Fairfax, Va., October 20, 2006... The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the Department of Homeland Security's United States Fire Administration (USFA) announce the release of a Guide to Model Policies and Procedures for Emergency Vehicle Safety. This innovative, web-based educational program is aimed at reducing the impact of vehicle related incidents on the fire service and the communities they protect. The guide provides in-depth information for developing policies and procedures required to support the safe and effective operation of all fire and emergency vehicles, as well as privately-owned vehicles, which are the leading cause of volunteer firefighter on-duty fatalities responding and returning to emergencies.
"The IAFC understands the challenges faced by fire departments with respect to emergency vehicle safety," stated IAFC President James B. Harmes. "We hope that you find the tools and resources provided in this comprehensive guide developed in partnership with the USFA of benefit to improving the safety, health, and survival of firefighters and the citizens they serve."
This program is a result of a partnership between the IAFC and the USFA related to the Emergency Vehicle Safety Initiative, a USFA project developed to reduce the number of firefighters killed while responding to or returning from emergencies.
"Vehicle crashes remain the second leading cause of on-duty firefighter deaths," said Charlie Dickinson, USFA Acting Administrator. "We are proud to work with the IAFC to develop information for fire service leadership to enhance the safety of the fire service. Vehicle accidents terminate the mission of all firefighters to arrive first, and then assist individuals needing emergency help. A firefighter that does not get to the scene safely, helps no one."
The Guide to Model Policies and Procedures for Emergency Vehicle Safety and related program resources are available on the IAFC Web site at: www.iafc.org/vehiclesafety. Further information about this program, as well as other USFA efforts in emergency vehicle safety, may be found on the USFA Web site at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/research/safety/vehicle.shtm.
