Fire Headlines

Forging Healing for First Responders

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna explore a unique program called Industrial Artistic and Creative Therapy (IACT), designed to help first responders and veterans cope with PTSD and stress through blacksmithing. They discuss how this creative therapy provides a therapeutic outlet and offers participants the chance to develop new skills while connecting with others who share similar struggles. Chief Kehmna shares how this hands-on approach can significantly impact mental well-being.

Exploring Robotics in the Fire Service

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna discuss the transformative impact of robotics in the fire service. They begin with a look at the Tulsa Fire Department’s use of drones to monitor a large chemical fire at a petroleum tank farm. The discussion highlights how advancements like these are reshaping operational strategies and safety measures in the fire service.

Hazardous Social Media Challenges: Protecting Kids and Communities

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna discuss the growing dangers of hazardous social media trends, focusing on the recent "mirror fire challenge" that involves rubbing alcohol. This trend has already caused severe injuries, highlighting the urgent need for fire service professionals to address these risks proactively.

Lithium-Ion Batteries and Fire Service Safety

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion speaks with Chief Ken Kehmna about the impact of lithium-ion batteries on fire service operations. They discuss the challenges posed by electric vehicles, e-bikes, and scooters, as well as the evolution of tactics and prevention strategies in the fire service.

Meeting the Challenge of Animal Rescue

In this episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna to explore the rising focus on pet rescue equipment in the fire service. With Colorado Springs Fire Department introducing emergency pet kits, the discussion highlights how the fire service is adapting to meet community needs and redefining the role of pets in emergency response.

Responding When the Station Becomes the Scene

Discover fire station resilience and strategies for responding when the station becomes the scene on the latest episode of WFCA's Fire Headlines Podcast

Fire Service Programs for Inmates

In this episode, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna to discuss the use of inmates as trained firefighters, a program utilized by 35 counties in Georgia as reported in an article shared in the Daily Dispatch. With a shortage of firefighters, these counties have turned to prison-trained inmates to provide essential first-response services. In this conversation, Samantha and Chief Kehmna delve into the benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations surrounding this practice, as well as how it impacts the communities served and the inmates themselves.

Addressing the EMS Shortage Through Education and Community Engagement

In this episode of Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna discuss the pressing issue of EMS personnel shortages across the U.S. Following a recent article shared in the Daily Dispatch, this week's episode highlights Cincinnati State’s expanded EMT and paramedic program as one solution, to address this shortage. While the Cincinnati initiative is promising, the conversation dives deeper into the nationwide shortage, exploring its causes and potential remedies. Chief Kehmna shares how hands-on experience, similar to Cincinnati’s approach, can be pivotal in building new EMS professionals' confidence and readiness in this high-stress, critical field.

Hurricane Response Efforts by WFCA Member Departments

In this week's episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna and Chief Kim Zagaris (also known as Chief Z), WFCA Senior Operations Advisor. They delve into the vital contributions of Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) member departments to hurricane response efforts, particularly in light of the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which has claimed nearly 300 lives.
Chief Zagaris provides a detailed overview of the urban search and rescue (USAR) teams that have been deployed to assist with hurricane recovery. These teams, managed in conjunction with FEMA, include members from fire agencies across several states, such as California, Utah, Nevada, and Washington. Departments like Los Angeles City and County Fire, Orange County Fire Authority, and others contribute highly trained personnel and specialized equipment for search and rescue operations, particularly in challenging conditions such as swift water environments and structural collapses.

Energy Drink Consumption in the Fire Service

This week on Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion and panelist Chief Ken Kehmna delve into the growing issue of energy drink consumption at firefighter training sites. This topic has garnered significant attention in the Daily Dispatch after the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association banned energy drinks at all hands-on class sites. The decision came in response to the alarming rise in energy drink intake and two recent firefighter deaths in Kansas linked to their consumption.
The discussion highlights the increasing reliance on energy drinks among firefighters, especially during long shifts and high-demand situations, raising concerns about health and long-term well-being.