
SAMatters Radio
SAMatters Radio, hosted by Dr. Richard B. Gasaway, focuses on improving situational awareness and decision-making under stress. The show's mission is to help listeners recognize warning signs and avoid dangerous outcomes by understanding human factors. It features interviews with first responders who have survived near-miss incidents, sharing their experiences and lessons learned. The podcast aims to educate on safety and prevention in high-pressure environments.
Episodes

Mike Richardson Interview - Episode 409
In this episode, we introduce our viewers and listeners to Mike Richardson, our newest SAMatters Certified Master Instructor. Mike Richardson is a 39-year veteran of the military and the fire service. He served 28 years as a Firefighter, Company Officer, and Chief Officer with fire departments in New York, Florida and Kentucky. He most recently served as a Line-of-Duty Death Investigator for the

Forging Your Team – The Johnny Torgeson Story – 408
The fire service is struggling with recruiting and retention. It's also challenged by a mental health crisis and a growing apathy within the profession. The good news is, we have the power to fix it. Working in a team environment provides job satisfaction, psychological safety, and a feeling of community. Fire service leaders have the responsibility of developing teams; so, Dr. JT wrote a book on

Accelerating Leadership Growth and Impact – The Sean Glaze Interview – 407
In this episode, Dr. Gasaway discusses how to accelerating leadership growth and impact with Sean Glaze, author of Rapid Teamwork, The 10 Commandments of Winning Teammates, and Staying Coachable. Sean Glaze is a leadership speaker, teambuilding facilitator, and author who delivers engaging experiences that ignite your team's performance. Sean has worked with clients like Cisco, John Deere, the

The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance – 406
In this interview, Dr. Gasaway talks with Jeff Dill about the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance and their work to reduce firefighter suicides. In 2010, Jeff Dill founded Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). And since 2021, Jeff has served full time as the Behavioral Health Administrator for Las Vegas Fire & Rescue in Nevada. Jeff travels the United States & Canada holding works

The Minnesota Hometown Heroes Assistance Program - 405
In this interview, Dr. Gasaway talks with George Esbensen, President of the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) about the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. During his 32 years in the fire service, George Esbensen served in many roles, from firefighter to chief. Today, he volunteers as Board President of the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE), an advocacy nonprofit he co-founded in

PFAS, Firefighter Cancer and The Foam Exposure Committee - 404
In this interview, Dr. Gasaway talks with Vicki Quint and Rick Nickerson about PFAS, foam exposure and the risk to firefighters. The Foam Exposure Committee Mission Statement - - To reduce firefighter / first responder exposures to perfluorinated chemicals used in firefighting foams in order to protect their health and lives. We will recommend a list of firefighting products for fire departments

The NIOSH 5 and Leadership – The Jeff Snider Interview – 403
In this interview, Dr. Gasaway talks with Jeff Snider about the NIOSH 5 – or the five most often cited contributing factors in Line of Duty death investigations and lessons for leaders. Jeff Snider has served with the Canadian military as a Special Forces Operator (3 CDO), a Correctional Officer at a maximum-security facility, and 28 years in the Fire Service, serving in the positions of Firefig

Conducting a LODD After Action Review: Part 2 – 402
On January 06, 2018, Lt. Matthew LeTourneau, a 42-year-old male and 11-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD), died after becoming trapped from an interior structural collapse while engaged in interior firefighting operations. Two additional firefighters were injured during the collapse and one civilian occupant of the dwelling, who was removed during initial operations, also di

Conducting a LODD After Action Review: Part 1 – 401
This episode is part 1 of a 2-part interview where Dr. Gasaway talks with retired Philadelphia Deputy Chief Vince Mulray and Battalion Chief Bobby Kennedy about conducting a Line-of-Duty After Action Review following the death of Lieutenant Matthew LeTourneau on January 6, 2018. After Action Review-Line of Duty Death On January 06, 2018, Lt. Matthew LeTourneau, (LeTurnO) a 42-year-old male and

The 400th Episode Anniversary of the SAMatters Show - 400
Dr. Gasaway, along with some special guests, celebrates the milestone of reaching our 400thepisode. Description The Situational Awareness Matters Show debuted on May 12, 2014. This episode highlights the journey Dr. Gasaway has taken to educate first responders about situational awareness and high-risk decision making. About the Host Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, CSP is widely considered a

2015 Amtrak Passenger Train Derailment in Philadelphia - 399
In this episode, Dr. Gasaway interviews Vince Mulray, retired Philadelphia Deputy Chief, discussing the 2015 derailment of Amtrak Train #188 traveling from Washington DC to New York City. On May 12, 2015, at approximately 9:20pm, Amtrak Train #188 traveling from Washington D.C. to New York City derailed and crashed on the Frankford Junction curve on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. All seven cars a

