Fire Engineering Podcast Network

In this episode of Fire Engineering's In the Books podcast, host David Rhodes and co-host Mike Brown (developmental editor of JEMS) sit down with Donnie Woodyard Jr., veteran EMS leader, educator, and author of The Future of Emergency Medical Services: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Innovation 2E from Fire Engineering Books.
Donnie shares his EMS background, what inspired the updated second edition, and how AI and emerging technology are already reshaping frontline care — often from the ground up, as firefighters and EMTs adopt these tools on their own before formal department policy catches up.
The conversation covers:
Real-world cases where technology improved response times, provider safety, and patient outcomes.
Organizational barriers and caution signs departments should watch for.
The future of patient data sharing between dispatch, responders, and hospitals.
Ethics, cybersecurity, and the guardrails agencies need before adopting new tools.
Tracking responder exposures through connected data systems.
Budget priorities, pilot programs, and ROI metrics for the next 12–18 months.
The emerging role of autonomous air transport in EMS.
Whether you're an EMS leader, provider, or just curious about where technology is taking emergency medicine, this episode offers a grounded look at both the promise and the pitfalls ahead.
📖 Get The Future of Emergency Medical Services: AI, Technology, and Innovation 2E from Fire Engineering Books → https://fireengineeringbooks.com/shop-all-products/the-future-of-emergency-medical-services-artificial-intelligence-technology-and-innovation-2e/?utm_medium=podcast_episode&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=in_the_books&utm_content=the_future_of_emergency_medical_services
#FireEngineeringBooks #InTheBooksPodcast #EMS #ArtificialIntelligence #EMSInnovation 

In honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Fire Service Data and Tech Talk host Eddie Buchanan welcomes Michael Varney, director of stakeholder collaboration at the First Responder Network Authority, about how responder communications and technology have evolved since 2001. Varney discusses priority access, resilience, and on‑demand deployables, plus the growing role of geospatial tools, indoor locating, and firefighter tracking in GPS‑denied environments. Technical, operational, and planning insights are paired with reflections on how 9/11 reshaped the service and the continuing mission to keep responders safer and more effective. The episode includes operational tips, resources, and planning guidance.
 
This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

On this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn welcomes Kelly Lemmons and Anthony Chen to discuss technical rescue operations, including rope training. They explain how modern technical rescue requires shifting from static procedures to dynamic, critical thinking, balancing evolving industry standards with foundational skills.

On this episode of Fire and Training, Paul Watlington joins host Douglas Cline to talk about officer development in today’s fire service. They discuss the reality of younger officer ranks, what “experience” really means, and how departments can close training gaps without lowering standards. Watlington and Cline emphasize the importance of being a student first: Seek conferences, regional courses, and peer networks. They share examples from station training boards, captain/lieutenant transitions, and organizational programs that give firefighters ownership of development.

In this episode of Talking Tactics, hosts Dave Polikoff, Sam Villani, and Robert "RJ" James break down real‑world firefighting lessons: outside‑in fires, disciplined 360s, and why the first‑in officer must “call the play.” They discuss staging engine/truck resource and the importance of maintaining a team‑based mentality to stop strip and townhouse fires. The conversation also gets into deadly lightning‑induced basement fires tied to corrugated stainless steel gas tubing: how lightning can perforate piping, ignite concealed spaces, and why immediate gas shutoff and concealed‑space checks are critical.

Why is data-driven decision making so critical? Sean Duffy joins host Eric Dreiman to discuss the importance of search at fire scenes, data, and the analytical side of firefighting on this episode of Hooks & Hoses. Duffy shares his thoughts on his recent Fire Engineering article, “Fireground Decision Making: The Data‑Driven Edge for Search.” He draws on Firefighter Rescue Survey findings, FSRI research, and frontline experience. The conversation also touches on reasons why traditional occupancy cues can't be trusted. The guest and host share advice on developing search policies and training and communicating clear progress reports.

Host Christopher Naum discusses the fireground blueprint: how building construction, occupancy, and predictability drive risk, tactics, and safety. He reviews recurring summer incidents and line‑of‑duty deaths and the need to improve building literacy. He also looks at the following critical reads: the fireground, the building, the compartment, and the company. Naum outlines practical steps including curbside conversations, post-incident walkthroughs, increased training, and walking lecture tours and roundtables for building applied knowledge.

On this episode of Women in Fire, host Lisa Baker speaks with a panel to discuss the upcoming 2026 Women in Fire International Conference, in Austin, Texas. The conference will offer specialized training and networking for fire service professionals. The members of the panel emphasize that the environment allows attendees to drop their guards, build hands-on skills without fear of judgment, and establish mentorships with peers from around the United States. The conference also welcomes male firefighters and officers seeking to support their teams and improve department mechanics.
 
The Women in Fire Panel
Retired Lieutenant Heidi Simon from South Metro, Colorado
Retired Lieutenant WIllie Saulsberry from Gainesville, Florida
Firefighter/Paramedic Brooke Sims from Aurora, Colorado
Women in Fire Trustee Megan Saylors

On this episode of The Humpday Hangout, Frank Ricci sits down with Scott Martus to discuss his Fire Engineering article, "Two Systems, One Mission: How to Align ICS and HICS in a Crisis." Martus explores the critical relationship between the fire service and healthcare systems, highlighting how sponsor hospitals, medical direction, and hospital emergency management teams can serve as force multipliers during emergencies. He uses real examples to show what works and what doesn't. Ricci and Martus emphasize practical fixes: Empower medical dispatch triage, use nurse navigation and third-party call centers to reduce low-acuity engine responses, and align prehospital strategy with capacity to improve outcomes.
 
Link to Scott Martus’ article, Two Systems, One Mission: How to Align ICS and HICS in a Crisis: https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/fire-ems/two-systems-one-mission-how-to-align-ics-and-hics-in-a-crisis/

From modern construction and synthetic fuels to lithium-ion battery hazards, today’s fireground looks different. In this episode, Keith Stakes and Meghan Maloney of UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute discuss what recent research is revealing about search, suppression, ventilation, and exposure reduction. Learn how the Fire Safety Research Institute works with the fire service to turn research findings into practical training to support more informed fireground decision-making.
Article link: https://www.fireengineering.com/fire-safety/enhancing-firefighter-health-and-safety-in-the-evolving-built-environment/ 
For more information about the Fire Safety Research Institute: https://s.ul.org/4g1syoH