WELCOME
To the First Responder Center for Excellence
The FRCE is dedicated to protecting the lives and livelihoods of first responders, nationwide. Our education and research initiatives constantly shed new light on challenges to the health, safety and well‑being of firefighters, EMS personnel and other first responders. It’s all with the goal of reducing line‑of‑duty injuries and deaths as well as occupational illnesses.
HELPING YOU STAY ON THE FRONT LINES, SAFELY SERVING THE PUBLIC
First responders face more than emergencies every day. Carcinogens on the scene pose deadly dangers. Stress, substance abuse and depression impact mental health. Strength and stamina are pushed to the limits. And chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart and lung disease significantly reduce a first responder’s ability to respond quickly, protect property and save lives—including their own. The FRCE is here to make you aware of these life-threatening issues. We’ll help screen for, prevent or address them, and get you back to the job you love.
ABOUT US
Recently Added Resources
This easy-to-use collection of informational resources is where you will find current research on Behavioral Health, Cancer, Cardiac, Physicals, and Health and Wellness for “kitchen table talk” discussions, shift training, or as a starting point for building organizational best practices. Resources include articles, prevention tips, awareness training modules, PowerPoint presentations and more.
View All ResourcesFRCE Reource of the Month
The First Responder Center for Excellence has teamed with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the Health, Safety and Survival Section of the IAFC, the International Association of Fire Fighters and the National Volunteer Fire Council to create a guide for the physician (provider) of fire and EMS personnel to assist in annual physicals. Fire fighters and EMS providers face unique exposures that medical providers must be aware of to be considered in conjunction with personal and family history risk factors. The guide is available for free to download and disseminate to all members.
Providers Guide to Medical Evaluations
FRCE Training
Stress First Aid (SFA) online training courses can help identify and address post‑traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and depression, which occur frequently among active firefighters and EMS personnel. With regular monitoring and prompt intervention, healing can begin, and confidence, mental acuity and sense of purpose can be restored.
Available Online Courses
Stress First Aid Awareness (90 minute)Stress First Aid Online Training ModuleDoc Talks- Informational Videos for Firefighters
Additional FRCE Resources (in categories)
Behavioral Health
Recognizing emerging or existing mental health issues is critical to keeping first responders positively focused and in control.
Cancer
Learn about exposure to carcinogens and toxic chemicals; how they’re absorbed through the skin lungs, and more.
Cardiac
Over the last decade, more than half of on-duty volunteer firefighter deaths were from heart attacks. Discover what you can do to reduce your risk.
Firefighter Physicals
The NFPA 1582 annual physical is critical to determining your physical and mental fitness to do your job. Learn its parameters, what they identify and how to prepare to take it.
Healthy exercise is important on and off the job. See how it helps strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, prevents on the job injuries, and boosts energy levels.
Health & Wellness - Nutrition
A balanced, healthy diet is important on and off the job. Learn what should be included in a healthy diet, and how to continue a healthy diet even on-the-go while on duty.
First Responder Center for Excellence for Reducing Occupational Illness, Injuries and Deaths, Inc.
2130 Priest Bridge Drive, Suite 11
Crofton, MD 21114
Tel: 443-302-2915
Fax: 410-721-6213
© 2017 - 2022 First Responder Center for Excellence for Reducing Occupational Illness, Injuries and Deaths, Inc. The First Responder Center for Excellence is an affiliate organization of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
