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Emergency Responder Health, Safety and Wellness

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is committed to reducing firefighter fatalities and injuries by helping to create a safer operational environment for emergency responders. The resources below contain best practices and recommendations for improved technologies, operations and behaviors that will better prepare the fire service to respond to all incidents and mitigate the consequences of fire.

EMS Safety Practices cover
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EMS Safety Practices

Learn how to develop a safety program that covers all aspects of emergency medical services (EMS) operations.

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Health and Safety Blog
Firefighters: Donating blood may reduce PFAS levels in your blood

A research project involving Australian firefighters shows PFAS levels in the blood can be reduced if a person donates blood every 12 weeks or plasma every 6 weeks. Exposures to PFAS have been linked to cancer.

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blood donation

National Fire Academy training

Our Responder Health and Safety courses will help you to develop risk management strategies that reduce firefighter and EMS casualties. Current health and safety issues are explored, with an emphasis on the safety role of the first-line supervisor.

Courses are available on- and off-campus, and online.

Browse courses in this curriculum

Health, safety and wellness manuals

See also: USFA reports on firefighter fatalities and injuries