Safe Work Procedure for Firefighting Operations of the Santa Cruz Canton Fire Department.

Abstract

This study addresses the need to implement specific Safe Work Procedures (SWPs) for the Santa Cruz Fire Department in the Galápagos Islands, due to the increased complexity of emergency management resulting from the island's tourism and socioeconomic development. The research highlights that the success of interventions depends not only on skill or modern equipment, but also on standardized protocols that protect the physical and mental well-being of firefighters. The article identifies various risk factors (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial) and proposes an operational framework that covers everything from pre-emergency preparedness to demobilization and scene securing. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of international standards (such as NFPA) and mental health management to prevent burnout and cumulative trauma.