The Firefighters Support Foundation’s (FSF) newest training program, Self-Defense for Firefighters and EMTs, is now available free by download. This program is available in two formats: a 70 slide PowerPoint program that’s dense with information, and a 90-minute video program which presents the PowerPoint material and additionally presents hands-on instruction in defensive techniques. Firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and search & rescue personnel can view the video material with the PowerPoint file acting as their hard copy notes, or they can use either resource independently.
The program goes much beyond simple physical techniques:
- It delves into the subject of awareness and how firefighters and EMTs can avoid many of the confrontations that they get into each year. For the first time on a national basis it introduces the “color codes of awareness” that have served the law enforcement community so well for decades.
- It educates the audience on the subject of appropriate use of force, addressing the issue of “what level of force can I legally use, and when?”
- It suggests tactics, taking only a couple seconds, that when added to your routine on each call, greatly reduce the chance of an assault.
- It provides a toolbox of self-defense techniques that are easy to learn and will serve a firefighter or EMT well in most of the confrontations they get into.
The entire program is at the practical level for front-line responders, and the need for this type of training is underscored by several recent incidents in which firefighters and EMTs/paramedics have been attacked, such as the recent alleged assault of a Los Angeles County (CA) firefighter-paramedic during a medical call. The PowerPoint and video portions of the program can be used by any agency or member either as-is, or as a basis from which to construct training modules or presentations of their own. It compiles the thoughts and advice of many of the leading experts in this area.
The Firefighters Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization dedicated to assisting firefighters and rescue personnel perform their jobs effectively and safely. We also set aside a portion of our funds to aid underfunded agencies and assist families of fallen firefighters.
Download this free training below:
