Firefighting is inherently dangerous, requiring strict safety protocols during training, on firegrounds, and at emergency scenes. Firefighters must learn safe methods to confront risks and avoid reckless behavior. They should maintain situational awareness, proper use of PPE like SCBA and turnout gear, and good communication using accountability systems. Hydration, diet, and avoiding smoking are also important to reduce health risks on and off the job. Heart attacks are a leading cause of firefighter deaths.

1. Fire
Fighter
Safety

2. Dangers Associated With Fire Fighting
• Firefighting by its very nature, is dangerous.
Each firefighter must learn safe methods of
confronting the risks presented during training
exercises, on the fireground, and at other
emergency scenes.

3. Training Exercises
• sloppy practices or shortcuts
• eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy
weight and exercising regularly
• hydration is important; don’t wait until feeling
thirsty to rehydrate
• prohibit smoking because it reduces the
efficiency of the body’s respiratory system

5. Fireground
• Do not promote reckless and unsafe behavior
• Practice the constant communication of the
buddy system
• If entering a hazardous area with a team, you
must exit with a team
• Maintain visual, vocal or physical contact with
each other at all times

7. Emergency Scene
• Failure to size up
• Failure to recognize conditions
• Failure to communicate
• Failure to pay attention

9. Biggest Pitfalls
• Freelancing
• Improper use of PPE
• Water Hydration
• Diet and cardio training
Major contributor to Fire Fighter deaths is
Heart Attacks on and off the Fireground!

10. Dangers of Being Exposed To Pathogens
• Potentially infected with viruses that can lead
to AIDS, HBV or HBC
• Respiratory infections
• Cancer
• O2 deficiency

12. Protecting From Risks Associated To Pathogen
Exposure
• SCBA
• Turnout Gear
• Immunizations up-to-date
• Always wear gloves when handling victims
• Wash hands and other skin surfaces
• Used needles should be in a puncture
resistant container

13. Elements of Personnel
Accountability Systems
• Tracks every fire fighter at
every incident scene
• System maintains an
updated list of the fire fighters
assigned to each vehicle;
tracks each crew’s assignment
at a fire scene
• Many departments use PATs
or an accountability tag that
generally includes name, ID
number and photograph
• System can quickly identify if
someone may be missing and
their last assignment

14. Safety Precautions Using Fire Apparatus
• Don PPE before mounting apparatus
• All equipment should be mounted and stowed
away before riding
• Follow appropriate mount and dismount
procedures
• Always wear seat beat, NFPA 1500
• Mechanics repair, service, and keep fire and
Ems vehicles ready for emergencies

15. Hazards Experienced With Public Utilities
• Faulty electric or gas may be cause of fire
• Short circuits and electrical arching
• Potential explosions
• Disconnect necessary to open walls and ceilings to
search for fire to prevent electrocution.
• Water Damage
• Eliminate possible ignition sources

16. Scenarios to Determine Safety Issues
• Fire fighters should never charge blindly into
action.

22. Describing Personal Protective Equipment

23. Fire Fighters Clothing
• Helmet
• Bunker coat
• Bunker pants
• Boots
• Gloves
• Hood
• Personal alert safety
system device
(PASS)

24. Dangers of Protective Equipment
• Penetration- flow or movement of dangerous
materials through closures such as seams, pinholes
or zippers
• Permeation- different from penetration; occurs
through the material itself rather than through
openings in the material
• Degradation- destruction or decomposition of
clothing due to chemical exposure, general use or
ambient conditions

25. Care and Cleaning of Personal Protective
Equipment(PPE)
• Avoid unnecessary wear on turnout clothing
• Check conditions of PPE on a regular basis
• Must be kept clean to maintain its protective
properties
• Hoods, gloves and boots get dirty quickly and
should be cleaned according to the
manufacturer’s instructions

26. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus(SCBA)
• Respirator with independent air supply used by fire
fighters to enter toxic and otherwise dangerous
atmospheres
• Consists of four main parts
a. backpack and harness
b. air cylinder assembly
c. regulator assembly
d. face piece assembly

27. Abbreviations
• PPE – personal protective equipment
• SOP – standard operating procedures
• EMS – emergency medical services
• SCBA – self contained breathing apparatus
• EMT – emergency medical technician