Tactical Decision Games – An Interview with Phil Jose - 398
In this episode, Dr. Gasaway talks with Phil Jose about tactical decision games. Phil Jose, Deputy Chief, (Ret.), 30 years in Seattle Fire Department. He chaired the SOG and PIA committees. Chief of the Year 2013. FDIC Instructor 19 years with the highest attended class in 2023: The Art of Reading Smoke. FDIC 2008 Tom Brennan Training Achievement Award and author of Instructor 1 for Fire and E

From Firefighter to Fire Chief – The Tom DeSorcy Story - 397
In this episode, Dr. Gasaway talks with Retired Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy about how he quickly went from being a volunteer firefighter to career fire chief. Tom DeSorcy joined the fire service in 1983 and became the first paid firefighter in his hometown of Hope, B.C., when he became fire chief in 2000. This followed a career in broadcasting in local radio and his talk show eventually was heard ac

Dyslexia in the Fire Service: The Burt Clark Story - 396
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 childhood and is passionate about reducing the stigma around firefighters with Dyslexia. Dr. Clark was the Management Science Chair at the National Fire Academy. His degrees are in bus

The SAMatters Online Academy – An interview with Ed Mann - 395
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. Description Ed Mann, Director of Training and Education for Provident Insurance interviewed Dr. Gasaway on the Provident Podcast. This episode is a shared recording of that show.

Interview with Tablet Command Co-Founder Andrew Bozzo
In this eposide, Dr. Gasaway sits down with Andrew Bozzo, Co-Founder of the Tablet Command Incident Management software. Tablet Command is a mobile incident command and response solution that increases situational awareness, speeds incident response, streamlines incident management and improves firefighter accountability. With Tablet Command, an incident commander can tap and drag responding appar

EMDR Treatment for First Responders:: Interview with Dr. Deborah Korn - 393
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 treatment option for Post Traumatic Event Brain Injuries called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Dr. Deborah Korn, PsyD, an internationally renowned pioneer and

Burned while searching for a fire victim. The Jeremy Saul Story - 392
Captain Saul burned while searching for a trapped child in a row home fire in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Captain Jeremy Saul, a Situational Awareness Matters Certified Master Instructor shared a harrowing story about being burned while searching for a three-year old child trapped in a row home fire in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The interview includes a discussion about lessons learned and some of hi

Unmanned and Remote Emergency Services – The Ron Warren Interview - 391
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 Association of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, one of the participants was Ron Warren. Ron is the founder and Department Chief of North Central PA Unmanned Emergency Services. He is a

Complacency: A Lesson Worth Sharing – The Eric Wappel Story - 390
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 residence for a "furnace smoking." Captain Eric Wappel wasn't available for the first response, but responded to the second call. He recalls thinking to himself, from the get go, t

The Violence Project: How to stop a mass shooting epidemic - 389
Dr. James Densley is Professor and Department Chair of Criminal Justice at Metro State University, part of the Minnesota State system. He is also co-founder of The Violence Project Research Center, best known for its mass shooter database. Dr. Densley is the author or co-author of seven books, including the acclaimed, The Violence Project: How to Stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic, 50 peer-reviewed a

Sirencide: The Impact of Acute Stress in Emergency Vehicle Crashes - 388
Emergency services provide an invaluable service to communities and cities around the world. Research has shown these professionals encounter significant acute psychological stress throughout their work shifts. Acute stress has been shown to impact human performance in various realms, from increased risk-taking to cognitive decline. While the actual work varies between firefighters, law enforcemen

Trooper Down on the Roadway. The Bob Bemis Story (SAM 387)
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.

Hit on the roadway. The Magnum Bower Story (SAM 386)
This interview is with Magnum Bower, a heavy duty tow truck operator who survived being struck on a roadway incident, resulting in him becoming a quadriplegic.

