1. Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives How Can We Make it Better?
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives How Can We Make it Better?
Make Everyday a Training Day…So that Everyone Goes Home
Additions Made By: Matthew Thorpe
c NFFF

2. This new culture is built on the
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
In April of 2004, fire service leaders from across the United States gathered in Tampa, Florida.
At this summit meeting these leaders began to design a new fire service culture.
This new culture is built on the
16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives
so that
Everyone Goes Home.

3. Life Safety Initiatives Program Goal
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Since 1984, 3175 firefighters have died in the Line of Duty—many thousands more have been injured.
We accept 100 deaths every year as normal
2004
2009
Five Years 25% Reduction
Ten Years 50% Reduction
2014

4. Structural Firefighting
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
The Initiatives Address Six Focus Areas
Training
Prevention
Structural Firefighting
Wildland Operation
Health, Wellness & Fitness
Vehicles

5. The initiatives Address Six Root Causes of LODDs
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
The initiatives Address Six Root Causes of LODDs
Ineffective Decision Making
Ineffective Policies & Procedures
Lack of Preparedness
Ineffective policies and procedures
Ineffective Decision Making
Lack of Preparedness
Ineffective Leadership
Lack of Personal Responsibility (inappropriate behavior)
Extraordinary unpredictable circumstances
Ineffective Leadership
Extraordinary & unpredictable circumstances
Lack of Personal Responsibility (inappropriate behavior)

6. National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Out of that Summit, came 16 Initiatives that were identified and unanimously agreed upon.
These sixteen (16) Initiatives can provide the base for you to change the culture in the fire service and reduce Line Of Duty Death’s.

7. Initiative # 1
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Define and advocate the need for a cultural change within the fire service relating to safety; incorporating leadership, management, supervision, accountability and personal responsibility.
Establish an organizational culture that fully embraces health and safety Organizational values and beliefs
Accountability at every level
Risk-based incident management
Identifies and Stop unsafe practices
Every person in the group is better than the leader in some way
Show respect for everyone in the group – don’t be judgmental
No one is perfect – even you
If you mess up, fess up
Clean it up – and then move on
Egos eat brains - keep yours under control
If you are not prepared to lead – get out of the way
If you are not prepared to follow – you don’t belong on the team

8. What Initiative #1 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Cultural change has to begin with informal leaders, managers, supervisors. From top to bottom: the culture of the fire service must change. You can change your behavior TODAY.
Be part of the “NEW” Fire Service Safety Culture
Examine your attitudes & behaviors regarding safety
Realize that change is not a threat to the organization
Embrace Health & Wellness programs & practice them
Lead by your own example & make the difference—be an agent of change

9. Initiative # 2
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Enhance the personal and organizational accountability for health and safety throughout the fire service.
Does every vehicle meet current design standards for safety?
Has every vehicle been inspected … and passed?
Do we have criteria for taking vehicles out of service?
Do we ensure that all new vehicles incorporate every safety feature?

10. What Initiative #2 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Each fire service organization must promote safe practices; each individual must have the tools to be safe and adhere to safe practices at ALL TIMES.
Follow SOPs at all times
Train / Learn / Teach everyday
Utilize the Incident Command System
Adhere to Vehicle Inspection Schedules
Schedule and stick to equipment checks
“Strap in and Stay In”
Don’t take the environment for granted

11. Initiative # 3
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Focus greater attention on the integration of risk management with incident management at all levels, including strategic, tactical, and planning responsibilities.
Implementation
Learn the concept of “Risk Management”
Ensure everyone understands the difference between and acceptable risk and an unacceptable risk
Develop and implement a system to pre-identify unacceptable risks
Report unacceptable risk behaviors
Review every call
Develop “Command Teams”
Do you have Standard Operating Procedures or Guidelines?
Do you follow them?
Do you really follow them?
Are we using the procedures or just using the terminology?
Is every position, function and status of every firefighter on the incident scene being accounted for ?

12. What Initiative #3 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #3 Means
Learn the concept of “Risk Management”; Ensure everyone understands the difference between an acceptable risk and an unacceptable risk.
Develop and implement a system to pre-identify unacceptable risks.
Risk a lot to save a lot; risk a little to save a little
Review every call
Develop Command Teams
Follow SOPs…Follow SOPs
Know the function and status of every firefighter on the incident scene…Everyone must be accounted for at all times

13. All firefighters must be empowered to stop unsafe practices.
Initiative # 4
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
All firefighters must be empowered to stop unsafe practices.
Implementation
Develop and implement procedures to enable and empower firefighters to stop unsafe conditions in training, on the fire ground and during routine operations

14. What Initiative #4 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #4 Means
Firefighters must be allowed to identify and report unsafe practices. They must be able to stop activities that present imminent harm to themselves or others, without fear of penalty or reprisal.
Be aware of safe practices and look for unsafe ones
Take the initiative to develop and implement procedures to enable and empower firefighters to stop unsafe conditions in training, on the fire ground and during routine operations
Never question the integrity of those who speak out for safe fire ground operations

15. Develop and implement national standards for training, qualifications,
Initiative # 5
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Develop and implement national standards for training, qualifications,
and certification (including regular
re-certification) that are equally applicable to all firefighters based on the duties they are expected to perform.

