Wednesday, June 19, 2013

It's that time of year again...

This week is International Fire/EMS Safety & Health Week. Sponsored by the International Fire Chiefs Association (IAFC) and National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the event focuses on the behavioral and physical health and safety of Firefighters and EMS professionals. 

According to the website, "The 2013 event will take place from June 16-22. Fire departments are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activity during Safety and Health Week in order to focus on safety and health training and education. An entire week is provided to ensure all shifts and duty crew can participate."

This year, there is a markedly more significant focus on mental and emotional well-being.  According to IAFC President, Chief Hank Clemmensen, "Addressing behavioral health issues can only be done when we first acknowledge there is a problem, and we’ve been in collective denial as an industry for too long. Our responders are under unprecedented pressure, and it’s time we have some unprecedented conversations about how that impacts our health."

Much research has been conducted regarding the link between emotional/mental well-being and the physical health of the human body.  Mental health problems carry such a stigma that people may have trouble seeking or finding care, especially in a profession such as firefighting, which is steeped in a tradition of strength and toughness.

 Register for free safety and health webinars, find resources and planning tools, and learn about the event at safetyandhealthweek.org. 

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