Community risk reduction is a process – not a thing. How it’s implemented can create an important impact on a community and if pursued with focus and vigor can create a more resilient and safer environment for people – both at work and at home.

In reality, CRR is becoming a standard across the U.S., notably within fire departments that implement what is called, “standards of cover.” Part of getting that certification is to operate a CRR Unit (at the very least). 

The Los Angeles Fire Department has been involved in CRR for decades (long before the name emerged). They might not have realized it. Shortly after the civil disturbance called the “Watts Riots” took place in 1965, the Fire Chief determined that the LAFD could respond more effectively if they grouped a series of apparatus together. By assigning a Fire Engine, a Ladder Truck, and a second engine specifically for pumping water, the LAFD believed it could knock down fires faster, as well as mitigating other emergency situations. They were right, and the “task force” concept is still in effect today.

In 2016, the LAFD began a new program wherein a Nurse Practitioner would be a member of an ambulance crew. When arriving on scene, the NP could manage patient care and when appropriate, could release the patient (EMTs and Paramedics cannot). The result has been increased availability of emergency resources to respond to 911 calls in high density in-demand sections of the city.