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You only get one shot: Train for the moments that matter

Eminem’s anthem about owning a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity applies to hard truths in the fire service

Palms sweaty? Knees weak? Arms heavy? Good. That means you care.

Zam’s borrowing a page from Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” to underscore a hard truth about the fireground: Sometimes you only get one shot. There is no rewind on a mayday, no reset button on a rescue and no do-over on a critical command decision. Zam draws parallels between elite athletes training for their Olympic moment and firefighters preparing for the call that will test everything they know. Sharing stories from the sports world and his own experience on the job, Zam urges you to remember this simple fact: Every call deserves your full attention. Every drill should be treated like the one that could define your career.

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Previously on the Better Every Shift Podcast
The Spartan Races founder says coffee, couch and cotton candy are the brain’s defaults, but there are simple ways to get out of your comfort zone
Dr. Dan Madrzykowski shares what decades of research mean for stream choice, search and rescue, and lithium-ion fires
FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito explains why fire and EMS work best as one agency — and what’s driving the department’s EMS staffing crunch
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Captain Mark Killion details how to build realistic simulations — and the training culture that makes them work
Kentland (Md.) VFD Sergeant Alex Caldaro shares how culture, high standards and member buy-in keep a busy volunteer house staffed — without begging for members