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5 days ago | 
firerescue1.com | Rachel Engel
In 2014, the Decatur (Illinois) Fire Department responded to 430 calls for lift assist services. By 2023, the number had risen to more than 1,000. Even with the large Baby Boomer generation moving into their twilight years, city officials did not believe the increase in lift assist requests was related to the aging population.
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6 days ago | 
ems1.com | Rachel Engel
In 2014, the Decatur (Illinois) Fire Department responded to 430 calls for lift assist services. By 2023, the number had risen to more than 1,000. Even with the large Baby Boomer generation moving into their twilight years, city officials did not believe the increase in lift assist requests was related to the aging population.
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2 weeks ago | 
corrections1.com | Rachel Engel
Editor’s Note: Are you interested in implementing a therapy dog program in your organization? Check out this Lexipol on-demand webinar, “Getting Started with First Responder Therapy Dogs,” to learn how these initiatives benefit personnel, the different program models available and how to build executive-level support. Watch the on-demand webinar now. First responders — firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, police officers and dispatchers — are often exposed to intense, emotionally draining situations.
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2 weeks ago | 
police1.com | Rachel Engel
Editor’s Note: Are you interested in implementing a therapy dog program in your organization? Check out this Lexipol on-demand webinar, “Getting Started with First Responder Therapy Dogs,” to learn how these initiatives benefit personnel, the different program models available and how to build executive-level support. Watch the on-demand webinar now. First responders — firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, police officers and dispatchers — are often exposed to intense, emotionally draining situations.
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1 month ago | 
ems1.com | Rachel Engel
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, is on the rise again in the United States. While measles was declared to be eradicated from the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks continue to occur, primarily due to declining immunization coverage in some communities. In this article, you’ll find an overview of the disease, symptoms and prevention strategies.
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1 month ago | 
firerescue1.com | Rachel Engel
The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented crisis that reshaped public safety and emergency response worldwide. First responders, healthcare workers and emergency planners faced challenges never before encountered on such a global scale. From the initial outbreak and lockdowns, to the development of vaccines and evolving public health policies, the pandemic tested the resilience and the dedication of those on the front lines.
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1 month ago | 
police1.com | Rachel Engel
Physical fitness is a necessity for all, but especially first responders, as the nature of the work demands a body familiar with motion and exertion. But which fitness club should you join? The cost of a gym membership in 2025 can range from generally affordable to astronomical, depending on the club, amenities, facilities, perks and benefits package you choose.
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1 month ago | 
firerescue1.com | Rachel Engel
For decades, emergency alerts relied on traditional television and radio broadcasts to reach the public. As younger generations abandon traditional media sources, however, emergency officials have to get creative in how they message emergency communications. Futuri’s BEACON, the Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communications Operations Network, is harnessing artificial intelligence to transform how emergency managers analyze and disseminate life-saving information.
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2 months ago | 
firerescue1.com | Rachel Engel
In a live webinar hosted by UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) this week, officials shared the progress of the rollout of the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) that began in November 2024. NERIS is replacing the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), which is due to sunset at the end of 2025.
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2 months ago | 
firerescue1.com | Rachel Engel
On Jan. 20, 2025, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell resigned as U.S. fire administrator, vacating the post she’d held since 2021. The departure was a difficult one, naturally; however, the fire administrator is appointed by the president and changes with each new administration. I spoke with Dr. Moore-Merrell about her time in office, what she regards as her biggest accomplishments during her tenure, and her perspective on the future of the fire service, particularly the role of the USFA and FEMA.
