IAFC and USFA Develop Report on Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Firefighters and EMS Responders

Fairfax, Va., Sept. 24, 2007... The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announce the release of The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Fire Fighters and EMS Responders. This new report is based on a comprehensive literature review of fatigue and sleep deprivation in other industries (primarily the transportation and medical fields) and features applications to the fire and emergency services as appropriate, along with useful mitigation strategies. A resource section is included.

"This is an in-depth culmination of available sleep-deprivation research that, if taken seriously, should keep the fire chief awake at night," said IAFC President Chief Steven P. Westermann. "The research can apply to any busy station, volunteer or career, with any of the traditional schedules, not just the newer 48/96 schedule. The report ends by providing several recommendations, not the least of which is how to spot sleep deprivation."

This program is a result of a partnership between the IAFC and USFA, with assistance from the faculty of Oregon Health & Science University. In addition to the report, a self-guided, computer-based training program has been developed.

"We were pleased to work closely with the IAFC on this initiative," said Chief Gregory B. Cade, U.S. Fire Administrator. "We have long known the stresses long-term operations place on all firefighters. The impact of sleep deprivation is an important issue to the health and safety impacts on members of the fire service and the residents they protect."

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Fire Fighters and EMS Responders and related training materials are available on the IAFC website at www.iafc.org/sleep.