Скачать или смотреть Introducing VEST First Responder

Across the fire and emergency medical services, workplace violence has become one of the most serious and under addressed threats to responder safety. National data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and OSHA show that nearly 75% of the 25,000 workplace assaults reported each year occur in healthcare and social service settings. Fire and EMS responders face a 22 times higher risk of violence related injury than the average worker, yet only 34% of agencies have any form of workplace violence prevention policy in place—and even fewer have an operational guideline or response plan. This gap leaves our personnel dangerously unprepared for the situations they face daily in homes, streets, and hospitals across our region.
The VEST First Responder program was developed specifically to close that gap. VEST—Violent Encounter Survival Training—is a comprehensive, field tested, and research backed curriculum designed to equip fire and EMS professionals with the verbal, tactical, and legal tools needed to prevent, de escalate, and defend against violent encounters while maintaining patient safety. It is built around three progressive levels of training that move from foundational communication and scene safety tactics, to advanced behavioral health and legal considerations, to full scale scenario mastery. Each course emphasizes verbal de-escalation, scene safety tactics, professionalism, and defensive documentation that protects both responders and their agencies.
Our mission is simple but vital: to prevent workplace violence before it starts, to protect first responders during high risk encounters, and to prepare personnel with the confidence and skills to act decisively and lawfully when violence occurs. The VEST curriculum aligns directly with NFPA 455 2026 standards for violence prevention and responder safety, ensuring compliance with national expectations for emergency service occupational health. The program is formally accredited through the Missouri Board of EMS, recognized by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety as a certified training entity, and officially endorsed and distributed statewide through the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MUFRTI).
To date, VEST has trained over 2,300 first responders across the IAFF Second District, including members of St. Louis County, Kansas City, and surrounding Missouri and Midwest departments. Departments consistently report that VEST training reduces violent incidents, improves field communication, and strengthens documentation and after action processes. Participants gain lifetime access to video libraries and reference materials, allowing continuous reinforcement of both verbal and physical skills.
Beyond its direct safety impact, the program represents a clear return on investment. A single violent incident can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars when factoring in medical care, lost time, liability, and litigation. In contrast, implementing a prevention and preparedness training like VEST requires only a fraction of that cost while providing long term savings through reduced injuries, improved morale, and stronger public trust. Investing in prevention protects not just your personnel but also your department’s reputation and operational readiness.
The VEST program is led by me, Jake Hecht, Founder and Lead Instructor, my background combines front line fire service experience with a deep foundation in defensive tactics and behavioral health education. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri Columbia, with Cum Laude honors. I am an IAFF Behavioral Health Awareness and Verbal De escalation & Crisis Communication Skills Instructor, a U.S. Army Combatives Instructor, a former Defensive Tactics Instructor for both the St. Louis County and Columbia Police Departments, and a three time UFC veteran and Golden Gloves State Champion. I have served for over a decade as a firefighter with the Maplewood Fire Department and continue to deliver training across Missouri and neighboring states.
Every day, our responders encounter situations that can escalate in seconds. VEST provides the tools to de escalate potential workplace violence before force becomes necessary and to protect both the personnel and patient. This is not theoretical—it is a matter of readiness, safety, and survival.
It is not a matter of IF your staff will be involved in workplace violence, but WHEN. How will they be prepared to respond?
I welcome the opportunity to meet with you or your training division to discuss how VEST can be implemented within your department. Together, we can build safer crews, safer patients, and safer communities.