Safety & Health

It is critical for emergency service organizations (ESOs) to ensure the health and safety of their members. The inability of an organization to maintain high standards of safety or to ensure the health both mental and physical of their members increases risks to the individual member and the community as a whole.

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10 Practical Tips for Responding and Operating on Roadway and Highway Incidents

Roadway emergency operations are the #1 traumatic risk firefighters face. Here’s how to minimize the risk.
US FireAdministration

USFAPreparedAndResilientFireAndEmergencyMedicalServices-StrategicPlan

Strategic Plan to address the fire related challenges facing our nation
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Accident & Injury Investigation

The purpose of this guideline is to provide a process for investigating accidents / incidents.
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Administrative Checklist: Cardiac Events

Summarizes key points to identify, research and potentially include in guiding documents for handling cardiac events by on-duty members.
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Amber Ribbon Report - Best Practices for Fire Service Canines

This report identifies and defines roles/standards for the use of canines within fire/EMS organizations
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An Examination of the Benefits of Health Promotion for the National Fire Service

This study indicates that the majority of the firefighters did not meet the NFPA minimum post-cardiac event exercise tolerance threshold.
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Batteries in Trailer Explode! Battalion Chief's Perspective

How a routine truck fire quickly escalated into a large-scale incident
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Best Practices for EMS and Fire Response to Incidents During Civil Unrest

NHTSA Office of EMS and U.S. Fire Administration share resources to help local EMS and fire departments safely respond to civil unrest.
  • Best Practices to Minimize Injuries and Deaths When Using Privately Owned Vehicles for Response

Best Practices to Minimize Injuries and Deaths When Using Privately Owned Vehicles for Responses

This report explores best practices while using privately owned vehicles (POV) for ESO responses.
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Bullying and Workplace Violence Prevention Toolkit

A toolkit of policies, tips and tools to help prevent bullying and violence in the workplace.
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Cardiac Awareness Toolkit

A toolkit of policies, tips and tools to help prevent untimely cardiac deaths. "If you don't feel well, don't make it your farewell."
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Carrying Concealed Weapons (CCW) On Duty

If state law and fire/ems departments allow carrying concealed weapons on duty, what are the necessary considerations or best practices?
  • Charged for Life Resources

Charged for Life: Lithium-ion battery safety messaging and resources

Tailored messaging and resources, they empower communities to recognize risks, adopt safer practices, and prevent lithium-ion battery fires
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Chemical Suicide Response

Quick reference 2-pager and webinar that introduce chemical-assisted suicides, describe real-life examples, provide response guidance.
  • Considerations for Fire Service Response to Residential Battery Energy Storage System Incidents

Considerations for Fire Service Response to Residential Battery Energy Storage System Incidents

New data on how lithium fires ignite and spread and urges support for further research toward limiting these fires
  • Coronavirus COVID-19 resources for fire and EMS chiefs

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Resources for Fire Chiefs

Centralized location for information and tools for fire and EMS agencies as they prepare and respond to COVID-19
Chief, fire personnel on scene

COVID-19 Cost Recovery for Departments (FEMA)

Details and guidance from FEMA on fiscal resources to support communities in COVID-19 prevention, response and recovery.
  • COVID-19 PPE Decontamination Recommendations infographic

COVID-19 PPE Decontamination Recommendations

A quick reference infographic
  • COVID Quick Reference Guide

COVID-19 PPE Decontamination Recommendations - Quick Reference Info-graphic

Quick Reference Info-graphic - Download and scan to stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 Guidance
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CPR and AED Instruction Tips

CPR and AED Instruction Tips for EMS Educators
  • Texas A&M Engineering (TEEX)

Current Practices: Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Systems

This resource provides lessons learned and suggested next steps as EVs, charging stations, and ESS become more prevalent across the US
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Effect of Aspirin on Hemostatic and Vascular Function After Live FireFighting

This study shows that low dose aspirin can positively influence the negative physiologic factors associated with firefighting.
  • ResponderSafety.com

Emergency Responder Safety Institute (Training, Information Sharing & Data)

Training, Information Sharing & Data Gathering on improving safety practices during roadway response.
  • Emergency Services Ergonomics and Wellness

Emergency Services Ergonomics and Wellness

Handbook on overall wellness and fitness, sleep issues, driving posture and more
  • Emergency Services Road Map to Health & Wellness

Emergency Services Road Map to Health & Wellness

Next generation Fire Department Guide to NFPA 1582: Info, education & sample documents toward implementing a comprehensive wellness program.
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Emergency Vehicle Operations Guidelines

Example of emergency vehicle operations guidelines.
  • Evaluation of the fire protection effectiveness of fluorine free firefighting foams

Evaluation of the fire protection effectiveness of fluorine free firefighting foams

This study was to determine the firefighting capabilities for four fluorine. free foams and one short chain C6 AFFF formulation

FEMA 'Ready' Program

Be 'Ready' for Emergencies and Natural Disasters
  • FEMA

FEMA's Hurricane Milton After the Storm Messaging Resource Toolkit

This toolkit provides multimedia resources quickly available for you to be able to share messaging to your community after Hurricane Milton.
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Fire Exposures of Firefighter Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Facepiece Lenses

