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🎧 Episode Summary:
In this explosive episode of the Pre-Hospital Paradigm Podcast, host Scott Wildenheim and co-hosts Caleb Ferroni and Dr. John Hill sit down with Detective Brian Yankovich from the Mentor Police Department. But this isn’t a true crime episode—Brian is a bomb tech, and today he takes us deep inside the world of public safety bomb squads. From the makeup of the regional team and the realities of responding to bomb threats, to robot tactics, fireworks dangers, military ordnance, and explosive device mitigation, this conversation uncovers everything EMS and fire personnel should know about safely interacting with bomb scenes and hazardous devices.

Whether you're a paramedic, firefighter, law enforcement officer, or just love high-stakes public safety stories, this episode is packed with critical information—and a few laughs along the way.

🧭 Key Topics Covered:

👮‍♂️ Bomb Squad Basics

• How regional bomb squads are structured across Northeast Ohio
  
  

• Shared staffing model from multiple police and fire departments
  
  

• Coverage area includes Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, and Lake Erie
  
  

🎓 Training and Certification

• FBI Hazardous Devices School (HDS) at Redstone Arsenal
  
  

• 6-week certification course + mandatory recertification every 3 years
  
  

• Advanced training: post-blast, homemade explosives, radiation, and military ordnance
  
  

🤖 Tools of the Trade

• Use of robots for x-rays, manipulation, and device disruption
  
  

• Total containment vessels for detonation and chemical/biological containment
  
  

• Remote tools like PAN disruptors using water blasts
  
  

• Drones for safe, high-angle recon
  
  

💣 Inside the Suit

• Realities of operating in bomb suits (claustrophobia, heat stress, fatigue)
  
  

• Importance of rehab and EMS medical monitoring on scene
  
  

• Physical and psychological demands of wearing full gear
  
  

🔥 The Fireworks Problem

• Why homemade fireworks are scarier than military ordnance
  
  

• Flash powder unpredictability and blast injury risks
  
  

• Public misconceptions and common injury patterns
  
  

🧨 Military Ordnance & Explosives Disposal

• Military ordnance response involves federal partners (e.g., Wright-Patterson AFB)
  
  

• Civilian bomb techs only handle modified military devices
  
  

• Disposal of deteriorated ammo, old dynamite, and WW2-era souvenirs
  
  

🧬 Hazards Beyond Explosives

• Responding to radiological, chemical, and biological threats
  
  

• Coordination with hazmat teams and FBI/ATF SABTs
  
  

• Use of advanced x-ray systems and blast pressure sensors
  
  

🚒 EMS & Fire Takeaways:

✅ DO:

• Maintain distance and preserve the scene
  
  

• Provide clear descriptions of suspicious packages
  
  

• Keep involved parties on scene when safe
  
  

• Ensure proper staging and EMS rehab zones
  
  

❌ DON'T:

• Touch, move, or cover suspicious items
  
  

• Use radios/cell phones near potential IEDs
  
  

• Place gear or vests on suspicious devices
  
  

• Try to “help” without specific direction from bomb techs
  
  

💥 Bonus Insights:

• The role of explosive detection canines
  
  

• Cartel tactics and cross-border explosive threats
  
  

• How water is used to defeat IEDs
  
  

👨‍🔧 Guest Spotlight:
Detective Brian Yenkovich
Mentor Police Department
Bomb Squad Technician
 

📆 Timely Tie-In:
This episode drops just ahead of the 4th of July—fireworks injuries and amateur pyrotechnics are on the rise. Share this one with your crews, friends, and neighbors before the fuses start lighting.

🧨 Quote of the Episode:
“People are more afraid of fireworks than C4—and for good reason."

From The Episode