Online Training + Resources > Fire + EMS Operations
Outlines the importance of QA/QI processes in EMS to ensure high standards of patient care and safety.
Action items to consider when implementing modified response practices
This can help you record situations where a patient refuses treatment or transport. (Spanish version)
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.
Sample guidelines to help prevent workplace violence and weapon use.
Best practices and procedures to help you launch a successful drone program.
Drone compliance requirements from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Use this checklist to document your safety measures during roadway response incidents.
Assistance to help you avoid common compliance issues with the VFRA Program.
Telehealth data privacy and security concerns and ways to help mitigate the risks.
Tips to help protect your team from heat exhaustion during warmer-weather.
Best practices and sample policy to help create a harassment-free environment.
Suggestions to help protect minors and your organization from sexual abuse risks.
This log can help your crew inspect their SCBA and ensure it's providing breathable air.
Consider these steps to help ensure your station and ambulances are secure.
A sample policy to help educate your team on this risk and your organization's policies.
This document provides an overview of the role and responsibilities of safety officers.
Educate your team on the importance of reporting wrongdoings and how to do so.
Sample bylaws to help showcase the vital role and responsibilities of committee members.
This booklet shares recommendations for an EMS risk management and safety program.
Ways you can help reduce your liability risks when renting out your ESO facilities.
Why public service calls can be misleading and best practices to help reduce your risks.
Tips help protect and secure your portable equipment.
Tips to help emergency service organizations manage and protect their financial assets.
What leaders should know about discrimination and accommodation laws involving pregnancy.
This printable personnel file can help you maintain important member-specific information.
This simple checklist can help your team inspect their PPE.
A sample form to help you document key aspects of work-related injuries and illnesses.
A sample form to present and sign during patient refusal situations. (Spanish version)
A sample form to present during patient refusal situations and have all parties sign.
Ways help reduce your risks and risks to patients during bariatric operations.
Risk factors and recommendations to help address this daily safety concern.
This program discusses the importance of documentation and best practices to consider.
A worksheet to help you assess your current training requirements.
This printable roster can help your department maintain important personnel records.
Printable patient refusal rights and information card (available in English and Spanish).
Tips for interacting with the media in day-to-day and crisis situations.
How COIs can be used to help manage contractual risk when working with third parties.
This article discusses fatigue, its associatesd risks and how to help combat it in your EMS agency.
Tips to help your organization review, evaluate and maintain contracts with third parties.
How to help address fatigue and crewmember strain during long transports.
Tips to help you address the liability and safety concerns of live fire trainings.
How to help limit your liability risks when alcohol is served at your facility.
This booklet defines leadership and discusses best practices for fire service leaders.
Considerations to help protect your junior members, adult advisors and organization.
How to help ensure that your website is accessible to all citizens in your community.
Steps to help you investigate harassment, theft and other workplace wrongdoing events.
A sample form to help you document key aspects of infectious 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 incident exposures.
Suggestions to properly secure hoses and help prevent potentially devasting incidents.
Considerations for when hose loading operators should be permitted to ride on apparatus.
Steps to help improve your level of safety during highway response incidents.
Tips to help standardize your policies and procedures for gaining access to structures.
Guidelines to help members remain safe while utilizing fitness equipment or facilities.
Best practices and safety checklist to help ensure safe firework festivities.
Ways to help your department reduce the risks and liability concerns of Class B foams.
Detailed booklet to help emergency service organizations plan for disasters.
What you should know if there's an EEOC charge lodged against your organization.
This can help you record situations where a patient refuses treatment or transport.
This bulletin can help your agency review standby requests and create written agreements.
A questionnaire to help assess your employment practices and policies.
How to create or modify your firefighter job descriptions to follow best practices.
How to create or modify your EMS job descriptions to follow best practices.
How you can use motor vehicle reports to help you select and utilize the best drivers.
A printable form to record key incident details and assess situations for root causes.
Considerations and variables to help guide your staffing levels and requirements.
Policies to help prevent technology abuse and reduce exposure to personnel-related claims.
A manual dedicated to helping instructors train more effectively.
Examples of guidelines and policies to help mitigate substance abuse and related risks.
How you can help ensure your cell phone communication is properly documented.
