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Let's Talk Bunker Gear & First Due Fires


Author: Connor Christian June 7, 2023 Duration: 1:13:44
Podcast episode
Let's Talk Bunker Gear & First Due Fires
SMFR Podcast

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We're taking the national conversation about Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) local on episode three of South Metro’s Around the Kitchen Table Podcast. You'll also hear some tailboard talk about first due fires in Station 21s district. This episode features insight from A shift Lieutenant Nick Bjork and C shift Firefighter Paramedic Meghan Pudliner, both operating out of Station 21, along with Deputy Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis.

Time Codes:

1: Introduction/Chief Curtis covers PFAS Overview, SMFR Cancer Policy, single layer bunker gear thought process, IAFF Film BURNED
10: Lt. Bjork covers history of bunker gear at SMFR, what has changed/stayed the same, current status, line conversation about gear
22: FF Paramedic Pudliner covers background details on the SMFR Wear Study, traveling to bunker gear vendors around the country, takeaways from those visits
28:15: Single layer timeframe
32: Cultural shifts impacting how gear is utilized
38:12: Rumors to truths - PFAS is not just in the fire service
40:30: Breathability of gear
42: Fact sheets from GoreTex (Linked below)
43:50: Other background information from FF Paramedic Pudliner and importance of utilizing both sets of bunker gear
47:40: Changes seen with hoods and gloves
52:40: Cleaning expectations for bunker gear
53:50: Lt. Bjork goes through AAR of first due fires in 21s district
1:09:50: Closing Remarks

CLICK HERE for educational resources from Gore's website, the manufacturer of SMFR's moisture barrier.


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