Reducing PFAS levels in firefighters by blood and plasma donation
The transitioning to fluorine-free foams
You know that Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) have been used for decades in the fire service. In the United States, the transition over to fluorine-free firefighting foams is now occurring. ‘The delay in taking action appears to have been caused…
Growing better responses to behavioural health
The duties we’re called to perform require our responders to step in front of traumatic scenes. Despite our resolve, these experiences can put down roots in our crew. Planting proactive resources for managing behavioural health and reacting compassionately to people…
Fire Department Service Announcement
Bulletin #53, PFAS Effects on Heart Health From David’s wife Kristi: When my boys were little, every night from the time they could talk, they asked me if their daddy was going to be home tomorrow. And I always said,…
Equipment specialist launches new survey to support firefighter health and safety
Dräger, an international leader in medical and safety technology, has launched a survey to uncover what more can be done to support firefighter health and safety, and in particular firefighters’ attitudes to wellbeing in a post-Covid world. The survey will…
Charity launches Healthy Joints Awareness Programme to combat top reason for absenteeism across UK fire services community
With musculoskeletal injuries and issues accounting for the largest number of missed working days across the UK’s fire services, The Fire Fighters Charity has this week launched a new awareness programme to help fire and rescue service personnel, past and…
Food on the Stove is changing the culture of health in Washington, D.C. firehouses
Food on the Stove is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization founded to promote healthy lifestyle management among firefighters. With programmes ranging from healthy cooking demonstrations to partnerships with local farms that supply food to firehouses, this firefighter-operated and focused organization…
Food on the Stove is changing the culture of health in Washington, D.C. firehouses
Food on the Stove is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization founded to promote healthy lifestyle management among firefighters. With programmes ranging from healthy cooking demonstrations to partnerships with local farms that supply food to firehouses, this firefighter-operated and focused organization…
New report reveals impact of burn-out and poor work-life balance
The Emergency Services Show, NEC, 7–8 September 2021 A new 18-month study of over 10,000 front-line workers highlighting the critical state of poor staff mental health across the emergency services sector will be launched at The Emergency Services Show at the NEC in Birmingham…
Tools to improve wellbeing make front-line work safer and more effective
The Emergency Services Show, NEC, 7–8 September 2021 This year’s Emergency Services Show (ESS), taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 7 and 8 September 2021 is designed to equip front-line workers with the tools and techniques needed to maximise…
Post-traumatic stress disorder killed our firefighter… or did it?
This article is not to diminish the effects of post-traumatic stress on our brothers or sisters but to bring about an awareness that many issues play a role in the lives of our first responders. A role we, the fire…
Directives for firefighter wellness: Making the best job a healthier one
The hefty goal of this article is to eliminate chronic disease from the fire service – disease caused by unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. The UFF Directives for Firefighter Wellness spare you the details without sparing you the depth. If firefighters adhere…
Emergency services and accountability
First responders are highly trained individuals who are taught to be observant on the scene of a traumatic event or a crisis situation, but too few of them are taught to manage their own mental health. Being accountable is somewhat…
Charity launches new health and wellbeing podcast
Shout!Podcast – the official health and wellbeing podcast from The Fire Fighters Charity – has been launched across all major podcast platforms this week. The Fire Fighters Charity’s first venture in the world of podcasting, Shout!Podcast explores the health and…
Researchers received a $1.5 million grant from FEMA to study firefighter occupational exposures to “PFAS chemicals”
Researchers are investigating current exposures to PFAS chemicals, including from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and turnout gear, and their health effects. A growing concern exists in the fire service about exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of…
Health and Wellbeing an Essential Part of Kit at The Emergency Services Show
Recognising that mental and physical resilience are an essential part of kit for emergency responders, the Health & Wellbeing seminar theatre will return to The Emergency Services Show in September. Taking place in Hall 5 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK from 19th to 20th September, the free programme…
The hidden risks of firefighting
Firefighters live with risks by managing them effectively but the fact that these risks include an increased rate of cancer is only now coming to the fore. There are ways and means of minimising this risk including improved hygeine on…
Firefighter health and fitness: A comprehensive approach
Dedicating yourself to a lifestyle of health and fitness is more than just “working out.” As a firefighter, you owe it to your co-workers, community, and family to make sure you are fit for duty. In addition to physical training,…
Stopping these 5 habits will lead to a more happy and productive life
The smoke and debris has settled. Hot spots are extinguished. The trucks are clean and back in service. The constant hum of the engines and the roar of the flames is just wearing off and your shoulders still ache from…
Make the commitment to be a heart-healthy firefighter
Most firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and rescue providers pride themselves on being ready for the next call. They participate in many hours of training, build up on-the-job experience in all kinds of emergencies, and work to prepare their department and…
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