Online Training + Resources > Fire + EMS Operations
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.
Equipment failure can result in catastrophic injury to responders, bystanders or both. Routine testing of fire hose, couplings, appliances and nozzles is necessary.
How your emergency service organization can implement a comprehensive driving program to achieve 5-star drivers.
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.
Our Education, Training and Consulting team members share their top tips for emergency service organizations.
Thorough preplanning, ongoing training and strict adherence of procedures might not be your favorite parts of the job, but they make a difference.
While there is no simple (or one-size-fits-all) solution to the problem, simply muscling-up to the occasion is not the answer.
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.
From starting a rural community fire protection plan to developing an emergency preparedness program: it comes down to volunteer fire department funding.
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.
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....
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.
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.
How volunteer fire + EMS departments can use a LOSAP, also known as a Length of Service Award Program, to help recruit and retain members.
Why policies, procedures & guidelines exist in emergency services, and how to make sure yours are being followed.
Q&A about the challenges fire departments may face and how to help to overcome them.
The station has a dedicated focus on holistic health and wellness - unprecedented (but greatly needed) across the industry.
Check out the award-winning safety steps one fire department made to help protect their members.
How fire departments can harness the power of storytelling to inspire action and best practices to build an effective message.
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.
A tribute and recap of the unfortunate events that occurred on September 11, 2001 and the impact 9/11 had on first responders.
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...
We've pulled together the latest recommendations for schools, healthcare facilities, worship centers, municipalities and emergency responders.
An insider's view of wildland firefighting and it's mental health impacts.
If you serve a board in any capacity, there are risks. We're breaking down what you should know.
Let's take a look at the roadway hazards your crew faces and review how your ESO can implement policies to help address them.
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...
Let's talk about one of the most common invisible threats EMS personnel face: pathogens.
While you're familiar with the stimulating experiences of emergency calls, these stimuli could have serious impacts for those with SPD.
HB360 is a long-awaited Law that puts the needs of firefighters at the forefront, requiring paid departments to provide cancer coverage benefits.
Frequently asked questions about ResponderHelp.com - an emergency responder's one-stop free resource.
Addressing firefighter training on firefighting foams
Firefighter training resources and SOGs for respiratory protection including proper use and fit-testing of self-contained breathing apparatus.
It's important to make sure your website is able to serve everyone - or you could find yourself in legal, financial or reputational trouble.
These conversations are difficult for everyone involved and, as the message-deliverer, you play an especially critical role in guiding the conversation.
In this episode, Sam Clark addresses some of the challenges and risks of elevator rescues
Community paramedicine is coming back to the forefront as ESOs are seeing the benefits of
Water can be powerful and relentless. Although low in volume, water-related emergencies ar
Fundraising events are not just a way to raise money for an emergency services organizatio
Evolutions in vehicle construction and safety, changes in procedures for PPE, emergency li
Intentional or unintentional, wrongdoing or a mistake made within an ESO makes for a bold
Be at the top of your game by following your organization's policies and procedures. Dave
Volunteer recruitment and retention are among the top issues facing volunteer Fire and EMS
"Keep your brand in your voice" as this is the identity of your department. Jenny Bragiel
There is no such thing as safe ice. Although a low-volume occurrence, water and ice rescue
The Fire Service industry has undergone dramatic changes in the past decade - from trainin
In this episode, we revisit with VFIS Emergency Services Specialist Blair Tyndall and disc
"It's easy to focus on the negatives of an incident, but the positives are what you contin
Situational awareness is a person's ability to perceive and understand what is happening i
Wildland fires have increased in frequency and intensity in recent years. Taking steps to
First responders are accustomed to the bright lights and loud noises associated with an em
Recent changes in payment policy have driven changes in EMS organizations, allowing for th
Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) are the foundation of an ESO's safety culture. Withou
Roadside safety starts with education. In this episode, we talk about responders being str
First responders regularly deal with intense and emotional situations where the people the
Did you know, a large number of Glatfelter associates are actively involved or have previo
In today's society, your reputation can be destroyed at the speed of light. Dave Statter f
The use of drones, in emergency services imposes the need for ESOs to have a structured UA
As changes occur within an ESO and in the community, departments may need to make adjustme
Maintaining a positive culture throughout an ESO must include building a culture of safety
ResponderHelp.com is a valuable resource for emergency personnel, developed and administer
Patient handling is a complex task that emergency service organizations (ESOs) undertake e
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, have become favored tools
Sr. Vice President of VFIS Client Risk Solutions Scott Harkins joins the program to discus
Risk Control for Mid-Level Managers is a program developed by John Kottmyer, Director of V
This sample form can help EMS providers document their pre-hospital airway care.
