USFA Digest: March 23, 2023
The effects of long COVID on the fire service On this episode The USFA Podcast, Dr. Denise Smith discusses long COVID: a range of new, returning or ongoing health problems that people experience for several weeks following the initial infection from the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus.  Listen to the podcast Immersive learning is an important part of fire service training  The National Fire Protection Association has released 2 reports on immersive learning environments for firefighter training. These environments make use of virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality to create realistic environments for learning. Immersive learning environments are useful for training in the fire service, especially when live training would be dangerous, resource-intensive or very technically involved. Read the article |
| Safety warning: wildland fire shelters The National Wildfire Coordinating Group has released a safety warning about fire shelters that do not meet specifications and could result in firefighter injury or death. The warning contains instructions and photos to guide firefighters on what to look for when inspecting their fire shelter to determine if it meets the U.S. Forest Service 5100-606 specification. Learn more |
 Fire escape plans for people with disabilities Use our free resources and join with other fire and life safety communicators in promoting these messages in your community during the month of March: Fire is fast! Plan your escape for your abilities. Have a home fire escape plan for everyone in your home. Some people may need help waking up or getting outside. Let your local fire department know if someone in your home needs extra assistance to escape or may have difficulty escaping. Free outreach materials |
Home fire deaths  50 home fire deaths were reported by the U.S. news media for March 12-18. Home fire death incidents: 42 States with incidents: 24 Home fire deaths (thru March 18) 637 Learn more about these incidents |
| Recent firefighter fatalities reported to USFA |
William “Bill” Fore, Engineer / EMT Brady Fire/EMS, Brady, Texas Rocky S. Wood, Forest Technician Virginia Department of Forestry, Charlottesville, Virginia Steve “Bullwinkle” Haskin Harris, 2nd Assistant Chief Fort Johnson Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., Fort Johnson, New York Fatalities in 2023  Explore firefighter fatality statistics |
Women’s History Month  Meet the USFA women who are supporting women in fire and EMS Join us in celebrating women in fire and EMS this Women’s History Month! Learn how our professional development opportunities and resources can help fire departments keep women safe and healthy on the job. Free resources |
 Fire is Everyone’s Fight® There are dozens of ways you can use Fire Is Everyone’s Fight to help teach people in your city or town to be safe from fire. Join the fight for a few ideas to get you started. |
