NFPA Launches Firefighter Health and Safety Video Contest
April 2, 2012
Videos to be used as resource in reducing fireground injuries
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) are co-sponsoring NFPA’s first Fire Service Video Contest. Career firefighters, volunteer firefighters, fire department employees, and fire service members are invited to submit an informative video which highlights their fire company operationally demonstrating firefighter health and safety. For more information and a list of official rules, visit www.nfpa.org/fireservicecontest.
According to NFPA, there were 73 firefighter deaths in 2010. This same year, 71,875 firefighter injuries occurred, 32,675 of which occurred during fireground operations. Firefighter health and safety are key principles of NFPA, and these educational videos will provide training tips and information that will help promote firefighter safety and well-being.
The contest will utilize the theme of International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week (June 17-23), which is “Rules You Can Live By.” The weeklong observance of safety and health is a joint initiative of NVFC and IAFC which is run in collaboration with more than 20 national and international fire and emergency organizations, including NFPA.
Members of the fire service can submit their company-level videos demonstrating the safe practices of any of the IAFC’s Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival and Incident Commanders and the NVFC’s Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Health. While any of the Rules may be used as the subject of each video, the following are a focus for NFPA due to their ability to help in promoting an increased awareness of safety and health. These rules are:
Safety:
- Determine the occupant survival profile.
- Maintain continuous awareness of your air supply, situation, location, and fire conditions.
- Ensure accurate accountability of every firefighter’s location and status.
Health:
- Take steps towards meeting NFPA health standards, such as NFPA 1500.
- Set S.M.A.R.T. goals for your health action plan – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.
- Rehab after all physical activity – stay hydrated.
These videos will serve as a resource to the fire service that NFPA will share with fire departments to assist them in reducing fireground injuries as part of local training efforts. NFPA, IAFC, and NVFC will select finalists based on the best safety and health video content, as well as the creativity and enthusiasm they show in making the video.
The deadline for video submissions is May 11, 2012. NFPA, IAFC, and NVFC will choose four finalists and voting will be open to the public. The contest winner will be announced on June 12, 2012 during the Fire Service Section Reception at the 2012 NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. The department with the winning video will receive a set of NFPA public fire protection standards, an Apple iPad, and a $250 iTunes gift card to be used for training purposes and access to NFPA mobile applications.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world’s leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally, and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
About the National Volunteer Fire Council
The NVFC is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable tools, resources, programs, and advocacy for first responders across the nation.
About the National Fire Protection Association
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.
