Fire + EMS Operations

Explore by category: Fire + EMS Operations
DOCUMENT

Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement

Outlines the importance of QA/QI processes in EMS to ensure high standards of patient care and safety.

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Modified/Downgraded Response Practices

Action items to consider when implementing modified response practices

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EMS Refusal Checklist (Spanish)

This can help you record situations where a patient refuses treatment or transport. (Spanish version)

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DOCUMENT

Using Retired Emergency Vehicles as Blocking Vehicles

Operating on a roadway is dangerous and poses many obstacles and concerns for responders. One way for responders to protect themselves is by using a blocking vehicle to protect the scene.

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Weapons in the Workplace

Sample guidelines to help prevent workplace violence and weapon use.

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Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Program Development & Implementation

Best practices and procedures to help you launch a successful drone program.

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Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Operation Suggestions 2021

Drone compliance requirements from the Federal Aviation Administration.

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Traffic Control Safety Checklist

Use this checklist to document your safety measures during roadway response incidents.

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Tips to Complying with PA Volunteer Firefighter Relief Association Requirements

Assistance to help you avoid common compliance issues with the VFRA Program.

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Telehealth: Cybersecurity Considerations

Telehealth data privacy and security concerns and ways to help mitigate the risks.

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Summer Safety: How Not to Overheat

Tips to help protect your team from heat exhaustion during warmer-weather.

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Sexual Harassment: Guidelines, Procedures + Sample Policy

Best practices and sample policy to help create a harassment-free environment.

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Sexual Abuse & Misconduct: Protecting Minors

Suggestions to help protect minors and your organization from sexual abuse risks.

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Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Inspection Log

This log can help your crew inspect their SCBA and ensure it's providing breathable air.

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Securing EMS Stations + Vehicles

Consider these steps to help ensure your station and ambulances are secure.

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Sample: Sexual Abuse and Misconduct Prevention Policy

A sample policy to help educate your team on this risk and your organization's policies.

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Safety Officer Policy Role + Responsibilities

This document provides an overview of the role and responsibilities of safety officers.

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Sample Workplace Wrongdoing + Whistleblower Policy

Educate your team on the importance of reporting wrongdoings and how to do so.

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Sample Safety Committee By-Laws

Sample bylaws to help showcase the vital role and responsibilities of committee members.

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Risk Management for EMS and the Ambulance Transportation Industry

This booklet shares recommendations for an EMS risk management and safety program.

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Rental Agreements

Ways you can help reduce your liability risks when renting out your ESO facilities.

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Public Service Calls: Response Practices

Why public service calls can be misleading and best practices to help reduce your risks.

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Protecting Portable Equipment

Tips help protect and secure your portable equipment.

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Protecting ESO Finanes

Tips to help emergency service organizations manage and protect their financial assets.

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DOCUMENT

Pregnancy Discrimination and Accommodations

What leaders should know about discrimination and accommodation laws involving pregnancy.

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DOCUMENT

Personnel File: Personal Contact + Information Sheet

This printable personnel file can help you maintain important member-specific information.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Inspection Checklist

This simple checklist can help your team inspect their PPE.

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Personal Injury/Illness Investigation Report

A sample form to help you document key aspects of work-related injuries and illnesses.

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Patient Refusal Information Sheet (Spanish)

A sample form to present and sign during patient refusal situations. (Spanish version)

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Patient Refusal Information Sheet

A sample form to present during patient refusal situations and have all parties sign.

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DOCUMENT

Patient Handling Logistics for Bariatric Patients

Ways help reduce your risks and risks to patients during bariatric operations.

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Patient Handling

Risk factors and recommendations to help address this daily safety concern.

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Patient Care Documentation

This program discusses the importance of documentation and best practices to consider.

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DOCUMENT

NFPA 1720 Self Assessment Manual

A worksheet to help you assess your current training requirements.

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Membership Roster Form

This printable roster can help your department maintain important personnel records.

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Medical Miranda Card

Printable patient refusal rights and information card (available in English and Spanish).

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DOCUMENT

Media + Public Relations Tips

Tips for interacting with the media in day-to-day and crisis situations.

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DOCUMENT

Managing Liability Risks with Certificates of Insurance

How COIs can be used to help manage contractual risk when working with third parties.

