The IAFF will be presenting two live webcasts on two of the biggest issues in the fire service today - the increased risk for occupational cancers and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Streamed live on Wednesday, January 28 from the upcoming Affiliate Leadership Training Summit (ALTS) in Anaheim, California, the webcast is FREE for all IAFF members.
The IAFF is urging affiliates and members to hold a safety stand down as these important issues are addressed.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Fire Service 8:00-10:00 a.m. (PT) / 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (ET)
Emergency responders are more susceptible to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) because of the nature of the profession coupled with the personal demands and challenges we all face. IAFF members respond to any number of traumatic incidents on a daily, ongoing basis. If not treated properly, the anxiety can build over time and can lead to PTSD. But all too often the effects can easily be overlooked as “a part of the job.” Presenters will discuss causes and signs/symptoms of PTSD and best practices for addressing it within your local.
Presenters:
• Suzy Gulliver, Director, Warriors Research Institute and Professor Texas A&M
• Frank Leto, Uniformed Fire Officers Association Local 854
• Joe Schulle, President, Philadelphia Local 22
• Kenneth Stuart, President, Seattle Local 27
• Patrick Morrison, IAFF Health and Safety (moderator)
Cancer Awareness 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (PT) / 1:30-3:30 p.m. (ET)
In 2014, 56 percent of line-of-duty deaths among IAFF members were from occupational cancer. Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to help prevent exposure to dangerous carcinogens is more important than ever. This workshop helps provide the tools necessary to affect personal commitment, organizational accountability and exposure tracking methods to minimize or eliminate the contraction of occupational related cancers.
Presenters:
• Larry Petrick, IAFF Health and Safety
• Dr. Virginia Weaver, Johns Hopkins University
• Amy Howard, California Professional Firefighters
• Jim Brinkley, IAFF Health and Safety (moderator)
To watch, go to: www.iaff.org/ALTSwebcast
The live webcast will also be streaming on the ALTS web site and app. Download the IAFF Frontline App from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.