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Julie Ann Marra
Herald/Review
SIERRA VISTA — Those protecting Sierra Vista residents will work on protecting themselves this week as the Sierra Vista Fire Department focuses on Firefighters’ and Emergency Medical Technicians’ health and safety this week during the 2008 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week.
“It is essential to the organization that all emergency response personnel participate in this important program that will address and educate our staff to help minimize the risk of on-the-job illnesses and injuries,” Sierra Vista Fire Marshal Paul Cimino said in a news release Friday.
This week is a part of an international campaign to reduce the number of deaths in the line of duty of fire and emergency medical services members. In 2007, 115 firefighters died in the line of duty nationwide. So far in 2008, more than 50 have given their lives.
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“The Sierra Vista Fire Department has made it a priority to address safety issues through training, education and drafting polices which relate to potential health and safety risks encountered by emergency personnel on a daily basis,” Cimino said.
This year’s theme is “Committed to Long-term Results.” Cimino said the Sierra Vista firefighters and EMTs will be working on a variety of things this week including reviewing how they respond to calls and the safety of their gear. They will also look at individual health including fitness and eating habits. During each shift, the crews will work together to address these issues.
“It’s not just the supervisors, it’s everyone,” Cimino said. “We identify where we’re most at risk and work on it.”
This is accomplished through communication within the department and with other organizations and reviewing statistical data.
“It’s a process where we determine where we are and where we need to be,” Cimino said.
The week is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
These pre-emptive measures will help prevent any further lives lost in the line of duty.
Herald/Review reporter Julie Ann Marra can be reached at 515-4680 or julieann.marra@svherald.com.
