EMMITSBURG, Md. – The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have released a web-based training program and instructor-led training materials, supporting the National Safety Culture Change Initiative (NSCCI). This is a follow-on to the April 2015 USFA report that provided the findings of the NSCCI study that identified and examined types of individual and organizational behaviors that adversely impact firefighter health and safety and the sound strategies and programs developed based on the findings. The NSCCI is a partnership between USFA and IAFC and its Safety, Health and Survival (SHS) Section. Numerous other national-level fire service organizations provided key support to the NSCCI study.
“These web-based training programs support the NSCCI’s goal to promote a stronger health and safety culture in the fire service to reduce on-duty fatalities and injuries,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell. “USFA is grateful for the contributions of the IAFC and its SHS Section, which supported this initiative.”
The NSCCI advocates the need for a culture change in the fire service – incorporating organizational leadership and personal responsibility. It supports the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Life Safety Initiative 1: Define and advocate the need for a cultural change within the fire service relating to safety; incorporating leadership, management, supervision, accountability and personal responsibility.
The most frequent cause of on-duty firefighter fatalities is cardiovascular events. A notable number of other firefighter fatalities are a result of vehicle incidents, and many others occur at operational incidents. As a result, the NSCCI focuses on:
- Annual medical exams for all fire/Emergency Medical Services personnel
- Vehicle operations
- Incident risk management
“IAFC supports the need for culture change in the fire service to enhance firefighter health and safety,” said Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, IAFC President and Chair of the Board. “The NSCCI is a needed resource to promote positive behaviors and effectively lead to the further reduction of firefighter fatalities and injuries. The IAFC is pleased to partner with USFA and work with our fire service organizational partners in this initiative.”
Further information on the NSCCI may be found at http://www.ffsafetyculture.org/ .
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world’s leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. Learn more
About U.S. Fire Administration
As an entity of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the U.S. Fire Administration is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness and response. Learn more
