News

Many of us in the U.S. are in the midst of the months when rain can turn to ice and snow. With this seasonal transition comes the added challenge of keeping our feet under us, and ourselves and others off of the ground due to a fall. Falls and near falls due to slippery surfaces can lead to everything from wounded pride, to...

Emergency service organizations are built on trust. Volunteers and staff handle donations, equipment purchases, and public funds, often without the financial controls that large corporations have in place. Yet even in the most trusted departments, financial crimes can and do occur.  A missing deposit, forged check, or misused credit card can quickly turn into thousands...

Inflation has become more than just a headline; it’s a daily reality affecting fire and EMS departments nationwide. Rising costs of materials, vehicles and specialized equipment means what was fully covered a few years ago might not be the same today.   The Rising Cost of Readiness  Over the past few years, the price of building materials, specialized vehicles, and equipment has climbed sharply. Lumber...

https://youtu.be/-DKa5vVxHsg Each year, our community gathers at Homer Hops Brewing for a day that blends gratitude, celebration, and purpose. The Believe 31 First Responder Day—presented in partnership with ESIP and Homer Hops—has quickly become one of the most meaningful annual traditions in our region. What began as a simple idea has grown into a powerful...

As fire and EMS professionals, we strive to make the safety of our crew and our patients a priority. We make every effort to provide the best care while not causing harm. Unfortunately, there is a very common practice we follow that can lead to injury. As though it were an unspoken tradition, many of...

  Whether in EMS, law enforcement or the fire service, our main goal and objective is to return home or to the station to resume normal duties at the end of a large incident. In terms of rehab, we need to understand when our personnel need a break on any incident scene or training event....

Spring brings refreshing weather, but it also comes with its fair share of unpredictable storms. For those in the emergency medical services (EMS) field, such as private ambulance drivers, these seasonal weather events can pose serious hazards while on the road. Whether it’s a torrential rainstorm, high winds, or a lightning storm, ambulance operators face...

Why We Train:  Training plays a large role in our jobs as first responders. Training should not only be provided when a person enters this job field, but also every year.  By keeping our skills honed, we can provide better safety and patient care. Although training can seem repetitious, it is a vital aspect of...

Ambulance drivers in private companies play a crucial role in providing emergency medical services to communities across the globe. Whether responding to medical emergencies, accidents, or disasters, these professionals are often the first line of support for individuals in need. Despite their vital role, ambulance drivers employed by private companies face unique challenges that can...

What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Many first responders and their families will use this day to celebrate each other with special gifts, flowers or a meal out. But what happens when you’re just not in the mood to celebrate because that last call of your shift is still weighing on your mind?  While...