Firefighters and emergency workers willingly accept personal risk as they complete their work assignments. Never was this more apparent than during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers on 9/11/2001. In any given year, approximately 100 firefighters lose their lives in the line of duty, and tens of thousands are injured.

Scientific research has an important role to play in understanding the physical and psychological occupational risks to firefighters and first responders. Research is vital to devising and testing strategies to minimize those risks, and developing strategies to improve performance in emergency situations. Research at the Illinois Fire Service Institute is focused on achieving these goals.

Research Partnerships:
University of Illinois Fire Service Institute, UIUC Department of Kinesiology, Skidmore College (NY), Carle Foundation Hospital, Provena Covenant Medical Center

• Professor Denise Smith - Chair of the Department of Exercise Science at Skidmore College (NY)
• Professor Steve Petruzello - Kinesiology and Psychology at the University of Illinois