FIRE 20/20 is dedicated to helping Fire/EMS connect with their multicultural communities to increase the reach and effectiveness of prevention and recruitment programs.

The term multicultural is defined as a shared, learned system
of values, beliefs and attitudes that shape and influence
perception and behavior based on ethnicity, race, religion,
gender, age, special needs, socio-economic status, and
sexual orientations.

Why

The demographic make-up of the U.S. is changing. Our countries’ minorities are predicted to become ‘the majority’ by or before 2050 (Pew Research Center) and our elderly population is estimated to double by 2030 (U.S. Census Bureau). These rapidly changing demographics represent increasing fire and life safety risks and challenges.

In October 2007, FIRE 20/20 completed its research on firefighter and civilian safety in multicultural communities in Seattle, Austin, and Milwaukee. (A pilot study was conducted in Calgary, Alberta.)

The key positive finding was that both multicultural communities and first responders generally rated Fire/EMS delivery good to excellent.

Identified issues and challenges fell into four risk categories: language barriers, few proactive relationships, trust, and knowledge gaps.

From the firefighters’ perspective: Many reported that Fire and EMS services were being misused. The Fire/EMS workforce lacked important knowledge about multicultural practices, behaviors and social norms that impact the safe and effective delivery of services. Their multicultural communities were uninformed and confused about fire services and lacked basic fire and life safety knowledge and skills. They expressed frustration when communicating with non-English speakers.

From the multicultural communities’ perspective: They acknowledged being uninformed and confused about fire services. They lacked basic fire and life safety knowledge and skills. Many reported fearing people in uniform, resulting in not calling or delaying calling 9-1-1. They wanted more interpreters and requested the translation of prevention materials in their languages. Their relationships and non-emergency interaction with the fire department were sparse. Multicultural leaders and community members expressed interest in partnerships with their fire departments for prevention and recruitment efforts, but had never been asked.

During the course of the research, FIRE 20/20 developed and implemented a focus group strategy and process to gather data. Connecting the fire departments to their multicultural communities resulted in unexpected, positive outcomes: new dialogues were started, new relationships were developed, new partnerships were forged, new prevention programs were conceived, and new fire department community liaison positions were created.

Based on the research findings, FIRE 20/20 proposes that a diverse fire department is a cost-effective prevention strategy. A fire department that reflects and represents the diverse community it serves, reduces language barriers, increases trust, and provides for two-way learning to close knowledge gaps. Multicultural communities become powerful partners for prevention.

Likewise, partnering for prevention is a cost-effective recruitment strategy. When the multicultural community understands and values the wide range of Fire and EMS services, they will help to identify and recruit qualified, inclusive, safe and competent men and women.