Recently the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers & Services Association introduced a new warning code that FEMSA members can include on a small card with their products.

FEMSA members created the "Personal Responsibility Code" as a warning of the inherent dangers to their emergency service customers. (The code can be viewed at www.femsa.org.) It lists six points to remind the individual using the product of his or her personal responsibility to be properly trained for the job and in the use of equipment and to ensure the equipment is maintained.

Another point includes the reminder: "It is your responsibility to be in proper physical condition and maintain the personal skill level required to operate any equipment you may be called upon to use."

Interestingly, though it's been under development for more than a year, the code's points parallel the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation/USFA initiatives to reduce the line-of-duty deaths. Both initiatives focus on training, physical condition and personal responsibility.

According to FEMSA's Vice President Giff Swayne of Holmatro, "The message to the end-user is that these are really common-sense reminders that can be lost in the fast-pace of emergency response." Emergency responders need to be aware of their limitations, whether in training, equipment familiarity or physical ability. "Our overall goal is to improve overall safety and survivability of the responder," he said.

No. 6 on the Personal Responsibility Code is "Failure to follow these guidelines may result in death, burns or other severe injury."

Do firefighters and other responders need to be reminded of how serious their job is?

Unfortunately, the answer frequently is Yes.

This Personal Responsibility Code should be posted in every fire station and read before every shift or training drill. It's putting the "you" in accountability.


Janet Wilmoth, Editor