#450 IFIW Australia – Ep02 Ed Hartin Fireground Sensemaking & Decision Making for Station Officers

In this episode recorded live at the International Fire Instructors Workshop 2026 in Australia, you’ll hear from Edward Hartin as he explores fireground sensemaking and decision making for the station officer. Drawing on more than fifty years in the fire service and decades at chief officer level, Ed takes us inside the cognitive process that underpins command. How initial cues shape your frame of reference before you even arrive. Why experience alone is not expertise. And how deliberate practice through Tactical Decision Games builds the pattern recognition, risk assessment and coordination skills that actually show up when conditions deteriorate.

This episode forms part of the IFIW Australia mini-series and was recorded in a live working environment, so what you hear is raw and authentic. The series is supported by Enduro Protect and De Wipe, two organisations focused on reducing occupational exposure risks in realistic training environments. Enduro Protect’s particulate blocking range and De Wipe’s decontamination wipes are practical tools designed to protect firefighters from harmful contaminants while continuing to develop operational competence. Links to both, along with Ed’s downloadable presentation, can be found in the episode notes.

Connect with Ed HERE

Find Command Competence HERE

For those undertaking professional development, CPD is available for listening to this episode through the Institute of Fire Engineers - email [e-mail]

You can also download the full presentation using the link HERE

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• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
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