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News 
 

Mayor, fire chief in Calgary appear at odds over release of workplace reviews

Calgary’s fire chief says there is “no wiggle room” to make public any part of two workplace culture reviews done over the last six years, even though Mayor Naheed Nenshi said last week that he expects portions to be released “soonish.” CBC News reports.


Ontario firefighters association defends early vaccine treatment for workers as part of Phase 1

The Ontario Professional Firefighters Association (OPFFA) is setting the record straight, denying rumours that several firefighters have jumped the queue for COVID-19 vaccines and have been inoculated as a result. 680 News reports.


Ontario taking steps to improve mental health supports for first responders and public safety personnel

The Ontario government is establishing four new mental health collaborative tables to better support the mental health and well-being of policing, fire, corrections, and paramedic services personnel. The tables will help inform actions to change behaviours that stigmatize those struggling with mental health challenges, achieve a healthier work-life balance, promote mental health resiliency, and build awareness of supports, treatments and recovery options.
 
SPONSORED SPOTLIGHT 
 
Firehall Bookstore

Developing Firefighter Resiliency – A Success-Based Training Model

Training ordinary people to do extraordinary things requires an understanding of how we learn. Developing Firefighter Resiliency starts with the basic psycho-physical aspects of learning.

The fire service has unwittingly used a failure-based training model for many years. Hands-on training exercises are often based on unachievable objectives. Trainers are often not educated about the psychology of adult learning or the effect of stress during learning. Consequently, participants face learning activities with mastery-level skill requirement to succeed when competency has yet to be established. This amounts to a never-ending diet of tests without actual skill development. Accessing knowledge under extreme circumstances cannot be left to chance, because the penalty for failure is severe.

>> Place your order for NFPA 101
 
FEATURES 
 
Jennifer Grigg

Dispatches: Body language tips for public educators

If you’re interacting with people on a regular basis, knowing how to leverage the power of your body language, even during Zoom calls, can make a huge difference in your interactions. By Jennifer Grigg » Learn more
 
Jason Clark

Front Seat: Inside the beach rescue

When you think of the branches within fire departments, you usually think of your suppression division, public education and inspections, training division and, if the organization is large enough to support one, apparatus maintenance. You don’t often find a beach rescue division within the fire service, but for several weekends this summer, I found myself working alongside the men and women of our beach rescue team who fall within our fire service organizational structure. By Jason Clark » Learn more
 
News 
 

Alberta mayors, firefighters raise concerns about new centralized ambulance dispatch

Four Alberta mayors say Alberta Health Service’s decision to consolidate EMS services is causing delays that put people at risk, and firefighters in a northern Alberta hamlet are chiming in with their concerns about recent problems caused by the new system. CBC News reports. » Read more

Newmarket fire department adopts new smart technology for its fleet

Ontario’s Central York Fire Services is the first fire department in Canada to have a fire truck with a Scene Apparatus Manager (SAM) system installed onboard. Collingwood Today reports. » Read more

At least two St. Albert chiefs ‘jump queue’ to receive COVID-19 vaccine: union

At least two St. Albert, Alta., fire chiefs “jumped queue” and received COVID-19 vaccinations meant for frontline paramedic firefighters, says IAFF Local 2130. Warren Gresik, president of the union which represents 116 members, says some witnessed top brass at vaccination clinics or were part of conversations where it was made clear administrators got the jab. The Edmonton Journal reports. » Read more
 
Events 
 

BCFTOA H.O.T. Weekend and Educational Conference

May 14 – 20, 2021
Location: Parksville, B.C.
» Read more