First-in engine under gunfire: The Chris Paskett Interview – Part 1 (SAM 384)
Eugene-Springfield crews were dispatched to a report of a residential fire with multiple callers confirming a residential dwelling fire. As the officer on the first-in engine was conducting his primary size-up from the front seat of the engine, a gunman opened fire on the engine, striking it several times. Firefighters were already advancing lines on the fire. They were also shot. This story i

First-in engine under gunfire: The Chris Paskett Interview – Part 2 (SAM 385)
Eugene-Springfield crews were dispatched to a report of a residential fire with multiple callers confirming a residential dwelling fire. As the officer on the first-in engine was conducting his primary size-up from the front seat of the engine, a gunman opened fire on the engine, striking it several times. Firefighters were already advancing lines on the fire. They were also shot. This story i

Twelve tips to improve situational awareness (SAM 383)
Merry Christmas everyone! I know everyone's feeling particularly festive this time of year and ole Santa is feeling the situational awareness love. Surely, you've heard of the "Twelve Days of Christmas." – You know – Partridge in a Pear Tree and all that other stuff that no one really needs or wants, perhaps with the exception of five golden rings, of course. (Whisper) Just don't wear them all at

What first responders need to know about explosives: The Jarred Alden Interview – Part 2 (SAM 382)
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 program. Alden has a master of arts degree in applied behavioral sciences from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a baccalaureate degree in sociology/criminology from Urbana

What first responders need to know about explosives: The Jarred Alden Interview – Part 1 (SAM 381)
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 program. Alden has a master of arts degree in applied behavioral sciences from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a baccalaureate degree in sociology/criminology from Urbana

Improving Responder Safety on the Roadway – The John Gonzalez Interview (SAM 380)
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 years. Chief Gonzalez served as a fire officer for 15 years, including 6 at Chief level for one of the largest all volunteer departments in the state of New Jersey. Additionally, Chief Gonzalez served as a Deputy Fire Coordinator in the Toms River Offi

Preventing a Mass Shooter Event – the Darin Wall Story (SAM 379)
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 the man was acting strange, so he confronted him. The man pulled a gun and in the scuffle, Wall was shot in the leg. The man was quickly apprehended and, in his back pack, were s

When Training Goes Wrong – The Stan Mettinger Story (SAM 378)
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 when the vapors flashed and set Stan on fire resulting in first, second and third degree burns.

A Father's Tale of Loss – The Nada Fronk Story – Part 2 (SAM 377)
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 could receive. His daughter had been violently murdered. This episode, dedicated to Monte's daughter, Nada, chronicles the events surrounding her murder, the fire department's response and the traditions of our spiritual journey. Monte closes with tip

A Father's Tale of Loss – The Nada Fronk Story – Part 1 (SAM 376)
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 could receive. His daughter had been violently murdered. This episode, dedicated to Monte's daughter, Nada, chronicles the events surrounding her murder, the fire department's response and the traditions of our spiritual journey. Monte closes with tip

Traditional Decision Making Process (SAM 375)
In the early days of decision making research, most of the studies were conducted in college classrooms and laboratories. These settings were nothing like the high-risk, high-consequence environments faced by public safety providers. Nonetheless, the traditional decision making process does have its place and we'll discuss where. Contact us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-442

Communications Issues Impact Situational Awareness (SAM 374)
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 awareness is capturing the clues and cues from the environment. This includes capturing verbal clues and cues from dispatchers and responders. To miss radio communications is to miss clues

Staffing Issues Impact Situational Awareness (SAM 373)
Challenges to a decision maker's situational awareness from issues related to staffing were among the most significant findings from my research. I can make this bold statement for several reasons. First, from the multiple card sort exercise, forty‑three percent of the cards selected by commanders were for issues that related to staffing. Second, when I evaluated existing studies on the barriers t

Think Past, Present and Future (SAM 372)
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 not implicate flawed SA, or one of the barriers that flaw SA, as contributing to the tragedy. As often as flawed SA is implicated it almost seems tragic how little first responders

Simulations (SAM 371)
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 project, the future events. This is accomplished through mental models you develop that are founded in your training and experience. Contact us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com

Expectations (SAM 370)
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 project, the future events. This is accomplished through mental models you develop that are founded in your training and experience. Contact us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com

Complacency Kills (SAM 369)
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 a cliché – to let your guard down. It means the worker is no longer paying attention to the dangerous environment they are in. Contact us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com

Distractions and Interruptions (SAM 368)
Along a worker's journey toward envisioning, developing, and implementing their plan to guide their (hopefully) successful outcome, they are likely to encounter two situational awareness barriers that can quickly derail their focus. Distractions and interruptions occur for different reasons but have the same result. Both can draw a worker's attention (and focus) away from goal setting and action

Short-Term Memory (SAM 367)
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 memory is about seven pieces of unrelated information, give or take a few. We'll discuss this challenge and some tips for how to work around this cognitive shortcoming. Contact us w

Firefighter Wellness: Leading a balanced life. Dr. Donnie Hutchinson – Part 2 (SAM 366)
Dr. Donnie explores the health and wellness qualities that make for successful firefighters and other first responders at work and home. He teaches how and why firefighters and first responders need to put their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs first. Dr. Donnie educates first responders that the greater they care for themselves, the better they will be able to serve their co

