Fire Service Friday #2: Health & Survival Tips for the Fire Service

In August 2013, The International Association of Fire Chiefs Safety, Health, & Survival Section (IAFC) conducted research on cancer statistics and causes in the fire service. In an article titled, “Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service,” the IAFC states, “It is in the interest of all involved to reduce the impact of cancer on the fire service through a proactive and aggressive approach by the reduction of exposure to carcinogens.”

We would like to highlight several of the recommendations from the article, below:

Firefighters are exposed to chemicals and residues that remain on their gear long after fire suppression and overhaul. The two major exposure routes of concern are:

·         Through the lungs: When firefighters do not wear or prematurely remove SCBA, especially during overhaul.

·         Dermal absorption: Where toxicants are absorbed through the skin.

Without proper cleaning of gear after an incident, the firefighter allows the exposure to continue. To prevent extended exposure we recommend thorough cleaning of gear after exposure.

Two of the Courage to be Safe program's Life Safety Initiatives can be applied to this recommendation.  

Life Safety Initiative #1: Define and advocate for the need for a cultural change within the fire service relating to safety; incorporating leadership, management, supervision, accountability, and personal responsibility.  

The following IAFC bullet points are suggestions for how you can incorporate LSI #1 into a cancer prevention effort. 

·        A cultural change in the image and attitude of a firefighter whom equates the “dirty” look to one of accolade. The practice of proudly wearing dirty, contaminated gear and helmets must change in order to reduce exposure to carcinogens.

·        The fire chief should lead by example and set clear expectations about cancer awareness and prevention.  

·         Initiate the discussion among the leadership team and then with the firefighters about the prevalence of cancer in the fire service and preventative measures that can be implemented.

·         The goal is to have firefighters understand the risk and the rationale for the changes.

Life Safety Initiative #4: All firefighters must be empowered to stop unsafe practices.

The following IAFC bullet points are suggestions for how you can incorporate LSI #4 into a cancer prevention effort. 

·         Reduce exposure to chemicals that can cause or facilitate cancer.

·         Firefighters must continue to wear SBCA masks during active fire suppression efforts as well as during overhaul.

·         Take showers immediately following fire suppression events. Clean gear, wash clothing, and take a shower before returning to work or family activities to reduce carcinogenic exposure.

What Immediate Actions Can I Take to Protect Myself? IFAC recommends the following:

1.     Use SCBA from initial attack to finish of overhaul or until the atmosphere in    structure has been determined acceptable by your departments SOP. The atmosphere should be monitored for carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) levels before removing SCBA. 

2.     Do gross field decontamination of PPE to remove as much soot and particulates as possible. Use baby wipes to remove as much soot as possible from head, neck, jaw, throat, under arms and hands immediately and while still on the scene.

3.       Change your clothes and wash them immediately after a fire.

4.       Shower thoroughly after a fire.

5.       Clean your PPE, gloves, hood and helmet immediately after a fire.

6.       Do not take contaminated clothes or PPE home or store it in your vehicle.

7.       Decontaminate fire apparatus interior after fires.

8.       Keep soiled, dirty, or contaminated, bunker gear out of living and sleeping quarters.

9.       Stop using tobacco products.

10.   Use sunscreen or sun block.

11.   The importance of annual medical examinations cannot be overstated — early detection and early treatment are essential to increasing survival.

To read the complete article, follow this link: Taking Action against Cancer in the Fire Service

Library Resources:

YOU NEED IT LIKE A HOLE IN THE HEAD: FIREFIGHTERS AND CANCER 
AV08-2236  Date Acquired: 3/14/2008  Length: 30:00  Format: DVD  Author: ERGOMETRICS
The heart of this program is an interview with Mark Noble, a 19 year veteran of firefighting in Olympia, Washington, who developed brain cancer. He did an extensive study of cancer in firefighters and he presents specific suggestions for steps firefighters can take to reduce their on-the-job risks. The DVD also contains a bibliography of Mark's research, a article from The Olympian newspaper, and Mark's memorial service. (c.2005)

Youtube Videos:

The Game Changer  PBC Firefighters video description: This is the video every firefighter and their family should watch. It can save your life. Its true stories from your brothers about the risks of firefighting and cancer. Firefighters are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer from the general public, but there are things that you can do to protect yourself.

Firefighter Cancer Support Network Video 2013 The FFCSN posted this video on cancer in the fire service in February 2013. It records the experiences of real firefighters and their battles with cancer.