The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Volunteer Fire Council have published a new guidebook providing comprehensive information on fitness and wellness for volunteer firefighters and fire departments.

NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg said his organization “is pleased to partner with the USFA in this endeavor to reduce the primary cause of volunteer firefighter fatalities and at the same time contribute to the fitness and wellness of the volunteer fire service.”

The Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Fire Service was developed under a Volunteer Fire Service Fitness and Wellness Cooperative agreement between USFA and the NVFC. The partnership, which aims to reduce volunteer firefighter deaths from heart attack and stress, intends to both research and develop examples of effective health and wellness programs. The new guide complements existing USFA firefighter wellness and fitness partnerships with the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

The manual provides detailed information and examples of health and wellness programs aimed at the volunteer firefighter. It addresses fitness and exercise, including aerobic, flexibility and strength training; diet; smoking cessation; and other important health areas. It provides information on how volunteer fire departments can enhance compliance with appropriate National Fire Protection Association standards, such as NFPA 1583, Health-Related Fitness Programs For Firefighters.

“Health and wellness issues are the number-one cause of line-of-duty firefighter fatalities throughout the volunteer fire service,” said U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison. “Effective firefighter wellness programs as a key effort in reducing this loss of life, will help this nation reduce the unacceptable number of line of duty deaths.”

Limited quantities may be ordered free of charge. It can be downloaded from the Publications section of www.usfa.fema.gov or it can be ordered through USFA, Publications, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, Md. 21727; 800-561-3356, 301-447-1189, fax: 301-447-1213.

For more information online about the USFA's Fire Service Fitness and Wellness initiatives, see www.usfa.fema.gov/inside-usfa/research/safety/fitness.shtm.