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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HHS Announces ASPR TRACIE Website to Provide Information for Healthcare Practitioners

Fire and EMS chiefs are encouraged to review this website and bookmark it as appropriate.

Jan 01, 0001

USFA & IAFC Co-Host Webinar on Public COVID-19 Vaccination Campaigns

On February 11, 2021, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the IAFC hosted a webinar on fire department participation in public COVID-19 vaccination campaigns

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

City Officials – How Must Your Cities Change in the Future?

Our goal to protect our staff and citizens should be unwavering.

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

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.

Jan 01, 0001

Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant & Substance Abuse Program

Resources that provide support and information to responders responding to influence substance abuse cases positively.

Jan 01, 0001

The Intersection of Need and Demand Equals Opportunity

Things are changing, and the fire service must pay attention.

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

Bridging the Multigenerational Divide in Your Department

In a diverse world of generations, we as a fire service, still seem to struggle when it comes to retention and recruitment.

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

IAFC President Calls on Congress to Support Fire & EMS Departments During COVID-19 Pandemic

Chief Ludwig's testimony highlighted the challenges that local fire departments face during the pandemic.

Jan 01, 0001

COVID-19 and Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton

History is often the best of teachers.

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

Managing the Economic Challenges of COVID-19

How is your department managing the economic fallout from COVID-19?

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Provides COVID Support Payments to EMS Agencies

Increased response costs during COVID-19 can make it very difficult for a fire chief to manage their budget, but not impossible.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Issues Data Collection Waiver

If your agency hasn’t started preparing for CMS’ data collection efforts, it’s not too late!

Jan 01, 0001

HEROES Act Will Help Keep Communities Safe

Fire fighters urge Congress to move quickly to pass HEROES Act to protect them and shore up public safety

Jan 01, 0001

FY 2019 SAFER Grants: Application Period Extended, Cost-Share Waived

In consideration of the economic effects of the pandemic, Acting Secretary Wolf also authorized waivers for certain provisions of the FY 2020 SAFER Grant Program.

Jan 01, 0001

House Releases New COVID-19 Response Legislation

The House bill has a number of provisions, including almost $1 trillion to assist state and local governments as they cope with the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC: Fire Department Layoffs and Furloughs Near 1,000; 30,000 Projected

The IAFC is asking Congress and The White House to help offset these losses with a request of $10 billion that will go directly to the nation’s fire departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Tell Congress to ACT!

Chief Ludwig is calling on all U.S. IAFC members to contact their congressional representatives and tell them to help you fight the COVID-19 pandemic with a strong response force by supporting $5 billion each for the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Provides COVID Support Payments to EMS Agencies

Rising response costs, coupled with increased staffing costs, can make it very difficult for a fire chief to manage their budget.

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

IAFC: Police Get CARES Act Money – Firefighters Still Waiting

The IAFC has asked Congress to get money directly to local fire departments by dramatically increasing funding of both the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

$100 Million AFG COVID-19 Response Application Period: Deadline May 15

FEMA will begin accepting Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program applications for COVID-19 response at 8 AM ET, Tuesday, April 28.

Jan 01, 0001

The Future of Technology Partners for Public Safety: A Case Study on First Due

When the fire service leaders look to acquire and adopt new technologies, we need to ensure we lead through the technology we implement – not be led by it.

Jan 01, 0001

Because We Are Still Here

When an events like a pandemic occur, it should cause us to stop for a second and think about what is truly important.

Jan 01, 0001

The Best of Times

The fire service and EMS world also got turned upside down when COVID-19 showed up in our door step.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Secures Amazon Business as a Strategic Supplier for PPE

This collaboration between the IAFC and Amazon Business allows IAFC members to take advantage of the buying power of a single agency, and the value of exclusive access to the specific products assigned to the Amazon Business COVID-19 Hub.

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

SAFER Grant Application Assistance is Available

The FY 2019 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant application period is open April 13 – May 15 at 5 PM ET.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Develops PPE Assessment Survey to Help Responders

To help the IAFC make its best case to President Trump and Congress for additional federal funding, we have developed the IAFC COVID-19 PPE Readiness & Availability Assessment Survey

Jan 01, 0001

FY 2020 Homeland Security Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA is announcing modifications to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP).

Jan 01, 0001

Leadership in Tough Times

The current crisis with the coronavirus, while scary, doesn’t mean we should abandon our usual leadership practices.

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

COVID-19 Guidance for Public Safety Communications and 911 Centers

During the coronavirus pandemic, it is critical that departments evaluate their communications posture and take steps to ensure the right resources, mitigation strategies, and tools are in place.

Jan 01, 0001

Western Fire Chiefs Association, IAFC, partner with Constellis to Help Chiefs During COVID-19

Western Fire Chiefs Association, IAFC, partner with Constellis to make Fire Chiefs aware of two new products being used to combat COVID-19

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Departments Eligible for CARES Act Loan Programs

Under the CARES Act, all "private non-profit organizations" are eligible for purposes of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, including any entity exempt under IRC 501(c).

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Expands EMS Payment Opportunities

CMS has released one of the most significant updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule (AFS) since its creation 20 years ago.

Jan 01, 0001

President of Fire Chiefs Association Calls for Action

Fire and EMS chiefs are fighting a “war” against a virus and proper funding is absolutely required to win the war and keep communities safe.

Jan 01, 0001

Economic Task Force Created to Help IAFC Members Navigate Challenging Times

IAFC Economic Task Force to help members navigate these challenging economic times.

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

IAFC to Congress: Include T-Band Mandate Repeal in COVID-19 Stimulus Package

The IAFC and other public safety oganizations wrote to congressional leaders urging action on repealing the T-Band auction mandate as part of any coronavirus emergency stimulus package.

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

Visionary EMS Leadership: Our Fire Duty to EMS

The fire service owns EMS in the United States; it’s time to step up and provide our visionary leadership to EMS. The future of EMS depends on you.

Jan 01, 0001

Veterans Affairs Directed to Use "Prudent Layperson Standard" for EMS Claims

Directive improves the amount EMS-related funds available to fire departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates Recognize National EMS Week

National EMS Week is a time to thank the entire EMS community, especially firefighter/EMTs and paramedics.

Jan 01, 0001

Sounding the SIREN in Congress

New bill would restore a grant program in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for rural public and non-profit fire departments and EMS agencies.

Jan 01, 0001

Pushing for Hands-only CPR

Teach residents and visitors how to assist firefighters and EMS personnel in saving lives through Hands-only CPR and Stop the Bleed.

Jan 01, 0001

Opioid Crisis and the Story of Two Cities

Hear two compelling stories of how community risk reduction was applied to the epidemic.

Jan 01, 0001

Fentanyl Poses Lethal Threat to First Responders

EMS personnel responding to overdose patients and other opioid-related calls are especially at risk.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Fire-Based EMS Systems

There are multiple service-delivery models employed all across the United States. Depending on the area or territory served, government structure, political climate and available funding, each model alternative has its place.