By Kevin D. Quinn, NVFC Chairman I recently attended two funerals for firefighters who died in the line of duty. As with every tragedy when we lose a brother or sister, my heart went out to the family, department and community that now must deal with the loss and figure…
Read moreFirefighting is a hazardous profession and firefighters suffer workplace injury at a higher rate than most U.S. workers. Decreased physical fitness is associated with injuries to firefighters. In an effort to decrease injuries and compensation claims/costs, the Tucson Fire Department piloted a Probationary Firefighter Fitness (PFF-Fit) program in 2012-2013 during…
Read moreData shows that approximately 73,000 firefighter injuries occur each year in the U.S. In addition, about 100 firefighters are killed in the line-of-duty each year. Creating a culture that emphasizes safety and health is critical to protecting our nation’s firefighters and emergency responders. A culture of safety will result in…
Read moreResearchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) are conducting a study to help volunteer firefighters/emergency responders and their loved ones learn more about healthy eating to minimize the risk of developing serious chronic diseases. The program will offer…
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By Past Chief Brian F. McQueen, FASNY Director Somewhere in the U.S., there are two young volunteer firefighters who have become great friends through the fire service. They enjoy the brotherhood and elation of helping others on their worst days. Sadly, statistics have shown that one of these dedicated firefighters…
Read moreWorking in high temperatures increases the risk of suffering a heart attack, researchers have said. The study may explain why heart disease is the leading cause of death among on-duty firefighters, the researchers from the University of Edinburgh said. Firefighter Simon McNally, who was physically fit, had a heart attack…
Read moreApril is National Cancer Control Month, and now is a great opportunity to evaluate what you and your department can do to protect yourselves from firefighter cancer. Many studies show that firefighters contract cancer at higher rates than the rest of the population. Taking the proper safety precautions is critical…
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