USFA, IAFF, Drexel University Partner to Research Violence Against Responders

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is partnering on a project with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Drexel University in Philadelphia to research the occurrences and effects of violence against firefighters and EMS responders.

The study will examine the circumstances surrounding these acts and determine ways to mitigate workplace/on-duty incidents of violence against responders. The study will also provide examples of current best practices where they exist.

In the past several weeks, there have been multiple incidents of violence directed at responders including a Tulsa paramedic struck in the head and nearly stabbed by a patent she was treating, a Michigan fire station hit by bullets, and three Ohio firefighters held hostage, at gun point, at a brush fire.

In Detroit, two EMTs were stabbed at an emergency scene and nearly died and in Idaho, firefighters were confronted by an upset rancher who was armed.

“Firefighters and EMS responders are often called to incidents where they can be exposed to violence,” said United States Fire Administrator, Ernest Mitchell. “USFA is pleased to work with the IAFF and Drexel University on this this study to provide critical and up-to-date information on how to enhance the safety of firefighters and paramedics in dealing with this violence.”

“We need to understand the prevalence of attacks on firefighters and EMS personnel so that we can better determine how to stop them before they occur and mitigate the physical and psychological effects on our members after the fact,” said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “The IAFF is honored to work with USFA and Drexel University on this important project.”

This initiative supports USFA’s goal of reducing on-duty firefighter fatalities.

Further information on USFA’s efforts which support fire service operations and tactics may be found on the USFA Web site at: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/operations/.

For more information about the IAFF, visit www.iaff.org.