The Latest
Jan 01, 0001
2024 Safety Stand Down Theme Announced
Fire Training: Back to Basics is announced as theme for Safety Stand Down, June 16-22, 2024
Jan 01, 0001
Fire Chief John S. Butler Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action
IAFC President Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action
Jan 01, 0001
Let Us Promote Extraordinary Safety, Health and Wellness Efforts
Nominate someone who continues to pave the way for improved safety, health, and survival in the fire service.
Jan 01, 0001
Fighting Fire and Preserving Progress: The Unsung Role of Portable Fire Extinguishers in Environmental and Life Safety
The use of portable fire extinguishers is a win-win situation for both life safety and environmental preservation
Jan 01, 0001
FRM 2024: Why You Can't Afford to Miss It!
FRM, for leaders to gather key information and build better situational awareness, leading to better decision-making
Jan 01, 0001
Important NIST Findings on Firefighter Gear: Understanding the Risks of PFAS
Are firefighters at risk of increased exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in their protective clothing?
Jan 01, 0001
Fire Department Chaplains for Federal Fire Service Agencies: Q and A
The important roles that chaplains play within the first responder community
Jan 01, 0001
Department of Labor seeks to expand, establish protections for today’s emergency response workers
Proposal to update standard and expand safety & health protections for emergency responders.
Jan 01, 0001
National Fire Service Organizations Urge Congress to Protect America's Fire and Emergency Services
National organizations calling on Congress to ensure that vital fire service grant programs are reauthorized
Jan 01, 0001
Crash Responder Safety Week 2023: “Protecting Those Who Protect Us”
Crash Responder Safety Week, observed November 13-17 this year
Jan 01, 0001
The Fire and Life Safety Section IAFC training has been rescheduled!
Join us on November 15th, 2023, and equip yourself with essential skills to ensure safety in any situation
Jan 01, 0001
Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Award
St. Paul, Minnesota’s Director of the Department of Safety and Inspections, Angie Wiese, honored with the 2023 Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award
Jan 01, 0001
New IAFC Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit
Checkout this new interactive web-based geospatial Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit.
Jan 01, 0001
Lithium-ion Batteries: Are You Ready?
Daily focus areas highlight different aspects of lithium-ion battery response, a critical safety topic, June 18-24.
Jan 01, 0001
Heart Safe Communities Honored at Fire-Rescue Med 2023
Two fire departments were recognized for their success in improving cardiac arrest survival rates in their communities
Jan 01, 0001
EMS Week 2023 - May 21-27
This annual campaign brings the EMS community together to celebrate the accomplishments of EMTs and paramedics
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC President Testifies at Congressional Hearing
Chief Donna Black testifies to support the reauthorization of the AFG and SAFER programs
Jan 01, 0001
Long COVID: A Need for Full Situational Awareness
Looking at the long-term effects of COVID-19 on firefighter health and fitness
Jan 01, 0001
URGENT: TAKE ACTION: The Senate Considers Legislation to Reauthorize the AFG and SAFER Grant Programs Starting Tomorrow (Wednesday)
Please contact your Senators and ask them to vote for S. 870, the Fire Grants & Safety Act, without any amendments
Jan 01, 0001
First Responder Wellness Week: 5 days of health and wellness
Join us March 27-31 as we partner with Lexipol to launch the first annual First Responder Wellness Week
Jan 01, 0001
“Lithium-ion Batteries: Are You Ready?” is Announced as Theme for Safety Stand Down, June 18-24, 2023
The 2023 Safety Stand Down will be June 18 - 24. The week of the Safety Stand Down will cover topics relating to lithium-ion battery response and safety, which will be broken down into five daily focus areas: recognition of hazards, firefighting operations, firefighter safety, post-incident considerations, and public education.
Jan 01, 0001
Please Take Action: Ask the Senate to Protect the FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs!
Update on legislation to reauthorize funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program
Jan 01, 0001
It’s the Holiday Season: Health Update from the IAFC
The the best ways to stay healthy over the coming winter months
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC President Chief Donna Black on Lithium-Ion and Energy Storage Systems
Release of new resource page dedicated to lithium-ion batteries preparedness.
Jan 01, 0001
The Importance of Understanding and Training on the Portable Radio Emergency Alert Button (EAB) during a Mayday
The IAFC is proud to support NIOSH’s efforts to improve firefighter safety.
Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter safety and Engineered Wood I-Joists
In-depth information for firefighters on engineered wood I-Joists.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Participates in National Transportation Safety Board’s Rail Safety Summit
NTSB summit focused on actions needed to reduce casualties, partnerships needed to improve safety.
Jan 01, 0001
COVID Vaccine by Novavax is Approved
The CDC followed the recommendation of the FDA and endorsed the use of the Novavax COVID vaccine for primary series prevention in adults ages 18 and older.
Jan 01, 0001
Electric Vehicle Manufacturers are Improving Emergency Response Guidance for Fighting Lithium-ion Battery Fires Per NTSB Recommendation
Updates on improving emergency response guidance for electric vehicles.
Jan 01, 0001
Responding to Propane Incidents
While performing air monitoring of the structure for flammable gas there are a few items you need to remember to operate in a safe and efficient manner.
Jan 01, 0001
Protecting Mental Health of First Responders
Behavioral health resources available for the mental health needs of responders.
Jan 01, 0001
Monkeypox: What a Fire and EMS Chief Needs to Know
While outbreaks of this disease are rare, fire and EMS chiefs should be prepared for the rare instance of a monkeypox case in their community.
Jan 01, 0001
The Good That Came from COVID
EMS has a new image, one that positions the career more holistically in the communities served.
Jan 01, 0001
Planning for the Off Ramp of the Current COVID Wave
The IAFC Coronavirus Task Force has been looking into the future and attempting to plan for a reduction in COVID burden in the communities we serve. This can then be matched to the stepdown of mask guidelines for the service.
Jan 01, 0001
Supreme Court Decision on Vaccine Mandates: What It Means for Fire Departments
The Supreme Court blocked a temporary emergency standard by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Jan 01, 0001
OSHA Withdraws Part of Health Care Emergency Temporary Standard / CDC Releases New Quarantine Recommendations
On December 27, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) withdrew major parts of its Health Care Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS).
Jan 01, 0001
Senators and Representatives Introduce Bill to Incentivize the Installation of Fire Sprinklers in Older High-Rises
This bill amends the tax code to create a new incentive for the owners of high-rise buildings (buildings over 75 feet tall) to install sprinklers in their structures erected before fire codes required sprinklers.
Jan 01, 0001
Omicron for the Fire Rescue EMS Provider as of December 4, 2021
According to the World Health Organization, the strain poses a very high risk, so it has been added to its list called "variants of concern."
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC-VCOS Releases the 2021 Yellow Ribbon Report Update on Responder Behavioral Wellness
The contributors hope that you use this report to assist your public safety personnel in managing the traumatic stresses they are confronting every day.
Jan 01, 0001
Fire and EMS Departments Not Included in CMS and OSHA Vaccine Requirements
Despite new federal regulations regarding COVID vaccine requirements, fire & EMS departments remain covered under OSHA.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC and TC Energy Mexico Pipeline Training
Training in 2020 was completed in the State of Veracruz and the State of Sinaloa and is presently underway in the State of Hidalgo October 28-29, 2021, and Guanajuato November 4-5, 2021.
Jan 01, 0001
White House and EPA Release Three Year Strategy for PFAS
PFAS are often dubbed “forever chemicals” because some of the chemicals linger for decades in people’s bodies and seemingly forever in the environment.
Jan 01, 0001
HHS Releases FAQs on HIPAA, COVID-19, and the Workplace
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Jan 01, 0001
FHWA, IAFC, and Crash Responder Safety Week
Read about the development of the Traffic Incident Management (TIM) program.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC-VCOS and NVFC Release Lavender Ribbon Report Update to Reduce Occupational Cancer Risks
11 best practices for reducing exposure risks and preventing occupationally caused cancer in firefighters
Jan 01, 0001
September 11, 2001: A Day That Changed Us All
Chief Mike Metro of Los Angeles County Fire Department (retired) reflects on September 11th.
Jan 01, 0001
Documentary: Vaccination from the Misinformation Virus
This one-hour documentary helps address vaccine concerns by explaining why vaccines are safe, crucial to community health, and save millions of lives annually.
Jan 01, 0001
DHS Issues New National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin
On August 13, 2021, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding the heightened threat environment across the United States.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety at the Forefront: A Doctor Reflects on FRI 2021
The actions of IAFC staff and leadership allowed conference attendees to enjoy in-person camaraderie, fulfill any requirements “back home” related to reducing exposure, and fulfill commitments to the host community.
Jan 01, 0001
CSB Releases New Safety Video on Aghorn Operating Investigation Entitled "Silent Killer: Hydrogen Sulfide Release in Odessa, Texas"
The CSB also made two recommendations to federal and state regulators, OSHA and the Railroad Commission of Texas, addressing the requirements for protecting workers from hazardous air contaminants and from hazardous energy.
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Jan 01, 0001
First On Scene: Leaders Reflect On Their 9/11 Experiences, How Public Safety Has Evolved
Chiefs Pfeifer and Schwartz, Commissioner Cassano and FBI Special Agent Combs came together for the first time during Fire-Rescue International 2021
Jan 01, 0001
Walking the Walk: How FDs are Setting the Example to Cure ‘Dirty Helmet Syndrome’
Fire service leaders share what works at their departments.
Jan 01, 0001
FEMA Issues New COVID-19 Operational Guidance: All-Hazards Incident Response and Recovery
FEMA will be offering webinars in early to mid-June to discuss the pandemic operational guidance. For more information on these webinars, please go to the FEMA website.
Jan 01, 0001
Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Reform Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program
The PSOB program provides death and educational benefits to the families of fallen fire, EMS, and law enforcement personnel, along with benefits to public safety officers who become disabled in the line of duty.
Jan 01, 0001
Help Vaccinate America
Register for an opportunity to help distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to communities.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety Stand Down 2021: Rebuild Rehab
Responder agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week of June 20-26 in order to focus on training and education related to this year’s theme, Rebuild Rehab.
Jan 01, 0001
FEMA FAQs Include Information of Reimbursement for Participation in Public Vaccine Programs
The reimbursement would take place through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program.
Jan 01, 0001
Urge Your Governor to Prioritize Fire and EMS for COVID-19 Vaccines
IAFC members are asked to urge their governors to prioritize fire and EMS personnel for access to a COVID-19 vaccine
Jan 01, 0001
CDC Panel Recommends Initial COVID Vaccine Priority for EMS
IAFC urges the CDC to also provide all firefighters with priority access to COVID-19 vaccinations.
