Undisclosed Agents Podcast #18 Brian Olson - Skills under pressure
Jan 14, 2024
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Brian Olson, a 15-year firefighter in Idaho and founding member of the Firefighter Rescue Survey, discusses the benefits of firefighters wearing body cameras and helmet cameras. He also talks about the importance of using prop doors for training, the significance of flashlights in search training, and finding work-life balance in the fire service. The chapter also touches on the origin of 'Tactics on Tap' and the importance of genuine participation.
Continuous forceful entry training is essential for firefighters to develop skills under pressure.
Developing expertise in search operations is crucial for effective firefighting.
Realistic and intentional training, including reviewing footage, is key to enhancing proficiency in forceful entry and search operations.
Readiness in the fire service requires adaptability, flexibility, and constant preparation.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, prioritizing family, and aligning personal choices with values and goals.
Deep dives
The importance of forceful entry training
Forceful entry training is essential for firefighters to develop the necessary skills for effectively breaching doors and gaining access to structures during emergencies. The speaker recalls their early experience attending a forceful entry class and the impact it had on their passion for this aspect of firefighting. They mention the significance of using door props in training, which helped them understand the techniques and build muscle memory. The speaker emphasizes the need to practice forceful entry by oneself if necessary, as it helps improve skills and prepares firefighters for the stress they may encounter in real-life scenarios. They also highlight the importance of being adaptable and not getting caught off guard when encountering different types of doors. Overall, the focus is on continuous training and honing forceful entry skills to ensure proficiency and effectiveness in the field.
Developing expertise in search operations
Search operations are a critical aspect of firefighting, and the speaker emphasizes the importance of developing expertise in this domain. They mention attending a search class earlier in their career and the impact it had on their understanding and passion for search operations. The speaker emphasizes the value of training with door props and creating realistic scenarios to replicate the stress and challenges faced during actual search and rescue missions. They encourage firefighters to practice search techniques and build muscle memory to ensure efficient and effective search operations. The focus is on continuous training, self-reflection, and the importance of remaining adaptable and prepared for different search scenarios.
The benefits of consistent and realistic training
The speaker highlights the benefits of consistent and realistic training in both forceful entry and search operations. They recall their journey of building door props and the impact it had on improving their skills and creating training opportunities for others. The speaker stresses the importance of avoiding training scars by simulating real-life scenarios and practicing a variety of techniques to ensure adaptability in the field. They mention the value of reviewing training footage, including helmet camera recordings, to identify areas of improvement and learn from past experiences. The speaker emphasizes the need for intentional and self-reflective training to enhance proficiency and prepare firefighters for the challenges they may face during emergencies.
The importance of readiness in the fire service
The speaker underscores the significance of readiness in the fire service, both in forceful entry and search operations. They remind firefighters to be prepared for different situations and not to rely on fixed patterns or assumptions. The speaker mentions the importance of being flexible and adaptable, as well as understanding the nuances of different doors and situations. They encourage firefighters to practice a wide range of skills, including masking up quickly, managing stress effectively, and being prepared to win in every situation. The focus is on continuous improvement, constant preparation, and building the necessary skills to respond efficiently and effectively in emergency situations.
The importance of being present in personal life and balancing priorities
The speaker reflects on the importance of being present in personal life and prioritizing family over other commitments. He shares how he made the decision to step back from training and teaching in order to spend more time with his wife and kids. He talks about the challenges of balancing a career in the fire service with personal life and the need to evaluate one's priorities. The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and making choices that align with personal values and goals.
The impact of the Firefighter Rescue Survey on search culture
The speaker discusses the firefighter rescue survey and its impact on search culture. He talks about how the survey was initiated to address the lack of information on the number of people rescued in fires. He shares the initial challenges faced and the backlash received from some individuals. However, he highlights the value of the survey in providing data-driven insights and challenging previous views on search practices. The speaker emphasizes the importance of utilizing the survey's findings to improve search culture and update firefighting strategies based on factual information.
The speaker's personal journey of self-improvement and growth
The speaker shares his personal journey of self-improvement and growth. He discusses his decision to step back from training and teaching in order to focus on his personal life. He reflects on the regrets he had and the positive changes he made to prioritize his family and quality time with them. The speaker also mentions his ongoing pursuit of personal growth and challenges in becoming more present in his life. He emphasizes the need for continuous self-reflection and making choices that align with personal values and goals.
Importance of Following Data-Driven Tactics in Fire Service
In this podcast episode, the speaker emphasizes the significance of adopting data-driven tactics in the fire service. The speaker highlights the importance of relying on research and scientific data to shape firefighting strategies and training. They discuss examples such as the use of UL studies to determine the average amount of water needed for extinguishing fires, and the firefighter rescue survey to inform effective rescue techniques. By basing tactics on reliable data, the speaker argues that firefighters can make informed decisions and ultimately improve the effectiveness and safety of their operations.
Striving for Work-Life Balance in the Fire Service
The podcast also touches on the topic of work-life balance in the fire service. The speaker shares personal experiences and acknowledges the challenges of balancing a demanding fire service career with family life. They highlight the sacrifices often made by firefighters in terms of time spent away from home, which can strain relationships. The speaker stresses the importance of finding a balance and prioritizing one's family while also acknowledging the passion and dedication to the job. They urge firefighters to consider the impact of their actions on their loved ones and strive for a healthy work-life balance that ensures their well-being and that of their families.
Brian is a 15 year firefighter in Idaho. Brian really needs no introduction but here’s a few of the highlights. Brian teaches with Brothers In Battle, he is a founding member of the Firefighter Rescue Survey and he is Georgia Smoke Diver #1091 (Idaho #3). This was an amazing opportunity for us to have a conversation with someone whos work in the fire service has always been inspirational for us. Brian has been an unofficial mentor to me for quite some time and to have him join us on the podcast was incredibly humbling and inspiring. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
