TY - JOUR
T1 - Fire prevention in Delaware
T2 - A case study of fire and life safety initiatives
AU - Frattaroli, Shannon
AU - Gielen, Andrea C.
AU - Piver-Renna, Jennifer
AU - Pollack, Keshia M.
AU - Ta, Van M.
PY - 2011/11
Y1 - 2011/11
N2 - Context: Injuries resulting from residential house fires are a significant public health issue. The fire service is engaged in fire prevention activities aimed at preventing fire-related morbidity and mortality. The fire service in Delaware is regarded by some leaders in the field as a model for fire and life safety education (FLSE). Objective: We identified 3 questions to guide this research. What is the culture and context of fire prevention in Delaware? What prevention programs and policies constitute Delaware's fire prevention efforts? What can be learned from select model programs regarding their impact, sustainability, strengths, limitations, and general applicability? A discussion of the lessons learned from Delaware's experience with FLSE initiatives concludes the article. Design: We used a single case study design and collected and analyzed data from in-depth interviews, documents, and participant observation notes to address the research questions. Setting: Data were collected in Delaware. participants: Interviewees included a purposeful sample of members of the Delaware fire service. Main outcome measures: Descriptions of the context in which fire prevention occurs, the initiatives underway, and the factors associated with successfully supporting fire prevention in the state. Results: Data from 16 key informant interviews, relevant documents, and direct observations of FLSE events revealed a fire service rooted in tradition, dedication, and community. A compilation of state and local FLSE initiatives illustrates the diversity of FLSE in Delaware. Thematic analysis of the data emphasize the importance of a strategic, comprehensive, and coordinated approach to realizing success in Delaware's approach to FLSE. Conclusions: The fire service is an important part of the public health infrastructure. While their role as first responders is evident, their contributions to prevention are also significant. This research suggests ways to support fire service prevention efforts and more fully integrate their FLSE work into the public health infrastructure.
AB - Context: Injuries resulting from residential house fires are a significant public health issue. The fire service is engaged in fire prevention activities aimed at preventing fire-related morbidity and mortality. The fire service in Delaware is regarded by some leaders in the field as a model for fire and life safety education (FLSE). Objective: We identified 3 questions to guide this research. What is the culture and context of fire prevention in Delaware? What prevention programs and policies constitute Delaware's fire prevention efforts? What can be learned from select model programs regarding their impact, sustainability, strengths, limitations, and general applicability? A discussion of the lessons learned from Delaware's experience with FLSE initiatives concludes the article. Design: We used a single case study design and collected and analyzed data from in-depth interviews, documents, and participant observation notes to address the research questions. Setting: Data were collected in Delaware. participants: Interviewees included a purposeful sample of members of the Delaware fire service. Main outcome measures: Descriptions of the context in which fire prevention occurs, the initiatives underway, and the factors associated with successfully supporting fire prevention in the state. Results: Data from 16 key informant interviews, relevant documents, and direct observations of FLSE events revealed a fire service rooted in tradition, dedication, and community. A compilation of state and local FLSE initiatives illustrates the diversity of FLSE in Delaware. Thematic analysis of the data emphasize the importance of a strategic, comprehensive, and coordinated approach to realizing success in Delaware's approach to FLSE. Conclusions: The fire service is an important part of the public health infrastructure. While their role as first responders is evident, their contributions to prevention are also significant. This research suggests ways to support fire service prevention efforts and more fully integrate their FLSE work into the public health infrastructure.
KW - case study
KW - fire prevention
KW - fire service
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=80053643554&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=80053643554&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1097/PHH.0b013e318211396b
DO - 10.1097/PHH.0b013e318211396b
M3 - Review article
C2 - 21964358
AN - SCOPUS:80053643554
SN - 1078-4659
VL - 17
SP - 492
EP - 498
JO - Journal of Public Health Management and Practice
JF - Journal of Public Health Management and Practice
IS - 6
ER -