President Obama often says this is a new era of personal responsibility. Given that emphasis, the theme of this year’s Safety, Health and Survival Week is especially relevant: “Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility.” After all, firefighter safety is a full-time job for all of us. We can’t rely on someone else to do it for us.
The IAFC, along with the International Association of Fire Fighters, encourages all fire/EMS departments to devote Safety Week, June 14—20, to reviewing safety policies, evaluating the progress of existing initiatives and discussing health and fitness. An entire week is provided to ensure that each shift and volunteer duty crew can spend 1 day focusing on firefighter safety, health and survival.
Although we should focus on safety year round, Safety Week is a great opportunity for chiefs, company officers and firefighters to work together to manage risk and enhance their health and safety.
I would like to reiterate the four key areas of the 2009 Safety, Health and Survival Week. We can, and we will, limit fire/EMS personnel’s risk of injury or death by focusing on these areas:
Safety: Emergency Driving
The motto for this safety responsibility is “Enough is Enough–End Senseless Death.” Remember to reduce your speeds and use seatbelts. Stop at every intersection and look in all directions before proceeding. Take personal responsibility for each of these safety measures. You need to arrive alive to help others.
Health: Heart Disease & Cancer Education & Prevention
Safety Week offers us the opportunity to get on board with important healthy behaviors: Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, get active, eat a heart-healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight and get regular health screenings.
Survival: Structural Size-Up & Situational Awareness
Refresh your training on these important aspects of firefighting. Keep apprised of the different types of building materials and construction used in your community, and develop a comprehensive size-up checklist.
At the scene, always complete a 360-degree walkaround to collect valuable, operational decision-making information. Learn the practice of reading smoke, and be familiar with the accepted rules of engagement. Learn your accountability system and use it, and master your tools and equipment. As important as any of these measures: Remain calm and concentrate.
Chiefs: Leaders in Safety
This year’s Safety Week also focuses on the chief’s important role. Chiefs must make safety a part of the strategic vision for their departments; be willing to make the tough decisions regarding safety policies, practices and their implementation; hold members of the organization accountable for their safety and the safety of those with whom they work; ensure that resources are available to accomplish activities safely and effectively; and serve as a role model by practicing what they preach.
Final Thoughts
Irresponsibility can cost lives. There’s no room for that in the fire and emergency service, because our charge is to save lives–including our own. Visit www.iafc.org/safetyweek for more information on this year’s program as well as planning resources developed by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section.