Enhancing Relationships Between 911 Operators & Field First Responders
Release Date: 03/17/2026
Enhancing Relationships Between 911 Operators & Field First Responders
Don't Risk It! Podcast
A lack of understanding, limited communication, and stereotypes are just a few of the reasons that 911/communication center personnel and field first responders, like firefighters and EMS personnel, may have some animosity towards one another. However, breaking down barriers between your emergency service organizations and establishing better relationships may not only help improve your working relationships—but benefit your entire emergency response system as well. In this episode, Chris Rodgers and Blair Tyndall, Industry Specialists, offer a few ideas help establish better “off...
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EMS Special Event Standby Agreement Considerations
Don't Risk It! Podcast
EMS teams are often asked to be on standby at events, like community gatherings and sporting activities, to provide assistance if a participant or spectator needs medical aid. However, while these scenarios are common, they’re not without risk to your organization. For example, these events are often contacted on either a dedicated or non-dedicated basis, meaning you may or may not be obligated to leave the event to respond to 911 calls, which should drastically change your written agreement for the event to help protect your organization. Join Chris Rodgers and David...
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Properly Maintaining Your Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP)
Don't Risk It! Podcast
The declining and aging volunteer firefighter base is a major concern for many fire departments and community leaders—especially in more rural areas and among smaller departments. To help combat this challenge, many emergency service departments have implemented programs, like a cost-effective LOSAP plan, to help them recruit, retain, and reward volunteer firefighters based on their longevity of service. and to serve as a trusted resource to LOSAP clients to help them better understand and utilize their benefits. That’s why Chris Rodgers, Industry Specialist, and...
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Managing the Cost of Risk in Your ESO
Don't Risk It! Podcast
A vehicle or apparatus crash will typically cost your emergency service organization more now than ever, with year-after-year claim costs continuing to rise. From inflation, rising replacement costs, and increasing labor costs—there are many factors at play when it comes to insurance rates and premium being at an all-time high. However, there are things that you can do to help your ESO manage the cost of risk. In this episode, Chris Rodgers, Industry Specialist, and Scott Harkins, Senior Vice President of Risk Control for VFIS and Glatfelter Insurance Group, take a deep...
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Breathwork: A Mental Health & Wellness Technique for First Responders
Don't Risk It! Podcast
Captain Randy Gates is a first responder, breathwork facilitator, wellness educator, and founder of —but he didn't always understand the connection between mental and physical health. In Part 2 of our deep dive, Chris Rodgers, Industry Specialist, and Captain Gates discuss what led him to emergency services, when he started to realize the importance of mental health, and how he utilizes and teaches breathwork as a proactive technique to both relax and energize the mind and body. Learn how breathwork can support mental health and resilience in emergency...
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Behind the Scenes of the Nevada Peer Support Network
Don't Risk It! Podcast
After losing a “top-notch firefighter from a top-notch family” to suicide, Derek Reid and his fire department didn't know where to turn for support. This challenging time led to the creation of the revolutionary , which seeks to smash mental health stigmas and provide support to first responders. In this episode, Reid joins Chris Rodgers, Industry Specialist, to share how the program was developed, ways it's utilized, and tips for agencies to implement similar programs in their area. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Nevada Peer Support Network deep-dive coming in two...
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Innovative Ways to Use Drones to Aid Emergency Response & Help Reduce Risks
Don't Risk It! Podcast
Drones have been a hot topic in emergency services for years. But, for some, it's still challenging to grasp how their capabilities outweigh the regulations and risks that come with them. In this episode, Paul DiCicco, EMS Chief, and Dominick Boyd, Chief of Staff, of Lee County Public Safety Department join the podcast along with Chris Rodgers, Industry Specialist, to discuss how they're utilizing drones in new and innovative ways to aid emergency response, help reduce risk to their members, and enhance their service to their community. Plus, learn about how they've addressed...
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Roadway Response: Protecting First Responders with Truck-Mounted Attenuators
Don't Risk It! Podcast
Too many first responders are struck and injured or killed while working along the roadways each year—making it crucial for emergency service organizations to implement policies, procedures, and tools to help protect their crew. In this episode, Wesley Attwood, Senior Investigator for NIOSH’s Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, and Chief Jordon Cramer, South Strabane Township Fire Department in Washington County, PA, join the podcast to discuss one risk mitigation tool for these incidents: truck-mounted attenuators (TMAs). Learn how these energy-absorbing cushions...
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Protecting Your Emergency Vehicles with Brush Guards
Don't Risk It! Podcast
Did you know that vehicles striking fixed objects, like buildings or poles, as well as animals, including deer, are some of the most common claims that VFIS clients face? Adam Kinsey, Employee Compliance and Training Manager for St. Johnsville Ambulance, joins the podcast to discuss how emergency service organizations can utilize brush guards on their vehicles to help mitigate extensive damage during these incidents and reduce downtime for their fleet.
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The Use of Whole Blood in EMS Care
Don't Risk It! Podcast
Does your EMS agency utilize whole blood for patients with severe blood loss? In this episode, EMS professionals from Sussex County EMS join VFIS podcast host Chris Rodgers to share how the use of whole blood, which includes red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, has been beneficial for their pre-hospital care protocols. Let’s dive into the concept of using whole blood, why it’s needed, and how to implement it in your emergency service organization.
info_outlineA lack of understanding, limited communication, and stereotypes are just a few of the reasons that 911/communication center personnel and field first responders, like firefighters and EMS personnel, may have some animosity towards one another.
However, breaking down barriers between your emergency service organizations and establishing better relationships may not only help improve your working relationships—but benefit your entire emergency response system as well.
In this episode, Chris Rodgers and Blair Tyndall, VFIS Industry Specialists, offer a few ideas help establish better “off air communications” and relationships within your response chain.