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DOCUMENT

Managing Fatigue in EMS Operations

This article discusses fatigue, its associatesd risks and how to help combat it in your EMS agency.

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Managing Contracts

Tips to help your organization review, evaluate and maintain contracts with third parties.

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Long Distance Transport: Managing EMS Fatigue

How to help address fatigue and crewmember strain during long transports.

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DOCUMENT

Live Fire Training Checklist

Tips to help you address the liability and safety concerns of live fire trainings.

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DOCUMENT

Liquor Liability Risks at Firehouse Events

How to help limit your liability risks when alcohol is served at your facility.

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DOCUMENT

Leadership 101

This booklet defines leadership and discusses best practices for fire service leaders.

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DOCUMENT

Junior Member Programs Policy Outline

Considerations to help protect your junior members, adult advisors and organization.

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DOCUMENT

Is Your Website ADA Compliant?

How to help ensure that your website is accessible to all citizens in your community.

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DOCUMENT

Investigating Workplace Misconduct

Steps to help you investigate harassment, theft and other workplace wrongdoing events.

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DOCUMENT

Infectious Exposure Form

A sample form to help you document key aspects of infectious exposures.

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DOCUMENT

Incident & Near Miss Investigation: A guide for Emergency Service Organizations

A guide to developing and utilizing a near miss program to help address your unique risks.

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Incident Exposure Form

A sample form to help you document key aspects of incident exposures.

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DOCUMENT

Hose Securement

Suggestions to properly secure hoses and help prevent potentially devasting incidents.

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Hose Loading Policies

Considerations for when hose loading operators should be permitted to ride on apparatus.

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Highway Incident Safety

Steps to help improve your level of safety during highway response incidents.

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Forcible Entry Considerations

Tips to help standardize your policies and procedures for gaining access to structures.

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DOCUMENT

Fitness Center Policies and Procedures

Guidelines to help members remain safe while utilizing fitness equipment or facilities.

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DOCUMENT

Fireworks Displays

Best practices and safety checklist to help ensure safe firework festivities.

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DOCUMENT

Firefighting Foam

Ways to help your department reduce the risks and liability concerns of Class B foams.

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DOCUMENT

ESO Disaster Planning + Business Continuity

Detailed booklet to help emergency service organizations plan for disasters.

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DOCUMENT

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Overview

What you should know if there's an EEOC charge lodged against your organization.

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DOCUMENT

EMS Refusal Checklist

This can help you record situations where a patient refuses treatment or transport.

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EMS Event Standby Agreements

This bulletin can help your agency review standby requests and create written agreements.

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DOCUMENT

Employment Practices Liability (EPL) Self-Assessment

A questionnaire to help assess your employment practices and policies.

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DOCUMENT

Employment Practice Exposure - Firefighter Position Description

How to create or modify your firefighter job descriptions to follow best practices.

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DOCUMENT

Employment Practice Exposure - EMT Position Description

How to create or modify your EMS job descriptions to follow best practices.

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DOCUMENT

Driver Selection Criteria using MVRs

How you can use motor vehicle reports to help you select and utilize the best drivers.

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DOCUMENT

Emergency Vehicle Accident/Loss Investigation Report

A printable form to record key incident details and assess situations for root causes.

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DOCUMENT

Emergency Communications Center Staffing

Considerations and variables to help guide your staffing levels and requirements.

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DOCUMENT

Electronic Communication Use Policies

Policies to help prevent technology abuse and reduce exposure to personnel-related claims.

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DOCUMENT

Education Methodology for Emergency Services

A manual dedicated to helping instructors train more effectively.

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DOCUMENT

Drug and Alcohol Policies for ESOs

Examples of guidelines and policies to help mitigate substance abuse and related risks.

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DOCUMENT

Documenting Cell Phone Communication during EMS reponse

How you can help ensure your cell phone communication is properly documented.

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DOCUMENT

Culture Change: Communication is the Key

How your organization can adjust your culture to help promote a safer environment.

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DOCUMENT

Crisis Planning

Best practices to help organizations prepare for, respond to and recover from a crisis.

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DOCUMENT

Conversion Vehicles: Selection and Design

What to consider when selecting or designing a conversion vehicle.

