During the 2016 Safety Stand Down, fire departments are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activity in order to focus on training and education related to this year’s theme: “The First 5 Minutes – Stretching the Initial Hose Line, Putting Water on the Fire.” An entire week is provided to ensure all shifts and duty crew can participate.
The goal of Safety Stand Down is to reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths in the fire and emergency services. Find additional information on Safety Stand Down.
This initiative focuses on the critical importance of responders taking care of themselves both on and off the emergency incident scene. The week is designed to increase awareness and action so that safety and health become a priority in all fire departments.
As part of the week activities, check back here daily for discussion points to address with your crews.
Monday: Do you take unnecessary risks? Safety begins with each firefighter or emergency medical responder taking personal responsibility to not take unnecessary risks and work as safely as possible.
Tuesday: Using the right tools for the job. When undertaking any task, use the right tool for the job. Accidents happen quite often when the wrong, or inappropriate tool, is used during a firefighting, rescue or emergency medical task.
Wednesday: Don't forget your PPE. Those first few minutes after arrival may be critical to successful fire operations, but taking action without assuring you have, and are using, personal protective equipment (PPE) may result in a problem for you. PPE is your friend. Wear it – completely!
Thursday: Before advancing the hoseline ... Be aware of your surroundings! Situational awareness plays a major role in achieving successful outcomes. Advise the officer if you see or hear something they need to be aware of because they may not see it.
Friday: Safety officers, you are important! Safety officers play a critical role at an incident scene. Often, we become hurried to get a task done in those early moments of arrival, however, the safety officer is there to observe and help the officers manage the scene. Pay attention to their guidance.
http://www.vfis.com/fire-ems-news-2016/ID/1326/Safety-Stand-Down-Make-safety-and-health-a-priority