Fire and EMS Responders Learning Tactics to Prevent Violent Attacks on the Job

WASHINGTON, DC—Fire fighters and emergency medical workers are trained to respond swiftly to emergencies, risking their own safety to protect citizens from injury and death. Too often, that risk includes violent attacks against them while they are doing their jobs.  

Now, fire and EMS workers are learning tactics to prevent on-the-clock attacks and diffuse volatile situations through two courses, a collaborative effort between the IAFF and the Center for Firefighter Injury Research and Safety Trends (FIRST Center) at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health.  

• Workplace Violence Prevention for First Responders introduces concepts of workplace violence focusing on prevention policies, de-escalation strategies, and steps to take after a violent encounter, such as reporting and seeking help.  
• Practical Strategies for Safety provides approaches to preventing workplace violence. The course module includes workplace violence prevention solutions, examples, and resources to help first responders stay on the job. 

According to the FIRST Center, which tracks media coverage of such incidents, assaults on fire fighters and EMS providers are on the rise. Most fire and EMS responders experience an act of verbal or physical violence at least once in their careers. For some, these dangerous incidents happen so regularly that they begin to be accepted as part of the job. 

“Fire fighters and paramedics will always answer a cry for help. No matter who needs help or why, they are coming,” said IAFF General President Edward Kelly. “But they also need practical tools and tactics to protect themselves from an alarming number of physical and verbal attacks while doing their jobs. The IAFF looks forward to partnering with the FIRST Center to keep fire fighters and emergency medical workers safe.” 

 
ABOUT THE IAFF  

The International Association of Fire Fighters is the driving force behind every advance in fire and emergency services in the 21st century. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa, Ontario, the IAFF represents more than 353,000 professional fire fighters and EMS professionals. Its members protect more than 85 percent of the population throughout the U.S. and Canada.