Situational awareness is a critical component of emergency response operations. It is a process that helps firefighters solve problems, prevent bad outcomes, and make better decisions in high-stress environments.
In recognition of its importance, the theme of the 2022 Safety Stand-Down campaign is “Situational Awareness: The Foundation for Good Decision-Making.”
Focus on Training and education
A joint initiative of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety, Health and Survival Section, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA), this year’s Safety Stand-Down program will take place June 19-25.
Responder agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during this week to focus on training and education related to situational awareness.
Program details
The week will be broken down into five daily focus areas to highlight situational awareness
The week will be broken down into five daily focus areas to highlight situational awareness during different incident types: structure fires, EMS, wildland incidents, roadway response, and acts of violence.
Resources, training videos and a PowerPoint presentation will be made available before the week on the Safety Stand-Down website to help departments plan for and implement Safety Stand Down strategies.
Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz
In addition, the NFPA will once again host the Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz to raise awareness and foster a greater understanding of this year’s theme.
Everyone who completes the online quiz will be automatically entered into sweepstakes; 200 randomly selected participants will win a commemorative Safety Stand Down challenge coin.