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.
With the right training and direction, rapid intervention should never be a dull assignment
Understanding liability issues regarding patient transport, confined-space assistance and emergency intersection entry
Fire departments and individual members can take several measures to make cold weather operations safer and more comfortable
We want firefighters who are willing to take risks, even if that means the occasional fail
Well-crafted fire policies are in the best interest of your department and will help reduce risks to the organization and its members
The more we get jammed up, the more we lose organizational trust, public trust ... and insurance coverage
No loss of time due to an injury from falling out of your rig is acceptable, and certainly not a loss of life
NIOSH reports are a good place to start when making your case
When good people get involved in high risk, low-frequency events, you are much more likely to make a mistake; ongoing training is key
If you don’t believe public safety personnel should be held to a higher standard, please go back to class
A well-written strategic plan will provide awareness of what’s going on in your specific environment
The risk management expert says too many firefighters are unaware of the issues facing the entire industry
Tulsa firefighters’ union has been reviewing the use of marijuana for pain relief for several years
In advance of Stand Down week, Lexipol has released updated Fire Procedures that address several issues involved with lithium-ion batteries
A simple policy shop for police has grown into a comprehensive suite of operational and wellness solutions for first responders
Each call for service is unique; the only way you can thoroughly investigate every call you go to is to slow down
Chesterfield FD’s PIO Steve Frischling faced two counts of “unauthorized taking or transmission by first responders of images of crime or accident victims”
Detailing the data collection and technical assistance tool that recipients of federal funding from DHS are now required to complete
Your fire department has invested in the power; now it’s time to show off responsible use of the new technology
The settlement sum aims to resolve the remaining claims in a lawsuit over deputies and firefighters sharing photos of the NBA star’s fatal helicopter crash
“We can’t plan for everything, but with the right people, policies, training, and supervision in place we can best handle whatever may come our way”
Firefighters and paramedics often take images on calls. How long should such images be retained, and why?
We have to train company officers how to deal with these issues
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
The big stories, hot takes and moments that moved us from the month
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?
MOST POPULAR
- USFA: Tracking changes at the agency during a presidential transfer of power
- Past disasters drive advances in fire safety
- Seat belts in the fire service: No excuse for noncompliance
- Firefighter grooming standards: An evolving policy issue
- Turnout gear service life: Will we ever have clear ‘keep or retire’ guidelines?