Firefighter Wellness: Leading a balanced life. Dr. Donnie Hutchinson – Part 1 (SAM 365)
Dr. Donnie explores the health and wellness qualities that make for successful firefighters and other first responders at work and home. He teaches how and why firefighters and first responders need to put their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs first. Dr. Donnie educates first responders that the greater they care for themselves, the better they will be able to serve their co

My life changed forever in a split second – The John Moore Story Part 2 (SAM 364)
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 directly out of high school and earned his firefighter 2, fire inspector, and paramedic certifications. He worked part-time for Clearcreek Fire District before being hired by the City of Kettering Fire Department as a career firefighter-paramedic in Octo

My life changed forever in a split second – The John Moore Story Part 1 (SAM 363)
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 directly out of high school and earned his firefighter 2, fire inspector, and paramedic certifications. He worked part-time for Clearcreek Fire District before being hired by the City of Kettering Fire Department as a career firefighter-paramedic in Octo

Live Events Q & A (SAM 362)
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 questions asked during live events. The three questions we address include: What can I do to improve my intuition? What can I do as first responders to combat information overlo

Six Red Flags for Danger (SAM 361)
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 indicate things may not be right for an interior entry. Contact us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (office) Let's Get connected Facebook: Follow SAMatte

Working Command (SAM 360)
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 around two basic premise. Should the first arriving company officer assume a fixed command position outside the structure and coordinate the activities of incoming units? Or, should the first arriving company officer assume a "working command" or "mo

19 Ways Communications can Impact SA (SAM 359)
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 each other. We'll discuss how peer pressure can be beneficial and detrimental to first responder safety. Contact us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (office

Conducting Realistic Fire Training (SAM 358)
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. Chris was writing a paper on firefighter training for his Applications of Fire Research Class and asked to interview me about how to ensure firefighters are properly prepared for th

Contact with a 33kV Electric Line: The Sioux Falls Fire Department Story (SAM 357)
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 each other. We'll discuss how peer pressure can be beneficial and detrimental to first responder safety. Contact us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (office

Peer Pressure (SAM 356)
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 each other. We'll discuss how peer pressure can be beneficial and detrimental to first responder safety. Contact us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (office

Information Overload (SAM 355)
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 would like to share my assessment on several of their findings. I dedicate this podcast to the lives of Lieutenant Vincent Perez and firefighter/paramedic Anthony M. Valerio and I ap

Five Situational Awareness Lessons from a LODD Incident (SAM 354)
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 would like to share my assessment on several of their findings. I dedicate this podcast to the lives of Lieutenant Vincent Perez and firefighter/paramedic Anthony M. Valerio and I ap

Creatures of Habit (SAM 353)
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 to reason that you would want to form good habits and avoid bad habits, right? But you can form bad habits and not be aware of it. Contact us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (office) Let's Get connected Facebook: Follow

Intuition (SAM 352)
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 admitted to me that they have dismissed their gut feelings and proceeded to do things that resulted in bad outcomes. Let's explore the origins of intuition. Contact us www.SAMatters.c

The Overconfident Incompetent (SAM 351)
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 know. Step 3: Conscious competence – being aware of how much you know. Step 4: Unconscious competence – being unaware of how much you know. You will also be introduced to the

The John Vanatta Story – Part 2 (SAM 350)
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 day was confident that they could perform the drill using one ladder and one firefighter. In the process of removing Chief Vanatta (the victim) from the window, the officer on the ladder had to assist in pulling him through the window, which caused Chi

The John Vanatta Story – Part 1 (SAM 349)
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 day was confident that they could perform the drill using one ladder and one firefighter. In the process of removing Chief Vanatta (the victim) from the window, the officer on the ladder had to assist in pulling him through the window, which caused Chi

The Jason Corthell Story – The Next Chapter – Part 2 (SAM 348)
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, not involved in fire at all, unexpectedly collapsed, trapping Lieutenant Corthell and District Chief Sanchez under tons of steel and concrete. A mayday was called and a rapid interve

The Jason Corthell Story – The Next Chapter – Part 1 (SAM 347)
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, not involved in fire at all, unexpectedly collapsed, trapping Lieutenant Corthell and District Chief Sanchez under tons of steel and concrete. A mayday was called and a rapid interve

The Myth of Multitasking (SAM 346)
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 technology have given us more opportunities to multitask than any other time in the history of humankind. We are bombarded with visual and audible stimulation, most of which is at our fin

Cameron Gasaway Interview (SAM 345)
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 advice to firefighters just getting started in their career. Contact us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (office) Let's Get connected Facebook: Follow SAMa