How your organization can adjust your culture to help promote a safer environment.
Best practices to help organizations prepare for, respond to and recover from a crisis.
What to consider when selecting or designing a conversion vehicle.
This booklet provides detailed guidance to help make these vehicles safer to operate.
This form can be used to help evaluate the safety and handling of conversion vehicles.
This booklet outlines safety and logistical precautions for junior member camps.
A comparison of popular driver monitoring systems in the fire and EMS industry.
Recommended cleaning steps for firefighters to take at the scene and at the station.
This booklet discusses firefighter cancer risks and prevention best practices to consider.
This manual shares steps departments have taken to build successful support programs.
A detailed overview of grant opportunities in fire and emergency services.
VFIS clients have access to discounted background screenings through IntelliCorp.
Back injury risks, safety tips and patient handling techniques for EMS personnel.
Tips to help you assign an agreed value to your VFIS insured vehicles.
Why you need an annual driver requalification process and best practices to consider.
A quick overview of driver monitoring systems to consider before you make a purchase.
Recommendations to help ESO leaders adhere to the Act and implement best practices.
Potential risks and guidelines for allowing passengers during ambulance transport.
This sample form can help EMS providers document their pre-hospital airway care.
Equipment failure can result in catastrophic injury to responders, bystanders or both. Routine testing of fire hose, couplings, appliances and nozzles is necessary.
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.
Discusses awareness, prevention techniques, and actions necessary when events occur.
Every member "holds the keys" to safe emergency vehicle operation
The participant will learn to ID, inspect, maintain, and safely use common tools
Harassment prevention training for supervisors
Harassment prevention training for staff
This VFIS University course focuses on key issues affecting safe vehicle operations.
Station safety best practices for people, vehicle, tools and equipment, and facilities
Discusses issues, concerns, and necessary actions to manage social media
Discusses preventive practices related to sexual harassment to manage the risk to the org
A contributing factor in LODD from vehicle operation is lack of seat belt use
Discusses risk assessment methods to efficiently manage and communicate the safety message
Disucsses how an ESO can maintain a positive reputation and mitigate the related risk
Annual refresher on the inspection, maintenance, and selection and use of common PPE
This program is intended to provide an overview of proper patient handling techniques.
Reivews financial management best operating practices for fire and EMS assets
Best operating practices related to removing energy from equipment
Discusses child sexual abuse and ways to help prevent it in the fire and EMS workplace
Discuseses leadership and shares different perspectives and applicable situations
Annual refresher training for bloodborne pathogens and communicable disease
Discusses why and how to conduct and incident investigation
Overview of the hazard communication standard and its application to fire and EMS
Overview of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for fire and EMS personnel
An intro to cyber security for all members and serves as annual refresher training.
An introduction to cyber security for fire, EMS and 911 center leadership.
Discusses the reasons and importance of the background checks process
Discusses 8 guidelines to reduce the number and severity of intersection accidents
Discusses best operating guidelines when working on a highway incident
FASNY OSHA Refresher for 2023
Driver training refresher to meet Vanessa K. Free Emergency Services Training Act
This program discussed the causes and impacts of slips, trips and falls in emergency service operating environments.
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.
In this episode, members of the VFIS team discuss the significance of hose securement
In this episode, Maria Lichty reviews some recent changes to VFIS University
Introducing the Don't Risk It! Podcast
This 2-hour VFIS instructor led program focuses on anti-bias trainng for fire and EMS
Discusses importance of proper documentation using patient care scenarios
An in-depth program covering all aspects of patient handling
Discusses risk management strategies faced by firefighters and EMS
Student level course on highway safety meeting SHRP2 requirements
Instructor course on assessing competencies for trailer operations
Instructor course on assessing competencies for UV and ATV vehicles
Join Mike Baker and Dave Bradley of VFIS Client Risk Solutions as we discuss effective controls and best practices for safely operating first responder vehicles..
Hear from Randy Hess, former Director of VFIS Risk Control, about the historical impact of Client Risk Solutions on Emergency Services.
In this episode, we are joined by Tim Hearn from Fort Smith EMS (Fort Smith, AR) to talk about body cameras in EMS, why and how his agency implemented this type of program, and the policy they adopted.
