Fire service organizations are calling for fire departments to participate in the third International Firefighter and EMS Safety Stand Down, June 17 - 23.
During these few days, all fire departments, career, volunteer and combination, are asked to suspend all non-emergency activity and focus on firefighter and EMT safety, particularly in the areas of pre-emergency tasks, routines and preventable behaviors.
This year for the first time Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has been added as an area of focus because of the integral role fire departments have in EMS in communities across the United States and Canada.
This year's theme, "Ready to Respond," focuses on the proper training, preparation, and equipment necessary to answer a call and return safely. The Stand Down has an expanded schedule this year to provide departments with maximum flexibility for participating in the exercise, including weekend opportunities to better accommodate volunteers.
The links provided here to the International Association of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs will provide helpful resources including
- Drills
- Online resources
- A chief's guide to planning and outreach
- Media guide
Firehouse.com will offer a complete package for training during the stand down. It will be available in late May.
