Training Scars

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The B Shifter Podcast examines how bad training practices can create dangerous operational habits in the fire service that are difficult to break and potentially dangerous.

This episode is hosted by Josh Blum, and John Vance.

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This episode was recorded on April 30, 2025.

Line-of-Duty Death Report Available
B Shifter now has the NIOSH report available for download regarding the tragic loss of Firefighter James Michael Muller of the Irmo Fire District. On May 26, 2023, Firefighter Muller was killed in the line of duty while operating at a structure fire in an apartment building. There were many heroic acts at this incident and also many lessons to be shared and learned.
Download the full report and honor Firefighter Muller’s sacrifice by learning from this critical event: https://bshifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NIOSH-FINAL-REPORT-202307.pdf

• Training scars are ingrained behaviors taught during training that don't reflect best practices on the fireground
• Dan Madrzykowski describes how teaching firefighters to "pencil" water creates dangerous muscle memory
• Emergency activation button training creates hesitation in real emergencies when the button should be used
• Chris Stewart emphasizes focusing on higher performers rather than the vocal minority resistant to change
• Pat Dale discusses how poor leadership behaviors become learned and perpetuated through generations
• Keith Stakes highlights how training facilities don't resemble real structures where firefighters operate
• Nick Brunicini explains how rapid intervention teams operated for decades before effectiveness was evaluated
• Terry Garrison stresses spending valuable training time on meaningful skills not arbitrary traditions
• Training must align with operational realities and provide realistic context for skills development
• Effective training allows firefighters to make mistakes in a supportive environment without career consequences

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