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DOCUMENT

Conversion and Overweight Vehicles: Risks + Best Practices

This booklet provides detailed guidance to help make these vehicles safer to operate.

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Conversion and Overweight Vehicles: Evaluation Form

This form can be used to help evaluate the safety and handling of conversion vehicles.

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DOCUMENT

Conducting Junior Fire & EMS Camps

This booklet outlines safety and logistical precautions for junior member camps.

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DOCUMENT

Comparing Capabilities of Driver Monitoring Systems

A comparison of popular driver monitoring systems in the fire and EMS industry.

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DOCUMENT

Cancer Prevention: PPE Decontamination

Recommended cleaning steps for firefighters to take at the scene and at the station.

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DOCUMENT

Cancer and The Firefighter

This booklet discusses firefighter cancer risks and prevention best practices to consider.

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DOCUMENT

Building Community Support for ESOs

This manual shares steps departments have taken to build successful support programs.

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DOCUMENT

Basic Guide to Grants for ESOs

A detailed overview of grant opportunities in fire and emergency services.

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DOCUMENT

Background Screening through IntelliCorp

VFIS clients have access to discounted background screenings through IntelliCorp.

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DOCUMENT

Back Injury Prevention Tips

Back injury risks, safety tips and patient handling techniques for EMS personnel.

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DOCUMENT

Assigning an Agreed Value to Your Vehicles

Tips to help you assign an agreed value to your VFIS insured vehicles.

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DOCUMENT

Annual Requalification of Emergency Vehicle Operators

Why you need an annual driver requalification process and best practices to consider.

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DOCUMENT

An Overview of Driver Monitoring Systems

A quick overview of driver monitoring systems to consider before you make a purchase.

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DOCUMENT

Americans with Disabilities Act

Recommendations to help ESO leaders adhere to the Act and implement best practices.

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DOCUMENT

Ambulance Passenger Guidelines

Potential risks and guidelines for allowing passengers during ambulance transport.

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DOCUMENT

Airway Verification Form

This sample form can help EMS providers document their pre-hospital airway care.

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DOCUMENT

Fire Hose Testing

Equipment failure can result in catastrophic injury to responders, bystanders or both. Routine testing of fire hose, couplings, appliances and nozzles is necessary.

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DOCUMENT

UAS Operation Suggestions

The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also referred to as drones, has increased nationwide as regulations regarding who can operate these systems have rapidly changed.

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ONLINE TRAINING

Workplace Violence

Discusses awareness, prevention techniques, and actions necessary when events occur.

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ONLINE TRAINING

Who Holds the Keys to Safe Emergency Vehicle Operations

Every member "holds the keys" to safe emergency vehicle operation

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ONLINE TRAINING

Tool and Equipment Safety

The participant will learn to ID, inspect, maintain, and safely use common tools

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ONLINE TRAINING

Respectful Workplace Supervisor

Harassment prevention training for supervisors

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ONLINE TRAINING

Respectful Workplace Employee

Harassment prevention training for staff

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ONLINE TRAINING

10 Keys For Safe Vehicle Ops

This VFIS University course focuses on key issues affecting safe vehicle operations.

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ONLINE TRAINING

Station Safety

Station safety best practices for people, vehicle, tools and equipment, and facilities

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ONLINE TRAINING

Social Media

Discusses issues, concerns, and necessary actions to manage social media

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ONLINE TRAINING

Sexual Harassment Prevention

Discusses preventive practices related to sexual harassment to manage the risk to the org

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ONLINE TRAINING

Seat Belt Safety

A contributing factor in LODD from vehicle operation is lack of seat belt use

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ONLINE TRAINING

Safety Culture

Discusses risk assessment methods to efficiently manage and communicate the safety message

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ONLINE TRAINING

Reputation Management

Disucsses how an ESO can maintain a positive reputation and mitigate the related risk

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ONLINE TRAINING

Personal Protective Equipment

Annual refresher on the inspection, maintenance, and selection and use of common PPE

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ONLINE TRAINING

Patient Handling (Online Training)

This program is intended to provide an overview of proper patient handling techniques.