Fire Chief Nick Perkins from Travis County Emergency Services District #2, provides an overview of the VAP process and explains how your organization can use this assessment to help your department’s risk reduction strategies.
Michael McCabe, host of the EMS World Podcast and Director and CEO of McCabe Ambulance in Bayonne, NJ, talks about what keeps him up at night and the issues he’s observed in the ambulance service.
In this episode, Mike Baker and Bryan Duquin from Client Risk Solutions discuss why it’s important for ESOs to obtain the heights and weights of their emergency vehicles and some best practices for doing so.
in this episode, Fire Chief Michael O’Brian from Brighton Area Fire Authority talks about some best practices when encountering electronic vehicle fires.
In this episode, David Givot, Esq., EMS Defense Attorney at The Legal Guardian, author of Sirens, Lights and Lawyers: The Law and Other Important Stuff EMS Providers Never Learned in School, and former paramedic from LA County, provides insight on issues he’s observed with protecting and defending EMS clients.
Incident rehab serves to identify conditions in personnel that may otherwise go undetected and could lead to serious health conditions, disabilities and death.
Whether it’s a public assist call or a police response call, emergency service leadership and providers should be concerned about their patient refusal process.
How do you put a price on your fire apparatus? In this episode, VFIS Regional VP of Sales, Joe Giorgi, and Sales Executive Scott Cain provide an overview of the agreed value concept and discuss updates to the VFIS policy.
From cell phones to e-bikes - In today’s world, you would be hard pressed to go to a fire where a lithium ion battery is not involved.
Find out more about incident investigation best practices in this episode with Blair Tyndall and Bryan Duquin of VFIS Client Risk Solutions.
In this episode, we talk with Bryan Duquin of VFIS and Tracie Young-Brungard of the PA State Fire Commissioner’s Office about the importance of incident documentation for Fire and EMS.
In this episode, we discuss quality assurance (QA) in the emergency services and provide some suggestions for assessing a quality assurance program to help ensure it enhances efficiencies, improves proficiencies and supports continuous improvement.
Forty-four percent of the professional liability claims experienced by VFIS are attributed to patient handling.
From aerials to tires, a comprehensive fleet maintenance program serves to protect the organization’s most valuable assets.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of SOGs and SOPs, the differences between them, and ways to develop and integrate these governing documents into your organization’s operations.
In this episode, Dave Bradley from Client Risk Solutions along with Nicole Dugan and Jake Hoover from our Education and Training team discuss Patient Care Reporting.
Testing aerial devices of fire apparatus is crucial to ensure their functionality, reliability and safety during firefighting operations.
It requires a whole community approach to prepare for, respond to, and recover from an active attack event.
In this episode, we talk with Chris Pfaff (Owner-Lead Instructor) of PHRT Hazmat and Rescue Instruction about the widespread use and potential dangers of Lithium-ion batteries.
Woody Sullivan from VFIS Education Training and Consulting talks about Crew Resource Management (CRM) and how to adopt these principles for the fire service.
Driving is a common and sometimes overlooked risk faced by first responders daily. Despite all the training in the fire service, when it comes to driver training, there is more work to be done.
Is your crew in a state of readiness? How long have these individuals been awake and active on the road?
The records you keep, or don’t keep, paint a picture of your Emergency Service organization.
Legal action against employers related to Employment Practices Liability (EPL) claims is rising.
Turnarounds, exit ramps, crossovers – when responding to a highway incident, there’s always potential for something to go wrong.
It isn’t easy to get everyone together for training classes on a regular basis. In this episode, Rick Gurba, Director of VFIS Education and Training, gives us an update on enhancements to the VFISu platform.
In this episode we hear from members of VFIS Underwriting regarding the VFIS underwriting process and what they look for in a quality account.
