Senior Scientist, Director Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research Leawood, Kansas, United States
This presentation on fire service research and innovation highlights research's essential role in advancing firefighting and emergency response. It defines research as a systematic investigation to establish facts and solve practical problems, emphasizing its importance in enhancing safety, improving health outcomes, and optimizing operational efficiency within the fire service. Fire service research is crucial as it addresses unique challenges, such as identifying health risks, developing protective equipment, and creating effective training programs. The fire service can ensure better outcomes for firefighters and their communities by relying on evidence-based practices. Overall, the presentation underscores that ongoing research and innovation are vital for equipping fire service organizations with the latest knowledge and tools to effectively protect their personnel and the public. This presentation will provide an overview of the importance of research and how to find, evaluate, and use it.
Learning Objectives:
Identify benefits of research for fire service and implications for policy and practice.
Understand where and how to access research and evaluate its relative utility and veracity.