The Passion Project Blog | Glatfelter Insurance Group

What is ResponderHelp.com and how can it help emergency responders?

Written by The VFIS Team | Aug 9, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Frequently asked questions about ResponderHelp.com

What is ResponderHelp.com?

ResponderHelp.com is an emergency responder’s one stop free resource. The site brings together valuable, specialized resources from industry leaders in an easy-to-use and easy-to-search format.


How can ResponderHelp.com help emergency responders?

The website is intended to offer a robust variety of resources in response to the needs and questions of emergency responders everywhere.

It currently houses 2,000+ resources for fire, EMS and other emergency service organizations including articles, checklists, posters, standard operating guidelines, technical bulletins, training materials and videos – and new content will be added each week! While most of the website’s resources will be free to everyone, select materials will either be available for free to VFIS clients or available for purchase to non-clients.

You can browse the topics based on what’s new, what’s trending or what’s on your mind.

Topics include:

  • Community Risk Reduction
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Facilities
  • Fire Rescue Operations
  • Governance
  • Human Resources, Organization and Administration
  • Safety Vehicle Operations
  • Safety and Health
  • Training

These top-level categories were selected based on what experts believe to be the biggest issues that responders will face over the next 25 years.

Who created the resources on ResponderHelp.com?

ResponderHelp.com offers a comprehensive content library and includes resources not only from VFIS, but from the United States Fire Administration, Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fire Council/Emergency Responder Safety Institute, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, Drexel University and selected National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer applied research papers.

Who created ResponderHelp.com?

ResponderHelp.com was developed and administered by VFIS but offers content sourced from a broad variety of industry specialists. This site was initially developed to serve as a gift to the emergency service community in celebration of VFIS’ 50th anniversary to help a group of people who help others and serve their communities every day.

VFIS is the largest provider of insurance, education and consulting services for fire departments, ambulance and rescue squads and 911 centers in North America, having pioneered the first tailored insurance package for this industry in 1969.

How much does ResponderHelp.com cost?

As is customary of a true gift, ResponderHelp.com is free! There is additional content and training available for purchase. 

Why should I register on ResponderHelp.com?

Registering for ResponderHelp.com is free. Users who register with their email address will have the ability to save libraries of their favorite resources. This could be especially useful for leaders who are building training and educational programs for their crew. They will also have the opportunity to ask specialists questions online and browse other questions that have been previously answered by our specialists.

Does ResponderHelp.com offer online trainings?

ResponderHelp.com also links users to VFIS University where they can access engaging, peer-reviewed online courses with more than 300 hours of education specifically designed for emergency responders. VFISu and other specialized content is available for free exclusively to VFIS clients and non-clients can access courses for a fee.