FF CH 2 - Firefighter Safety and Health - Pages 1-25

Injury and Illness Prevention

• Firefighting is a dangerous profession, with many injuries and deaths occurring off the fire ground
• Fire fighters must be aware of risks associated with their job responsibilities and activities
• Every fire department must have a strong commitment to fire fighter health and safety, with fire fighters taking the lead for their own health and safety
• Safety measures must become routine, consistent, and fully integrated into every activity, procedure, and job description

Causes of Fire Fighter Deaths and Injuries

• 69 fire fighters were killed in the line of duty in 2016
• The largest share of deaths occurred from stress, overexertion, and medical issues (42%)
• Cardiac events accounted for 38% of these deaths
• Vehicle crashes were the second leading cause of death
• In 2016, 62,085 fire fighters were injured in the line of duty

Safety Measures

• Preparation for response begins long before the alarm is sounded
• Fire fighters must be physically and mentally ready
• Personal equipment must be checked, and apparatus must be ready
• Familiarity with response district, SOPs, and knowledge of nearby hydrant locations are essential
• Apparatus drivers must consider road and traffic conditions, route to the incident, and position at the incident scene

Fire Fighter Life Safety Initiatives

• 16 initiatives to reduce fire fighter deaths and injuries
• Examples include cultural change, accountability, risk management, empowerment, training and certification, and medical and physical fitness standards

Health and Safety Programs

• NFPA 1500 provides a template for implementing a comprehensive health and safety program
• Programs must include policies, training and education, apparatus operation, PPE, emergency operations, station safety, medical and physical requirements, and health and safety programs
• Government regulations, such as OSHA, also play a role in workplace safety and responder safety

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Every fire department should have SOPs or standard operating guidelines (SOGs) that provide specific information on tasks
• Procedures enable fire fighters from different stations or companies to work together safely and smoothly
• The fire department chain of command enforces safety goals and procedures

Incident Command System (ICS)

• A nationally recognized plan to establish command and control of emergency incidents
• The ICS is flexible and can be used for any emergency situation
• It should be implemented at every emergency scene, from routine auto accidents to major disasters involving responders from numerous agencies### Importance of Hydration and Sleep
• Maintaining good hydration during firefighting activities reduces the chance of heart attacks
• Proper hydration is essential for peak physical performance and requires ongoing attention
• Good health requires adequate, uninterrupted sleep to maintain alertness, prevent stress, and avoid illnesses and injuries
• Establish a consistent sleep schedule and routine, and avoid electronic devices before bedtime

Heart Disease

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and among firefighters
• A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, weight training, and cardiovascular exercise reduces risk factors for heart disease
• Regular physical examinations are crucial for early detection and prevention of heart disease

Cancer

• The increase in synthetic products has led to an increase in toxicity in modern fires, causing cancer in firefighters
• Carcinogens enter the body through ingestion, injection, respiratory system, or skin absorption
• Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer than the general population
• Contaminated objects and gear should be removed, washed, and decontaminated to prevent cancer-causing substances from spreading

Tobacco, Alcohol, and Illicit Drugs

• Tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, reduces respiratory efficiency, and increases cancer risk
• Avoid tobacco products entirely for health and insurance reasons
• Excessive alcohol use damages the body, affects performance, and increases cancer risk
• Illicit drug use has no place in the fire service and can endanger lives

Counseling and Critical Incident Stress Management

• Firefighters experience high-stress situations and work in an environment with unscheduled and unexpected events
• High levels of stress can produce symptoms like sleep disturbance, irritability, overeating, and depression
• Identify and utilize resources like employee assistance programs, peer support teams, and critical incident stress management programs to maintain behavioral health

Firefighter Health and Safety

• Firefighting is inherently dangerous, and many firefighters are injured off the fire ground
• Every fire department must have a strong commitment to firefighter health and safety
• Safety measures should be routine, consistent, and fully integrated into every activity and procedure

Causes of Firefighter Deaths and Injuries

• In 2016, 69 firefighters died in the line of duty, with the largest share due to stress, overexertion, and medical issues
• Cardiac events accounted for 38% of these deaths
• The largest number of injuries occurred on the fire ground, with overexertion or strain being the leading cause### Fire Service Standards and Safety
• The National Fallen Firefighters Association developed the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives to prevent firefighter injuries and fatalities.
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) develops standards to standardize training, apparatus, equipment, and operations in the fire service.
• NFPA 1500 provides a template for implementing a comprehensive health and safety program, covering policies, training, apparatus operation, and medical requirements.

Health and Safety Programs

• A health and safety program should include policies, training, and procedures to reduce risks, accidents, and fatalities.
• Fire departments should establish health and safety committees to develop policies, monitor health and safety, and ensure compliance with regulations.

Personal Health and Well-being

• Firefighters should prioritize personal health and well-being to perform effectively on the job.
• Regular exercise, healthy diet, adequate sleep, and hydration are essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being.
• Firefighters should also prioritize stress management, avoid tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, and seek counseling and critical incident stress management when needed.

Cancer Prevention

• Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, and carcinogens can enter the body through skin absorption, inhalation, or ingestion.
• Firefighters can reduce their cancer risk by using SCBA, decontaminating PPE and equipment, showering after fires, and avoiding tobacco products.
• Annual medical examinations are crucial for early detection and treatment of cancer.

Safety Tips

• Maintain proper hydration to perform at peak physical level and reduce the risk of illness and injuries.
• Do not try to work when ill or injured, as it compromises team safety and personal health.
• Use sunscreen or sunblock to reduce the risk of skin cancer.