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ONLINE TRAINING

Managing Financial Systems

Reivews financial management best operating practices for fire and EMS assets

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ONLINE TRAINING

Lock Out Tag Out

Best operating practices related to removing energy from equipment

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ONLINE TRAINING

Sexual Abuse and Misconduct

Discusses child sexual abuse and ways to help prevent it in the fire and EMS workplace

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ONLINE TRAINING

Leadership

Discuseses leadership and shares different perspectives and applicable situations

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ONLINE TRAINING

Infectious Disease BBP

Annual refresher training for bloodborne pathogens and communicable disease

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ONLINE TRAINING

Incident Investigation

Discusses why and how to conduct and incident investigation

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ONLINE TRAINING

Hazard Communications

Overview of the hazard communication standard and its application to fire and EMS

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ONLINE TRAINING

Firefighter Rehab

Overview of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for fire and EMS personnel

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ONLINE TRAINING

Cyber Risk Awareness

An intro to cyber security for all members and serves as annual refresher training.

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ONLINE TRAINING

Cyber Risk Assessment

An introduction to cyber security for fire, EMS and 911 center leadership.

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ONLINE TRAINING

Background Investigations

Discusses the reasons and importance of the background checks process

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ONLINE TRAINING

Intersection Safety

Discusses 8 guidelines to reduce the number and severity of intersection accidents

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ONLINE TRAINING

Ten Cones of Safety Video

Discusses best operating guidelines when working on a highway incident

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ONLINE TRAINING

FASNY OSHA 2023

FASNY OSHA Refresher for 2023

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ONLINE TRAINING

Vanessa K. Free

Driver training refresher to meet Vanessa K. Free Emergency Services Training Act

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ONLINE TRAINING

Injury Prevention

This program discussed the causes and impacts of slips, trips and falls in emergency service operating environments.

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AUDIO

History of VFIS with Randy Hess

In this episode, we talk with Randy Hess, former Director of VFIS Risk Control, about the historical impact of Client Risk Solutions on Emergency Services.

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AUDIO

Hose Securement with VFIS Client Risk Solutions

In this episode, members of the VFIS team discuss the significance of hose securement

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AUDIO

VFIS University with Maria Lichty

In this episode, Maria Lichty reviews some recent changes to VFIS University

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AUDIO

Don't Risk It Podcast

Introducing the Don't Risk It! Podcast

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IN-PERSON TRAINING

Differences without Division (Course)

This 2-hour VFIS instructor led program focuses on anti-bias trainng for fire and EMS

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IN-PERSON TRAINING

Patient Care Documentation

Discusses importance of proper documentation using patient care scenarios

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IN-PERSON TRAINING

Patient Handling

An in-depth program covering all aspects of patient handling

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IN-PERSON TRAINING

Emergency Responder Safety

Discusses risk management strategies faced by firefighters and EMS

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IN-PERSON TRAINING

Traffic Incident Management

Student level course on highway safety meeting SHRP2 requirements

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IN-PERSON TRAINING

Trailer Operations Instructor course

Instructor course on assessing competencies for trailer operations

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IN-PERSON TRAINING

UTV ATV Instructor course

Instructor course on assessing competencies for UV and ATV vehicles

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AUDIO

Risk Control for EMS Mid-Level Managers

Risk Control for Mid-Level Managers is a program developed by John Kottmyer, Director of V

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AUDIO

Firefighting Foam: Class B Foams and PFAS

Sr. Vice President of VFIS Client Risk Solutions Scott Harkins joins the program to discus

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AUDIO

Drones and Other UAS in Emergency Services

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, have become favored tools

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AUDIO

Patient Handling for Emergency Responders

Patient handling is a complex task that emergency service organizations (ESOs) undertake e

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AUDIO

ResponderHelp.com

ResponderHelp.com is a valuable resource for emergency personnel, developed and administer

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AUDIO

Culture Change in Emergency Services

Maintaining a positive culture throughout an ESO must include building a culture of safety

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AUDIO

ESO Relationships with Government Officials

As changes occur within an ESO and in the community, departments may need to make adjustme

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AUDIO

Drones in the Emergency Services with Northwest Fire District

The use of drones, in emergency services imposes the need for ESOs to have a structured UA

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AUDIO

Forming Productive Relationships with the Media

In today's society, your reputation can be destroyed at the speed of light. Dave Statter f

