First Responder Support Training Center
At the First Responders Support Training Center (FRST), we're committed to enhancing the health and wellness of first responders. From firefighters and law enforcement to EMS personnel 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 collaborator and 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 (FEMA)
Title: Empowering Volunteer Firefighters: A Community-Based Approach to Enhancing PA 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 (current phase) 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 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.
