The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Everyone Goes Home Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Program, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters are partners in the IAFC/IAFF 2008 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week, scheduled for June 22-28.

The theme for this year is "Committed to Long-Term Results" and is designed to encourage long-term investments by both chiefs and firefighters to enhance their health and safety. The ultimate goal is to institute a strong culture of health and safety within the fire/EMS service.

Recommended activities and materials will incorporate three key areas where standard operating procedures, policies and initiatives — along with the training and enforcement that support them — can limit fire and EMS personnel's risk of injury or death. Those areas are:

Initiate an emergency vehicle policy

• Always buckle up.
• Always stop at red lights and stop signs.
• Always drive at speed limits and defensively.

Fully implement the Wellness-Fitness Initiative

• Provide annual medical and physical evaluations.
• Provide equipment and time for exercise.
• Provide nutrition information.

Fully implement NFPA 1500, especially sections addressing PPE

• Provide compliant PPE.
• Train and enforce use of PPE, including respiratory protection.