Let me ask you a question. How often after a fire do you hear a firefighter complain of headaches, dizziness, or achiness? How often do you see a fellow firefighter stagger around incoherently after they leave the structure and not think twice about it? These symptoms are typical after a long, strenuous physical activity such as fighting a fire. Recent research indicates, however, that these symptoms could indicate cyanide poisoning which occurs in firefighters more often than previously recognized.

On November 24, 2008, a provision in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control (MUTCD), administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), goes into effect requiring public safety officers, including volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel responding to an incident on the side of a federal aid highway, to wear a safety vest that meets the Performance Class II or III requirements of the American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) 107-2004 publication.

With the onset of the holiday season, it is important to focus on fire safety and prevention. The celebration of the season brings with it increased usage of electric lights, decorations, candles, and the ever-popular Christmas tree, all of which can be potential fire hazards. Additionally, cooking fires increase during the holidays as families and friends gather to celebrate. By following general fire safety precautions, potential holiday fires, deaths, and injuries remain preventable.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), in partnership with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), has released an updated edition of the Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services. This valuable, free resource is available on the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org.