AF F&ES Releases Ready Firefighter Program 2022

Photo By Justin Connaher | Fire protection specialist Senior Airman Larry Kyles, a native of Dallas, Texas, assigned to the 673rd Civil Engineer Squadron, performs firefighter training on a simulated aircraft fire at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016.  Aircraft live fire training is conducted periodically throughout the year at JBER to ensure Airmen are prepared to combat aircraft fuel fires. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)  

UNITED STATES

10.17.2022

Courtesy Story

Headquarters Air Force, Office of the Director of Civil Engineers

Air Force Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) has released the 2022 Ready Firefighter Program to be implemented at all Air Force Fire Departments around the world. “This program supports the well-being of our airmen and strengthens the culture of the community that surrounds them”, according to Air Force Fire Chief, Timothy Pitman. “We must keep in mind, fire fighting is a physically and emotionally daunting profession and no one is immune to the accumulating stressors we face.” The Ready Fire Fighter program falls in line with the F&ES Strategic Plan 2022 which establishes Human Capital as the first line of effort.

The guidance establishes minimum requirements for implementation of the program in accordance with AFI 32-2001 and NFPA Standard 1500. It serves as a blueprint for Installation Fire Chiefs to build a robust program, which consists of Self-Assessments, Education and Training, and Peer Support Teams.

Through the use of Self-Assessments, Installation Fire Chiefs will be able to assist firefighters in identifying, moderating, and mitigating the personal and professional stressors that can impact anyone. Peer Support Teams will provide confidential support to members experiencing personal, emotional, or work-related problems while acting as a bridge to outside professional services. Peer support leaders will be trained to identify mental health concerns, be good listeners, help determine when team members need a higher level of care, and connect members to necessary resources.

Formal and informal education and training will focus on developing initial skills for new team members, and will focus on reactive measures and implementing culture change for supervisors and Chief Fire Officers. A comprehensive list of available courses at all levels is included in the guidance.

Pitman said, “Our goal is to promote health, wellness, and resiliency for our entire team. Behavioral health programs like this one can ready our firefighter force for the challenges of tomorrow.” CMSgt Phillip Winkelman, F&ES Career Field Manager added, “Special thanks to the Air Force Mental Health Team, The First Responder Project, Department of the Air Force Fortify the Force Team, Air University Resiliency Center and the 30 Fire & Emergency Services professionals that came together to develop this for the field.”

To read more, check out the 2022 Ready Firefighter Program here: https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/haf-a4/A4C/A4CFireEmergencyResources/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2Fhaf%2Da4%2FA4C%2FA4CFireEmergencyResources%2FReadyFirefighterProgram2022%5FFinal%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2Fhaf%2Da4%2FA4C%2FA4CFireEmergencyResources

• Date Taken: 10.17.2022
• Date Posted: 10.17.2022 10:00
• Story ID: 431456
• Location: US