Common Themes Emerge from National LODD Prevention Summit

NOVATO, CALIF. - Though the domains were varied, common themes emerged during the second National Line-of-Duty Death Prevention Summit held here this past weekend.

Enhanced data collection, thorough death and injury investigations and tougher stances against departments that don't promote safety were among the issues that surfaced during the sessions.

"It's a phenomenal feat to stay focused and maintained on this topic," said Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, addressing the 225 fire service stakeholders who participated in the summit. "I applaud you for your outstanding commitment."

During the initial summit in 2004, officials came up with recommendations now referred to as 16 Life Safety Initiatives. Many things have happened since then. Training programs have been established, the message has been shared at various national conferences and every fire department in the United States received a kit containing various tools such as Powerpoint presentations and videos to promote life-saving practices.

The goal of the Everyone Goes Home program is to reduce the number of firefighter deaths by 25 percent in the next five years, and 50 percent within 10.

The mission of the 225 participants - career and volunteer personnel as well as representatives of all major fire service organizations - was to come up with an action plan. "There's a need for a culture change in the fire service. But, that's not going to be easy?" said Dennis Compton, NFFF vice-chairman. "The people here are passionate, intense"

People were assigned to groups based on their expertise. The domains included health and wellness, prevention, structural, wildland, vehicles and training and research.

After identifying specific issues, they came up with recommended actions as well as possible resources. The suggestions will be compiled, and a single report will be written. Siarnicki said participants will receive a draft for comment in a few months.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

• Every fire department should implement a no tobacco use policy.
• Obtain vital signs on crew members on a regular basis, possibly at the beginning of the shift.
• Every fire department must have a medical screening/fitness program in place.
• DHS should establish criteria that only departments that have a medical program will be considered for grants.
• Firefighters' mental health also should be monitored, and counseling services should be available.

PREVENTION

• Public education and fire prevention should be included in fire department mission statements.
• A data collection system should be established, and incidents should receive a thorough investigation.
• Every firefighter should have training in public education and fire prevention.
• Personnel responsible for code enforcement should possess proper credentials.

STRUCTURAL

• Stop rewarding unsafe behavior regardless of the outcome.
• Define responsibilities of every position.
• Challenge the definition of "hero."
• Teach firefighters the legal ramifications of engaging in unsafe practices.

WILDLAND

• Fire service administrators will make sure personnel are familiar with all the safety programs.
• Fitness programs should be established.
• Encourage firefighters to speak out.
• Participate in Fire Fighter Near Miss Program.

TRAINING AND RESEARCH

• Create a national data collection center.
• Provide chief with training to effectively communicate needs of the department to government officials.
• Firefighter death and injuries should be discussed on company level.
• Everyone should be held accountable for their actions, and the chief officers must lead by example.

VEHICLES

• Make safety a core value by supporting LACK (Leadership, Accountability, Communication and Knowledge).
• Require initial and refresher training for drivers.
• Champion the use of seatbelts.
• A best practices document for the fire service should be developed.

Related Links