Thermally degraded and melted SCBA facepiece lenses have been identified as a contributing factor in certain firefighter fatalities.
  • Fire Service Quick Incident Response Workbook for Civil Unrest and Disturbance

Fire Service Quick Incident Response Workbook for Civil Unrest and Disturbance

A fire service resource to help fire chiefs prepare for and when required, better respond to periods of civil unrest
  • Firefighter Hub

FirefighterHub of resources

FirefighterHub was created to be the home of all things fire.
  • Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Medical Evaluations

Firefighter's Guide to Firefighters Medical Evaluations

Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Physicals
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Free Whitepaper: The Importance of Flame Resistant (FR) Station Wear

Details why FR station wear should be an integral part of every firefighter’s PPE.
  • New York State Health Department

Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Professionals on Suspected Cases of Monkeypox

This resource provides guidance for EMS professionals encountering patients suspected of having human monkeypox
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Guidance to Avoid Counterfeit Respirators

Resources to help departments avoid purchasing counterfeit respirators
  • NFPA1582 Physical Guide

Guide to the NFPA 1582 Annual Physical

FAQs on NFPA 1582 Annual Physical
  • Texas Fire Chiefs Association Health and Wellness Guide Firefighter Cancer Basics

Health & Wellness Guide Firefighter Cancer Basics

A guide created by TFCA in efforts to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.
  • A Healthcare Provider

Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Physicals

Research-based guide to help primary care providers evaluate, treat and monitor firefighters' unique health and wellness needs.
  • Home Oxygen Therapy (HOT) Toolkit

Home Oxygen Therapy (HOT) Toolkit

Tool kit for Fire Chiefs to address the hazards of Home Oxygen Fire Hazards
  • IAFC KnowledgeNet

IAFC KnowledgeNet

Discuss issues and solutions with other IAFC members online, share SOPs and other resources
  • IAFC Position Statement

IAFC Position: Assignment of Portable Radios/Two-Way Communications Devices to Every Firefighter on the Fireground

IAFC adopted the position that every firefighter operating on the fireground be equipped with a portable radio/two-way communications device.
  • IAFC Position Statement

IAFC Position: Drug and Alcohol-Free Awareness

The IAFC supports and encourages drug and alcohol-free fire and emergency service agencies/organizations.
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IAFC Position: Firefighter Safety and Prevention of Firefighter Injuries and Deaths

IAFC Supports the Need for Constant Scrutiny and Upgrade of Policies/Practices Related to Firefighter Safety and Prevention of 
  • IAFC Position Statement

IAFC Position: Health and Fitness Programs for Every Department

The IAFC supports the adoption and implementation of a comprehensive health and fitness program in every fire department
  • IAFC Position Statement

IAFC Position: IAFC/IAFF Candidate Physical Ability Test

IAFC Supports the IAFC/IAFF Candidate Physical Ability Test IAFC and the IAFF recognize the need of the fire service to ...
  • IAFC Position Statement

IAFC Position: Need for Annual Occupational Medical Exams and Fitness Evaluations

The IAFC supports the implementation of annual medical examinations and fitness evaluations for all firefighters.
  • IAFC Position Statement

IAFC Position: PASS Devices and NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigations

The IAFC is providing information on the PASS Devices and NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigations.
  • IAFC Position Statement

IAFC Position: Seatbelt Usage

Motor vehicle accidents account for approximately twenty-five percent of firefighter line of duty deaths and many injuries per
  • PFT

IAFC/IAFF/ACE Peer Fitness Training Certification Program Candidate Information Guide

Provide a fitness trainer standard consistent with the health and fitness needs of the Fire Service throughout the United States and Canada.
  • Fire, Life & Safety Section and Safety, Health & Survival Section

IAFC's Fire Department Response to Electric Vehicle Fires Bulletin

This one-page bulletin is intended to guide our pre-response, response and post-event responses to electric vehicle fires.
  • Wellness Fitness Initiative

IAFF/ IAFC Joint Labor/ Management Wellness Fitness Initiative (Overview)

An overall wellness/fitness system developed to maintain firefighters’ physical and mental capabilities
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Lithium-Ion and Energy Storage Systems Resources

Dedicated resource page for lithium-ion battery responses at Lithium-Ion and Energy Storage Systems.
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LODD Guidelines (Denton, TX)

Denton County Fire Chief's Association Policy for Line of Duty Death
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LODD Guidelines (Montgomery, NY)

Montgomery Fire Department firefighter funeral guidelines
  • VCOS logo - IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section

Management Minute: New Techniques

6 things the fire service needs.
  • Flooding in Marblehead, MA caused by Hurricane Sandy. The Birkes (flickr.com/photos/brbirke/8136033826/) CC 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Model Procedures for Response of Emergency Vehicles During Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Guide toward response policy to minimize risk to personnel and protect human, physical and cyber infrastructure before, during, after storms
  • Ponderosa Fire Department

Multiple Operational Guidelines (Ponderosa Vol Fire Dept, TX)

Standard operational guidelines provided by Ponderosa Vol Fire Dept. as samples.
  • US FireAdministration