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Jan 01, 0001
Major Fire Service Organizations Call for Priority Access to COVID-19 Vaccines
Organizations urge governors and state health officials.
Jan 01, 0001
Near Real-time Data Producing Long-term Solutions: ODMAP
ODMAP is available to government entities serving the interests of public health and/or safety as well as licensed first responders and Emergency Departments in hospitals.
Jan 01, 0001
National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week November 9-15
This week is an opportunity for responders to increase awareness to the public.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC’s Coronavirus Task Force Update
The IAFC Coronavirus Task Force was formed to focus the IAFC's efforts on preparing the fire and emergency service to respond to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Jan 01, 0001
What You Need to Know About New Smoke Alarms
The three Es come together.
Jan 01, 0001
Chief Ludwig Issues Public Statement
President of the IAFC to protesters: "We are not your enemy."
Jan 01, 0001
Mass Gatherings During COVID-19 Pandemic
Leadership considerations for response to mass gatherings and large crowd events.
Jan 01, 0001
Tell Congress to Support $5 Billion Each for AFG, SAFER for COVID-19 Response
The IAFC is asking Congress now to provide $5 billion in new coronavirus relief funding for both the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs.
Jan 01, 0001
Help Advocate for Additional Funding for Fire and EMS Departments
The IAFC needs your help in measuring the effects of state and local government social distancing orders on local fire and EMS department budgets, including the long-term implications on resources and staffing.
Jan 01, 0001
COVID-19: Lessons from the Streets
The new installment of iCHIEFS podcast is here.
Jan 01, 0001
Critical Infrastructure Workers and Potential COVID-19 Exposures
Critical COVID-19 information regarding civilians working for the fire service.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC's COVID-19 Resources Available for Fire Service Leaders, First Responders
Since the earliest days the COVID-19 pandemic, the IAFC has been working around the clock providing fire and emergency service leaders with the information and resources they need to protect first responders and serve their communities.
Jan 01, 0001
WEBINAR: Coronavirus: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know
The March 16 COVID-19 webinar recording is now available.
Jan 01, 0001
National Emergency Declaration: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know
President Trump on March 13 declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, invoking the Stafford Act.
Jan 01, 0001
Planning for the Worst
Why having LODD guidelines is essential.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety Stand Down 2020: Focus on Safe Operations on Roadways
The theme of the 2020 Safety Stand Down campaign is “Building a Superhighway to Safety – Protecting our Responders on Roadways.”
Jan 01, 0001
The Heartburn I Experienced Should Have Been a Red Flag
A story told from three perspectives.
Jan 01, 0001
RQI Partners and IAFC aim to double out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival
Resuscitation programs and education for fire service leaders are central elements to improve survival rates
Jan 01, 0001
Essential Hazmat Training Criteria for Responders, Leaders
Do you know your training programs strengths? Weaknesses?
Jan 01, 0001
If You Don’t Feel Well, Don’t Make It Your Farewell
Campaign aims to raise awareness throughout the fire service about the fatal risks of firefighters ignoring signs of a heart attack.
Jan 01, 0001
Critical Information During a Chemical Response
To increase the chemical information available to firefighters requires a combined effort
Jan 01, 0001
Pay Attention and Move Over!! For Firefighter Survival
Firefighters from across the nation are urging motorists to respect the move over laws and use caution when approaching emergency vehicles on interstates and roads.
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Jan 01, 0001
A Joint North American Firefighter Survival Message
Because roadway operations are the number one traumatic risk firefighters have, we are providing these reminders and tips to minimize the risk.
Jan 01, 0001
Congress Passes PFAS Legislation
There is a concern that firefighters’ exposure to PFAS may lead to cancer and problems with the thyroid and immune systems.
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Jan 01, 0001
Cardiac Incident? Share Your Story and Save Others
If you have ever experienced a cardiac incident, please take a moment to complete this survey as part of IAFC President Gary Ludwig's presidential initiative, "If You Don't Feel Well, Don't Make it Your Farewell."
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Jan 01, 0001
UL FSRI Survey: More Americans Close Doors for Fire Safety, But There is Still Work to Do
Fire safety education is more important than ever, and UL FSRI aims to help fire service members to educate their communities this Fire Prevention Awareness Month and throughout the year.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC’s Firefighter Near Miss Reporting System: More Relevant Today Than Ever Before
The Firefighter Near Miss Reporting System continues to work on delivering lessons learned from actual near miss, injury, and property damage accident events.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department
Learn how San Diego Fire-Rescue collaborated with Cigna to implement a behavioral wellness treatment program for first responders and local law enforcement to help them cope with traumatic and high-stress situations while on the job.
Jan 01, 0001
New Mobile App Helps Firefighters Track Exposures, Health
New mobile app gathers valuable physical and behavioral health data to help firefighters battle occupational disease. NFORS Fire Fighter Exposure Tracker was developed through a partnership with The IAFF, IAFC, Metro Chiefs, International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI) and other fire service organizations.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: Hanover SMARTER Program
Learn how Hanover utilized federal grants to implement wearable technology to study firefighter health and wellness, implement data-driven decisions based on those results.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: Bloomfield (NJ) Fire Department
Learn how Jersey City built a program to help provide medical screenings at no cost to its firefighters, helping save countless lives.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety Stand Down 2019 to Focus on Occupational Cancer Prevention
Agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week of June 16-22 in order to focus on training and education related to this year’s theme: Reduce Your Exposure - It’s Everyone’s Responsibility.
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Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Fire and EMS National Emergency Safety and Survival Alert
All fire chiefs and officers are urged to immediately issue a safety and survival alert in their departments to minimize the risk to firefighters operating on highways.
Jan 01, 0001
Ballistic Protection: Funding Opportunities for Fire Departments
While federal grant options are limited for fire departments to buy ballistic protection for their firefighters, there are some programs that fire chiefs can consider.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: West University Place
Learn how one department in Texas rolled out a successful NFPA 1582 program.
Jan 01, 0001
New Video from the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section
Check out the new promotional video from the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section.
Jan 01, 0001
Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer Released
Fire service leaders and all personnel are asked to make cancer prevention a priority in all fire departments.
Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter Cancer Registry Bill Clears Congress
Legislation will create an anonymous, voluntary registry for firefighters at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Jan 01, 0001
Nominate for DOJ’s Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor
Highest U.S. award honoring emergency-service officers, firefighters and law-enforcement officers.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety Stand Down 2018 to Focus on Firefighter Medical/Physicals
Agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week of June 17-23
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Jan 01, 0001
Fighting Fire with the Tax Code
Tax cut bill: What's in it for fire and EMS
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC, VCOS Release Report on Behavioral Health in the Fire Service
Report raises awareness about the emotional and behavioral health issues in the fire service.
Jan 01, 0001
Register for the Safety Stand Down Webinar: “Project Mayday”
Webinar will address issues dealing with prevention, SOPs, training, and operational enforcement.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC and NVFC Announce 2017 Safety Stand Down – MAYDAY, Self-Rescue, and Rapid Intervention
The IAFC and the National Volunteer Fire Council have announced the topic for the 2017 Safety Stand Down, June 18-24.
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Jan 01, 0001
FSTAR Health Shares New Guide to Improve Firefighter Physicals
The Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Physicals is coming soon to a fire department near you.
Although there are indications the environment is improving, there is still a significant gap in the provision of healthcare for firefighters. Some firefighters receive annual ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Finding Facts is the Mission; Preventing Cancer is the Goal
How many times have you been excited to hear about a newly released study on firefighter cancer only to put ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Reducing Stairs in Residential Buildings Higher Than Three Stories Creates Escape Hazards for Occupants and Inhibits Vital Emergency Response Operations
Fire, Life and Safety Section submits a position statement.
Jan 01, 0001
2024 Safety Stand Down Theme Announced
Fire Training: Back to Basics is announced as theme for Safety Stand Down, June 16-22, 2024
Jan 01, 0001
Fire Chief John S. Butler Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action
IAFC President Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action
Jan 01, 0001
Let Us Promote Extraordinary Safety, Health and Wellness Efforts
Nominate someone who continues to pave the way for improved safety, health, and survival in the fire service.
Jan 01, 0001
Fighting Fire and Preserving Progress: The Unsung Role of Portable Fire Extinguishers in Environmental and Life Safety
The use of portable fire extinguishers is a win-win situation for both life safety and environmental preservation
Jan 01, 0001
FRM 2024: Why You Can't Afford to Miss It!
FRM, for leaders to gather key information and build better situational awareness, leading to better decision-making
Jan 01, 0001
Important NIST Findings on Firefighter Gear: Understanding the Risks of PFAS
Are firefighters at risk of increased exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in their protective clothing?
Jan 01, 0001
Lion, IAFC Proudly Partner for Saudi Aramco Cohort 24 International Fellowship Program Graduation
IAFC continues partnership to provide a host environment for the Fellowship Program.
Jan 01, 0001
Fire Department Chaplains for Federal Fire Service Agencies: Q and A
The important roles that chaplains play within the first responder community
Jan 01, 0001
Department of Labor seeks to expand, establish protections for today’s emergency response workers
Proposal to update standard and expand safety & health protections for emergency responders.
Jan 01, 0001
Straight Talk about FirstNet: First Responder-Designed and First Responder-Led
FirstNet Authority is working to facilitate coordination of this spectrum amongst public safety representatives
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Jan 01, 0001
National Fire Service Organizations Urge Congress to Protect America's Fire and Emergency Services
National organizations calling on Congress to ensure that vital fire service grant programs are reauthorized
Jan 01, 0001
Fire Chief John S. Butler Joins Top Leaders at the U.S. Fire Administration's Summit on Fire Prevention and Control
Key representatives from federal government agencies meet during the Summit on Fire Prevention and Control
Jan 01, 0001
Crash Responder Safety Week 2023: “Protecting Those Who Protect Us”
Crash Responder Safety Week, observed November 13-17 this year
Jan 01, 0001
The Fire and Life Safety Section IAFC training has been rescheduled!
Join us on November 15th, 2023, and equip yourself with essential skills to ensure safety in any situation
Jan 01, 0001
Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Award
St. Paul, Minnesota’s Director of the Department of Safety and Inspections, Angie Wiese, honored with the 2023 Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award
Jan 01, 0001
New IAFC Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit
Checkout this new interactive web-based geospatial Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit.
