Firefighter, EMS safety stand-down set for June 17-23

Chantilly, VA — The theme of the 2018 Firefighter Safety Stand Down is “Be Aware – Get Checked,” emphasizing the importance of annual medical evaluations and physicals for firefighters and emergency service workers, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Volunteer Fire Council recently announced.

Scheduled to take place June 17-23, the stand-down will highlight the importance of responders taking care of themselves both at and away from the emergency incident scene. The goal is to increase awareness and action so that safety and health become a priority in all fire and EMS departments.

All fire and EMS departments are encouraged to pause non-emergency activities during the stand-down to focus on safety and health education and training, as well as navigating IAFC’s Emergency Services Road Map to Firefighter Health and Wellness, an April 3 NVFC press release states.

IAFC published the document to update NFPA 1582, the Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, and make it easier for stakeholders to understand.

The stand-down is the merger of IAFC’s Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week and NVFC’s National Firefighter Health Week.