Fire Policies
Policies are the foundation for all operations in the fire service. From apparatus backing to anti-retaliation, policies set expectations, provide guidance, and protect firefighters and fire departments. This section highlights how fire department policies play out in the real world, while also connecting you with best practices for drafting, updating and ensuring accountability with policies.
Carroll County Fire & EMS had file cabinets with outdated information before they began using software from Lexipol
The FirstNet Health and Wellness Coalition leads efforts to enhance first responder mental wellness through comprehensive strategies and policy changes
Live fire training must be managed with rigorous preparation and adherence to regulations
Members who were previously terminated over the rule have the option to reapply for a position at the department
I know Memphis Fire, and while the inactions of three members should not reflect on the entire FD, we must learn from these fatal errors
EMTs Robert Long and JaMicheal Sandridge “failed to conduct an adequate patient assessment of Mr. Nichols,” according to a FD statement
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Rebecca Knick, wife of Hampton Fire Lt. Eric Knick, raised the issue after an incident where he sustained burns and was treated, but she was not notified
The Westfield crewmembers say they were fired for reporting allegations of sexual harassment by the chief; city attorneys say they broke rules
The best grooming policies are grounded in fairness, inclusion, professionalism and safety
Talk to anyone who has spent time in a burn unit, and it’s clear why the suspenders are needed
Competency and discipline are distinct issues, but they often become intertwined for a number of reasons
Is your IC truly prepared, ready and able to execute on the fireground?
The firefighters and EMS providers are also seeking damages they say they are owed from having to work desk jobs, which pay less, for 18 months
Scott Martin, an Air Force veteran who worked at the Buffalo Fire Department for 12 years, said he uses cannabis to treat PTSD and pain
While most firefighters are aware of HIPAA laws, members should also be aware of department policies involving private or confidential information
Public information officer: The firefighter should have worn “a uniform shirt or department-approved and issued t-shirt,” not one with a political message
Projecting a professional presence can help negate instances of negative behavior
Determining what gear can be reasonably expected to survive and for how long is still subject to interpretation
County attorneys will draw up new regulations, policies and additional training courses for first responders
Cell phone photos taken by law enforcement officers after the Route 91 Harvest music festival shooting were being spread the same night
In this tip, risk management expert Gordon Graham encourages first responders to be smart about their use of cell phones while on duty
The public shouldn’t have to roll the dice about their emergency services, wondering who’s going to show up
In this tip from risk expert Gordon Graham, he explains the community benefits of an active fire department social media presence
Chesterfield Fire and EMS released findings from its internal investigation, and NIOSH is continuing its inquiry
It all comes down to proper fit and use, post-incident reviews, and policies and procedures
Even if we haven’t done so ourselves, we certainly know someone who has – and yet we ignore this blatantly obvious issue
Listen and watch as Gordon Graham underlines the importance of first responders seeking early treatment as soon as mental health symptoms appear
Greg Zimmerman says fellow firefighters said he should not have worn Wentworth gear in Ukraine, but the chief says that’s not the problem
The poll of nearly 700 FireRescue1 readers addressed opinions on medical marijuana use in states where it is already legal
The best way to avoid analysis-paralysis during an MCI is to ‘get some of your thinking out of the way’ beforehand
The patient had recently moved to an address that was flagged as a threat due to a previous resident, the lawsuit claims
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