Fire Commission Education Resources

This book highlights firefighting as one of the nation's most dangerous and hazardous jobs, with heart attacks, high physical stress levels, sprains, and strains all too common. Of all firefighters in the United States, 72 percent are volunteers. The leading cause of on-duty death among volunteers is heart attack. The leading cause of injuries for all firefighters is overexertion and strain. The prevalence of cardiovascular illness and deaths and work-inhibiting strains and sprains among firefighters illustrates the need for a comprehensive health and wellness program in every department. To address the issues specific to volunteers, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) developed this guide to health and wellness for volunteer departments and members.

Major natural disasters in the past 3 years, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, have heightened attention to the nation's ability to respond to these types of emergencies. Police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel are often the first to respond to a crisis or emergency. This book looks at issues faced by first responders.

his book examines the NIOSH Personal Protective Technology Program (PPT Program) and specifically focuses on the relevance and impact of this program in reducing hazardous exposures and improving worker health and safety.