Tag: first responder safety

AIHA Launches Site for First Responder Health Resources

By Guy Burdick, EHS Daily Advisor Sep 8, 2020 Health and Wellness

Updated: Sep 8, 2020

AIHA (formerly the American Industrial Hygiene Association) launched a new website—https://www.workerhealthsafety.org/first-responders—with occupational health resources about the long-term health risks faced by emergency responders. The website includes a case study of training to prepare first responders for rail emergencies and a directory of industrial hygienists and occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professionals.

NIOSH’s Virtual Toolkit for First Responders Addresses Illicit Drugs

By Guy Burdick, EHS Daily Advisor Oct 9, 2019 Personal Protective Equipment

Updated: Oct 9, 2019

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released a new virtual toolkit to help first responders reduce their exposure to fentanyl and other illicit drugs. The toolkit provides resources to help keep first responders safe when arriving on a scene where illicit drugs, including fentanyl, are present or suspected to be present.

NIOSH Investigates Hospital, Ergonomic, and Opioid Hazards

By Guy Burdick, EHS Daily Advisor Sep 20, 2019 Special Topics in Safety Management

Updated: Sep 20, 2019

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) fielded 221 requests for Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs) in 2018, according to a recently released annual report. The 34 HHE reports published last year examined hazards ranging from hospital disinfectants and repetitive pharmacy tasks to emergency responders’ exposure to opioids.

Distracted Drivers Pose Hazards to Emergency Vehicles, First Responders

By Guest Contributor Apr 9, 2019 Personnel Safety

Updated: Apr 9, 2019

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) have found that far too many passing drivers are taking photos or videos and posting to social media when emergency personnel are responding to an incident.

Fentanyl in a bag safely handled with gloves

NIOSH Video Addresses Fentanyl Hazards for First Responders

By Guy Burdick, EHS Daily Advisor Apr 8, 2019 Emergency Preparedness and Response

Updated: Apr 8, 2019

At the beginning of a video released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a police officer is exposed to fentanyl and experiences symptoms of an overdose. The video serves to highlight the risks to first responders who may be exposed to fentanyl on the job, along with recommendations to stay safe […]

Fentanyl Exposure: Protecting First Responders

By William C. Schillaci Jun 5, 2018 Injuries and Illness

Updated: Jun 5, 2018

The current opioid epidemic, which is being fueled by the synthetic opioid fentanyl, has created a heightened danger for enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency medical first responders who arrive at the scene of overdoses (ODs), traffic stops, arrests, and searches.

DHS Announces Contest to Protect First Responders

By Clare Condon Sep 28, 2016 Emergency Preparedness and Response

Updated: Aug 22, 2017

Concerned about an increase in roadside incidents involving first responders, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) challenged companies to come up with research-based solutions. Read on to find out about one winning project that could save the lives of responders as well as civilians.