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AUDIO

Value Added with Dan Naylor

Did you know, a large number of Glatfelter associates are actively involved or have previo

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AUDIO

De-Escalation Strategies for ESOs

First responders regularly deal with intense and emotional situations where the people the

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AUDIO

Responders Struck on the Roadway

Roadside safety starts with education. In this episode, we talk about responders being str

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AUDIO

Safety Culture Revisited - Roundtable

Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) are the foundation of an ESO's safety culture. Withou

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AUDIO

Telemedicine Considerations for ESOs

Recent changes in payment policy have driven changes in EMS organizations, allowing for th

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AUDIO

Sensory Processing Disorder(SPD) and Sensory Kits

First responders are accustomed to the bright lights and loud noises associated with an em

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AUDIO

Wildland Fire Preparations

Wildland fires have increased in frequency and intensity in recent years. Taking steps to

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AUDIO

Situational Awareness

Situational awareness is a person's ability to perceive and understand what is happening i

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AUDIO

Beyond the Incident

"It's easy to focus on the negatives of an incident, but the positives are what you contin

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AUDIO

Risk Control for Mid-Level Management Update

In this episode, we revisit with VFIS Emergency Services Specialist Blair Tyndall and disc

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AUDIO

Changes in the Fire Service

The Fire Service industry has undergone dramatic changes in the past decade - from trainin

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AUDIO

Ice Rescue

There is no such thing as safe ice. Although a low-volume occurrence, water and ice rescue

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AUDIO

Recruitment and Retention Using Social Media

"Keep your brand in your voice" as this is the identity of your department. Jenny Bragiel

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AUDIO

Rethinking Volunteer Retention and Recruitment

Volunteer recruitment and retention are among the top issues facing volunteer Fire and EMS

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AUDIO

Lessons Learned at VFIS

Be at the top of your game by following your organization's policies and procedures. Dave

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AUDIO

Requirements vs. Recommendations

Intentional or unintentional, wrongdoing or a mistake made within an ESO makes for a bold

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AUDIO

Changes in EMS

Evolutions in vehicle construction and safety, changes in procedures for PPE, emergency li

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AUDIO

Creative Fundraising and Fidelity

Fundraising events are not just a way to raise money for an emergency services organizatio

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AUDIO

Water Rescue with Todd Stahl and Bryan Duquin

Water can be powerful and relentless. Although low in volume, water-related emergencies ar

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AUDIO

Paramedicine with Dave Bradley and Blair Tyndall

Community paramedicine is coming back to the forefront as ESOs are seeing the benefits of

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AUDIO

Elevator Rescue with Sam Clark

In this episode, Sam Clark addresses some of the challenges and risks of elevator rescues

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VIDEO

Emergency Vehicle Risk Video Series

Features 6 videos covering most frequent casuses of emergency vehicle related incident

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VIDEO

EMS Risk Video Series

Features 3 videos covering patient handling for EMS and paratransit operations

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Article

9 Lessons your emergency service organization doesn't have to learn the hard way

Challenges other fire departments, EMS agencies and 911 centers have faced—and how you can help avoid them.

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Article

5 Acronyms first responders can use when delivering bad news

These conversations are difficult for everyone involved and, as the message-deliverer, you play an especially critical role in guiding the conversation.

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Article

You serve all types of citizens - but does your website? Find out.

It's important to make sure your website is able to serve everyone - or you could find yourself in legal, financial or reputational trouble.

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Article

Where firefighters can find respiratory protection resources

Firefighter training resources and SOGs for respiratory protection including proper use and fit-testing of self-contained breathing apparatus.

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Article

What your department should know about Class B firefighting foams

Addressing firefighter training on firefighting foams

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Article

What is ResponderHelp.com and how can it help emergency responders?

Frequently asked questions about ResponderHelp.com - an emergency responder's one-stop free resource.

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Article

What is Alabama HB360 and does it apply to my fire department?

HB360 is a long-awaited Law that puts the needs of firefighters at the forefront, requiring paid departments to provide cancer coverage benefits.

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Article

What emergency responders should know about Sensory Processing Disorder

While you're familiar with the stimulating experiences of emergency calls, these stimuli could have serious impacts for those with SPD.