National Fire Academy (NFA) Online self-study courses

You can sign up for self-study classes at any time and complete them at your own pace.
  • FEMA

National Incident Management System Emergency Operations Center How-To Quick Reference Guide

Provides jurisdictions with information/guidance related to setting up, operating, maintaining & deactivating an EOC
  • Row House Firefighting

NIOSH Row House Firefighting Tactics Factsheet-Poster

This fact sheet and poster highlights tactics you can use to stay safe when fighting row house fires
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

NIOSH: Safety and Health Considerations for Junior Firefighters

Safety and Health Considerations and Information for Junior Firefighters
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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Key info on PFAS chemicals that may be present in firefighting foam, potential health risks and actions being taken by state & local governments
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Firefighter Turnout Gear Textiles Exposed to Abrasion, Elevated Temperature, Laundering, or Weathering

A study's findings, firefighters at risk of increased exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in their protective clothing?
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Preventing Deaths and Injuries to Firefighters Working at Strip Mall Fires

NIOSH has recommended precautions that fire departments should take while fighting strip mall fires.
  • COAP

Program-based Strategies for Opioid Diversion in the Fire and Emergency Services

Learn about emerging best practices from fire and EMS program-based strategies for opioid diversion
  • Public Safety Communications & 911 Centers Guidance During COVID-19 Pandemic

Public Safety Communications & 911 Centers Guidance During COVID-19 Pandemic

Guide to help departments evaluate, take steps to ensure resources, mitigation strategies and tools are in place to manage uncertainties

Rapid Intervention Operations Manual

Sample rapid intervention operations manual.
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Rapid Intervention Team (Pierce Fire Rescue)

This guideline outlines a procedure to ensure risks faced by personnel are minimized through sound practices and safety procedures.
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RAPT - Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool (FEMA)

Updated RAPT provides census-tract level demographic info and infrastructure locations related to COVID-19 planning, response efforts.

Removing Diesel Exhaust from Apparatus Bays

Exhaust capturing systems are the most effective to prevent firefighter exposures in addition to other systems.
  • Responding to Propane / Flammable Gas Incidents Bulletin

Responding to Propane / Flammable Gas Incidents Bulletin

This resource is to help the fire service respond to flammable gas leaks in structures in a safe, efficient, and coordinated manner
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Response Considerations: Incidents Involving Crowds During COVID-19 Pandemic

Guidance and checklist for urban, suburban, rural departments responding to mass gathering incidents during COVID-19
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Response Considerations: Incidents Involving Crowds During the 2024 Presidential Election Period

This white paper with contains background on potential risks; operational considerations, and resources
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Response Considerations: Incidents Involving Crowds Following the 2020 National Election Period

An overview of the current situation & underscore the need for ongoing interagency collaboration and operational coordination during this period
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Sample SOP/SOG – Responses to Incidents Involving Lithium-Ion Batteries and/or Energy Storage Systems

This document provides arrival and on-scene procedures for fire department units responding to a structure fire.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released Shelter-in-Place Pictogram Guidance for ten hazards and three building types

Shelter-in-Place Pictogram Guidance for ten hazards and three building types

FEMA released Shelter-in-Place Pictogram Guidance for ten hazards and three building types
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Take Charge of Battery Safety

FSRI's lithium-ion battery safety campaign includes key resources to help firefighters respond to li-ion battery fires.
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Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service

White paper describing the status of cancer in the fire service.
  • ESRI U.S. County COVID-19 Cases & Planning Report

U.S. County COVID-19 Cases & Planning Report

Access Covid-19 cases data in the United States by county. Infographic updated daily.
  • Science of Fire and Explosion Hazards from Lithium-Ion Batteries

UL FSRI Fire Safety Academy: The Science of Fire and Explosion Hazards from Lithium-ion Batteries

This course focuses on lithium-ion batteries, thermal runaway and how fire/explosion hazards can develop.
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Using COVID-19 Resources for Local Planning & Response to Wildland Fires

Use of Interim Screening Protocol & Tool, additional considerations toward policies to mitigate COVID-19 risk in wildland fire response
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VCOS and NVFC Lavender Ribbon Report Update: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer - September 2021

Updated information, statistics and resources on the 11 best practices to prevent firefighter cancer.
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VCOS and NVFC Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer

Information, statistics and resources on the 11 best practices to prevent firefighter cancer.
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VCOS Yellow Ribbon Report - Under the Helmet: Performing an Internal Size-Up

Background, statistics, resources, and action items toward a proactive approach to mental wellness in the fire & emergency service
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VCOS Yellow Ribbon Report Update

The VCOS Yellow Ribbon Report Update includes a new set of 11 best practices for responder behavioral wellness.
  • VISION The VCOS International Strategic Initiative Online Network

VISION: The VCOS International Strategic Initiative Online Network

Resources that focus on specific areas of challenges relating to creating and sustaining viable emergency response programs
  • ResponderSafety.com

Wildland Fires and Traffic Management

This program teaches traffic incident management considerations for roadways affected by wildland fires.
  • Women Healthcare Provider Guide Firefighter Physicals

Women's Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Physicals

Women's Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Physicals