IAFC: Prepare for Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week

2008 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week: June 22-28, 2008

Committed to Long-Term Results encourages long-term investments by chiefs and firefighters to enhance their health and safety. The ultimate goal is to institute a strong culture of health and safety within the fire/EMS service.

This year's theme reflects the need for organizational action that supports and encourages a safety culture. Recommended activities and materials will incorporate three key areas where standard operating procedures, policies and initiatives-along with the training and enforcement that support them-can limit fire/EMS personnel's risk of injury or death:

• Fully implement NFPA 1500, especially sections addressing PPE:

Provide compliant PPE.

Train and enforce use of PPE, including respiratory protection.

• Fully implement the Wellness-Fitness Initiative:

Provide annual medical and physical evaluations.

Provide equipment and time for exercise.

Provide nutrition information.

• Initiate an emergency vehicle policy, to include:

Always buckle up.

Always stop at red lights and stop signs.

Always drive at speed limits and defensively.

Focusing on these 2008 key safety areas from Sunday to Saturday provides maximum flexibility, allowing for all duty shifts-both career and volunteer-to participate in your department's selected exercises at some point during Safety Week.

Click Here for IAFC suggested activities and materials.