Service cannot be provided without human resources, and the quality of what is delivered depends on well-trained and healthy firefighters. The job can be very challenging when dealing with the thermal insult and toxic fumes generated by a fire. Further, the work environment, aka the building, can collapse in the middle of an operation. These hazards do not even include those present for other job responsibilities in emergency medical services, hazardous materials responses, and technical rescues.
The hazards present to firefighters are more prevalent today, and the list of risks seems to be continually growing. It is not just short-term danger but the threat of harm later in life. Most specifically, it is the increased risk of contracting certain types of cancer. This can be attributed to the increasing danger of the products of combustion on the human body. But, cancer is not the only threat. Firefighters must be protected from a wide range of injuries and illnesses. If departments are serious about protecting their most valuable resources, then they must take a comprehensive approach to minimize the risks to their firefighters, including health and wellness programs and quality protective clothing.
RESEARCH YOUR CHOICES
Everyone should be aware that there is more protection for firefighters than ever before. This includes improved personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and ancillary equipment that helps such as air monitors and thermal imaging cameras. While most of the products you see offer protection, some are obviously better than others. It will pay dividends to do your homework. Products have differing degrees of safety and protection for firefighters. Make sure the product you are looking at will do what it is supposed to do within a price range you can afford. This is especially true when new products are developed to address specific issues. I recall that the first few generations of PASS devices did not operate as fire departments expected. There were many false alarms to the point that firefighters were ignoring their signals, and the noise was affecting communication. Subsequently, integrated PASS devices have proven to be much more reliable and effective.
Regarding protective equipment, the best options are to follow National Fire Protection Association standards and manufacturers' recommendations regarding maintenance and upkeep. This only works when a standard exists. As new products are developed, it takes a little time for the standards to catch up. There could be other options from other industries using similar products, or there may be some governmental regulations. Just check to see what is available when researching products. You may also need to pay more attention to the science behind a product. This was brought to my attention recently by a colleague who makes sure I know what I am talking about regarding certain products. I was discussing one in particular, and he cautioned me to wait until the “jury decides” before extolling the virtues of a magic cure-all. As they say, “caveat emptor,” or let the buyer beware.
BEYOND PPE
There is only so much that equipment and safety items can do to protect firefighters. Regardless of their quality and effectiveness, they must be used and used properly. To protect firefighters, there must be a comprehensive approach that goes beyond PPE. It must include a wellness program, sound policies, and enforcement when needed. Way back when in the fire prevention arena, there was a need for the three E's—engineering, education, and enforcement. The same would apply to firefighter safety and protecting the most valuable assets in an organization. The safety equipment provides the engineering for the most part. The education is the training that we provide along with sound policies and procedures. Occasionally, those in leadership positions must mandate compliance. There must be consequences for failure to follow rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Discipline, in this regard, will be saved for discussion at another time.
Those in the fire service today have more information than ever before regarding ways to protect themselves. None of the information is telling firefighters to not do their job and attack fire. What it is encouraging is for all members to become more educated so they can make good, intellectual decisions as to the best way to perform their duties while eliminating undue risks.
For example, before a firefighter can do his job, he must get to the work site. This involves emergency driving. There are things that can be done to increase the chances of avoiding a crash along the way. Sound driving policies and training to the standards will improve outcomes and minimize risks. This will not eliminate all crashes but will help to reduce them. As an added value to safety, there needs to be an enforced seat belt policy. The chances of minimizing injuries in a crash are greatly reduced when seat belts are worn.
PROTECTING FOR THE LONG TERM
Protecting firefighters on the scene of emergencies has expanded past the point of looking only at immediate dangers on the scene. The potential for long-term health issues has been documented, and action must be taken now to offer protection. This involves steps to take to reduce exposures that lead to cancer and preventive measures to minimize the risk of cardiac disease. While there is nothing that can eliminate the risks associated with the job and these diseases, studies are finding more ways to improve protection. This goes beyond adding more PPE, although this is important. It includes proper decontamination, personal hygiene, health, and wellness. All gear needs to be worn when working in the hazard zone, including SCBA. It is to continue through overhaul (and even fire investigation) until the scene can be cleared of contaminants. Protection includes proper rehab for firefighters, which not only includes decon but also hydration and fuel for the body. It continues past the event until most risk for a detrimental event have passed.
It would be naïve to think that all firefighters are ready to embrace added protection for their health, safety, and well-being. As such, there needs to be a combined approach to help change attitudes and behaviors. This includes training and education, sound policies and procedures, and officers who are willing to enforce the best practices. The policies would cover as much as possible including the fireground and all related activities. Members need to know the content of the policies, the reasons for them, and the consequences should they elect to deviate. Officers need to be officers and do what they agreed to do: provide leadership and support sound practices.
Everyone will tell you that firefighters are organizations' most valuable resources. They are responsible for fire protection and much more and must be protected. In today's world, there are more insults to the working firefighter than ever before regarding cancer and cardiac diseases. Thermal insult, toxic hazards, and falling structural elements can harm firefighters. Other work environments, such as roadways, are also very dangerous. Continual steps must be taken to minimize unnecessary risks to firefighters. Not all products and policies accomplish the goal of safer firefighters as much as they claim or imply. There are more ways to protect firefighters than ever before, but all must be evaluated to make sure they deliver on what is promised.