Jan 01, 0001
Heart Safe Communities Honored at Fire-Rescue Med 2023
Two fire departments were recognized for their success in improving cardiac arrest survival rates in their communities
Jan 01, 0001
Spanish-Language Hazmat Instructor - Independent Contractor Opportunity
Seeking a minimum of two (2) independent contractors to serve as Spanish-speaking Hazmat Safety Instructors
Jan 01, 0001
EMS Week 2023 - May 21-27
This annual campaign brings the EMS community together to celebrate the accomplishments of EMTs and paramedics
Jan 01, 0001
The 2023 Safety Stand Down Quiz is Now Live – Test Your Knowledge on Lithium-ion Battery Response
In support of this year’s Safety Stand Down, emergency services personnel are encouraged to take and promote the quiz.
Jan 01, 0001
Long COVID: A Need for Full Situational Awareness
Looking at the long-term effects of COVID-19 on firefighter health and fitness
Jan 01, 0001
Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870) has passed in the Senate, Now What?
Great news for members of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the entire fire service community! The Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870) has passed in the Senate with an overwhelming vote of 95-2. This is a significant achievement and deserves to be celebrated.
Jan 01, 0001
URGENT: TAKE ACTION: The Senate Considers Legislation to Reauthorize the AFG and SAFER Grant Programs Starting Tomorrow (Wednesday)
Please contact your Senators and ask them to vote for S. 870, the Fire Grants & Safety Act, without any amendments
Jan 01, 0001
First Responder Wellness Week: 5 days of health and wellness
Join us March 27-31 as we partner with Lexipol to launch the first annual First Responder Wellness Week
Jan 01, 0001
“Lithium-ion Batteries: Are You Ready?” is Announced as Theme for Safety Stand Down, June 18-24, 2023
The 2023 Safety Stand Down will be June 18 - 24. The week of the Safety Stand Down will cover topics relating to lithium-ion battery response and safety, which will be broken down into five daily focus areas: recognition of hazards, firefighting operations, firefighter safety, post-incident considerations, and public education.
Jan 01, 0001
Please Take Action: Ask the Senate to Protect the FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs!
Update on legislation to reauthorize funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program
Jan 01, 0001
RFP: Recruitment and Retention Instructor Contract Opportunity
Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Certification (RRC) course is accepting submissions for contractor positions.
Jan 01, 0001
President Biden Signed a $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Bill; Fire Service Grant Programs Funded Through 2023
Updates regarding the AFG and SAFER programs.
Jan 01, 0001
Status of AFG and SAFER Grants – Funded for Fiscal Year 2023
On December 22, the H.R. 2617 bill was passed which includes funding for the AFG and SAFER programs.
Jan 01, 0001
It’s the Holiday Season: Health Update from the IAFC
The the best ways to stay healthy over the coming winter months
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC President Chief Donna Black on Lithium-Ion and Energy Storage Systems
Release of new resource page dedicated to lithium-ion batteries preparedness.
Jan 01, 0001
The Importance of Understanding and Training on the Portable Radio Emergency Alert Button (EAB) during a Mayday
The IAFC is proud to support NIOSH’s efforts to improve firefighter safety.
Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter safety and Engineered Wood I-Joists
In-depth information for firefighters on engineered wood I-Joists.
Jan 01, 0001
Financial Education Survey: Help Develop Resources for Fire Chiefs
Complete a short survey to help us develop financial education and resources for fire chiefs.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Participates in National Transportation Safety Board’s Rail Safety Summit
NTSB summit focused on actions needed to reduce casualties, partnerships needed to improve safety.
Jan 01, 0001
Chief Michael O’Brian honored for excellence in fire and life safety
Individuals dedicated to saving lives & property through their work on code development, fire prevention practices and fire service leadership.
Jan 01, 0001
Electric Vehicle Manufacturers are Improving Emergency Response Guidance for Fighting Lithium-ion Battery Fires Per NTSB Recommendation
Updates on improving emergency response guidance for electric vehicles.
Jan 01, 0001
Preventing Electrical Fires - Vigilance & Cooperation Key to Future Risk Reduction
Preventing electrical fires
Jan 01, 0001
Responding to Propane Incidents
While performing air monitoring of the structure for flammable gas there are a few items you need to remember to operate in a safe and efficient manner.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Launches Whole Community Planning for Disaster Online Training
This course will provide information on why/how community organizations and others can participate in inclusive emergency planning processes to improve resiliency.
Jan 01, 0001
Protecting Mental Health of First Responders
Behavioral health resources available for the mental health needs of responders.
Jan 01, 0001
Monkeypox: What a Fire and EMS Chief Needs to Know
While outbreaks of this disease are rare, fire and EMS chiefs should be prepared for the rare instance of a monkeypox case in their community.
Jan 01, 0001
The Good That Came from COVID
EMS has a new image, one that positions the career more holistically in the communities served.
Jan 01, 0001
Pet Therapy Response Team; From 9-1-1 Dispatch to FD "Stress Relief" Visits
Fire & EMS departments across USA should consider starting Pet Therapy “stress relief” visits.
Jan 01, 0001
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs: A Chief’s Personal Experience with Cardiovascular Disease
Fire chief shares his personal experience with cardiovascular disease.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety Stand Down 2022 Announced
The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Safety, Health and Survival Section, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and the National Fire Protection Association have announced the theme for the 2022 Safety Stand Down is Situational Awareness: The Foundation for Good Decision-Making.
Jan 01, 0001
New Ethanol Emergency Response Training Now Available
RFA and TRANSCAER announces new ethanol emergency response training.
Jan 01, 0001
FEMA Releases New National Resource Hub
FEMA launches National Resource Hub to help communities to implement resource management preparedness processes.
Jan 01, 0001
Supreme Court Decision on Vaccine Mandates: What It Means for Fire Departments
The Supreme Court blocked a temporary emergency standard by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Jan 01, 0001
Save the Date: 3rd International Fire Operations Conference & Exhibition
A platform for academicians, researchers, managers, subject matter experts & students to share their research findings/best practices with the global audience.
Jan 01, 0001
Needs Assessment of US Fire Service
Fifth Needs Assessment shows some progress but continuing gaps in fire department resources.
Jan 01, 0001
U.S. EEOC Updates Technical Assistance Clarifying COVID-19 As Disability
The technical assistance includes answers to questions about how illnesses caused by COVID-19 relate to the ADA definition of "disability."
Jan 01, 0001
Firefighters: Are They the Ones Who Need Saving?
In Tennessee, a health crisis therapist came to talk to students about the emotional side of emergency services. The talk prompted one student, Kira Jones, to write an essay.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Online Community available via Mobile App
Access IAFC's online community via mobile app.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC-VCOS Releases the 2021 Yellow Ribbon Report Update on Responder Behavioral Wellness
The contributors hope that you use this report to assist your public safety personnel in managing the traumatic stresses they are confronting every day.
Jan 01, 0001
Fire and EMS Departments Not Included in CMS and OSHA Vaccine Requirements
Despite new federal regulations regarding COVID vaccine requirements, fire & EMS departments remain covered under OSHA.
Jan 01, 0001
National Kickoff: Crash Responder Safety Week 2021
Please join this National Kickoff webinar to learn about actions that response leaders and every responder can take to advance the safety of incident responders and road users.
Jan 01, 0001
White House and EPA Release Three Year Strategy for PFAS
PFAS are often dubbed “forever chemicals” because some of the chemicals linger for decades in people’s bodies and seemingly forever in the environment.
Jan 01, 0001
FHWA, IAFC, and Crash Responder Safety Week
Read about the development of the Traffic Incident Management (TIM) program.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC-VCOS and NVFC Release Lavender Ribbon Report Update to Reduce Occupational Cancer Risks
11 best practices for reducing exposure risks and preventing occupationally caused cancer in firefighters
Jan 01, 0001
RSG for Law Enforcement
Video and Flyer available for use
Jan 01, 0001
Nominate Today for 2021 RSG! Program Awards
Award recipients will be invited to the IAFC's Wildland-Urban Interface Conference in Reno on November 15-16, 2021
Jan 01, 0001
COVID Variants, Vaccinations, and Victims: A Short Update on the Pandemic
While this COVID wave spread through America and Canada, the impact on the fire service continues at a high level as we mourn the deaths of our co-workers, family, and friends.
Jan 01, 0001
Community Emergency Response Team Materials in Six Languages
CERTs are pivotal in building personal and community resilience, so it is essential that all groups feel at ease accessing resources.
Jan 01, 0001
The Fire Service Fought For Vaccines, So Why All The Resistance Now?
It is difficult to state that we care about the public we serve when we cite “personal choice” as a reason for not being vaccinated.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Position on COVID-19 Vaccination of Fire and EMS Personnel
The IAFC is committed to the health and safety of our fire and EMS department personnel.
Jan 01, 0001
CSB Releases New Safety Video on Aghorn Operating Investigation Entitled "Silent Killer: Hydrogen Sulfide Release in Odessa, Texas"
The CSB also made two recommendations to federal and state regulators, OSHA and the Railroad Commission of Texas, addressing the requirements for protecting workers from hazardous air contaminants and from hazardous energy.
Jan 01, 0001
Walking the Walk: How FDs are Setting the Example to Cure ‘Dirty Helmet Syndrome’
Fire service leaders share what works at their departments.
Jan 01, 0001
OSHA Issues Emergency COVID Standard for Fire and EMS Agencies
OSHA releases new guidance for employers to protect their employees from COVID-19
Jan 01, 0001
Dousing Public Housing Fires
IAFC urges Congress to pass critical legislation to fund fire sprinkler installations
Jan 01, 0001
Leadership Lessons Learned During a Crisis
The COVID-19 crisis has heightened the awareness of mental illness as a real physical illness, not a character weakness or a choice.
Jan 01, 0001
Help Vaccinate America
Register for an opportunity to help distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to communities.
Jan 01, 0001
CDC Releases New Guidelines for Vaccinated Individuals
The CDC has released new guidelines for individuals who have received their COVID-19 vaccinations. Everyone is encouraged to review these guidelines and do their part to help control the spread of COVID-19.
Jan 01, 0001
Accepting Failure or Faking Perfection? It’s Time to be Realistic About our Success and Failures
We must review our incidents with honesty or we’ll never be able to improve as a fire service.
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Jan 01, 0001
Top Wildfire Management Groups Name 2021 National Wildfire Mitigation Awardees
Individuals and organizations honored for exemplary commitment to community wildfire risk reduction.
