First responders are faced with a myriad of stressors that go beyond what the general population may experience. The phrase “fit for duty” for first responders has historically only accounted for good physical health for the duties related to one’s job. However, recent evidence-based research indicates that maintaining one’s behavioral health is equally important. The…
Category: safety
Station Workout With FF Knotts
FF Knotts has been creating some great videos on different workout routines and he would like to share them with the rest of the Dept. Check them out below! This post will be pinned to the top and updated anytime a new video gets shared. Special thanks to FF Jared Knotts for allowing the use…
New Wellness Clinics
Brothers and Sisters, Attached you will find information on the new Wellness clinics being provided by the City. Please print and distribute accordingly. It is recommended that you call and make an appointment. You should also ask about any policies related to COVID-19 before going. Make sure to mention that you’re a City employee. You…
Preventing Suicide Among First Responders
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. The highest rate is among middle-aged white men. Suicide numbers among first responders are much worse. The Ruderman White Paper on Mental Health and Suicide of First Responder states that firefighters and law enforcement officers are more likely to die…
Heat Safety
Few occupations stress the human body to the degree experienced in the Fire Service. In an effort to overcome some environmental and thermal stressors, the Health & Safety Division is advising the importance of staying hydrated and utilizing active cooling to help overcome and prevent Heat Stress Injuries. Here are some tips to help fight these…
Safety Stand-Down 2020
Building a Superhighway to Safety – Protecting our Responders on Roadways Taking place each year during the third week of June, Safety Stand-Down highlights critical safety, health, and survival issues for the fire and emergency services. Departments and personnel are asked to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week to focus their attention on safety…
Wellconnect June 2020
Avoid Aggressive Driving Celebrate National Safety Month by putting the brakes on aggressive driving. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research shows that aggressive driving plays a role in 56% of fatal crashes. Aggressive driving is the operation of a motor vehicle that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.” (Road rage is a…
How Nutrition and Exercise Support Mental Health and Work-Life Balance
By Dr. Donnie Hutchinson Mental health concerns for firefighters are significantly greater than the general population. Less than one in five people suffer from mental health issues in the general population and the fire service industry rates of mental health issues are significantly higher.1 The intent of this article is to focus on how a…
Eating Healthy During COVID-19
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives. Exercise, good nutrition and stress management are all critical for fire fighters and emergency medical personnel to stay well and continue to help in this current situation. Healthy eating is especially important for keeping your immune system in top condition. With a little thought…
Interim Guidance for EMS from CDC on COVID-19
By FF Scruggs You probably have already read this but just incase you did you should check it out This guidance applies to all first responders, including law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, and emergency management officials, who anticipate close contact with persons with confirmed or possible COVID-19 in the course of their work….
EP FireWire 