The Fire and EMS Department Safety Officer

GORDON M. SACHS has over 23 years of fire service and EMS experience, including over 10 years as a chief officer in both career and volunteer departments. Currently, he is chief of Fairfield Fire and EMS in Pennsylvania and is the director of the IOCAD Emergency Services Group, a consulting firm providing management and technical support and solutions for the emergency services across the country. He holds a Master of Public Administration Degree, a Bachelor of Science degree in education, and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer program. Chief Sachs is the author of Officer's Guide to Fire Service EMS (Fire Engineering Books, 1999) and has co-authored several books and publications, including Fire Department Occupational Health and Safety Handbook (NFPA, 1998) and The Fire Chief's Handbook, Fifth Edition (Fire Engineering Books, 1995). He has also written numerous trade journal articles and made several major presentations in the areas of fire service/EMS leadership and management, emergency responder health and safety, and incident command. He is a course developer and adjunct instructor at the National Fire Academy and is a former U.S. Fire Administration Program Manager. He has been a member of several national committees, including some NFPA Technical Committees on safety and health issues, as well as various federal and state committees on emergency service issues.

I. GENERAL CONCEPTS AND REQUIREMENTS.

1. Introduction.
2. The Safety Officer.
3. Laws, Regulations and Standards.
4. Record Keeping and Documentation.
II. ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS—THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER.

5. Risk Management.
6. Health Maintenance.
7. Accident and Injury Investigation.
III. OPERATIONAL ASPECTS—THE INCIDENT SAFETY OFFICER.

8. Emergency Incident Risk Management.
9. Operating at Emergency Incidents.
APPENDICES: TOOLS TO ASSIST THE FIRE AND EMS DEPARTMENT SAFETY OFFICER.

Appendix A. Annotated Listing of Laws, Regulations, and Standards Affecting the Fire and EMS Department Safety Officer.
Appendix B. Organizations with Resources Related to Fire & EMS Department Occupational Safety and Health.
Appendix C. Sample Reports and Investigation Forms.
Appendix D. Emergency Incident Rehabilitation.
Appendix E. Incident Safety Officer Checklists.
Appendix F. Sample Hazardous Materials Incident Site Safety/Action Plan.
Appendix G. Sample Confined Space Entry Permit for Emergency Rescue.
Appendix H. Public Safety Officer's Benefit Program Fact Sheet.