Media Release

12:35 a.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - June 22 through June 28, 2008, is Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week.  The Alachua County Department of Public Safety will focus on the safety, health and survival of firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics as part of an international campaign to reduce line-of-duty deaths within the Fire/EMS service.

In 2007, 115 firefighters died in the U.S. in the line of duty; already this year, more than 50 have been lost. The purpose of Safety, Health and Survival Week is to reduce these deaths and injuries by calling attention to safety practices and improving them. On Tuesday, June 24, through Thursday, June 26, at 8 a.m., all Public Safety personnel in Alachua County will observe a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives in line-of-duty deaths.

"We believe it's critical year-round to emphasize health and fitness, and we will focus on specific training and reviews during this week in June," said Jean LeMire, Health & Safety Officer for Alachua County Department of Public Safety. The theme of this year's Safety, Health and Survival Week is "Committed to Long-term Results." The campaign encourages long-term investments by fire chiefs, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics to enhance their health and safety. The theme reflects the need for organizational action that supports and encourages a safety culture. Safety, Health and Survival Week brings attention to the need to address preventable injuries and deaths among fire fighters and emergency medical personnel.

The Alachua County Department of Public Safety and its counterparts around the nation and the world will focus on preparing firefighters and EMS personnel for their daily duties by reviewing their training and the proper use of equipment to ensure safe response, mitigation and return from all emergency situations. Failure to remain cautious can cause routine activities to become hazardous, as illustrated by fire service and EMS line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

Alachua County Fire Rescue stations will be reviewing and checking all apparatus and equipment, personal protective gear, and operating procedures for wildfire response and vehicle operation. Personnel health checks, physical fitness reviews, and a safety drill will be conducted.  Nutrition and healthy cooking information will be provided for shift meals.

The 2008 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Formerly known as the Safety Stand Down, the campaign is part of the IAFC's new, comprehensive Fire/EMS Safety Support System.

For more information, please contact Jean LeMire, Health & Safety Officer at 352-384-3101 (office) or 352-258-9562 (cell).

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