Jan 01, 0001
NHTSA Encourages First Responders to Review its Guidelines for Incidents Involving Electric of Hybrid Vehicles Following NTSB Study on Risks Posed by These Vehicles
Guidance for responders when responding to incidents including electric vehicles.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety Stand Down 2021: Rebuild Rehab
Responder agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week of June 20-26 in order to focus on training and education related to this year’s theme, Rebuild Rehab.
Jan 01, 0001
How fire chiefs can push past mistakes to grow as an individual and advance their organization
Overcoming key personal battles will ultimately serve the entire department.
Jan 01, 0001
City Officials – How Must Your Cities Change in the Future?
Our goal to protect our staff and citizens should be unwavering.
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Jan 01, 0001
Lancaster, California: Response to COVID From the City's Perspective
A look at how the city responded and came out stronger during the pandemic.
Jan 01, 0001
America is bracing for the convergence of COVID-19 and the flu season.
What does it mean for our health care system and first responders?
Jan 01, 0001
Congress Passes Legislation to Address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
This week Congress passed The Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA; H.R. 6395).
Jan 01, 0001
State-by-State Listing of Vaccine Priority Available
IAFC urges members to contact their governors in support of providing all fire and EMS personnel with priority access to COVID vaccines.
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Jan 01, 0001
Urge Your Governor to Prioritize Fire and EMS for COVID-19 Vaccines
IAFC members are asked to urge their governors to prioritize fire and EMS personnel for access to a COVID-19 vaccine
Jan 01, 0001
CDC Panel Recommends Initial COVID Vaccine Priority for EMS
IAFC urges the CDC to also provide all firefighters with priority access to COVID-19 vaccinations.
Jan 01, 0001
Near Real-time Data Producing Long-term Solutions: ODMAP
ODMAP is available to government entities serving the interests of public health and/or safety as well as licensed first responders and Emergency Departments in hospitals.
Jan 01, 0001
COVID-19 Update
The IAFC, through the task forces and personnel who are keeping their fingers on the pulse of the pandemic.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Supports Vaccine Prioritization for First Responders
IAFC supports prioritized COVID-19 vaccine access for fire and EMS personnel
Jan 01, 0001
Hazmat and Local Emergency Planning Committees
Industrial partners are encouraged to be active in their Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC).
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Releases Checklist for Active Shooter Response
Keeping our responders and communities safe requires a full suite of tools.
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Jan 01, 0001
Civil Unrest Lessons Learned
The safety of first responders is paramount during these events.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Comments at COVID-19 Vaccine Meeting
IAFC urges HHS to prioritize fire and EMS personnel for receiving COVID-19 vaccines
Jan 01, 0001
PFAS incineration in New York spurs legislation, loss of federal contracts
PFAS incineration has been a source of interest for some companies, with U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) contracts offering an access point.
Jan 01, 0001
2020 Wildfire Mitigation Awardees Announced
Individuals and organizations honored for exemplary commitment to community wildfire risk reduction.
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Jan 01, 0001
What You Need to Know About New Smoke Alarms
The three Es come together.
Jan 01, 0001
Smart Firefighting: Virtual Chat on Data in the Fire Service
How do we capture this data, analyze it without bias, and then use it to make meaningful decisions?
Jan 01, 0001
First 5 Minutes on The Fireground
The Incident Safety Officer’s response, arrival and initial activity are critical.
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Jan 01, 0001
Priority Dispatch and PulsePoint Partner to Help 911 Dispatchers Guide Callers to Closest Lifesaving AED
June 23 Webinar to Highlight Best Practices in Dispatching Citizen Response to Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Jan 01, 0001
Chemical Safety in Shared Communities: What Fire Chiefs Can Do
Learn four things fire chiefs can do to keep communities safe.
Jan 01, 0001
Wildfire Mitigation Awards Nominations Open
Applications Open for the 2021 Wildfire Mitigation Awards
Jan 01, 0001
Chief Ludwig Issues Public Statement
President of the IAFC to protesters: "We are not your enemy."
Jan 01, 0001
Mass Gatherings During COVID-19 Pandemic
Leadership considerations for response to mass gatherings and large crowd events.
Jan 01, 0001
Tell Congress to Support $5 Billion Each for AFG, SAFER for COVID-19 Response
The IAFC is asking Congress now to provide $5 billion in new coronavirus relief funding for both the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs.
Jan 01, 0001
Help Advocate for Additional Funding for Fire and EMS Departments
The IAFC needs your help in measuring the effects of state and local government social distancing orders on local fire and EMS department budgets, including the long-term implications on resources and staffing.
Jan 01, 0001
Critical Infrastructure Workers and Potential COVID-19 Exposures
Critical COVID-19 information regarding civilians working for the fire service.
Jan 01, 0001
FEMA Releases Updated Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool (RAPT)
This update to the tool enables a more granular analysis of community resilience indicators and allows users to calculate the population of individuals with specific indicator characteristics in selected census tracts.
Jan 01, 0001
First Due & International Association Of Fire Chiefs Release Community Connect For Covid 19
Community Connect for COVID-19 is designed for the sole mission of improving emergency response and community risk area analysis.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC's COVID-19 Resources Available for Fire Service Leaders, First Responders
Since the earliest days the COVID-19 pandemic, the IAFC has been working around the clock providing fire and emergency service leaders with the information and resources they need to protect first responders and serve their communities.
Jan 01, 0001
National Emergency Declaration: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know
President Trump on March 13 declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, invoking the Stafford Act.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Launches Coronavirus Task Force
The Task Force will be monitoring COVID-19 and developing recommendations for ways that fire departments can protect their members while continuing to serve their communities.
Jan 01, 0001
WUI 2020 is Officially Postponed to November 2020
Important update from the IAFC regarding the WUI Conference
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Jan 01, 0001
Planning for the Worst
Why having LODD guidelines is essential.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety Stand Down 2020: Focus on Safe Operations on Roadways
The theme of the 2020 Safety Stand Down campaign is “Building a Superhighway to Safety – Protecting our Responders on Roadways.”
Jan 01, 0001
The Heartburn I Experienced Should Have Been a Red Flag
A story told from three perspectives.
Jan 01, 0001
Surviving Survivors' Guilt
Being proactive in vital to being prepared and getting back to normalcy.
Jan 01, 0001
RQI Partners and IAFC aim to double out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival
Resuscitation programs and education for fire service leaders are central elements to improve survival rates
Jan 01, 0001
Essential Hazmat Training Criteria for Responders, Leaders
Do you know your training programs strengths? Weaknesses?
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Goes to New Mexico to Teach Recruitment & Retention
IAFC programs are making a difference world-wide.
Jan 01, 0001
If You Don’t Feel Well, Don’t Make It Your Farewell
Campaign aims to raise awareness throughout the fire service about the fatal risks of firefighters ignoring signs of a heart attack.
Jan 01, 0001
Critical Information During a Chemical Response
To increase the chemical information available to firefighters requires a combined effort
Jan 01, 0001
A Joint North American Firefighter Survival Message
Because roadway operations are the number one traumatic risk firefighters have, we are providing these reminders and tips to minimize the risk.
Jan 01, 0001
A Collaboration to Help Establish Safer, Bully-Free Departments and Healthy Workplace Environments
Members of the IAFC Bullying, Harassment, and Workplace Violence Prevention Work Group curriculum sub-group traveled to the National Fire Academy (NFA) in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to develop an introductory course curriculum and a Train-the-Trainer (TtT) program to be launched as a pre-conference at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Jan 01, 0001
What Chiefs Need to Know About Hazmat Preparedness
Chief, are you prepared for a hazmat incident?
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Jan 01, 0001
Lessons Learned from the Misfortunes of Others
Using Case Studies to Aid Professional Development
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Jan 01, 0001
Targeted Wildfire Risk Reduction Opportunity
A total of ten fire departments will be selected to receive assistance on implementing wildfire risk reduction efforts in their communities.
Jan 01, 0001
Congress Passes PFAS Legislation
There is a concern that firefighters’ exposure to PFAS may lead to cancer and problems with the thyroid and immune systems.
Jan 01, 0001
Cardiac Incident? Share Your Story and Save Others
If you have ever experienced a cardiac incident, please take a moment to complete this survey as part of IAFC President Gary Ludwig's presidential initiative, "If You Don't Feel Well, Don't Make it Your Farewell."
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Jan 01, 0001
U.S. Senate Committees Consider on IAFC-Supported PFAS Legislation
As directed by the bill, FEMA would create and maintain an online repository of this guidance, as well as other vetted resources.
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Jan 01, 0001
Continuing Education: The Lifeblood of the Hazmat Responder
Hazmat Responders Need to be Informed and Prepared.
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Jan 01, 0001
What You Need to Know About the New Smoke Alarms
It's critical to have working smoke alarms installed on every floor of your home, including inside and outside every sleeping area.
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Jan 01, 0001
6 Ways to Reduce Cancer in the Fire Service
The key to being cancer-free is knowledge and the discipline apply that knowledge daily.
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Jan 01, 0001
Brevity: An Important Detail for Critical Messaging
The four tenets of critical messaging, short, concise, accurate, and timely, should be used as a guidepost to develop messaging during significant events.
Jan 01, 0001
UL FSRI Survey: More Americans Close Doors for Fire Safety, But There is Still Work to Do
Fire safety education is more important than ever, and UL FSRI aims to help fire service members to educate their communities this Fire Prevention Awareness Month and throughout the year.
Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter Safety Culture Starts Behind the Wheel
A comprehensive emergency vehicle driver program demonstrates your organization’s culture of safety for your firefighters, as well as the general public, that encounters our emergency vehicles on the street.
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Jan 01, 0001
IAFC’s Firefighter Near Miss Reporting System: More Relevant Today Than Ever Before
The Firefighter Near Miss Reporting System continues to work on delivering lessons learned from actual near miss, injury, and property damage accident events.
Jan 01, 0001
The IAFC SAR Data Collection Tool and the Response Hurricane Dorian
The partnership between the IAFC / NAPSG Foundation / Esri is in its third year of response to disasters.
Jan 01, 0001
Remembering the Survivors of 9/11
What gets lost over time is the number of people that were saved on that day.
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Jan 01, 0001
FEMA's 'Ready' Program Can Help You Be Prepared
Are you and your family ready for an emergency?
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Jan 01, 0001
FRI 2019 Highlights: Chief Chat with Chief David Hawks
2019 Ben Franklin Award for Valor describes the day that earned him the award.
Jan 01, 0001
Chief Rader: Change Begins With Leaders
Chief Jan Rader walks through ground zero of the opioid epidemic in her state by exploring how the community and first responders are making a difference - especially through community partnerships.