Potential risks and guidelines for allowing passengers during ambulance transport.
Recommendations to help ESO leaders adhere to the Act and implement best practices.
A quick overview of driver monitoring systems to consider before you make a purchase.
Why you need an annual driver requalification process and best practices to consider.
Tips to help you assign an agreed value to your VFIS insured vehicles.
Back injury risks, safety tips and patient handling techniques for EMS personnel.
VFIS clients have access to discounted background screenings through IntelliCorp.
A detailed overview of grant opportunities in fire and emergency services.
This manual shares steps departments have taken to build successful support programs.
This booklet discusses firefighter cancer risks and prevention best practices to consider.
Recommended cleaning steps for firefighters to take at the scene and at the station.
A comparison of popular driver monitoring systems in the fire and EMS industry.
This booklet outlines safety and logistical precautions for junior member camps.
This form can be used to help evaluate the safety and handling of conversion vehicles.
This booklet provides detailed guidance to help make these vehicles safer to operate.
What to consider when selecting or designing a conversion vehicle.
Best practices to help organizations prepare for, respond to and recover from a crisis.
How your organization can adjust your culture to help promote a safer environment.
How you can help ensure your cell phone communication is properly documented.
Examples of guidelines and policies to help mitigate substance abuse and related risks.
A manual dedicated to helping instructors train more effectively.
Policies to help prevent technology abuse and reduce exposure to personnel-related claims.
Considerations and variables to help guide your staffing levels and requirements.
A printable form to record key incident details and assess situations for root causes.
How you can use motor vehicle reports to help you select and utilize the best drivers.
How to create or modify your EMS job descriptions to follow best practices.
How to create or modify your firefighter job descriptions to follow best practices.
A questionnaire to help assess your employment practices and policies.
This bulletin can help your agency review standby requests and create written agreements.
This can help you record situations where a patient refuses treatment or transport.
What you should know if there's an EEOC charge lodged against your organization.
Detailed booklet to help emergency service organizations plan for disasters.
Ways to help your department reduce the risks and liability concerns of Class B foams.
Best practices and safety checklist to help ensure safe firework festivities.
Guidelines to help members remain safe while utilizing fitness equipment or facilities.
Tips to help standardize your policies and procedures for gaining access to structures.
Steps to help improve your level of safety during highway response incidents.
Considerations for when hose loading operators should be permitted to ride on apparatus.
Suggestions to properly secure hoses and help prevent potentially devasting incidents.
A sample form to help you document key aspects of incident exposures.
A guide to developing and utilizing a near miss program to help address your unique risks.
A sample form to help you document key aspects of infectious exposures.
Steps to help you investigate harassment, theft and other workplace wrongdoing events.
How to help ensure that your website is accessible to all citizens in your community.
Considerations to help protect your junior members, adult advisors and organization.
This booklet defines leadership and discusses best practices for fire service leaders.
How to help limit your liability risks when alcohol is served at your facility.
Tips to help you address the liability and safety concerns of live fire trainings.
How to help address fatigue and crewmember strain during long transports.
Tips to help your organization review, evaluate and maintain contracts with third parties.
This article discusses fatigue, its associatesd risks and how to help combat it in your EMS agency.
How COIs can be used to help manage contractual risk when working with third parties.
Tips for interacting with the media in day-to-day and crisis situations.
Printable patient refusal rights and information card (available in English and Spanish).
This printable roster can help your department maintain important personnel records.
A worksheet to help you assess your current training requirements.
