Ben wants to share all that he learned from this tragic experience with the wildland fire community—so that others might be better prepared for reacting and responding to critical incidents.
Health
Transitions, Demob, and Reassignment
As the seasons change, so does the job of a wildland firefighter. How do you manage transitions, reassignment, or demob?
Fruit We Can Reach
"The language is messy." This was the mantra our professor would reiterate to emphasize how difficult it can be to talk about risk. Having just completed a master's level risk management program, I have a better appreciation for the complexities of risk analysis. Thankfully, as Travis Dotson offers in The Summer 2017 Two More Chains, … Continue reading Fruit We Can Reach
The Quicksand of Complacency
A first responder can only relax when they are retired or dead, and sustaining that pitch of mindfulness is a hard road.
Where Do We Go From Here?
What do we want to take with us moving forward and what should we leave behind?
COVID Guilt is a Real Thing
I’m sharing this story in case you get the same call I did: “your coronavirus test came back positive.” COVID guilt is a real thing. But you should think twice before blaming yourself.
COVID-19 Era Lessons and Observations from an IHC Superintendent
After multiple incident assignments so far during this special COVID-19 year, Brendan O’Reilly, Superintendent of the Prineville Interagency Hotshot Crew, has compiled several helpful lessons and observations from his perspective and that of his peers. COVID-19 Era Lessons and Observations from an IHC Superintendent By Brendan O'Reilly, Superintendent, Prinveville Interagency Hotshot Crew Online Check-In Excellent. … Continue reading COVID-19 Era Lessons and Observations from an IHC Superintendent
2020 Mid-Year Analysis
Here are some numbers and a few lessons from incidents that occurred during the first half of 2020 (January - June).
The Ins and Outs of Hydration
Hydration specific to wildland firefighters.
Summer Camp – Using Wildland Fire Assignments to Escape from “Real Life”
Operational engagement can be an addictive coping mechanism in its own convoluted way.
Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center 