Jan 01, 0001
NVFC and IAFC-VCOS Release Cancer Prevention Posters
Do you know the 11 actions firefighters need to take to reduce their risks of occupational cancer?
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Jan 01, 0001
The IAFC Launches a New Online Training: Fire Adapted Communities for the Fire Service
New online class helps first responders adapt to wildland fire threats.
Jan 01, 0001
Reminder of Ongoing Kidde Recall
The 2017 recall of fire extinguishers by Kidde, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is still ongoing.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department
Learn how San Diego Fire-Rescue collaborated with Cigna to implement a behavioral wellness treatment program for first responders and local law enforcement to help them cope with traumatic and high-stress situations while on the job.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety: The Uphill Battle
Make the safety officer position in your department a key player in everything you do.
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Jan 01, 0001
New Mobile App Helps Firefighters Track Exposures, Health
New mobile app gathers valuable physical and behavioral health data to help firefighters battle occupational disease. NFORS Fire Fighter Exposure Tracker was developed through a partnership with The IAFF, IAFC, Metro Chiefs, International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI) and other fire service organizations.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: Hanover SMARTER Program
Learn how Hanover utilized federal grants to implement wearable technology to study firefighter health and wellness, implement data-driven decisions based on those results.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: Bloomfield (NJ) Fire Department
Learn how Jersey City built a program to help provide medical screenings at no cost to its firefighters, helping save countless lives.
Jan 01, 0001
Your Best ROI: Firefighter Health and Wellness
According to the NFPA, only 27% of departments have even a basic health-and-wellness program; the cost of implementation is often cited as a barrier. Yet many of these programs show a positive ROI, often in the first year. Have you invested yet?
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Jan 01, 0001
Surviving the Fire Service
We continue to lose members of the service to occupational health threats that are preventable with early recognition and intervention. Here are some ways to address the three-legged stool of preventable line-of-duty deaths and disabilities.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety Stand Down 2019 to Focus on Occupational Cancer Prevention
Agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week of June 16-22 in order to focus on training and education related to this year’s theme: Reduce Your Exposure - It’s Everyone’s Responsibility.
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Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Fire and EMS National Emergency Safety and Survival Alert
All fire chiefs and officers are urged to immediately issue a safety and survival alert in their departments to minimize the risk to firefighters operating on highways.
Jan 01, 0001
Submit Your Nomination for IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor
Award honors a firefighter for his or her expert training, professional service and dedication to duty displayed in saving a human life.
Jan 01, 0001
Four Simple Skills of an Effective Communicator
Effective communication helps us to understand a person or situation and enables us to resolve differences, build trust and respect and create environments where creative ideas, problem solving, affection and caring can flourish.
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Jan 01, 0001
Is the Scene Really Safe?
Scene safety involves more than following rules; it’s asking the right questions and making the right decisions. Asking if a scene is safe is not a realistic approach; scenes are inherently not safe. We must ask how we can make the scene safer.
Jan 01, 0001
CEO Mark Light Shares Insights of Leading the IAFC in Podcast Interview
CEO/Executive Director Mark Light discusses his fire service background, the IAFC, how IAFC programs, tools and resources assists fire departments, and controversial issues facing the fire service.
Jan 01, 0001
Metro Chiefs Adopt Positions at Urban Fire Forum
Urban Fire Forum (UFF) held last week at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, Mass.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: West University Place
Learn how one department in Texas rolled out a successful NFPA 1582 program.
Jan 01, 0001
President’s Letter: Our Jobs Are Changing
Many of us are facing some of the stormiest, most demanding challenges we’ve ever seen, and our jobs are changing. We aren’t just firefighters anymore; we’re civil servants called upon to answer at a moment’s notice any call for assistance.
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Jan 01, 0001
Health, Wellness and the Fire Service Family
It’s our duty as officers to lead; successful officers do lead, then take their lumps when they find themselves on the unpopular side of us-versus-them discussions. After these difficult situations, I do still feel part of the fire service family.
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Jan 01, 0001
New Video from the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section
Check out the new promotional video from the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section.
Jan 01, 0001
Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer Released
Fire service leaders and all personnel are asked to make cancer prevention a priority in all fire departments.
Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter Cancer Registry Bill Clears Congress
Legislation will create an anonymous, voluntary registry for firefighters at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Jan 01, 0001
Who’s Really Responsible for Health and Safety in the Fire Service?
It's the responsibility of each first responder and of the department to ensure responders know what's expected of them to be safe; in an ideal world, this would be enough to ensure everyone's taken care of, but is it?
Jan 01, 0001
President’s Letter: Let’s Do More for Firefighter Health and Safety
Without a doubt, cancer, cardiovascular health and physical fitness are topics of conversation around firehouse kitchen tables across the world. However, we still have much left to accomplish!
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Jan 01, 0001
Mental Health: Be Prepared to Step In
As our members continue to experience natural reactions to traumatic environments, we must be prepared to step in. Without intervention, we’ll lose good people to the effects of critical incident/post-traumatic stress—in more ways than one.
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Jan 01, 0001
Treating the Symptoms or Working on a Cure?
Why is Cultural Change the first of the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives? Shouldn’t number one be cancer or mental health or any of the myriad other problems faced by firefighters on a regular basis?
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Jan 01, 0001
Nominate for DOJ’s Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor
Highest U.S. award honoring emergency-service officers, firefighters and law-enforcement officers.
Jan 01, 0001
Annual Medical Physicals: The Risk Is Real; So Is the Solution
Is your department ready to stand down? This year’s Safety Stand Down theme is "Be Aware – Get Checked."
Jan 01, 0001
America Burning: It’s Giving Us Cancer
We now know, and are learning more every day, that cancer is the most pervasive hazard to a firefighter. What more do we need to learn on this danger? What are our next steps to reduce our risk?
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Jan 01, 0001
Company Officer Leadership: What Does Changing the Culture for Safety Mean?
Some hope to achieve a safety culture by admonishing their members to be safe or have a safety mindset and letting the rest figure itself out. What does it mean to be safe or have a safety mindset? Just exactly how do we achieve that?
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Jan 01, 0001
Ballistic Protection in the Fire-EMS World
With a long history of law enforcement in my background, I understood ballistic protection levels and the terms associated with them. The surprise is that I’m now having conversations about this protection with other fire chiefs.
Jan 01, 0001
But Was That a Direct Hit?
The National Firefighter Near Miss Reporting System is a free, anonymous, nonpunitive reporting system. We strongly encourage firefighters to submit reports, whether the events led to injury or accident or something just almost happened.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue
Learn how Ft. Lauderdale put a fitness initiative in motion to improve the safety and health of its firefighters.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety Stand Down 2018 to Focus on Firefighter Medical/Physicals
Agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week of June 17-23
Jan 01, 0001
FY 2017 FP&S Grant Application Period Opens Feb. 12
Begin Preparing Your FY 2017 FP&S Application Now.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety and Health: Leadership and the Mob
A group targets an individual with character assassination, humiliation, blame and criticism. They question the target’s knowledge, skill and ability. This is mobbing, AKA group bullying.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety and Health: Helping the Masses Tame the Danger
In the fire service, safety is now a way of life. It hasn’t always been that way, as our occupation can be resistant to change. It prides itself on the ability to take on danger and tame it.
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Jan 01, 0001
Fighting Fire with the Tax Code
Tax cut bill: What's in it for fire and EMS
Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: “Be Nice”
With the news of Chief Brunacini’s passing, I’ve thought about how his contributions relate to the safety, health and survival of firefighters. I keep coming back to one of his simple yet impactful innovations. He told his firefighters to “Be nice.”
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Jan 01, 0001
The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit: A Resource for Fire Departments
Exposure to the trauma of others is an occupational challenge for first responders. Organ-izations can mitigate the negative impacts of vicarious trauma—and it’s their duty and responsibility to do so. The VTT was designed to help.
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Jan 01, 0001
Yes, Bullying, Harassment and Violence are Alive in the Firehouse
In the midst of discussions of brotherhood, courage, honor and self-sacrifice, the revelation that a firefighter committed suicide as a reaction to cyberbullying was for some eye opening, for others validation of their lived experience.
Jan 01, 0001
Executive Officer Leadership: Firefighters and the Cancer Threat
Occupational cancer among firefighters is on the rise at a rate that is far above the norms for the general population: Reports shows that firefighters are 2.2 times more likely to develop occupational cancer.
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Jan 01, 0001
Are You Fit for RIT?
Strenuous firefighting affects every system in our bodies. A heart rate can exceed 200 beats a minute during firefighting operations and stay there for an extended period—unlikely to be duplicated even in high-intensity physical-training sessions.
Jan 01, 0001
Company Officer Leadership: The Elephant in the Firehouse - Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress
Whether on social-media or in infomercials touting the latest in mental-health therapy at an exotic location, we’re all inundated with opportunities for help and healing. While many of these may be helpful, most appear to be modern day snake-oil.
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Jan 01, 0001
Register for the Safety Stand Down Webinar: “Project Mayday”
Webinar will address issues dealing with prevention, SOPs, training, and operational enforcement.
Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Risk Reduction—A Global View
When considering risk-reduction programs, fire departments typically target the residential populations in their communities. There’s good reason for this approach.
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Jan 01, 0001
Cancer Prevention at Natick Fire Department
Natick (Massachusetts) Fire Department is taking these steps to protect their firefighters and are share them in hopes they’ll help other departments find the best approach to protect their firefighters as well.
Jan 01, 0001
IAFC and NVFC Announce 2017 Safety Stand Down – MAYDAY, Self-Rescue, and Rapid Intervention
The IAFC and the National Volunteer Fire Council have announced the topic for the 2017 Safety Stand Down, June 18-24.
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter Physicals: Where Are We Now?
Three years ago, the SHS Section decided to take on the proverbial 800-pound elephant: mandatory annual medical evaluations for all firefighters. Here’s a snapshot of the progress we’ve made to date.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Research and Innovation
The fire service is perceived by many as slow to evolve. There may be some truth to this, but some of us are witnesses to increasing acceptance of innovative thinking: One of the greatest drivers is the practical application of scientific research.
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Jan 01, 0001
NACOSH Takes Action to Improve Firefighter Safety
The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health has recommended to the assistant secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health to move the draft Emergency Response and Preparedness Standard forward for rule-making in OSHA.
