Risk management and loss control: Reducing firefighter injury and death during training activities

The fire service pursues development of exotic firefighter rescue and survival techniques without application of a risk management process to evaluate risk versus gain or compliance with codes, standards, and applicable laws. Due to limited expertise, increasing responsibilities, and limited resources of time, personnel, and budget dollars, many departments have failed to develop, adopt, and implement a comprehensive risk management plan.; A review of the literature and a survey led to conclusions regarding prevailing risk management policies and loss experience in connection with training activities. The results of this study determined a need to heighten awareness of fire service executives regarding the risks associated with training activities and potential consequences of these risks. It was recommended that a Fire Service Risk Management course be added to the California Fire Service Training and Education System.