Firefighter Life Safety Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Initiatives

Part IIPart IIMake Everyday a Training Day…So that Everyone Goes HomeMake Everyday a Training Day…So that Everyone Goes Home

c. 2006 NFFFc. 2006 NFFF

FirefighterFirefighter Life Safety Resource KitLife Safety Resource Kit

Initiative # 10

Grant programs should support the implementation of safe practices and/or mandate safe practices as an eligibility requirement.

There is grant money available for you to begin implementing the initiatives. Grants should, however, be tied to increasing safety measures. No safe practices/no grant.

What Initiative #10 Means

If you ask for a grant to improve health and wellness, for example, recommendations should be made and implemented as a condition of future grants.

Take time to learn how to write grants professionally— beginning with the identification of granting sources.

National standards for emergency response policies and procedures should be developed and championed.

Initiative # 11

National Standards for emergency response policies and procedures should be developed. At the local level, departments may have to increase response times to “arrive alive.”

What Initiative #11 Means

Help to adopt safe driving rules and enforce them.

Secure loose objects in cabs and on vehicles.

Respond to emergencies using emergency response SOPs; no red lights and sirens to routine calls.

Make sure all vehicles meet current safety standards.

MOST IMPORTANT: MANDATE SEAT BELT USE!

Ky. Firefighter Killed, Second Wounded in Shooting at Scene of Domestic 'Worst Nightmare':

Domestic Dispute Call Turns to Tragedy

Initiative # 12

Memphis: Firefighting Presents More Dangers Than Just Fire

Six Firefighters Shot, Injured in Indiana ViolenceAll Remain Hospitalized, One Seriously

National protocols for response to violent incidents (including terrorism) should be developed and championed.

Fire and EMS workers deserve to have policies which will reduce their exposure to all threats of violence.

What Initiative #12 Means

Promote policies to “stage” violence incident responses, removing the pressure to react immediately. SOPs should include “GO” and “No-GO” criteria.

Learn all you can about responding to terrorist incidents, regardless of your department’s size or proximity to predicted targets.

Initiative # 13

Firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support

Firefighting is a high-risk occupation which, from time to time, can put the employee and his or her family under extreme stress. They deserve access to mental health care.

What Initiative #13 Means

If you are feeling stress (depression/anxiety or physical symptoms) seek help from physician, EAP counselors, religious or other sources.

Don’t “tough it out”; this could lead to bad results for you and your family.

Stress-awareness should be part of firefighter training at all levels.

Help a buddy you see struggling with stress-related problems.

Public education must receive more resources and be championed as a critical fire and life safety program

Initiative # 14

Public Education is a responsibility of all fire service personnel. It should not be reserved for one week on October. Increased civilian awareness will decrease firefighter risks.

What Initiative #14 Means

Make communicating the fire prevention message to the community a priority.

Utilize USFA resources and materials—they are free and excellent.

Become an ambassador for community safety in your church, children's’ schools, volunteer groups, etc.

Become an advocate for code adoption & enforcement .

Advocacy must be strengthened for the enforcement of codes and the installation of home fire sprinklers

Initiative # 15

The widespread use of residential sprinklers will improve outcomes for civilians and decrease firefighter injuries and LODDs.

What Initiative #15 Means

Ensure all firefighters understand how sprinkler systems operate and the value they bring to reducing Line of Duty Death’s.

Actively advocate for residential sprinkler laws and widespread adoption.

If you build a home, consider the installation of a sprinkler system—lead by example.

Safety must be a primary consideration in the design of apparatus and equipment.

Initiative # 16

Encourage your department to make “safety” the highest priority in equipment and apparatus purchases—as high as design and price.

What Initiative #16 Means

Form an apparatus committee and help set your department’s policies on equipment and apparatus purchases.

Read professional journals and attend conferences where new innovations in apparatus and equipment are demonstrated.

Learn NFPA standard 1901 regarding apparatus safety standards.

Self-Evaluation Summary

• Is Your Department on the path to a Line of Duty Death ?

• Do you know what the path looks like ?

Does it Look Like this?

• Older & Heavier• Stiff versus Flexible• High Cholesterol versus Low • Insulin versus Non Insulin• Experience Exchange versus Early Death

• More Accidents • Criminal Charges• Incarceration• Civilian casualty• Firefighter casualties

IF YOUR DEPARTMENT IS ON THE ROAD TO A LINE OF DUTY DEATH YOU CAN BEGIN TODAY TO

CHANGE THE ROAD YOU’RE ON:

Watch the videos in the Firefighter Life Safety Resource Kit

Conduct an organizational assessment and implement changes

Encourage and reward positive changes toward safety

Make a Commitment TODAY…

Become an ADVOCATE for the16 FIREFIGHTER LIFE SAFETY INITIATIVES

For more information on theCourage To Be Safe…So Everyone Goes Home program

www.everyonegoeshome.com