The Rick Mehaffey Story – Flashback to Episode 142 (SAM 344)
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 event the staffing levels was 1 person on-duty at each of two stations, supplemented by roughly 30 volunteers. 0759 the fire department was dispatched to a residential fire at 71

The Dave Martin Story – Flashback to Episode 45 (SAM 343)
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 partner's ensnarled clothing and they both narrowly escaped death. Dave Martin's crew was assigned to the task of keeping the wildland fire from jumping Highway 97. Around 2100, Captai

Confabulated Realities Impact Situational Awareness (SAM 342)
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 to distinguish between a confabulated reality and true reality until something bad happens. It will be at that point that we realize we were experiencing a flawed perception of reality. Contact Us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-44

The Jeff Bowen LODD Story, told by Scott Burnette – Part 2 - (SAM 340)
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 Burnette talks about that fateful day and the significant changes that have occurred in the Asheville Fire Department – changes that every fire department can benefit from. Contact Us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (offic

The Jeff Bowen LODD Story, told by Scott Burnette – Part 1 - (SAM 340)
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 Burnette talks about that fateful day and the significant changes that have occurred in the Asheville Fire Department – changes that every fire department can benefit from. Contact Us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (offic

The John Glaser LODD Story, told by Ryan Pyle. – Part 2 - (SAM 339)
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 Glaser vomited in his SCBA face piece and then removed it, causing him to inhale products of combustion. The fire was reported by automatic alarm at 8:55 p.m. Saturday at 13408 W. 75th Court, according to fire officials. When firefighters arrived, they fou

The John Glaser LODD Story, told by Ryan Pyle. – Part 1 - (SAM 338)
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 Glaser vomited in his SCBA face piece and then removed it, causing him to inhale products of combustion. The fire was reported by automatic alarm at 8:55 p.m. Saturday at 13408 W. 75th Court, according to fire officials. When firefighters arrived, they fou

Trapped in a basement – The Perry Hall Story – Part 2 - (SAM 337)
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 worst places he could be – in a basement stairwell with the fire below him. Perry tells the story of the event and the post-traumatic stress that, literally, changed his life forever.

Trapped in a basement – The Perry Hall Story – Part 1 - (SAM 336)
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 worst places he could be – in a basement stairwell with the fire below him. Perry tells the story of the event and the post-traumatic stress that, literally, changed his life forever.

Trapped in a Tunnel – The Joe Pronesti Story (SAM 335)
On Wednesday, February 18, 2009, Elyria Fire Captain Joe Pronesti responded to a fire alarm activation call on a college campus. The first arriving engine reported heavy smoke coming from multiple buildings. In search of the source of the smoke, crews would learn the fire was in a tunnel that connected multiple buildings on the campus – A tunnel that Joe would barely make it out of alive.

Mental Health Near-Miss: The Scott Gieselhart Story – Part 2 (SAM 334)
Scott Gieselhart served 24 years as a firefighter in Frazee, Minnesota. Along the way, several incidents contributed to Scott developing a Post Traumatic Stress Injury that resulted in him becoming a meth addict and attempting suicide. Then Scott found help and through a treatment known as EMDR, his PTSI was healed and how he serves as a mental health counsellor. Contact Us www.SAMatters.com

Mental Health Near-Miss: The Scott Gieselhart Story – Part 1 (SAM 333)
Scott Gieselhart served 24 years as a firefighter in Frazee, Minnesota. Along the way, several incidents contributed to Scott developing a Post Traumatic Stress Injury that resulted in him becoming a meth addict and attempting suicide. Then Scott found help and through a treatment known as EMDR, his PTSI was healed and how he serves as a mental health counsellor. Contact Us www.SAMatters.com

Sharing multiple near-miss experiences including being held-up at gunpoint. The Jim Arie Story – Part 2 (SAM 332)
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 sobering as the one that occurred in March 2020, when Jim and his wife were held-up at gunpoint in their driveway and their car was stolen. Contact Us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (office) Let's Get connected Facebook:

Sharing multiple near-miss experiences including being held-up at gunpoint. The Jim Arie Story – Part 1 (SAM 331)
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 sobering as the one that occurred in March 2020, when Jim and his wife were held-up at gunpoint in their driveway and their car was stolen. Contact Us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (office) Let's Get connected Facebook:

Seven Situational Awareness Thieves (SAM 330)
While there are more than 100 barriers that can flaw situational awareness, this episode focuses on 7 that can be particularly challenging to first responders. Contact Us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (office) Let's Get connected Facebook: Follow SAMatters LinkedIn: Follow Rich Gasaway Twitter: Follow Rich Gasaway Instagram: Follow SA_Matters Youtube: Subscribe to
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