the emergency services. We emphasize the importance of empowering the public, the role of zero responders, and the future of fire service training amidst ongoing changes in the sector.

Takeaways

• Paul Grimwood's legacy is a shining example of making a difference.
• Community resilience plays a vital role in emergency response.
• The best commanders are those who understand interoperability.
• Decision-making in high-pressure environments requires empathy and awareness.
• Zero responders can significantly impact emergency situations before services arrive.
• Investing in training and development is crucial for effective leadership.
• Public empowerment is essential for community safety and resilience.
• The future of fire service training needs to be re-evaluated and improved.
• Change management in the public sector can be challenging but necessary.
• Fate and circumstances shape our lives, and we must adapt accordingly.

you can reach Carl at carl.boasman@tffpc.com

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