This program discusses the importance of documentation and best practices to consider.
Risk factors and recommendations to help address this daily safety concern.
Ways help reduce your risks and risks to patients during bariatric operations.
A sample form to present during patient refusal situations and have all parties sign.
A sample form to present and sign during patient refusal situations. (Spanish version)
A sample form to help you document key aspects of work-related injuries and illnesses.
This simple checklist can help your team inspect their PPE.
This printable personnel file can help you maintain important member-specific information.
What leaders should know about discrimination and accommodation laws involving pregnancy.
Tips to help emergency service organizations manage and protect their financial assets.
Tips help protect and secure your portable equipment.
Why public service calls can be misleading and best practices to help reduce your risks.
Ways you can help reduce your liability risks when renting out your ESO facilities.
This booklet shares recommendations for an EMS risk management and safety program.
Sample bylaws to help showcase the vital role and responsibilities of committee members.
Educate your team on the importance of reporting wrongdoings and how to do so.
This document provides an overview of the role and responsibilities of safety officers.
A sample policy to help educate your team on this risk and your organization's policies.
Consider these steps to help ensure your station and ambulances are secure.
This log can help your crew inspect their SCBA and ensure it's providing breathable air.
Suggestions to help protect minors and your organization from sexual abuse risks.
Best practices and sample policy to help create a harassment-free environment.
Tips to help protect your team from heat exhaustion during warmer-weather.
Telehealth data privacy and security concerns and ways to help mitigate the risks.
Assistance to help you avoid common compliance issues with the VFRA Program.
Use this checklist to document your safety measures during roadway response incidents.
Drone compliance requirements from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Best practices and procedures to help you launch a successful drone program.
Sample guidelines to help prevent workplace violence and weapon use.
This program discussed the causes and impacts of slips, trips and falls in emergency service operating environments.
Driver training refresher to meet Vanessa K. Free Emergency Services Training Act
FASNY OSHA Refresher for 2023
Discusses best operating guidelines when working on a highway incident
Discusses 8 guidelines to reduce the number and severity of intersection accidents
Discusses the reasons and importance of the background checks process
An introduction to cyber security for fire, EMS and 911 center leadership.
An intro to cyber security for all members and serves as annual refresher training.
Overview of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for fire and EMS personnel
Overview of the hazard communication standard and its application to fire and EMS
Discusses why and how to conduct and incident investigation
Annual refresher training for bloodborne pathogens and communicable disease
Discuseses leadership and shares different perspectives and applicable situations
Discusses child sexual abuse and ways to help prevent it in the fire and EMS workplace
Best operating practices related to removing energy from equipment
Reivews financial management best operating practices for fire and EMS assets
This program is intended to provide an overview of proper patient handling techniques.
Annual refresher on the inspection, maintenance, and selection and use of common PPE
Disucsses how an ESO can maintain a positive reputation and mitigate the related risk
Discusses risk assessment methods to efficiently manage and communicate the safety message
A contributing factor in LODD from vehicle operation is lack of seat belt use
Discusses preventive practices related to sexual harassment to manage the risk to the org
Discusses issues, concerns, and necessary actions to manage social media
Station safety best practices for people, vehicle, tools and equipment, and facilities
This VFIS University course focuses on key issues affecting safe vehicle operations.
Harassment prevention training for staff
Harassment prevention training for supervisors
The participant will learn to ID, inspect, maintain, and safely use common tools
Every member "holds the keys" to safe emergency vehicle operation
Discusses awareness, prevention techniques, and actions necessary when events occur.
Instructor course on assessing competencies for UV and ATV vehicles
Instructor course on assessing competencies for trailer operations
Student level course on highway safety meeting SHRP2 requirements
Discusses risk management strategies faced by firefighters and EMS
An in-depth program covering all aspects of patient handling
Features 3 videos covering patient handling for EMS and paratransit operations
Features 6 videos covering most frequent casuses of emergency vehicle related incident
Discusses importance of proper documentation using patient care scenarios
This 2-hour VFIS instructor led program focuses on anti-bias trainng for fire and EMS
Introducing the Don't Risk It! Podcast