Fire/emergency medical services

RSS

Washington — Spurred by destructive hurricanes and wildfires in parts of the country in recent months, OSHA is calling attention to its Emergency Preparedness and Response webpage, reminding employers to “plan ahead,” “know the hazards” and “keep safe.”

Quincy, MA — Sixty firefighters were killed on the job in 2017 – the fewest since NFPA began reporting on-duty firefighter fatalities in 1977 – according to an annual report from the National Fire Protection Association.

Washington — In response to multiple studies showing that firefighters are at an increased risk for many types of cancers, the National Volunteer Fire Council and four other organizations have developed a poster intended to help firefighters understand their risks and take action to protect themselves.

Washington — Operation Lifesaver has launched a free online railroad-crossing safety training program for first responders.

Washington — Bipartisan legislation to establish and maintain a voluntary registry intended to improve research into firefighters’ risks of cancer was passed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on April 24.

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.

Emmitsburg, MD — The U.S. Fire Administration recently published a guide that outlines approaches fire departments can take to address on-the-job organizational, operational and community risks.

Emmitsburg, MD — Eighty-nine firefighters were killed on the job in 2016, compared with 90 in 2015 and 94 in 2014, according to the U.S. Fire Administration’s recently released annual report detailing on-duty firefighter fatalities.

Washington – A Federal Interagency Working Group coordinated by the White House National Security Council has developed safety recommendations for first responders exposed to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin.

Philadelphia – Female firefighters who feel unwelcome or shunned in the male-dominated culture at some firehouses are less likely to be active participants in the department’s safety culture, according to a new study from Drexel University.