Get Training, Minnesota

Thanks to a grant from the Fire Service Advisory Committee (FSAC), MnFIRE awareness training and cardiac, emotional wellness and cancer deep dive sessions are being offered both online and in-person at no cost to Minnesota fire departments through June 30, 2021. Nick Ferraro at the Pioneer Press recently wrote about the boosted efforts to educate firefighters on their mental and physical health. Read the full article here.

Taught by fellow firefighters and other health experts, these trainings teach firefighters how to protect themselves from the three problems most commonly experienced by those in the fire service: cardiac, emotional trauma and cancer. Firefighters are at a greater risk of cancer due to smoke and hazardous chemicals they are exposed to in their work, and firefighters and paramedics are twice as likely as the general public to experience PTSD, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters. In Minnesota, four to six active firefighters die from suicide each year.

“When you are a firefighter, we know there’s a moral imperative to your job,” said Wayne Kewitsch, MnFIRE executive director. “We know it’s dangerous and we know we’re going to be put in life or death situations. But we need to be able to give our firefighters the tools and knowledge to mitigate those dangers as much as we possibly can so that they continue to do their job and that they can be healthy, safe and have a nice long life.”

More and more Minnesota firefighters are tragically losing their lives due to occupational health issues. Take advantage of this free MnFIRE training to help your department become more aware of their increased health risks – before it’s too late.

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As we close out Safety Stand Down Week, Day 5 focuses on Training, used to access existing behavioral health training and develop a long-term plan for keeping behavioral health in the department’s training cycle.

We offer a variety of trainings at no cost to all Minnesota fire departments. From emotional wellness to fitness & nutrition plus many more, you can learn and grow alongside other firefighters in your department. mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Thanks for following along with Safety Stand Down Week!

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Empower is the topic for Day 4 of Safety Stand Down Week. This day encourages firefighters to get help if they need it, reach out to those they see who are struggling, and embrace behavioral health initiatives into the department culture.

With the MnFIRE Assistance Program, we make it as easy as possible for Minnesota firefighters to get the help they need. Just call 888-784-6634. mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP

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As we continue recognizing Safety Stand Down Week, Day 3 centers on Strategies. Use this day to think about specific strategies your department can implement to focus on behavioral health, and review standard operating procedures and guidelines to make sure they fully incorporate behavioral health.

Through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, Minnesota firefighters can receive help and no-cost resources for the challenges that come along with their service. This comprehensive firefighter well-being program includes physical, mental and emotional health benefits: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/

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It's Day 2 of Safety Stand Down Week: Educate! It's focused on educating personnel on the signs and symptoms of behavioral health challenges and that it is okay to reach out for help when needed.

We encourage all Minnesota fire departments to become "MnFIRE Aware" of their occupational health risks through MnFIRE training. Preparedness starts with education, and we're here to facilitate! mnfireinitiative.com/training/

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