Safety and Health Conference
The annual Safety and Health Conference is geared towards awareness and sharing information about the hazards and risks inherent in the firefighting profession to collectively strategize on how to change, improve or curb those issues so first responders can live the healthiest and longest lives possible. Topics include but are not limited to: hazards exposure, contamination, mental health, risk of cancer, injury prevention, nutrition, physical fitness and resources available to first responders to address these various concerns.
The educational program is two full days concluding with a half-day featuring topics and speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. For a subject that may at times seem daunting, we strive through positive interaction, support and enthusiasm to emphasize firefighter well-being in the Fire Service.
The vendor opportunity at this event is a 2.5 day vendor showcase of six foot tables in the public meeting space.
NEXT:

October 9-11, 2023 Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Hotel Information & Booking *Please carefully review and note the terms specific to this hotel*
FFCA Group Rate
A reduced rate of $154.00 per night (plus tax) for Run of House accommodations has been negotiated for conference attendees. The group rate is subject to availability, and room types are limited. Reservations must be made on or before the cut-off date of September 7, 2023.
Terms
- Check in time is 4:00 PM and check out time is 11:00 AM.
- Reservations guaranteed with first night’s pre-payment or a credit card
- Reservations cancelled within (72) hours of arrival will be charged one night and tax, including no-shows
- No Resort Fee
- Discounted self-parking: $8.00 inclusive per day/night
- Room rates shown do not include 13.5% Hotel Tax per night (subject to change)
- All overnight guests will have a two-room suite to include complimentary evening reception (5:30pm – 7:00pm) and complimentary made-to-order breakfast (Mon-Fri 6:30am-9:30am; Sat-Sun 7:00am-10:30am) in the Citrus Room at leisure
- Complimentary basic Wi-Fi in guest suites, public area and meeting space
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Pricing |
Attendee Registration |
By September 7
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After September 7
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$200 |
$250 |
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Safety, Health and Wellness Award of Excellence Nominations close: August 20, 2023
This award recognizes an individual, group, department (career or volunteer), or other agency within the state of Florida who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Safety, Health, and Wellness within the fire, rescue, and/or EMS service, or who has made significant and valuable contributions to Safety, Health, and Wellness within their organizations and service as a whole.
The winners must represent themselves by going above and beyond to improve the safety, health, and wellness of their members and organizations. Initiatives may include any or all the following areas of Safety, Health, and wellness:
- Cancer Prevention
- Mental Wellness
- Health and Physical Fitness
- Safety at Emergency Incidents
The Safety, Health, and Wellness Award of Excellence presentation will take place at the Opening Ceremony of the Safety and Health Conference.
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Schedule (subject to change) *All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time.
Sunday, October 8
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1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
Joint Council Subcommittee Meeting
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3:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Florida Firefighters Safety & Health Collaborative Meeting
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Monday, October 9
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Registration Open |
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Vendor Showcase |
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM |
Opening Ceremony Hosted by Chief John Whalen, Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
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9:50 AM - 10:00 AM |
Break |
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Opening Keynote: Burning Shield Jason Schechterle Sponsored by 
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11:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
Lunch Break |
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
Healthy-ish Eating for Firefighters Megan Lautz, RescueRD LLC |
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
May Day Monday: Tips & Techniques for Firefighter Survival Tony Carroll, Louisa County Department of Fire & EMS |
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
Sizing up the Best Firefighter Workout Programs Aaron Zamzow |
3:30 PM - 3:35 PM |
Break |
3:35 PM - 5:05 PM |
Begin with WHO - not What, How, or Why, for Sustainable Health, Balance and Well-Being Dr. Donnie Hutchinson |
5:05 PM - 5:35 PM |
Optional Fitness Q&A Aaron Zamzow |
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM |
Networking Reception |
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Tuesday, October 10
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Registration Open |
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Vendor Showcase |
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM |
Morning Breathwork and Mindfulness Tyler Gaddy |
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Systematic Wellness Success: Transforming Healthy Intentions into Healthy Actions Mandy Nice, Lexipol |
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM |
Break |
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM |
Death IN the Firehouse: Lessons Learned from a Firefighter Suicide Inside the Station Doug McGlynn, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Jeff Newsome, Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics of Palm Beach County, Local 2928 Sponsored by:
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11:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
FFSHC Central Florida Region Meeting |
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM |
Complimentary Lunch for Conference Attendees |
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM |
Roadway Incident Safety & Survival Jack Sullivan, ResponderSafety.com |
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
Women In the Fire Service Committee Meeting |
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM |
Knowledge & Prevention: Florida’s Heart/Lung Presumption & Other Common Firefighter Injuries Mike Clelland |
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM |
Break |
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM |
Behavioral Health Access Programs (BHAP): Effective Mental Wellness Practices for the Workforce Frank Babinec, Dr. Deborah Beidel, Dr. Kellie O’Dare, Chaplain Joe LaCognata, Chris Bator, Jeff Orrange |
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM |
Firefighter Cancer Support Network Update |
4:45 PM - 5:15 PM |
University of Miami Cancer Study Update |
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Wednesday, October 11
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8:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
Registration Open |
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
Vendor Showcase |
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM |
Morning Breathwork and Mindfulness Tyler Gaddy
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8:15 AM - 10:00 AM |
PFAS Panel Dr. Dan Whu, Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinez, Neil McMillan, Dr. R. Bryan Ormond, Moderated by Dustin Hawkins
Sponsored by  |
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM |
Break |
10:20 AM - 11:20 AM |
PFAS Panel Q&A |
11:20 AM - 11:30 AM |
Break |
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM |
In Honor of The Charleston 9: A Study of Change Following Tragedy Dr. David Griffin |
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM |
Closing Remarks Chief John Whalen, Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
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