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Jan 01, 0001
Company Officer Leadership: Moving Forward in 2017
We know that one of the most powerful positions has little impact on what we do daily when the bell goes off in the fire station. Now that the vote is done, it’s time to move forward and continue with our daily responsibilities as company officers.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Leadership in Innovation
Contrary to common wisdom, some value progress, unimpeded by tradition. These organizations' focus is closely associated with their leaders and their views on innovation.
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Jan 01, 0001
The Color of Protection
Law-enforcement officers are under attack and becoming targets. Responding alongside law enforcement places us in areas of risk; their risk is our risk. Action must be taken to protect ourselves, but what steps can we take to do that?
Jan 01, 0001
How an Empty Salt Shaker Leads to Firefighter Death
Yes, anyone can fill the salt shaker, but as one chief pointed out, this particular, insignificant task is assigned to someone. I believe the way he said it was, “Filling the salt shaker was someone’s job.”
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Survive Alive
More than four years ago, the board of the IAFC’s Safety, Health & Survival Section (SHS) met in Virginia over several cold and blustery January days to create a new strategic plan. Much of the discussion during these meetings focused ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Physicals: Your Life Depends on Them!
Physicals in the fire department.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety Tips for Fire and EMS
Recent threats against law enforcement across the country haven’t been limited to police, but include fire and EMS personnel.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: The Silent Fire Service Heroes
Safety from fire should not be a topic for discussion during only 1 or 2 weeks of the year. It is definitely a year-round public responsibility. I believe that the highest state and municipal officials must assume greater responsibility for ...
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Jan 01, 0001
FSTAR Health Shares New Guide to Improve Firefighter Physicals
The Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Physicals is coming soon to a fire department near you.
Although there are indications the environment is improving, there is still a significant gap in the provision of healthcare for firefighters. Some firefighters receive annual ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Integrated Reporting Tool Launched at FRI 2016
Cloud-based event-reporting and analysis tool access to internal and nationally-collected data to support operational changes and necessary training.
Jan 01, 0001
OnStar Donates $400,000 to First Responders
DETROIT — Today OnStar celebrates its 20th anniversary by giving $20,000 each to 20 public safety personnel who experienced serious physical injury or hardship that impacted their ability to perform their jobs.
OnStar identified the 20 recipients by working with the ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter Mental Health - It’s YOUR Responsibility!
Take time to learn these issues and talk with your members about mental health before it is too late.
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Jan 01, 0001
Company Officer Leadership: Have You Prepared Mentally?
Preparation in the fire service has several meanings and connotations, from preparing gear to preparing a meal to preparing oneself ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Your Community`s Active-Shooter Response: Are You Prepared?
If it seems like the number of active shooter incidents are on the rise, it``s because they are. Between 2002 ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Company Officer Leadership: Community Safety Equals Firefighter Safety
Every morning, when firefighters don their station uniforms to begin their shifts, the commonality they share—regardless of geography or whether ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Company Officer Leadership: By the Way, You`re the Safety Officer
A large portion of fire departments has a designated safety officer that coordinates the safety and risk management of the ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Relationship Excellence: The Key to Keeping Everyone Safe
Establishing trusting relationships quickly with the people they serve is especially important for firefighters and EMTs. On the most basic ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Train Like You Fight with the Rules of Engagement
Training and fireground operational safety are uniquely linked, and standard operational guidelines (SOGs) establish a baseline for effective training. Where ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Establishing a Safety Climate through Leadership
Leadership can be defined as how we as fire chiefs influence our fire departments to achieve a common goal. So ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Community Relationships
Smart, safe firefighting is the message of the day. This message resounds in every conference, every training session, every shift ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Emergency Medical Services: "Suicide Is Painless"
If you have ever seen the movie M*A*S*H, you may recall where a fake suicide was held as part of ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Culture Change Needs Climate Change as Well
Over the past decade, particularly in the wake of the 2004 National Fallen Fighters Foundation``s first Line of Duty Death ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter Safety Through Advance Research: Applying the Latest Research to Tactics
The latest scientific fire experiments are providing new data on vertical ventilation and suppression that suggest that fire departments may ...
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Jan 01, 0001
It Takes Leadership to Improve Safety
The very first initiative in the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives is Define and advocate a cultural change within the ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety Leadership Culture the Southwest Way
In a recent letter to the editor of Spirit Magazine, Southwest Airlines`` official publication, the writer described how shocked he ...
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Jan 01, 0001
How Would You Solve This Surprising Cause of Near Misses?
This article, originally published in a Near Miss Report of the Week, addresses the importance of communication.
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Jan 01, 0001
Save a Life: NFPA 1582-Compliant Physicals
As a fire chief, I make decisions that affect the lives of our department personnel and community on a daily ...
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Jan 01, 0001
An Open Letter to Safety Officers
Brother and Sister Safety Officers, I know many of you personally, as I spent 12 years on the board of ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Help Those Who Answered the Call on 9/11: Support the Zadroga Act
On September 11, 2001, New York, Washington and the entire country came under terrorist attack. On that day and in ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Do Your Officers Have the Tools to Do Their Jobs?
According to retired California State Fire Marshal Ronnie Coleman, a fire chief is a “…25-year job, with a 10-year master ...
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Jan 01, 0001
President`s Letter: We've Made Much Progress; There's Still Much to Do
Just about 12 months ago, I had the honor of being sworn in as the 137th president of this International ...
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Jan 01, 0001
President's Letter: Let's Reduce Fire Deaths Together
It is an honor to serve as your new president, especially as the first woman to lead our great organization. ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Doing More, Providing More
The fire service has always adapted to the needs of its communities, often with the mantra of doing more with ...
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Jan 01, 0001
President`s Letter: Creating a Culture of Safety
As a recruit firefighter in the early 1980s, I had an officer who assembled the crew one day to run ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Use New Active Shooter-IED Guidance to Protect Your Community
A new report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Health Affairs, The First Responder Guide for Improving ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighters Look Forward to New NFPA Standard to Address Portable Radio Failure
In December 2014, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released the results of a study testing the effects ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Fire & Life Safety: How Company Inspections Can Save Firefighters
Imagine going to work each day in one of the most dangerous professions in the world and possibly not knowing ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Revaluating Your RIT Response
Some may recall the work done by the Phoenix Fire Department in reviewing the effectiveness of its rapid intervention teams ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Checking Our Priorities
What are you and your department doing for the health and safety of your department members? This question troubles many ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: The Need for Social Capital
The issues underlying the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner in New York City, as well ...
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Jan 01, 0001
World Police & Fire Games: Fairfax 2015
In August 2013, the World Police & Fire Games torch was passed from the organizing committee for Belfast 2013 to ...
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Jan 01, 0001
On-Board Device Distractions: A TSAG White Paper Abstract
Last year, an ambulance driver veered off the road, crashed into a guardrail and rolled over multiple times. The patient ...
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Jan 01, 0001
FRI Wellness Zone: Finding Attendees` Health Issues While in Dallas
In an effort to raise awareness for firefighter physicals the IAFC, Life Scan Wellness Centers and the Safety, Health and ...
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Jan 01, 0001
President`s Letter: Fire Prevention Month, Every Month
Well, here we are: October, Fire-Prevention Month, right? I``m sure many of us have been very busy hanging banners outside ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Ebola and EV-D68: What EMS Needs to Know
"Ebola and EV-D68: What EMS Needs to Know" is a PDF alert made available from the IAFC``s EMS ...
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Jan 01, 0001
OSHA Announces New Requirements for Reporting Severe Injuries
On September 11, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced new requirements for reporting severe injuries. For states covered ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Engineering Your Way to Firefighter Safety
The main principle of engineering is critical thinking. During my engineering education, I spent plenty of time and money developing ...
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Jan 01, 0001
More than Barbells and Burpees: Making of a Firefighter Athlete
The Firefighter Throwdown at FRI changed the expo floor, filling it with cheering applause and loud music. The athletes on ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Team Building for Excellence
You``re leading a drill on strategy and tactics with a group of highly motivated firefighters. The scenario is the proverbial ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Always Have Firefighter Rehab Services in Place
Always Have Firefighter Rehab Services in Place at All Working Fires. Objective: To ensure all firefighters who endured strenuous physical ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Company Officer Leadership: Inspiring a Culture of Safety
Due to the inherent risk of our jobs, firefighters receive a great deal of training about safety. However, we often ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Using Safety Resources: Fool Me Twice, Shame on Me!
The fire and emergency service at large has worked hard toward the safety of all its members. With threats that ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Always Have a Rapid Intervention Team in Place
Always Have a Rapid Intervention Team in Place at All Working Fires Objective: To cause the incident commander to have ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Leading by Example Is Essential in Wellness/Fitness Matters
At one time or another, we``ve all been through the rigorous and stressful promotional interview/oral board scenario, where we``re asked ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Where Are They?
There are many facets of accountability on the fireground today. One key aspect is the accountability tracking of companies and ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Reassess Your Behavioral Warning Systems
Most fire departments have access to resources for members and extended family requiring mental health and behavioral support. Traditionally, this ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Emergency Medical Services: Go or No-Go? Entering Active-Shooter Incidents
Fire and emergency services are once again in the midst of change; this time it has nothing to do with ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement: Adopt the Rules as Standard Operating Procedures
For many months, we``ve been discussing the IAFC``s Rules of Engagement, which were developed by the Safety, Health and Survival ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Develop a Firefighter Safety Culture
Fire chiefs in the current all-hazards fire service industry continue to be pulled further and further away from their organizations’ ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Behavior Health Is a Leadership Role
What exciting lives we lead. We participate in many events that other people only get to read about or watch ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: When No Progress Is Achieved, Consider Defense
If after completion of the primary search, little or no progress toward fire control has been achieved, seriously consider a ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Act on Unsafe Practices and Conditions that Can Harm Firefighters
Act on reported unsafe practices and conditions that can harm firefighters. Stop, evaluate and decide. Objective: To prevent firefighters and ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Conduct a Risk Assessment and Implement a Safe-Action Plan
Conduct an Initial Risk Assessment and Implement a Safe Action Plan Objective: To cause the incident commander to develop a ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Consider a Defensive Strategy
If You Don’t Have the Resources to Safely Support and Protect Firefighters, Seriously Consider a Defensive Strategy Objective: To prevent ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Expanding Command Ahead of Demand
If a mayday operation requires rapid, concise decisions and actions to increase firefighter survivability, then when should command be expanded—before ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement Can Save Firefighter Lives
The IAFC’s Safety, Health & Survival Section has developed a set of Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting that, when ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Being SMART About Your Health and Wellness Goals
The National Volunteer Fire Council’s Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Health, available on the Safety and Health Week website, ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting: Crew Integrity: People Should Stick Together
The topic of crew integrity is a dominant discussion point for fireground practices and conference presentations. Firefighting is rarely a ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Don`t Risk Firefighter Lives for What Can`t Be Saved
Do not risk firefighter lives for lives or property that can``t be saved. Seriously consider a defensive strategy. Objective: To prevent ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Extend Vigilant, Measured Risk to Protect and Rescue Savable Lives
Extend Vigilant and Measured Risk to Protect and Rescue Savable Lives Objective: To cause the incident commander to manage search ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Tears to Memphis
When I’m asked to write articles for magazines about behavioral health, depression, suicides or whatever mental-health issues firefighters face, the ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Maintain Continuous Awareness
Maintain Continuous Awareness of Your Air Supply, Situation, Location and Fire Conditions Objective: To cause all firefighters and company officers ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Can You Hear Me Now?
