Join us as we welcome Michael Deal, former fire captain of York County, South Carolina, on this episode titled 'From Rookie to Road Boss.' Recorded live on TikTok, this podcast offers insights into his career journey and experiences. Don't miss this engaging conversation!

Episode 3 of the Tales from the Tailboard Podcast features Scot Smith, a captain with 20 years of experience in the volunteer fire service, as we dive into the crucial topic of volunteer firefighter retention. Join us for an insightful conversation exploring the challenges and potential solutions for keeping dedicated volunteers engaged and committed to their vital roles.

In this episode, Silvio shares his journey into EMS, a path sparked by his brother and a high-school EMT program that changed everything. He opens up about discovering the “caring aspect” of the job, navigating the challenges of early anatomy lessons, and confronting death for the first time.

Silvio breaks down his time in interfacility transfers, the brutal fatigue, and the moment he decided to advocate for his own safety on the job. He talks about the mentor who pushed him toward paramedic school, why the heart became his favorite subject, and how expanding his scope of practice fueled his next steps.

Now driven by the goal of joining a fire department, Silvio reflects on how private EMS drained him and how firefighting, education opportunities, and real impact are pulling him forward.

A candid, raw, and motivating conversation about growth, grit, and finding your place in EMS.