HEALTH & SAFETY
PREVENTING CANCER IN THE FIRE SERVICE
FIREFIGHTER CANCER PREVENTION
Firefighters face an increased risk of cancer due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and hazardous materials encountered during emergency response. Reducing this risk requires consistent safety practices both on and off the fireground.
1
Use SCBA from initial attack through completion of overhaul. Not wearing SCBA in active and post-fire environments is one of the most dangerous voluntary activities in the fire service.
2
Perform gross field decontamination of PPE to remove as much soot and particulate matter as possible while still on scene.
3
Use wet wipes or baby wipes to remove soot from the head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms, and hands immediately while still on scene.
4
Change your clothes and wash them immediately after a fire.
5
Shower thoroughly as soon as possible after a fire.
6
Clean PPE, gloves, hood, and helmet immediately after a fire.
7
Do not take contaminated clothing or PPE home or store it in your personal vehicle.
8
Decontaminate the fire apparatus interior after fires.
9
Keep bunker gear out of living and sleeping quarters.
10
Stop using tobacco products.
11
Use sunscreen or sun block when working outdoors.
ANNUAL MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
Annual medical examinations are important. Early detection and early treatment are essential to increasing survival rates. Keep up with recommended medical examinations and screenings.