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Article

Tips for Fighting Invisible Threats During EMS Response

Let's talk about one of the most common invisible threats EMS personnel face: pathogens.

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Article

The State of Safety: Pediatric Patients + Ambulance Transportation

Over 1 million pediatric patients are transported by ambulances nationwide each year. Even though we are now well-aware of the risks associated with pediatric passengers, many states lack...

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Article

The route to roadway safety for emergency service organizations

Let's take a look at the roadway hazards your crew faces and review how your ESO can implement policies to help address them.

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Article

The Role, Responsibility + Risks of Emergency Service Board Members

If you serve a board in any capacity, there are risks. We're breaking down what you should know.

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Article

The Deep Devastation of Wildfires

An insider's view of wildland firefighting and it's mental health impacts.

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Article

The Coronavirus: What do I Need to Know?

We've pulled together the latest recommendations for schools, healthcare facilities, worship centers, municipalities and emergency responders.

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Article

Solar energy fire safety: what emergency responders need to know

Solar panels help homes and businesses save energy and money, and are becoming increasingly used; but they pose unique risks and hazards to emergency responders. Stay aware of these...

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Article

Remembering 9/11

A tribute and recap of the unfortunate events that occurred on September 11, 2001 and the impact 9/11 had on first responders.

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Article

Is your fire department exclusive or inclusive?

How the cumulative effects of exclusionary behavior could negatively impact your volunteer and employee retention rates, and 7 ways leaders can promote a more inclusive culture.

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Article

Is your emergency service organization telling the right story?

How fire departments can harness the power of storytelling to inspire action and best practices to build an effective message.

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Article

How one fire department improved their safety efforts - and you can too.

Check out the award-winning safety steps one fire department made to help protect their members.

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Article

How an innovative Montana fire station is inspiring change

The station has a dedicated focus on holistic health and wellness - unprecedented (but greatly needed) across the industry.

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Article

How + When to Transition: Volunteer to Combo or Career Fire Department

Q&A about the challenges fire departments may face and how to help to overcome them.

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Article

Houston: Our Policy is the Problem.

Why policies, procedures & guidelines exist in emergency services, and how to make sure yours are being followed.

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Article

Have you heard about the latest NY state LOSAP changes?

How volunteer fire + EMS departments can use a LOSAP, also known as a Length of Service Award Program, to help recruit and retain members.

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Article

Have you considered this new highway safety technique?

Firefighters and EMS personnel are being struck along America's roadways at alarming rates. Here are a few ways you can help protect your crew.

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Article

First responder safety: are we on the right path?

Most people understand that firefighters face danger as a part of their jobs, but many aren't aware of how much danger they face just from other drivers.

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Article

Fighting fires may mean fighting PTSD

Do you know how to identify the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? Your crew members may be at risk for experiencing PTSD. Learn who's at risk and how to be their support system....

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Article

Crisis Planning For Emergency Service Organizations

You can start to manage a crisis before it ever occurs by proactively creating a plan that outlines how you'll prepare for, respond to and recover.

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Article

An Overlooked Volunteer Fire Department Funding Opportunity

From starting a rural community fire protection plan to developing an emergency preparedness program: it comes down to volunteer fire department funding.

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Article

Active shooter incidents: Best practices for first responders

Active shooter situations can happen unexpectedly and end before your crew arrives. Train your community on the best ways to keep themselves safe until you can help them.

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Article

6 Ways to Help EMS Agencies Fight Fatigue

While there is no simple (or one-size-fits-all) solution to the problem, simply muscling-up to the occasion is not the answer.

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Article

6 Tools to Help You Address Roadway Safety

Thorough preplanning, ongoing training and strict adherence of procedures might not be your favorite parts of the job, but they make a difference.

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Article

10 Quick training tips for your emergency service organization

Our Education, Training and Consulting team members share their top tips for emergency service organizations.

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Article

10 heat safety tips for first responders

How can fire departments and EMS teams make sure their teams are safe in the summer heat? Here are 10 tips to help first responders beat the heat.

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Article

1 to 5: How many stars would you give your drivers?

How your emergency service organization can implement a comprehensive driving program to achieve 5-star drivers.

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