First Responder Support Training Center
We're committed to enhancing the health and wellness of first responders. From firefighters and law enforcement to emergency medical services and other tactical professionals, our work is centered on those who serve our communities every day.
Our Center
- Provides occupation-specific resources
- Showcases a growing network of team members and collaborators
- Shares updates on research and grant initiatives designed to address the real-world needs of first responders
Led by assistant professor Allison Barry, our team is passionate about tackling the health challenges, education gaps and infrastructure needs faced by this essential workforce.
Current Grants
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Title: Empowering Volunteer Firefighters: A Community-Based Approach to Enhancing Physical Activity and Nutrition
The purpose of this three-year proposal is to address strategies to increase physical activity and improve nutrition among South Dakota volunteer firefighters.
Recognizing the critical role of health and wellness in ensuring firefighter performance and safety, this project seeks to investigate the barriers and feasibility of implementing a community-based strategic plan to support this dedicated population.
The initiative will unfold in three phases: Aim 1 involves conducting a needs analysis to understand fire department culture, training, health programs and barriers to implementing such programs. Building on the findings from Aim 1, we will conduct focus groups during Aim 2 (current phase) with firefighters and fire chiefs to gather input and explore the feasibility and implementation of health programs. Finally, in Aim 3 we will implement a newly-developed strategic plan to enhance physical activity and nutrition across the state's fire service.
Midwest Center for Occupational Safety and Health
Title: Enhancing Firefighter Health: An Action Plan for Wellness and Fitness Compliance
Barry along with Megan Northrup (co-investigator), Jessica Meendering (mentor/co-investigator), our external collaborators, and other members of the center will be partnering with Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue to develop a blueprint for career departments to assemble a wellness stakeholder group and construct a needs analysis to comply with National Fire Protection Association recommendations and Occupational Safety and Health Administration policy.
This project will allow us to expand our work focus on volunteer firefighters to career firefighters.
Our monthly newsletters, Wellness on the Frontline, supports first responders statewide by sharing tools, resources and stories that promote health and wellness.
April's Edition
This edition shares updates on our three-year Federal Emergency Management Agency research grant supporting volunteer firefighters and introduces assistant professor Allison Barry and her dedicated team.
May's Edition
This edition features firefighter Charlie Kludt and shares national and South Dakota-specific firefighter resources.
June's Edition
This edition offers valuable hydration and exercise tips for first responders and presents findings from a previous study on perceptions of exercise behaviors among firefighters.
July's Edition
This edition showcases a county map of South Dakota's participation in a survey of over 55 volunteer fire departments, an introduction to the lab with a 10-minute workout video and tips for healthy holiday eating.
August's Edition
This edition presents a new article with updates on Allison Barry's FEMA grant, nutrition and workout tips from our team and a message from a Rapid City police officer on how their department is improving wellness among its members.
September's Edition
This edition highlights updates on the upcoming focus groups for Phase II of the FEMA grant, introduces our new graduate research assistant and offers helpful tips in the strength and nutrition column.
October's Edition
In this edition, we're sharing Allie Barry's experience at the National Volunteer Fire Conference, the excitement of the NVFC step challenge, news on a Public Safety Grant and a spotlight on Firefighter Association member Rick George. You'll also find nutrition tips for adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet and a workout plan.
November's Edition
This edition highlights Allison Barry's and Brett Deschler's experience at the South Dakota Firefighters Association's fall conference, where they conducted our first round of focus groups. Additionally we are pleased to share news about a new grant awarded to Barry and updates on local collaborations within the Brookings community.
Brett Deschler
Ally Abraham and Ella Danner
