FD-Consultants

I just spoke with a retiree three days ago, and his PSA has shot over 4 in six months! That same day I heard of one of our firefighters in his mid-twenties has been diagnosed with lymphoma! And then two nights ago I got confirmation from another one of our cancer survivor firefighters saying, It’s Back! What’s going On??

This trend I’m seeing is a wake up call, and one we can’t ignore! We must begin identifying every structure fire as a Hazmat call given the high level of toxic gases we encounter. We must protect ourselves from extended exposure because our turnout gear doesn’t protect us from absorption, as seen in the Tucson study showing us that Benzine and other toxic chemicals were found after the fire to be in their blood, urine, and breath! We must limit our time in the hot zone.

It’s on Us, YOU, to flatten this high curving trend by consciously working on changing our fireground culture where we reduce exposure to ourselves and our crews. Not just through Decon, which we have to get better at, but through our approach method to the firefight.

If you haven’t read my blog, take the time to read it, ask questions, and seek change. If you have read it, consider sharing it with your friends in the fire service. And Above All, get scanned early and often! Early recognition is one of our greatest defenses.

https://www.fd-consultants.com/blog-1

It seems that cancer among firefighter numbers have increased over the past few years affecting all departments nationally. This is why we have to remain focused on prevention!! Be diligent about your personal safety during and after the fire!! Limit exposure, and get it off of you quickly after!

WELCOME TO THE MOST RECENT ADDITION TO THE FD CONSULTANTS TEAM!

Scott Figgins is a 16 yr veteran, and very well respected. For four years Scott has served as Wellness Captain where he has brought about remarkable changes within the organization related to cancer reduction, from washdown procedures to rehab, low-dose CT scans to workmen’s comp claims Bulldog for the troops! Scott’s work on Cancer Prevention has proven to be extremely valuable on the department, local and state level, which makes him a great addition to FD Consultants as our new Fire District/Department Cancer Analyst!