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IAFF expands workplace violence prevention training for first responders

January 29, 2025

IAFF launches second course on workplace violence prevention

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has introduced its second course on workplace violence prevention.

The new training, Practical Strategies for Safety, builds on the IAFF’s initial workplace violence prevention course launched in 2021.

The latest module provides prevention strategies, real-world examples, and safety resources for members.

The course is free to all IAFF members and includes demonstrations filmed at the EMS training facility of Washington, DC Local 36 and DC Fire and EMS.

Addressing workplace violence risks

Workplace violence remains a concern for first responders.

Local 36 President David Hoagland said: “Violence, on some level, happens in the workplace in our response area every day.

“It might be anything from a verbal attack to people discharging firearms during a domestic dispute call.”

He added: “We all need to be prepared for when these incidents occur. This course will help.

“It emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and strategies for staying safe on the job.”

Ben Vernon shares experience in new training

San Diego, CA Local 145 firefighter Ben Vernon was seriously injured in a stabbing on June 24, 2015, while responding to a call.

He and fellow firefighter Alex Wallbrett were attacked while assisting a patient.

Vernon shared his experience in the IAFF’s first workplace violence course and now serves as a guide in the follow-up module.

His account highlights the risks first responders face and the importance of preparedness.

First course remains available

The IAFF’s first course, Workplace Violence Prevention for First Responders, was developed in collaboration with the Center for Firefighter Injury Research and Safety Trends (FIRST Center) at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health.

That course introduced key concepts of workplace violence prevention, mitigation strategies like de-escalation, and post-incident steps such as reporting and seeking help.

Both courses aim to improve safety for IAFF members.

IAFF launches second course on workplace violence prevention: Summary

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has released its second workplace violence prevention course, Practical Strategies for Safety.

The course provides prevention strategies, real-world scenarios, and resources to help first responders stay safe on the job.

It is available free to IAFF members.

Washington, DC Local 36 and DC Fire and EMS contributed to the training by providing access to their EMS facility for demonstrations.

Local 36 President David Hoagland highlighted the ongoing risks first responders face and the need for preparedness.

San Diego, CA Local 145 firefighter Ben Vernon, who was injured in a workplace violence incident in 2015, shares his experience in the new course.

The IAFF’s first workplace violence prevention course, developed with Drexel University’s FIRST Center, remains available and covers prevention policies, mitigation strategies, and post-incident procedures.

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