THINK ABOUT WHAT RISKS WE DO HAVE TO TAKE AS FIREFIGHTERS....
...AND THE ONES WE DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE" !
 
So....at the risk of  over-simplifying the FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL issue...
...here are 12 thoughts  that might just work:

1-If we recruit, hire and promote the best  possible people with strict and tough hiring standards and very tough and  certifiable training...
2-If we operate and train to proven standards and  modern firefighting practices...
3-If we wear all our PPE without  excuse...head to toe with no exposed skin and no longer breathe  crap...
4-If we send the correct amount of Firefighters on the 1st alarm  (based on pre-plans and what's reported)..
5-If we promote Fire Officers  that are highly motivated, gung-ho, educated as well as highly trained,  skilled and understand that they must enforce the SOP's as  supervisors...
6-If we train on and understand building construction and  fire behavior...
7-If we use ICS with strict and respected command, control  and accountability on the FG...
8-If we drive smart, always wear seat belts  and never blow red traffic lights or stop signs w/o stopping first...
9-If  we pull the right size hose lines w/the needed water and control the fire as  quick as possible...
10-If we understand when it is worth risking our  Firefighters lives and when it is not...(risk vs benefit)...
11-If we  develop strict fire safe building codes and mandatory fire sprinkler  systems...
12...and if we especially understand the issues related to  firefighter health, diet, wellness and fitness........
...we can probably  reduce firefighter line of duty deaths by 75% or so....if we want to and when  we are ready to change our culture and related behaviors.

And although  all the national programs are excellent tools-until the Fire Chiefs in the  Department, the Officer in the front seat and the Firefighters riding  backwards want this to change at THEIR FD, on their apparatus and on their  FG,
...not much else will matter-or change.

From  FireFighters Close Calls