Donating Fire Equipment, Medical Equipment & Training Supplies at FDIC 2025

FDIC International, one of the world's largest fire conferences, takes place this April. This year, AFM is partnering with FAME to collect PPE for firefighters in Africa. In partnership with FAME we will also be able to accept medical equipment.

When: April 7-11, 2025 from 10AM - 4PM.

Where: FAME - 4545 Southeastern Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46203

What will we accept?

Africa Fire Mission accepts personal protective equipment in clean and serviceable condition. We seek to serve our fellow firefighters with this equipment. Please consider the firefighters you will be impacting when making your donation - We ask that personal protective equipment be cleaned prior to donation. We request that boots and gloves be cleaned and matched prior to donation. Please see our specifications below regarding accepted equipment.

For a list of medical equipment that will be accepted - please see FAME’s medical equipment needs list >
If you plan to donation equipment at FDIC, please complete the form below so that we know to expect your equipment!

See you at FDIC!

Growing Mental Wellness Programs

By Chief Mike Kull =- Programs Director, Africa Fire Mission

Africa FIre Mission held its annual All Kenay Fire and EMS Training Symposium in November 2024. AFM integrated discussions about mental health and wellness into all of the training classes that were offered.   This topic is frequently requested and is especially relevant due to first responders being attacked while trying to lend assistance to the public during 2024 demonstrations in Kenya.

Mental health issues are often stigmatized, particularly among first responders and various communities across Africa, where such challenges are frequently perceived as signs of weakness. This stigma can lead first responders to fear ridicule or ostracism from their peers when confronting mental health or addiction problems. Such concerns are compounded by stories of alcohol abuse within the ranks of first responders, highlighting the urgent need for open dialogue and support.

To combat these stigmas, our training classes fostered a supportive environment where participants could learn, share, and hear the experiences of others. AFM’s instructors lead discussions and recounted their own journeys with mental health and wellness.   This, facilitated open discussions that underscored the importance of mental wellbeing and talking about trauma and its impact. Wellness exercises, including mindfulness and physical exercise, were integrated into the program to promote holistic approaches to mental health.

Feedback from participants indicated that these interactions proved invaluable; one firefighter expressed gratitude to an instructor, sharing his battle with alcoholism and his triumph in achieving sobriety since the training began. Additionally, training participants reported that the sessions significantly broadened their understanding of the stress and trauma that first responders endure. Chief Fire Officers, expressed that they gained renewed insights into the struggles faced by their team members, affirming the need for continued support and open conversations surrounding mental health challenges in high-stress professions.