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Robert P. Avsec

Fire Officer Safety

Battalion Chief Robert Avsec (ret.) served with the Chesterfield (Virginia) Fire & EMS Department for 26 years. He was an instructor for fire, EMS and hazardous materials courses at the local, state and federal levels, which included more than 10 years with the National Fire Academy. Chief Avsec earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and his master’s degree in executive fire service leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is a 2001 graduate of the National Fire Academy’s EFO Program. Beyond his writing for FireRescue1.com and FireChief.com, Avsec authors the blog Talking “Shop” 4 Fire & EMS and has published his first book, “Successful Transformational Change in a Fire and EMS Department: How a Focused Team Created a Revenue Recovery Program in Six Months From Scratch.” Connect with Avsec on LinkedIn or via email.

LATET ARTICLES
They are the mortar that holds emergency response together, and knowing how to work with dispatch will boost firefighter effectiveness and safety
When it comes to low-frequency incidents like hazmat response, having a grasp of the basics can make all the difference in a safe outcome
Most of the firefighting risks we face should be extinct; they’ve survived off inconsistent and conflicting messages about safe behavior
Roadsides are among the most dangerous environments firefighters and medics enter; here are ways to keep your crew safe on scene
Roadways are high-risk environments for firefighters; the company officer’s actions can be a deciding factor in firefighter safety
It may seem like a bunch of bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo, but ignoring in station hazardous materials can bring stiff fines
A complete firefighter rescue includes EMS activities; here’s what on-scene commanders need to know for all downed-firefighter operations to work
Take these steps to identify, treat and prevent cold-related injuries and illnesses as the weather turns foul
While firefighters are responsible for their own safety, the company officer has a great deal of influence over their behaviors
Knowing the roles of different on-scene leaders will help the tactical officer keep the crew safe