IAFC releases report on sleep deprivation’s effect on firefighters
The Fairfax, Va.-based International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) have released a report titled “The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Fire Fighters and EMS Responders.” The report draws data from fatigue and sleep deprivation in certain industries, primarily transportation and medical fields, to provide tips for reducing the effects of fatigue on emergency responders.
“This is an in-depth culmination of available sleep deprivation research that, if taken seriously, should keep the fire chief awake at night,” IAFC President Chief Steven Westermann said in a statement. “The research can apply to any busy station, volunteer or career, with any of the traditional schedules, not just the newer 48/96 schedule.” The IAFC and USFA have also developed a self-guided computer training program to accompany the report.
The report and training material are available at
www.iafc.org/sleep.