Risk Control for Mid-Level Managers is a program developed by John Kottmyer, Director of V
Sr. Vice President of VFIS Client Risk Solutions Scott Harkins joins the program to discus
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, have become favored tools
Patient handling is a complex task that emergency service organizations (ESOs) undertake e
ResponderHelp.com is a valuable resource for emergency personnel, developed and administer
Maintaining a positive culture throughout an ESO must include building a culture of safety
As changes occur within an ESO and in the community, departments may need to make adjustme
The use of drones, in emergency services imposes the need for ESOs to have a structured UA
In today's society, your reputation can be destroyed at the speed of light. Dave Statter f
Did you know, a large number of Glatfelter associates are actively involved or have previo
First responders regularly deal with intense and emotional situations where the people the
Roadside safety starts with education. In this episode, we talk about responders being str
Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) are the foundation of an ESO's safety culture. Withou
Recent changes in payment policy have driven changes in EMS organizations, allowing for th
First responders are accustomed to the bright lights and loud noises associated with an em
Wildland fires have increased in frequency and intensity in recent years. Taking steps to
Situational awareness is a person's ability to perceive and understand what is happening i
"It's easy to focus on the negatives of an incident, but the positives are what you contin
In this episode, we revisit with VFIS Emergency Services Specialist Blair Tyndall and disc
The Fire Service industry has undergone dramatic changes in the past decade - from trainin
There is no such thing as safe ice. Although a low-volume occurrence, water and ice rescue
"Keep your brand in your voice" as this is the identity of your department. Jenny Bragiel
Volunteer recruitment and retention are among the top issues facing volunteer Fire and EMS
Be at the top of your game by following your organization's policies and procedures. Dave
Intentional or unintentional, wrongdoing or a mistake made within an ESO makes for a bold
Evolutions in vehicle construction and safety, changes in procedures for PPE, emergency li
Fundraising events are not just a way to raise money for an emergency services organizatio
Water can be powerful and relentless. Although low in volume, water-related emergencies ar
Community paramedicine is coming back to the forefront as ESOs are seeing the benefits of
In this episode, Sam Clark addresses some of the challenges and risks of elevator rescues
Features 6 videos covering most frequent casuses of emergency vehicle related incident
Features 3 videos covering patient handling for EMS and paratransit operations
Challenges other fire departments, EMS agencies and 911 centers have facedâand how you can help avoid them.
These conversations are difficult for everyone involved and, as the message-deliverer, you play an especially critical role in guiding the conversation.
It's important to make sure your website is able to serve everyone - or you could find yourself in legal, financial or reputational trouble.
Firefighter training resources and SOGs for respiratory protection including proper use and fit-testing of self-contained breathing apparatus.
Addressing firefighter training on firefighting foams
Frequently asked questions about ResponderHelp.com - an emergency responder's one-stop free resource.
HB360 is a long-awaited Law that puts the needs of firefighters at the forefront, requiring paid departments to provide cancer coverage benefits.
While you're familiar with the stimulating experiences of emergency calls, these stimuli could have serious impacts for those with SPD.
Let's talk about one of the most common invisible threats EMS personnel face: pathogens.
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 take a look at the roadway hazards your crew faces and review how your ESO can implement policies to help address them.
If you serve a board in any capacity, there are risks. We're breaking down what you should know.
An insider's view of wildland firefighting and it's mental health impacts.
We've pulled together the latest recommendations for schools, healthcare facilities, worship centers, municipalities and emergency 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...
A tribute and recap of the unfortunate events that occurred on September 11, 2001 and the impact 9/11 had on first responders.
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.
How fire departments can harness the power of storytelling to inspire action and best practices to build an effective message.
Check out the award-winning safety steps one fire department made to help protect their members.
The station has a dedicated focus on holistic health and wellness - unprecedented (but greatly needed) across the industry.
Q&A about the challenges fire departments may face and how to help to overcome them.
Why policies, procedures & guidelines exist in emergency services, and how to make sure yours are being followed.
How volunteer fire + EMS departments can use a LOSAP, also known as a Length of Service Award Program, to help recruit and retain members.
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.
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.
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....
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.
From starting a rural community fire protection plan to developing an emergency preparedness program: it comes down to volunteer fire department funding.
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.
While there is no simple (or one-size-fits-all) solution to the problem, simply muscling-up to the occasion is not the answer.
Thorough preplanning, ongoing training and strict adherence of procedures might not be your favorite parts of the job, but they make a difference.
Our Education, Training and Consulting team members share their top tips for emergency service organizations.
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.
How your emergency service organization can implement a comprehensive driving program to achieve 5-star drivers.