Objective 7- Firefighter Safety: Key Factors, Initiatives, and Organizations

What is the highest risk factor for firefighter death?

Sudden cardiac arrest.

What factors contribute to sudden cardiac arrest in firefighters?

Overexertion, poor health habits, and occupational stress.

What are other causes of firefighter injury or death?

Motor vehicle incidents while responding to or returning from emergencies and emergency scene hazards.

What does NFPA stand for?

National Fire Protection Association.

What does USFA stand for?

United States Fire Administration.

What does NIOSH stand for?

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

What does OSHA stand for?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

What does NIST stand for?

National Institute of Standards and Technology.

What does NFFF stand for?

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

When was the NFFF created?

1992 by the U.S. Congress.

What is the mission of the NFFF?

To honor and remember America's fallen fire heroes, provide resources to assist survivors, and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.

When were the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives developed?

2004.

What is another name associated with the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives?

Everyone Goes Home.

What is the purpose of the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives?

Provide the fire service with a blueprint for making safety changes.

What does safety culture refer to in the context of the initiatives?

Cultural change involving leadership, management, supervision, accountability, and personal responsibility.

What does personal and organizational accountability mean in the initiatives?

Enhanced accountability for health and safety.

What does risk management involve according to the initiatives?

Greater integration of risk management with incident management at strategic, tactical, and planning levels.

What must all firefighters be empowered to do?

Stop unsafe practices.

What do the initiatives call for regarding training standards?

National standards for training, qualifications, certification, and regular recertification.

What do the initiatives require for medical and physical standards?

Standards based on the duties firefighters are expected to perform.

What do the initiatives call for in terms of research and data?

A national research agenda and data collection system related to firefighter safety.

What does technology refer to in the context of the initiatives?

Use of available technology when it can produce higher levels of health and safety.

What should be done with firefighter fatalities, injuries, and near misses?

They should be thoroughly investigated.

What do the initiatives call for regarding emergency response policies?

National standards for emergency response policies and procedures.

What do the initiatives require for violent incident protocols?

National protocols for response to violent incidents.

What is necessary for psychological support for firefighters?

Access to counseling and psychological support for firefighters and their families.

What should public education receive according to the initiatives?

More resources as a critical fire and life safety program.

What do the initiatives call for regarding fire codes and sprinklers?

Stronger advocacy for code enforcement and home fire sprinklers.

What must be a primary consideration in the design of apparatus and equipment?

Safety.

What is the Fire Fighter Safety Stand-Down?

An annual day-long event focused on firefighter safety.

Who initiated the Safety Stand-Down?

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) in 2005.

What is the purpose of the Safety Stand-Down?

Focus on firefighter safety while non-emergency work ceases and safety training is conducted.