Fire/emergency medical services

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Indianapolis — Indiana Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) has introduced state legislation that would create a public safety research fund aimed at understanding and improving the physical health and safety and psychological well-being of first responders.

Emmitsburg, MD — Eighty-seven firefighters were killed on the job in 2017, four fewer than in 2016, according to an annual report recently released by the U.S. Fire Administration.

Washington — Proper emergency response training and planning – coupled with early, coordinated communication among companies, first responders and communities – can help prevent chemical incident-related injuries and fatalities, a new "Safety Digest" from the Chemical Safety Board states.

Phoenix — A study of emergency medical technicians in Arizona shows they have a higher risk of suicide than the general public, according to researchers from the Arizona Emergency Medicine Research Center at the University of Arizona.

Washington — The Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, has released a video intended to protect first responders who face potential exposure to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin.

Washington — Entrapment from floor collapse, burns and asphyxiation are among the dangers faced by firefighters who respond to fires in basements and other below-grade areas, according to a recently published report from NIOSH.

Rockville, MD — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has introduced several resources intended to help first responders manage behavioral health issues that may arise from exposure to traumatic situations.

Dallas — A recent report from the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer and Combination Officers Section and the National Volunteer Fire Council details 11 best practices for minimizing cancer risk among firefighters.

Washington — Spurred by destructive hurricanes and wildfires in parts of the country in recent months, OSHA is calling attention to its Emergency Preparedness and Response webpage, reminding employers to “plan ahead,” “know the hazards” and “keep safe.”

Quincy, MA — Sixty firefighters were killed on the job in 2017 – the fewest since NFPA began reporting on-duty firefighter fatalities in 1977 – according to an annual report from the National Fire Protection Association.