The Responder Safety Institute is sponsored by the C.V.V.F.A., is sponsored by the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association. Here is their mission as published on their website:
Created as a Committee of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association, the Institute serves as an informal advisory panel of public safety leaders committed to reducing deaths and injuries to America's Emergency Responders. Members of the Institute, all highly influential and expert in their fields, are personally dedicated to the safety of the men and women who respond to emergencies on our nation’s streets, roads and highways. Members of the Institute include trainers, writers, managers, government officials, technical experts and leaders in the public safety world who through their individual efforts and collective influence can bring meaningful change.

The Institute is working to implement the recommendations in the CVVFA White Paper: Protecting Emergency Responders on the Highways.

Over the last decade, we have seen a sharp rise in the number of injuries and deaths of First Responders, around the U.S. and Canada, as well as other nations. Why such a sharp increase? Most vehicles have well-improved sound proofing, thus the sounds sirens and air-horns of emergency vehicles are muted, somewhat. Add music or audio from videos and hearing sounds from outside is that much more difficult. And let's not forget the use of cellphones! Even though most new cars have been equipped with Bluetooth since the mid-2000's, many drivers still insist on holding their phone when talking, reading texts. emails, etc.  Uh-oh, that doesn't sounds safe. Now, we add the next "ingredient," the "D-Driver," where D=Distracted, Drugged, Drunk, sleep-Deprived, etc., and we have a perfect recipe for disaster.

Nevertheless, when the tones drop or the dispatch comes through for an emergency on an active roadway, First Responders drop everything to respond. This includes fire/rescue, law enforcement, EMS, Road Rangers and Recovery (Tow) Operators. And many of these dedicated men and women are the victims of the results of the above.

The Responder Safety Institute (www.respondersafety.com) is dedicated to educating First Responders on many levels of avoiding becoming victims on these emergency scenes. The vast majority of their training programs are videos on their website, as part of various courses and, many if not most, are available for FREE and provide recognized certification.

Please....take the time to visit their website and take a course or two. It might just save a life!