16. What Initiative #5 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #5 Means
Fire service departments are recognizing national certification standards as a way to measure the competency of their members. National standards encourage departments to operate at higher levels of effectiveness.
Seek state and national certifications at all levels of your fire department employment
Support efforts toward mandatory re-certification or refresher training; refreshing teaches new methods and improves skills which are used infrequently

17. Initiative # 6
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Develop and implement national medical and physical fitness standards that are equally applicable to all firefighters, based on the duties they are expected to perform.

18. What Initiative #6 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #6 Means
In this profession, health and wellness are non-negotiable. Departments should establish and enforce SOPs which support wellness. Individuals must embrace wellness as a strategy for successful fire service careers or seek employment elsewhere.
Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, including making healthful food choices and regular exercise
Don’t smoke / Don’t do drugs
Follow all health and wellness SOPs
Be a Good Example
Understand the impact your death would have on your family, co-workers and community

19. Initiative # 7
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Create a national research agenda and data collection system that relates to the initiatives.

20. What Initiative #7 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #7 Means
We won’t know if we are living the initiatives if we do not collect data. Data analysis is the key to making any course corrections regarding the Life Safety Initiatives. It will also provide important corollary data.
Encourage your department to participate in national data recovery systems such as NFIRS
Support data gathering at the local level
Be vocal with local politicians about where your tax money is spent—urge them to support our national agenda for firefighter safety

21. Initiative # 8
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Utilize available technology wherever it can help produce higher levels of health and safety
Available Technology includes:
Thermal Imaging Cameras (with recording)
Cool Vests for PPE
Kooler Chairs for Rehabilitation
Computerized Accountability Systems
PASS Devices

22. What Initiative #8 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #8 Means
It is irresponsible not to use technology when it can improve safety outcomes. Technological solutions should be a leverage and a tool for improving fire ground safety.
Attend conferences to keep abreast of new technologies and take this knowledge back to your department
Encourage your department to employ Command and Rescue vehicles on scene which are equipped with technological advance systems that can be integrated into the command system
Become the technology geek of your department

23. Initiative # 9
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Thoroughly investigate all firefighter fatalities, injuries, and near misses.
When something goes wrong, how thoroughly do we investigate?
Near miss
Minor accident or injury
Major accident or injury
Fatality
Is everyone prepared to tell the truth about what happened?
Are the findings of the investigation implemented ?
Does anyone pay attention to the little stuff?
Implementation.
Develop a LODD policy including the investigation components of the process. (OSHA)
Understand why things go wrong and don’t let it happen again
Analyze data and trends
Learn the lessons and implement the findings
Continual self-evaluation
Participate in the “near miss” reporting system through the IAFC to permit others to learn from your mistakes.
Develop a system for making “near-miss” incidents a significant component of training

24. What Initiative #9 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #9 Means
Even if your organization is uncomfortable with sharing information about a fatality, injury, or near-miss incident, it is a moral obligation to do so. Knowing what happened can prevent it from happening again.
Implement investigations without delay—learning can begin immediately
Be familiar with NIOSH, FEMA, USFA, CDC, NFPA reports. They can be studied to increase safety
Encourage the collection of “near-miss” data. Near-miss incidents provide excellent learning / training tools
Look for the “Fatal Chain of Errors”

25. Initiative # 10
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Grant programs should support the implementation of safe practices and / or mandate safe practices as an eligibility requirement.

26. What Initiative #10 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #10 Means
There is grant money available for you to begin implementing the initiatives. Grants should however, be tied to increasing safety measures. No safe practices / no grant.
If you ask for a grant to improve health and wellness for example, recommendations should be made and implemented as a condition of future grants.
Take time to learn how to write grants professionally— beginning with the identification of granting sources.

27. Initiative # 11
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Response Capabilities
Ensure that your fire department has and uses appropriate tools, equipment and procedures:
Meets appropriate standards
Current technology
Properly inspected and maintained
Used as intended
Ensure that every member is capable of performing all expected duties:
Training KSAs Professional qualifications Certifications (re-certifications) Performance evaluation
Response Policies
Establish an automatic downgrade of response based on conditions upon arrival.
Downgrade the automatic response of excessive apparatus to low risk incidents.
Develop a hot-cold response policy based upon empirical data.
National standards for emergency response policies and procedures should be developed and championed.

28. What Initiative #11 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #11 Means
National Standards for emergency response policies and procedures should be developed. At the local level, departments may have to increase response times to “arrive alive.”
Help to adopt safe driving rules and enforce them.
Secure loose objects in cabs and on vehicles.
Respond to emergencies using emergency response SOPs; no red lights and sirens to routine calls.
Make sure all vehicles meet current safety standards.
MOST IMPORTANT: MANDATE SEAT BELT USE!

