All posts tagged Fire Department

The Alexandria (Va.) Fire Department was founded in 1774. One of its early members was the nation’s first president, George Washington. Today, the Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 250 firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff, and administrative support. A network of 10 stations protects 15-square miles and serves nearly 140,000 residents.

Using IndustrySafe, aka Vector EHS Management, Alexandria FD can turn safety management data into insightful information to reduce workplace industries, identify trends and reduce worker’s compensation issues. 

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The FY 2019 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application period is open from Feb. 3 to March 13, 2020. This grant, offered by FEMA, provides funds to fire departments in need of training, equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, and other resources to serve the public.

Multiple changes have been made to the FY 2019 grant program to include micro grants, additional equipment, and more operations, safety, and regional considerations. With this, TargetSolutions qualifies as a “high priority” for this grant as it provides fire departments with a learning management system (LMS) to track training and certifications.

Learn more about the AFG process and specifications.

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On Wednesday, Jan. 29, TargetSolutions hosted a best practices webinar for fire departments featuring tips and tricks for operating the LMS platform. In this webinar, Tim Riley, TargetSolutions platform expert, covered how departments are currently maximizing the system and highlighted TargetSolutions’ features for improving operational efficiency and reducing liability.

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The Ultimate Technology for Operational Readiness

In the public safety industry, there’s no such thing as over-prepared. While it may not be possible to anticipate when disaster will strike, your department can ensure its personnel are ready when it does. With TargetSolutions’ suite of software for fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies, disaster preparedness is straightforward and effective.

TargetSolutions delivers applications organizations need to handle the unexpected. TargetSolutions’ centralized platform offers cutting-edge technology to track and deliver crucial training; coordinate schedules and perform emergency callbacks; and inspect vehicles, equipment and medical supplies.

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On October 22, TargetSolutions hosted a live webinar highlighting best practices for documenting ISO training records for fire chiefs and training officers.

During this webinar, Tim Riley, a TargetSolutions platform expert and fire service veteran, reviewed ISO requirements for fire departments, applicable points for an ISO rating and how to track valuable training hours with TargetSolutions’ ISO training tracker.

A recording of this webinar is available here.

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According to studies discussed in the Firefighter Cancer Support white paper, “Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service,” firefighters experience higher rates of various cancers compared to the general population. The highest being a 2.02 times greater risk for developing testicular cancer.

Additionally, as we’ve learned, a firefighter’s exposure to carcinogens and other hazardous materials doesn’t end after emergency response. Research shows a strong link between dirty bunker gear and cancer.

To help fire service members be proactive in their health, the TargetSolutions Check It™ application includes a solution for tracking and reporting all personal protective equipment (PPE) inspections, repairs and more.

TargetSolutions’ online training course, NFPA 1851 – Cancer-Related Risks of Firefighting, is currently available with complimentary access. With every completion this year of this free firefighter cancer prevention training, TargetSolutions will donate $1 to the American Cancer Society in January of 2020.

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TargetSolutions will donate $1 per course completion up to $5,000 to the American Cancer Society. The donation will be made in January 2020. To complete this firefighter cancer awareness course, please reach out to your platform administrator and have this training assigned today!

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported firefighters face a 9 percent increase in cancer diagnoses, and a 14 percent increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general population. Additionally, firefighters are at higher risk of contracting cancers such as mesothelioma. With these findings, promoting cancer awareness and prevention strategies is crucial for the fire service.

To help spread awareness, Vector Solutions, TargetSolutions’ parent company, will be donating $1 to the American Cancer Society for every completion of the fire course: NFPA 1851 – Cancer-Related Risks of Firefighting. The donation is $1 per course completion up to $5,000 for every course completed before Jan. 1, 2020.

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On Sept. 27, Vector Solutions hosted its first-ever San Diego Fire Truck Pull event in the 4S Commons Town Center in Rancho Bernardo, Calif. Working with local companies and fire service agencies, Vector Solutions donated all the event’s proceeds to the Burn Institute.

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In the fire service, communicating with one another, sharing stories and learning from different agencies helps departments grow and improve their own practices.

In the August 15^th Firehouse webcast, New Training Programs Utilize Technology after Close Calls, and the September 12^th Fire Engineering webcast, A Discussion About Inspections, fire service veterans highlight lessons from their own department’s processes. Through the discussions in these webinars, they exchange ideas to further improve safety and readiness.

In this mission-critical industry, what can go wrong, often will go wrong – so it’s important to plan accordingly. These Fire Engineering and Firehouse webcasts are packed with valuable information and advice to help your agency understand the value of operational readiness through effective training, communication and established routines.

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