It's Fire, EMS Safety and Health Week

The 2012 Fire, EMS Safety and Health Week is underway and local authorities are taking advantage of what the event has to offer.

“During Safety Week, all Forsyth County firefighters will be training on the objectives outlined as a part of this initiative," said Capt. Jason Shivers of the FCFD in a press release. "It is important to note, however, that our daily response will in no way be impacted. Responding to the citizens’ request for assistance will, of course, remain job number one.”

The theme for Safety and Health Week this year is “Rules You Can Live By.” The effort captures the importance of responders taking care of themselves both on and off the emergency incident scene.

“Safety is, without question, a priority of the,” said Fire Chief Danny Bowman. “While rendering assistance to those in need during times of an emergency, our profession requires that we respond aggressively and efficiently. We recognize that such response must also, of course, be carried out in a safe manner. Initiatives such as Safety and Health Week underscore our commitment to doing so.”

With heart attacks the leading cause of on-duty firefighter fatalities; around 81,000 firefighters injured each year; and a number of safety and health concerns facing first responders every day, it is especially important that each responder is prepared in every way when they answer each call for assistance, according to the FCFD.

Safety and Health Week provides a time for all department members to focus on the safety and health measures they need to take both on and off duty to make sure they stay strong and ready to serve the community at a moment’s notice. The event brings together the entire fire service community to help prevent line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

The event is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and is supported by a network of fire service, health and safety organizations.