29. National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Initiative # 12
National protocols for response to violent incidents (including terrorism) should be developed and championed.
Ky. Firefighter Killed, Second
Wounded in Shooting at Scene
of Domestic 'Worst Nightmare': Domestic Dispute Call Turns to Tragedy
Memphis: Firefighting Presents More Dangers Than Just Fire
Implementation
Develop policy to “stage” – remove the pressure to act.
Radio procedures to alert other responders or the dispatch agency of the violent situation.
Develop fundamental rules of engagement – “go” or “no go”
How would you treat a known terror event differently then a “typical’ fire ?
Six Firefighters Shot, Injured in Indiana Violence
All Remain Hospitalized, One Seriously

30. What Initiative #12 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #12 Means
Fire and EMS workers deserve to have policies which will reduce their exposure to all threats of violence.
Promote policies to “stage” violent incident responses, removing the pressure to react immediately. SOPs should include “GO” and “No-GO” criteria.
Learn all you can about responding to terrorist incidents, regardless of your department’s size or proximity to predicted targets.

31. National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Initiative # 13
Firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support
Implementation
Do not lose sight of the fact that Firefighting is stressful.
“Toughing it out” will likely lead to a bad result
Include “stress awareness” in Basic FF I training
Ensure services are available and accessible to all firefighters
Utilize CISD Teams

32. What Initiative #13 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #13 Means
Firefighting is a high-risk occupation which, from time to time, can put the employee and his or her family under extreme stress. They deserve access to mental health care.
If you are feeling stress (depression / anxiety or physical symptoms) seek help from physicians, EAP counselors, and religious or other sources.
Don’t “tough it out”; this could lead to bad results for you and your family.
Stress-awareness should be part of firefighter training at all levels.
Help a buddy you see struggling with stress-related problems.

33. Initiative # 14
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Public education must receive more resources and be championed as a critical fire and life safety program
Implementation
Reduce Incidents
Reduce Risks
Public Education
Code adoption and enforcement
Residential sprinklers
Make communicating the fire prevention message to the community a priority.
Utilize USFA Prevention resources
Apply for a Fire Act Grant or seek a corporate sponsor

34. What Initiative #14 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #14 Means
Public Education is a responsibility of all fire service personnel. It should not be reserved for one week in October. Increased civilian awareness will decrease firefighter risks.
Make communicating the fire prevention message to the community a priority.
Utilize USFA resources and materials—they are free and excellent.
Become an ambassador for community safety in your church, children's’ schools, volunteer groups, etc.
Become an advocate for code adoption & enforcement .

35. Initiative # 15
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Advocacy must be strengthened for the enforcement of codes and the installation of home fire sprinklers
Implementation
Ensure all firefighters understand how sprinkler systems operate and the value the bring to reducing Line of Duty Death’s
Actively advocate the installation of sprinklers systems

36. What Initiative #15 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #15 Means
The widespread use of residential sprinklers will improve outcomes for civilians and decrease firefighter injuries and LODDs.
Ensure all firefighters understand how sprinkler systems operate and the value they bring to reducing Line of Duty Deaths.
Actively advocate for residential sprinkler laws and widespread adoption.
If you build a home, consider the installation of a sprinkler system—lead by example.

37. Initiative # 16
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Safety must be a primary consideration in the design of apparatus and equipment.
Ensure systems meet necessary interoperability requirements
Include start-of-the-art recommendation (NFPA) in specifications for equipment
Does every vehicle meet current design standards for safety?
Has every vehicle been inspected … and passed?
Do we have criteria for taking vehicles out of service?
Do we ensure that all new vehicles incorporate every safety feature?

38. What Initiative #16 Means
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
What Initiative #16 Means
Encourage your department to make “safety” the highest priority in equipment and apparatus purchases — as high as design and price.
Form an apparatus committee and help set your department’s policies on equipment and apparatus purchases.
Read professional journals and attend conferences where new innovations in apparatus and equipment are demonstrated.
Learn NFPA standard 1901 regarding apparatus safety standards.

39. Self-Evaluation Summary
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Is Your Department on the path to a Line of Duty Death ?
Do you know what the path looks like ?

40. Does it Look Like this? More Accidents Criminal Charges Incarceration
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
More Accidents
Criminal Charges
Incarceration
Civilian casualty
Firefighter casualties
Older & Heavier
Stiff versus Flexible
High Cholesterol versus Low
Insulin versus Non Insulin
Experience Exchange versus Early Death

41. Watch the videos in the Firefighter Life Safety Resource Kit
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
IF YOUR DEPARTMENT IS ON THE ROAD TO A
LINE OF DUTY DEATH YOU CAN BEGIN TODAY TO CHANGE THE ROAD YOU’RE ON:
Watch the videos in the Firefighter Life Safety Resource Kit
Conduct an organizational assessment and implement changes
Encourage and reward positive changes toward safety

42. Make a Commitment TODAY… Become an ADVOCATE for the
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation - Courage To Be Safe So Everyone Goes Home
Make a Commitment TODAY…
Become an ADVOCATE for the
16 FIREFIGHTER LIFE SAFETY INITIATIVES
For more information on the
Courage To Be Safe…So Everyone Goes Home program