Hearing Conservation Program: Essential to Firefighter Wellness Firefighters are subject to many types of hazards and dangerous environments throughout their ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Is Your Rapid Intervention Process Ready to Rock & Roll?
Not long ago, the world learned of a well-executed special operations mission of U.S. Special Forces—such precise operations don’t occur ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety, Health & Survival: SHS Section - Act Now
While the U.S. fire and emergency service has made inroads into reducing line-of-duty deaths over recent years—much of that progress ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Monitor Radios
Constantly Monitor Fireground Communications for Critical Radio Reports. Objective: To cause all firefighters and company officers to maintain constant awareness ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting for Public Events
Fire and emergency departments throughout the country will be very active this fall with public-relations events. The tenth anniversary of ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Sustaining a Reduction in Firefighter LODDs
Since 1977, the U.S. Fire Administration has recorded and analyzed firefighter fatalities in the United States annually. Through their comprehensive ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Report Unsafe Practices That Can Harm You
You Are Required to Report Unsafe Practices or Conditions that Can Harm You. Stop, Evaluate and Decide. Objective: To prevent ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting: CO2 Incidents
Recent CO2 incidents that have been submitted to the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System exemplify the benefit of ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting: Remain Vigilant About Safety
As the fire and emergency service begins the New Year, the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System continues to capture ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting: Roadway Safety
This month’s column complements the 2012 Near-Miss Calendar’s February topic. On a daily basis, first responders are placed in harm’s ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Can Your Rehab Withstand the Heat?
A recent report by the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre examined firefighter cooling in tropical field conditions. This ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Partnership Launches Reality-Based Safety Podcasts
A strategic partnership between the IAFC’s Safety, Health & Survival Section, the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System and ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Determine the Occupant Survival Profile, Part 2
Determine the Occupant Survival Profile, Part 2 Objective: To cause the incident commander to consider fire conditions in relation to ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting: PPE Culture
PPE is designed to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses resulting from contact with physical, electrical, mechanical, chemical and even radiological ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Data Analysis: Key to Successful Department Operation
According to Answers.com, data analysis is the “process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data with the goal of highlighting ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Applying Lessons from the Battlefield to the Fireground
It’s been said that those who don’t learn from history are destined to repeat it; in other words, if we ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Determine the Occupant Survival Profile, Part 1
Determine the occupant survival profile. Objective: To cause the incident commander to consider fire conditions in relation to possible occupant ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting: Crew Resource Management
Infusing crew resource management (CRM) principals into the culture of the fire and emergency service is crucial to improving safety. ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Extend Vigilant and Measured Risk to Protect and Rescue Savable Lives
Extend Vigilant and Measured Risk to Protect and Rescue Savable Lives Objective: To cause firefighters to manage search and rescue ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Safety as a Legacy
In preparation for this article, I reviewed the minutes of our safety committee for the last several years, looking for ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting and the Training Environment
As summer heads into full bloom, so do its temperatures. Our working environment is affected by the summer’s heat and ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Is Your Fire Station Hosting a MRSA Open House?
A recent study by the University of Washington School of Public Health has shed light on the dangers potentially lurking ...
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Jan 01, 0001
The Number-One Killer of Firefighters: Cardiovascular Disease
Do you have an annual physical? What if we told you that you’re probably already being tested to determine if ...
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Jan 01, 0001
The Courage to Be Safe
The Courage to be Safe course, part of the Everyone Goes Home: Life Safety Initiatives Program, distinguishes between two distinct ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting: Chief Officers and Their Unique Perspectives
Chief officers bring a unique perspective to the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System because of their different, more global ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting: EMS Scene Safety
The National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System is more than just a repository of data. It’s the voice of real ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting and Communication
As fire chief, you receive the following as part of an after-action report: After a recent third alarm was brought ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Charleston Fire Department: Five Years Later
June 18 will mark the fifth anniversary of the Sofa Super Store Fire. The City of Charleston Fire Department (CFD) ...
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Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Introduces New Medical Exam Resource
Who better to ask a question about a specific health issue``s impact on a medical exam than a doctor who``s ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Emergency Medical Services: An Adaptive Challenge
It seems that on almost a daily basis, we read about another firefighter or EMT/paramedic line-of-duty death. While we ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Power Couple: Near-Miss Reports and Rules of Engagement
While all of the components of the Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Health and Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Extend Limited Risk to Protect Savable Property
Extend LIMITED Risk to Protect SAVABLE Property. Objective: To cause the incident commander to limit risk exposure to a reasonable, ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Effective Interagency Collaboration
We all know what it’s like to be sitting at our desks, working on daily administrative tasks that require focus ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting: Stop, Look and Listen; This Is a Hazmat Call
Recognizing that you``re operating on the scene of a hazardous materials emergency is key to keeping responders safe during operations ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting: 5,000 Reports and Counting
Near-Miss report #12-217 describes a routine operation of backing an apparatus into the bay and potentially trapping two members between ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: The Basics of Modern Fire Behavior
Over the last decade, the fire service has seen a renewed emphasis on going back to basics. This movement can ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Stay Alert When Considering Anti-Sleep Products
It’s not surprising that as more communities are stretching public-safety resources to the limit that responders are looking for ways ...
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Jan 01, 0001
When It Comes to Health, Safety First
Training in the fire service can lead to a safer operation on the fireground. Hose lays, ladders and protective equipment ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Is Obesity an Overbearing Burden on the Fire Service?
Two recently published studies, funded by the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, focused on the impact of obesity in the ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Abandon Your Position and Retreat
You are required to abandon your position and retreat before deteriorating conditions can harm you. Objective: To cause firefighters and ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Reporting: Unexpected Weather Events
Over this past spring, regions all across the nation have been dealing with severe weather events. Though many affected by ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Go In Together, Stay Together, Come Out Together
Go in Together, Stay Together, Come Out Together Objective: To ensure firefighters always enter a burning building in teams of ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Igniting Change to Reduce Injuries and Promote Wellness
Fire departments in the Pacific Northwest are advancing science while they improve the health of their firefighters. IGNITE is a ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: An Ounce of Example Is Worth a Pound of Advice
An article with a title like this can certainly cover a lot of ground in the fire service. For our ...
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Jan 01, 0001
On the Cutting-Edge: Suicide Intervention and Prevention
In October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation held a summit, "Generating Strategies and Materials to Support Suicide Prevention and Intervention ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Federal Firefighter Presumptive Disability Bill Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives
On Dec. 12, Representatives Lois Capps (D-Cal.) and Pat Meehan (R-Pa.) introduced the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2013 (H.R. ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Is the Fire Service Becoming Too Safety Conscious?
Is the fire service becoming too safety conscious? Lately, this is a question that seems to be discussed on a ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Ready? Set? Not Exactly.
Do you remember the story from last year about the man whose jet ski broke down in New York City``s ...
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Jan 01, 0001
President`s Letter: Tailboards and Pole Holes
The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation has done a truly remarkable job in the creation of a state memorial to fallen ...
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Jan 01, 0001
A Phoenix On the Rise: Near-Miss Changing For the Better
The National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System Program (Near-Miss) was launched in 2005 to capture the actual experiences of firefighters ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Transforming Culture through Cutting-Edge EMS
Cutting-edge EMS is often defined by the latest research of clinical intervention, technology or resuscitative advancement. However, despite cutting-edge advancements ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Taking Care of Our Own: The Legacy of Ryan White
In a letter recently submitted to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, the IAFC advocated that ...
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Jan 01, 0001
The Safety Baton Has Been Passed
One of the highlights of Fire-Rescue International 2015 was the celebration of 10 years of the IAFC’s Safety, Health and ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Interfering with Natural Selection
We in the fire and life safety business tend to grouse about the public failure to heed our prevention message. ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Workplace Violence
Recent mass shootings around the United States have, as they often do, revived conversations about the Second Amendment, gun laws ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Taking Care of Internal Hazards
The term all-hazards has become synonymous with the mission of the fire service over the last couple of decades. We ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Stop Wearing Your Trophy
You just got back to the station from battling a heavily involved structure fire. You go through the motions of ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: We Need to Read More
With the current challenges the fire service faces today, with ever-increasing responsibilities and danger, we need all the help we ...
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Jan 01, 0001
President`s Letter: Are You Prepared for the Affordable Care Act?
A few years ago, we watched with interest the debate about reform of the healthcare system and the subsequent passage ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Executive Fire Officer: Chief, Are You Prepared to Answer Today`s Tough Questions?
To say that over the last few years the fire service and its leadership has been under attack would be ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Ensure Accurate Accountability
Ensure Accurate Accountability of Every Firefighter``s Location and Status Objective: To cause the incident commander and command-organization officers to maintain ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Are We Just Giving Lip Service to Firefighter Safety?
