March 2024:

• Cancer Prevention Best Practices - Lavender Ribbon Report
• Nick Dinges on Frontline Mindset Podcast
• AFG Updates - Last Call for Applications
• Featured Item: Defibtech ARM XR ACC Device
• Funding & Grants Workshops
• DFC - New Vendors for 2024

Cancer Prevention Best Practices - Lavender Ribbon Report

The Lavender Ribbon Report Update is out, and below are the best practices that are recommended for Firefighter Cancer Prevention!

• Full protective equipment (PPE) must be worn throughout the entire incident, including SCBA 

during salvage and overhaul.

• A second hood should be provided to all entry-certified personnel in the department.
• Following exit from the IDLH, and while still on air, you should begin immediate gross decon of 

PPE using soap water and a brush, if weather conditions allow. PPE should then be placed into 

a sealed plastic bag and placed in an exterior compartment of the rig, or if responding in POVs, 

placed in a large storage tote, thus keeping the off-gassing PPE away from passengers and self.

• After completion of gross decon procedures as discussed above, and while still on scene, the exposed areas of the body (neck, face, arms and hands) should be wiped off immediately using wipes, which must be carried on all apparatus. Use the wipes to remove as much soot as possible from head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms and hands immediately.
• Change your clothes and wash them after exposure to products of combustion or other contaminants. Do this as soon as possible and/or isolate in a trash bag until washing is available.
• Shower as soon as possible after being exposed to products of combustion or other contaminants. “Shower within the Hour”
• PPE, especially turnout pants, must be prohibited in areas outside the apparatus floor (i.e. kitchen, sleeping areas, etc.) and never in the household. 
• Wipes, or soap and water, should also be used to decontaminate and clean apparatus seats, SCBA and interior crew area regularly, especially after incidents where personnel were exposed to products of combustion. 
• Get an annual physical, as early detection is the key to survival. The NVFC outlines several options at www.nvfc.org downloaded from www.iafc.org/healthRoadmap.
• Tobacco products of any variety, including dip and e-cigarettes should never be used at anytime on or off duty.
• Fully document all fire or chemical exposures on incident reports and personal exposure reports.

For more information about firefighter cancer and prevention, including the estimated implementation costs of the best practices above, check out the remainder of the Lavender Ribbon Report Update!

Nick Dinges on Frontline Mindset Podcast

Tune in to this episode of Frontline Mindset with Robert Ridley to hear Dinges Fire Company CEO, Nick Dinges, share the backstory of his journey to build not just a successful company, but a thriving family and culture within the firefighting community.

AFG Updates - Last Call for Applications

AFG Applications are due by March 8, 2024 at 5pm ET. If you're trying to get it in under the wire, check our blog for a recap of some of the important changes you'll need to know!

The newest addition to the Defibtech product family is the ARM XR automated chest compression (ACC) device designed for professional rescuers. ARM XR ACC helps emergency personnel deliver continuous, high-quality CPR for patients in cardiac arrest. Easy to deploy and use, ARM XR allows first responders to transition from manual to mechanical CPR in seconds, and maintain continuous compressions over long durations. Count on ARM XR to deliver consistent, high-quality CPR from the rig to the hospital. ARM XR is affordable, helps to eliminate fatigue in first responders, and a single EMT can operate it on their own.

With ARM XR, EMS teams can:

• Provide high-quality CPR with appropriate compressions per minute, depth of compressions and active chest recoil
• Run a cardiac arrest code with smaller teams and reduced fatigue/stress
• Treat large and small patients with automated compression depth adjustment
• Extend budgets with our cost-effective, rugged mechanical CPR system

Other Features:

• Integrated Frame and Backboard
• 33% Longer Battery Life
• Wide Operating Temperature
• Lightweight & Portable

Funding & Grants Workshops

Have you been to one of our Funding and Grants Workshops yet? During these events, Chief Jeff Bryant talks through local, state, and federal funding opportunities and the excess property program to help your department or organization on the next steps to take to help your department gain the equipment you need to protect your citizens and district. There is no cost to attend, and enrollment is open to anyone wanting to learn more about the ways to help their department obtain funding. Check out our events page for all upcoming workshops and events, or contact your rep to get one scheduled in your area for 2024!

• March 6-8, 2024 – 1851 Training Event – Hanover Park, East Dundee, and Huntley, IL
• March 9, 2024 – Northwest Iowa Regional Fire School – Sioux City, IA 
• March 21-23, 2024 – WSFA 2024 Conference – Stevens Point, WI 
• March 26, 2024 – Hancock Department Funding & Grants Workshop – Hancock, MI 
• April 3, 2024 – 1851 Training Event – Rock Island, Dixon, and Amboy, IL
• April 5 & 6, 2024 – Amboy Fire School – Amboy, IL 
• April 6, 2024 – Post Traumatic Purpose Tour with Travis Howze – Amboy, IL
• April 15-20, 2024 – FDIC 2024 – Indianapolis, IN 
• April 29, 2024 – Effingham Fire Dept. Funding & Grants Workshop – Effingham, IL 
• April 30, 2024 – Robinson FPD Funding & Grants Workshop – Robinson, IL