Greetings everyone and welcome to summertime in Missouri. Because there are so many volunteer Fire/EMS-based operations in the United States, NVFC is not only actively involved in this, but they have an EMS Section. Unlike all of their other 16-operating committees with a set number which can vote, all Directors are part of the EMS Section and can vote.
Most people are not even aware that NVFC, like it or dislike it, was the leader in securing a uniform national standard in ambulance construction safety similar to fire trucks. Right now the major stakeholders are networking with the National Association of EMS Physicians on Quality Measures which have national implications. For now, let’s just say it will be an ongoing process for the summer.
Since my last article, I have responded to three Action Alerts to Congress supporting Fire Service legislation from the NVFC Chief of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Director.
These involved IRS tax breaks for volunteer stipends, increasing SAFER funding, and just before this article, AFG.
NVFC continues to solidify working relationships of trust with the new appointments of the Biden Administration. So far it has been very positive but as they say, “it is still too early in the game.”
Their latest meeting was with the new FEMA Administrator, Deanne Criswell, and focused on the AFG applications and process especially the sharp decline of volunteer fire department applications. In 2010 there were nearly 12,000 applications that have now dropped to 5,000. It is not rocket science that after you try for 6-8 years with no success that you give up.
An EZ Grant proposal focused on just the most basic of minimum needs with smaller vs. larger budgets was discussed at length. In short, take a pool of money and make it go twice as far with assistance with 50% less “red tape.”
As of writing this article, NVFC is actively involved in the 2021 Firefighter Stand Down from June 20-26. The theme this year was “Rebuild Rehab.”
Key importance was on physical and psychological rehab to mitigate physical and mental impact to firefighter readiness for the next assignment and the next call. The post-incident focus covered several areas of health and safety including cardiac, nutrition, exposure, psychological, hydration, and heat stress.
I will close out by editing my closing from 60-days ago. NVFC remains focused on many things in addition to legislation including firefighter cancer and revising the Lavender Ribbon report that was just released less than 3-years ago. The Council has also been active with mental health including PTSD and firefighter suicide which now averages 2 per day. COVID remains ongoing including LODD and the “Long Haul” effects for many after they have been deemed as recovered, NOT!
Thank you for your time and for allowing me to serve on your behalf with the NVFC.
FFAM
