Episode 71 – Stress Inoculation Training: Preparing Firefighters to Perform Under Pressure – Dr. Sarah Jackson, Chris Muriset, Eric Murillo, & Jon Donaldson

How do we prepare firefighters to perform when stress, pressure, and uncertainty are at their highest?

In this episode of the FireDawg Podcast, clinical psychologist and translational neuroscientist Dr. Sarah Jackson joins Travis and Dyess AFB firefighters Chris Muriset, Eric Murillo, and Jon Donaldson to discuss stress inoculation training and its application within the fire service. Through collaboration between Travis AFB and Dyess AFB Fire Departments, the team is exploring ways to integrate mental performance training with traditional physical and tactical training. The goal is to better prepare firefighters to recognize their stress responses, maintain performance under pressure, and develop practical skills for managing stress.

Topics include:

• Understanding stress inoculation training and how it differs from stress exposure.
• Training mental and physical performance together.
• Breathing techniques and physiological stress management.
• Using controlled stress scenarios to develop adaptive performance.
• Recognizing when stress affects communication, decision-making, and fine motor skills.
• The importance of active recovery following stressful events.
• Applying these skills beyond the fireground and into everyday life.

Stress is inevitable in our profession, but how we prepare for it, respond to it, and recover from it can make all the difference.

Take a breath, reassess, then attack.

A special episode for the FireDawg Podcast as Austin Perry takes the reins as solo host for the first time!

Stress Reaction Resources: