Protect Your Heart with New Resources from the NVFC
February 10, 2026
Being a firefighter is rewarding and impactful, but it also comes with risks. Heart attack is the leading cause of on-duty firefighter deaths each year. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has released new resources to help firefighters understand and manage their heart-health risks and make positive changes so they can keep doing the important work they love.
New resources include:
- The Heart-Healthy Firefighter Resource Guide, filled with information and practical strategies to focus on your heart health.
- Functional Fitness Videos to help prepare your body for the demanding work of a firefighter.
- Sleep Video to emphasize the importance of proper sleep for overall health and performance.
- Posters and Stickers that can be used at the station to motivate responders to follow best practices for heart health.
These resources are part of the NVFC’s Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, which launched in 2003 to combat the alarming trend of heart disease in the fire service through education, awareness, and resources. The program also offers resources and training for creating a department health and fitness program, smoking cessation, building a psychologically healthy fire department, firefighter physicals, and more.
Protecting others starts with protecting your heart. Learn what you can do to keep yours strong at www.healthy-firefighter.org.
