Agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week of June 17-23
Chantilly, Va. – Today the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have announced the theme for the
2018 Safety Stand Down, which takes place June 17-23. “Be Aware – Get Checked” focuses on understanding, implementing and monitoring a comprehensive annual medical/physical for firefighters and navigating the
Road Map to Firefighter Health and Wellness.
Firefighters face many health risks, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and PTSD, and early detection through annual medical evaluations and physicals saves lives. Safety Stand Down resources and materials will increase awareness among firefighters of how to educate their physicians on risks, where to go for the latest information on the IAFC occupational hazard profile and how to access available resources about annual medicals/physicals.
This important event allows everyone to refresh or learn new skills and techniques based on today’s research into firefighter annual medicals/physicals. Firefighters have a responsibility to be fit and ready to answer the call, and this year’s Safety Stand Down aims to provide the tools to make that happen and reduce line-of-duty deaths.
Agencies across the country are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week of June 17-23 in order to focus on training and education related to this year’s theme. An entire week is provided to ensure all shifts and personnel can participate. Topic information, training materials and videos will be available at
SafetyStandDown.org, the official website for the Safety Stand Down event.
In addition, Safety Stand Down partner National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will again launch its Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz in May to compliment this year’s topic. Everyone who completes the quiz online will be automatically entered into a sweepstakes; 200 randomly selected participants will win a specially designed challenge coin commemorating this year’s Safety Stand Down theme.
The Safety Stand Down is coordinated by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section and the NVFC, and it is supported by national and international fire and emergency service organizations, including the NFPA.
About the IAFC
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, EMS, terrorism response, hazmat spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public-safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. Learn more.
About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.