I think we all can agree that there``s much more emphasis on safety today than in years past. But it``s ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Top Ten Recommendations for Safety Program Guidelines
Last week, I had lunch with two good friends and colleagues. These 35-plus-year fire-department veterans and I share a common ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Maintain Two-Way Communication, Obtain Progress Reports and Revise the Action Plan
Maintain Frequent Two-Way Communication and Keep Interior Crews Informed of Changing ConditionsObjective: To ensure that the incident commander obtains ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Seatbelts: A Fire Chief`s Nightmare
Many fire chiefs have struggled for decades with the age-old question: "How do I get my firefighters to follow the ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Emergency Medical Services: An Apple a Day
We all know the old saying that an apple a day will keep the doctor away. But, in this day ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: When Vanity Interferes with Safety
Over the years, I``ve heard many flawed excuses for not wearing personal protective equipment—everything from "a Nomex hood is dangerous ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Fire Service Opportunity: Transforming Community Wellness
Most fire departments across the globe have within their missions a primary responsibility to protect life in their communities. The ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Bet You`ve Seen a Lot
In 2013, I attended Fire-Rescue International in Chicago, mostly to attend the SHS``s Section membership meeting—the section board``s annual opportunity ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Why Near Misses Matter
Every day across the United States, firefighters and EMS providers expose themselves to dangerous conditions and situations. Things go wrong ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Case Study: Conscious, Critical Thinking
Many firefighter near misses and line-of-duty deaths share common elements. If we review these events as they relate to fireground ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Emergency Medical Services: Facing the New Safety Realities as First Responders
In recent months, we``ve seen many incidents where fire and EMS personnel have been put in harm``s way. We``ve been ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Labor-Management Initiative: Five Fitness-for-Duty Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
A labor organization has two goals: safety and fair compensation. We want to make sure everyone goes home and our ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: We Play Like We Practice
"Practice doesn``t make perfect, it reduces the imperfection." – Toba Beta, Master of Stupidity Football coach Vince Lombardi, when he ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Case Study: Research. Amend. Share.
As I review firefighter safety literature, I``m encouraged by the volume of information and anecdotes related to firefighter life safety. ...
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Jan 01, 0001
From Reactive to Proactive: Why We Must Address Active Shooter Issues Now
Those of us who chose the fire and EMS side of public service over law enforcement probably never considered we ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Leading from Within
The manner in which first responders answer calls has been likened to a major league pitcher being asked to jump ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near-Miss Case Study: Sense-Making
In July``s article, we reviewed close calls and how they relate to a risk/benefit assessment and failure of firefighters or ...
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Jan 01, 0001
An Inconvenient Truth
As I write this column, the events in Yarnell, Ariz., are very fresh and raw. Just three days ago, 19 ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Radio Discipline
A frequent contributing factor in firefighter casualties is too much radio traffic. This can have a significant impact on situational ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Updating Policies and Practices: Recognizing the Need
We already know that practice makes perfect, and we also know it works. Over the past year, thanks to an ...
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Jan 01, 0001
NFPA 1917: The Search for a Safer Ambulance
Ambulance accidents causing serious injuries and fatalities are too common. Recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Watering Liberty's Tree: Combatting Complacency in the Fire Service
The traditions of the fire service are part of what make it so attractive as a career and calling: From ...
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Jan 01, 0001
New Emergency Response and Preparedness Standard at OSHA
In the wake of significant multiple-firefighter LODDs in recent years and recognizing an opportunity to do more to safeguard emergency ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Emergency Response in POVs Poses Risks
As a young volunteer firefighter, still in high school, I can remember driving at high speed, flying along curved rural ...
Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter Safety: The Company Officer's Dilemma
Whether you're a company officer in charge of a three-person company, a station or an entire shift, the top priority ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Maintaining Our Most Valuable Resources
Safety, effectiveness and efficiency are definitely concerns we evaluate constantly. It’s through addressing these three basic concerns that you, as ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Finding Facts is the Mission; Preventing Cancer is the Goal
How many times have you been excited to hear about a newly released study on firefighter cancer only to put ...
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Jan 01, 0001
NFPA, IAFC and NVFC Launch 2016 Safety Stand Down Quiz Sweepstakes
As part of the 2016 Safety Stand Down, the "Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz" Sweepstakes is back. Hosted by ...
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Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Endorses Creation of a National Firefighter Cancer Registry
Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today voiced strong support of bipartisan legislation to create a ...
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Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Declares Support for National Fire Service Cancer Initiative
Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Board of Directors has adopted a position statement in support ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Preparing for "The First Five Minutes"
The topic of this year``s Safety Stand Down is “The First Five Minutes! Stretching the Initial Hose Line—Water on the ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Watering Liberty's Tree: Combatting Complacency in the Fire Service
The traditions of the fire service are part of what make it so attractive as a career and calling: From ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Does Your Department Conduct NFPA 1582-compliant Physicals?
Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is looking to identify departments and physicians who currently conduct ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Diversity, Inclusion and Safety
If the past is prologue, there’s much to be learned about the effect of diversity and inclusion on safety.The ...
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Jan 01, 0001
We Don't Know What We Don't Ask
I joined fire service leaders from the IAFC, the U.S. Fire Administration, the International Association of Firefighters, FEMA’s Grants Directorate, ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Call to Action: Call Congress in Support of the Zadroga Act
Fairfax, Va. - Congress is expected to recess by December 18 and is working on end-of-year legislation to fund the ...
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Jan 01, 0001
President's Letter: Prevention Key to Eliminating the LODD
What can we do to minimize or even eliminate the LODD? In one word: prevention. A constant commitment to this singular idea by every chief officer in every fire/rescue department worldwide is the key.
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Education and Today's Complex Fire and Emergency Service
Even new fire service members have very little inspiration to attain more education; they simply want to slay the dragon. ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Safety & Health: Performance Metrics—The Value of Leading AND Lagging Indicators
Assessments of performance in an organization are sometimes driven by stories, reports and observations of failure. This approach to decision-making ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Emergency Medical Services: "The Walking Dead"
This very popular television show is about post-apocalyptic life after the human population suffered a significant event from a biological ...
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Jan 01, 0001
IAFC and USFA Release National Safety Culture Change Initiative Report
Emmitsburg, Md. - The IAFC and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) have released the National Safety Culture Change Initiative (NSCCI) report. ...
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Jan 01, 0001
IAFC, NVFC Encourage Departments to Create a Culture of Safety
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have announced the theme for the ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Company Officer Leadership: Saving Firefighters from Themselves
Several weeks ago, I attended the RESCUES stakeholder meeting at IAFC headquarters with fellow practitioners and academic professionals who are ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Tackling Fire Service Suicide: A Reality Check
We Are Our Brothers' and Sisters' Keepers
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Jan 01, 0001
IAFC Announces Gift to Firefighter Cancer Support Group
Clearwater, Fla. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs' (IAFC) Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) announced it will ...
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Jan 01, 0001
President`s Letter: Ebola in the United States - Do I Have Your Attention?
The latest concern to public health—the diagnosis of Ebola—is now within our borders and therefore an obvious concern to America``s ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter Throwdown Hits Dallas for Fire-Rescue International
Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) will host the second-ever Firefighter Throwdown at Fire-Rescue International 2014...
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Jan 01, 0001
"Everyone and Their Brother"
Everyone's talking about firefighters killed in the line of duty. Some died necessarily; doing what was expected and following training policies, they took a risk based on the size-up and it didn't work out. Not all LODDs are avoidable, but most are.
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Jan 01, 0001
Executive Fire Officers: White Helmets & Battlefields—A Military Approach to Incident Command
Executive Fire Officers:
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Jan 01, 0001
President`s Letter: A Sensitive Subject?
At the risk of offending good friends and a portion of the IAFC membership, I feel compelled to bring up ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Near Miss Reporting System Relaunched to Turn Lessons Learned into Lessons Applied
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is relaunching the Near Miss Reporting System to provide a more interactive user ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Now Available: Medical Evaluation Implementation Guide
The IAFC Safety, Health and Survival (SHS) Section has developed A Fire Department's Guide to Implementing NFPA 1582 (pdf, 9MB), ...
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Jan 01, 0001
IAFC, NVFC Encourage Departments to "Train Like You Fight"
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have announced the theme for the ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter Safety Call to Action: New Research Informs Need for Updated Procedures, Policies
Given the recent proven research by Underwriter Laboratories and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, this call to action ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Call to Action: Stand Up for Safety
The International Association of Fire Chiefs, under the leadership of its Safety Health and Survival Section (SHS), has announced ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: The Value of the Near-Miss Reporting System - A Firsthand Account
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival:
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Jan 01, 0001
Labor-Management Collaboration on Wellness
It`s important to have a regular and ongoing dialogue between labor and management about how to engage employees to improve their health status. Everyone needs to be on board if a wellness program is going to be successful.
Jan 01, 0001
Condolences for Boston and Texas Tragedies
On behalf of the IAFC, I want to say to all the first responders, their families and communities: We're with ...
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Jan 01, 0001
New Study Evaluates Effectiveness of Crew Sizes in High Rise Fires
A major new study released today by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), concludes that firefighting crews of ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: How Safe Is Your Ambulance?
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival:
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Jan 01, 0001
President's Letter: Highway Safety and Traffic-Incident Management
One of the top priorities of the IAFC has always been the safety of our firefighters on emergency incidents, including those on our highways. Having worked on an engine company that responded to interstate 90 near Chicago, I know first-hand ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Traffic Incident Management: Handling These Everyday Occurrences Safely and Efficiently
The fire service has always used some type of system to manage fire and other emergencies. Although rudimentary and vastly ...
Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Retirement - Remembering the Past, Living for the Future
The dispatcher``s voice breaks the station``s silence. She announces this is the final alarm for Lt. Wilson and congratulates him ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: The PAL Report - A Commander's Situational-Awareness Tool
There has been an alarming increase in near-miss and close-call reports about losing situational awareness to fireground hazards. Firefighters can ...
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Jan 01, 0001
President's Letter: Rules You Can Live By
The condemned man was led up the steps of the gallows. As the rope was placed around his neck, the ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Unwanted Email: Stopping the LODD Notification Before It's Needed
Another email hits my inbox. The subject line says “LODD,” and I shake my head, wondering what we can do ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Incident Commander's Rules of Engagement: Rapidly Conduct a 360 Size-Up of the Incident
Previous articles summarized the rules of engagement for firefighters. This article begins the incident commanders`` rules. You``ll recognize that several ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Declare a Mayday as Soon as You Think You're in Danger
Declare a Mayday as Soon as You Think You Are in Danger. Objective: To ensure firefighters are comfortable with and ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: It's All About Attitude
The primary responsibility of all fire chiefs is organizational safety—providing a safe work environment for their members. The fire chief ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Fire Service-Specific Annual Medicals Could Save Your Budget
The loss of a firefighter to cancer is always a cost that's too high a price to pay; but cancer is ...
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Jan 01, 0001
Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Don't Risk for What Can't Be Saved; Extend Limited Risk to Save What Can
DO NOT Risk Your Life for Lives or Property That Cannot Be Saved Objective: To prevent firefighters from engaging in ...
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