Summary

In this conversation, Jennifer Darling and Dave Pethick discuss the generational challenges faced in the fire service, focusing on the dynamics between different age groups, particularly millennials and Gen Z. They explore how these generational differences impact leadership, teamwork, and hiring practices. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches to recruitment and the importance of diversity in thought and experience within fire departments. The conversation emphasizes the need for mentorship and adapting to change while maintaining valuable traditions in the fire service. This conversation explores the evolving landscape of leadership styles across generations, particularly in the fire service. The speakers discuss the differences between transactional and transformational leadership, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and respect for individual strengths in managing a multi-generational workforce. They highlight the significance of engagement in learning, the impact of workplace culture, and the misconceptions surrounding work ethic among different generations. The discussion also touches on the challenges of bridging technological gaps and the importance of mentorship in fostering growth and understanding within teams.

Takeaways

• Generational differences influence workplace dynamics and leadership styles.
• Millennials and Gen Z have unique perspectives shaped by their upbringing.
• Understanding the 'why' is crucial for engaging younger generations.
• Diversity of thought enhances problem-solving and innovation in teams.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in bridging generational gaps.
• Innovative hiring practices can attract a diverse applicant pool.
• Traditional methods may need to be adapted to meet modern needs.
• Teamwork is essential in the fire service, leveraging strengths from all generations.
• Cultural shifts in parenting have impacted the skills of new recruits.
• Embracing change while respecting tradition is key to progress. Transactional leadership is necessary in certain situations.
• Transformational leadership appeals across generations.
• Adaptability is key in managing diverse teams.
• Respect for individual strengths enhances leadership effectiveness.
• Engagement in learning is crucial for both leaders and followers.
• Workplace culture shapes how teams interact and succeed.
• Generational differences in work ethic should be understood, not judged.
• Mistakes are part of the learning process in leadership.
• Technology can create barriers but also opportunities for learning.
• Effective communication is essential in a multi-generational workforce.

summaryIn this episode of A Duty to Act, host Jennifer Darling speaks with Mike Hilley, a retiring administrator and paramedic with over 30 years of experience in emergency medical services. Mike shares his journey from the Coast Guard to becoming a firefighter and paramedic, discussing the challenges and rewards of his career. He reflects on the evolution of EMS, the importance of community service, and the future of paramedicine in addressing modern healthcare challenges. This conversation explores the integration of community health into emergency medical services (EMS), the evolving career pathways for paramedics, and innovative approaches to address the opioid crisis through medication-assisted treatment. The discussion highlights the importance of building a behavioral health campus to provide comprehensive care and the significance of leadership in EMS.

takeaways

• Mike Hilley has over 30 years of experience in EMS.
• His career began in the Coast Guard, where he was encouraged to serve his community.
• He transitioned from the Coast Guard to the fire department in Juneau, Alaska.
• Mike's early experiences included volunteering in hospitals and fire departments.
• He became a paramedic after completing a program in King County.
• Mike worked for nearly 28 years at the Redmond Fire Department before becoming EMS Director in Bellingham.
• He emphasizes the importance of data in improving EMS systems.
• Mike's education includes a master's degree in health sciences managing emergency services.
• He discusses the challenges EMS faces with modern issues like behavioral health and the opioid crisis.
• Mike hopes to influence the future of EMS through technology and community engagement. Community health integration is essential for effective EMS.
• Paramedics need diverse career pathways to maintain engagement.
• Innovative mobile health programs can address community needs.
• The opioid crisis requires urgent and multifaceted responses.
• Medication-assisted treatment is a critical tool in emergency care.
• Behavioral health resources are vital for comprehensive patient care.
• Leadership in EMS can drive positive change in communities.
• Grants and funding are crucial for developing health programs.
• Overcoming barriers to wellness is a community effort.
• Reflecting on a career in EMS highlights the importance of service.

Summary

In this conversation, Jennifer interviews Sonia Jorgensen, a US Navy veteran and founder of Hooves and Heroes, a nonprofit organization that connects veterans and first responders with horses for therapeutic experiences. Sonia shares her journey of founding the organization, the healing power of horses, and how they provide immediate feedback to humans about their emotional and physical states. The discussion delves into the importance of awareness, community, and the unique approach of equine assisted learning as a supportive method for mental health without the stigma of traditional therapy. In this conversation, Sonia Jorgensen discusses her journey in healthcare leadership, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and the lack of support for first responders. She emphasizes the importance of community and resources for mental health, particularly for first responders and veterans. Sonia introduces equine-assisted learning as a therapeutic approach that helps individuals regulate their emotions and connect with their environment through interactions with horses. The discussion covers various exercises and techniques used in sessions, highlighting the benefits of breathwork and the horse-human connection in emotional healing.