The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) led the nation in the fire and emergency services’ first Safety Stand Down in 2005–a groundbreaking event focused exclusively on reducing line-of-duty deaths. The program was supported by other major fire service organizations, and in the last three years has grown into a successful safety awareness and training initiative.
In 2008, the Safety Stand Down will become known as the Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week, to be held June 22-28, 2008. This week will be devoted to reviewing safety policies, evaluating the progress of existing initiatives and discussing health and fitness. Fire/EMS departments should make a concerted effort during the week to correct safety deficiencies and to provide training.