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The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) are proud to release this important report focused on providing actions to reduce the risk factors of cancer in the fire service.
Research continues to show a relationship between firefighting and medical issues making health and wellness a priority for the U.S. Fire Service. Annual physicals are critically important in keeping our nation’s firefighters healthy.
Firefighters can do little to control their exposure to toxic sub-stances that adversely affect health. They can, however, mitigate that exposure through sound practices like wearing SCBA, clean- ing PPE after incidents, not smoking, exercising, sleeping better and eating well.
Fighting fires is a dirty job, and it’s dangerous too.
NFPA 1971 protects fire fighting personnel by establishing minimum levels of protection from thermal, physical, environmental, and bloodborne pathogen hazards encountered during structural and proximity fire fighting operations.
This study not only looked at deaths from cancer, but also at diagnoses of certain kinds of cancer that have higher survival rates, such as testicular and prostate cancer. This study also took into account the number and type of fire runs made (for example, EMS and vehicle fire), the use of personal protective equipment, and diesel exhaust controls. This workshop will discuss the risk for various cancers and illnesses among fire fighters compared to the general public.
‚ÄúCancer doesn’t discriminate based on whether you work in a career, volunteer, combination or wildland fire department,‚Äù said Chief Dennis Compton, FSOCA Lead Facilitator. ‚ÄúThis symposium will address pertinent issues that will help all of us become better educated and proactive in battling this insidious disease. Come share and learn with firefighters, fire officers, researchers, medical professionals, trainers, and many others.‚Äù
The family of Josh Carney, a fallen Battalion Chief with Midway Fire Rescue in Pawley’s Island,SC, has made it their mission to raise awareness of firefighter occupational cancer.
In support of this project, a two day workshop was held on 19 -20 July 2017 in Columbus Ohio to address this topic. The results of that specific effort are available in separate Workshop Proceedings. The Workshop discussion and related information are partially reflected within this final project report.
Adopting a practical approach to reducing firefighter cancer
SEE sHEET 2
Fire Service Cancer Awareness Training Instructor’s Manual
Reading smoke is one thing – breathing it is completely different. Firefighters need to understand that todays fire smoke is more dangerous then ever.