Are you ready to dive deep into the pivotal world of prioritizing humans over hardware in the demanding fields of law enforcement and firefighting? The latest episode of the Priority Traffic podcast, hosted by Chris Warden, welcomes Stephen Scrobe for a thought-provoking discussion that underscores the critical need for investing in our first responders’ well-being and resilience, rather than merely focusing on equipment. This episode shines a light on the strategic importance of mental health, physical fitness, and nutrition, which are essential for the demanding careers of those who protect and serve.
“Humans over Hardware is based on getting the people on the front lines the resources they need to best they can be, so they can serve their community better.”
Chris Warden
In Episode 037, Chris and Stephen navigate through the everyday challenges faced by officers and firefighters, highlighting the often-overlooked aspects of self-care and the benefits of a performance mindset. They emphasize the transformative power of making informed food choices, the indispensable role of sleep, and the efficacy of stress management techniques. This conversation is a treasure trove of valuable insights for individuals committed to the noble professions of law enforcement and firefighting.
5 Basic Movement Patterns
as discussed in this episode of Priority Traffic Podcast
- Squat
Think of hoisting equipment or lifting a victim. The squat is all about lower body strength, mimicking the action of sitting down and standing up. Proper form keeps our knees safe and our backs straight. It’s vital for lifting techniques, helping us do our job without injury.- Hinge
The hinge movement is akin to bending over, like when you’re connecting a hose or picking up gear. This is centered around the hips, crucial for protecting our lower back. Strengthening through hinging movements means we’re less likely to throw our back out on the job.- Push
Whether we’re forcing open a door or pushing debris aside, the push pattern is everywhere in our line of work. This involves everything from our chest to our shoulders and triceps; training push movements ensures we’ve got the strength to move obstacles and save lives.- Pull
Pulling is just as essential, especially when we consider tasks like rescuing victims or pulling lines. This movement integrates our back, biceps, and grip strength. Developing a solid ability to pull or drga means better endurance and functionality on the scene.- Heavy Carry
Lastly, the heavy carry – it’s as straightforward as it sounds but as critical as anything. Carrying equipment, victims, or even assisting a fellow firefighter requires a combination of all our strength. Training this teaches us to manage heavy loads with balance and endurance, essential for our long shifts and difficult calls.
What sets this episode apart is its forward-looking perspective on how the sectors can evolve through enhanced focus on training programs that promote holistic well-being. For those in the frontline services, this episode is not just a source of inspiration but a call to action to prioritize health and well-being in their personal and professional lives.

Our multidisciplinary approach begins by identifying needs unique to your organization. Next, we set goals and implement custom programs to provide ongoing support focused on optimizing the mental and physical health, productivity, performance, and career longevity of your organization.
“Discipline is the greatest form of selfcare-It foregoes what you want at the moment, to give you what you want most”
Tune into this enlightening episode to understand why nurturing the human elements in these crucial services can lead to not only improved performance but also a more fulfilling career and life. It’s a conversation that reverberates with the importance of caring for those who care for us.
Contact Stephen :
The Extraordinary Importance of Sleep – The Detrimental Effects of Inadequate Sleep on Health and Public Safety Drive an Explosion of Sleep Research
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Ep. 037 | Humans Over Hardware w/ Stephen Scrobe – Priority Traffic Podcast



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