WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 16 Life Safety Initiatives are still relevant. However, tweaking is needed.
That was one of consensus reached by participants during the recent Tampa 2 Summit.
NFFF Executive Director Ron Siarnicki shared some of the thoughts of the panel during a town meeting at the annual CFSI conference.
While the final document on the summit is still being developed, some key components were shared. They include:
- Support officer level leadership training
- Establish a national plan for coordination of resources to reduce the number of injuries and deaths
- Evidence-based research should be used when establishing policies
- Continue to promote the Everyone Goes Home program
Siarnicki said he was impressed with the dedication of the people who reviewed the work done a decade ago. In addition to the fire service, among those who spent time studying and discussing the initiatives included educators, training officials and survivors.
Regardless of the issue discussed, every group sent a common message – firefighter safety is everyone’s responsibility. .
The group also felt strongly that be the fire service needs to be more proactive on cancer prevention and boost their advocacy for residential sprinklers.
Another panel suggested that within 10 years, all firefighters be trained to NFPA standards. They also believe a Presidential Blue Ribbon Commission should be established to study minimum training requirements.
There also should be zero tolerance for training-related injuries and deaths. Medical screening should be required of all personnel.
While the use of seat belts has been promoted for many years, summit attendees felt it’s past time that all departments make buckling up mandatory.
Also, departments should adopt risk-based emergency response policies based on national best practices guidelines. Officers need to stress roadway safety including examination of traffic-slowing devices, safety vests, and training on placement of apparatus.
Siarnicki said a final document on the summit is expected to be released this summer.
“There’s a lot to digest,” he said. “There was a tremendous amount of work done..."
