National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System Marks 2,000th Submission

There's really no way to determine just how many fire and rescue personnel are being saved by the Firefighter Near Miss program.

A report on Oct. 14 focused on best practices. But, the person writing the summation had no idea he was writing a milestone document -- No. 2,000.

"It was an exciting moment. It shows acceptance of the program," said John Tippett, project manager.

The project -- mirrored after one involving the airline industry -- was launched three years ago.

Confidentiality remains an important factor. Personnel reporting incidents can be assured that their departments will never be identified.

Reviewers sign confidentiality agreements, and documents are coded by regions. Tippett said he believes that level of confidence has helped propel the program.

More people are participating than ever before. "In the first year or so of the program, we would be giving a class and few had heard about it. Now, just about everyone has."

Getting the word out also has taken a new direction. In addition to major state conventions and trade shows, the 12 trainers are now focusing on regional conferences as well.

Tippett said they also are seeing an increase in EMS-related near misses being reported.

He said it's rewarding to hear stories about how people are reviewing reports, and utilizing the information to change their operations or spark increased awareness.

"That's the whole idea -- to make a difference."

Word is out about the type of information available. "We've received calls from people writing papers or putting a specific drill together."

Keyword searches are available, but those who needed more shouldn't hesitate to drop them an e-mail, he said, adding that personnel are willing to help.

A new website design -- spearheaded by Amy Hultman -- also offers a number of features including downloading presentations from the resources page.

Hultman and Tippett are pleased with the program's progress.

"We think it's a nice commentary that people are taking the time to report near misses," Tippett said.

Related Links:

National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System Podcasts: Near-Miss Listen & Learn Webcast: Using Crew Resource Management To Reduce Firefighter Near Misses