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This study used secondary data analysis from three national firefighter studies of almost 1,900 veteran and nonveteran firefighters to compare and explain the impact of six personal demographic factors, two occupational characteristics, and 11 health outcomes on each group. Univariate data analysis showed veteran and nonveteran firefighters in our sample shared a large number of similarities. They reported significant statistical differences in only three of the 19 demographic, occupational, and health outcome variables. Veteran firefighters were older than nonveterans and less likely to have a college or advanced degree. Firefighters with military service were also significantly more likely to have a history of divorce. The means or percentages were not statistically significant in the other 13 univariate comparisons. The similarities between veteran and nonveteran firefighters included three demographic characteristics (race, ethnicity, and marital status); both occupational characteristics (rank and years of service); and all 11 health outcomes (previous anxiety diagnosis, previous depression diagnosis, CESD-10, work stress, work stress interference with duties, cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco use, alcohol use, binge drinking, body mass index, and waist circumference). A multivariate analysis did show, however, that when controlled for age and educational attainment, one health outcome—a previous anxiety diagnosis—became statistically significant. An analysis of 66 combat veterans found that veterans who had conducted combat patrols or performed other dangerous duties had 3.4 times the rate of diagnosed anxiety disorders than nonveteran firefighters. However, there was no significant difference in the rates of previously diagnosed anxiety disorders between nonveterans and veterans without combat experience. These last two findings carry important policy and training implications for the fire service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this qualitative study was twofold. First, we identified post-fire suppression contamination control procedures used in 10 New Jersey volunteer fire departments. These decontamination (decon) procedures remove hazardous contaminants from firefighters' gear and equipment (see Burgess et al., 2020; Fent et al., 2017; Fent et al., 2020), Second, we determined the challenges these 10 departments faced in implementing the decon best practices recommended by NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting and several academic studies. Data was gathered using semi-structured telephone interviews with a member of the leadership team in each of the 10 New Jersey volunteer departments. Thematic analysis of these interviews revealed significant variation in the post-fire suppression contamination control practices implemented by the 10 departments. Although the interview participants were highly aware of the health risks that firefighters face and the importance of decon control measures, many departments did not implement the recommended best practices. Financial and time constraints were identified as significant challenges to implementing comprehensive decontamination control procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The percentage of females in the U.S. fire service is low. In 2018, only 8% of firefighters were women (National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], 2020). To better understand the reasons for this low participation rate, we analyzed responses from telephone interviews and focus groups conducted with 87 firefighters and fire service leaders in 2013. Analysis of these responses identified several reasons why it is so difficult to recruit and retain women firefighters. A better understanding of these reasons, including the unique challenges that women firefighters face, is essential to increasing and supporting their active participation in this profession. Tactics used to improve the recruitment and retention of women in the fire service are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplace violence has become an increasingly popular topic of discussion and includes forms of aggression such as general harassment, mobbing, ostracism, bullying, hazing, stalking, and sexual assault. Firefighting is a high stress job in a unique work environment with many known adverse health impacts that can be exacerbated by toxic work environments, including workplace violence. This study consists of interviews with 31 firefighters and fire service leaders. Answers from participants provided insight into the types of workplace violence experienced by fire service personnel, obstacles to reporting incidents of sexual assault, and inequities in disciplinary action. Our systematic examination of these personal accounts can be used to increase awareness of workplace violence in the fire service, promote understanding, and create a healthier, safer, and more inclusive fire service community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighters and EMS personnel are regularly tasked with dangerous and unpredictable incidents, but the COVID-19 pandemic has required an unprecedented response from first responders and continues to change how they operate. This article explains how COVID-19 has impacted the fire service, discusses some of the current research on COVID-19 in the fire service, and presents a research agenda to build on lessons learned during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighters face a broad range of health risks including the deleterious effects of shift work, exposure to carcinogens, strenuous activities, and significant exposures to trauma. As a result, there is evidence firefighters experience increased rates of cancer, behavioral health issues, and significant risk of duty-related cardiovascular events. Due to these risks and outcomes, there has been a growing discussion centered on the need for annual medical evaluations for all firefighters. This article provides a summary on the state of the science, barriers, and types of medical evaluations being delivered. Future directions and noted research needs are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been little research conducted on the reproductive health of female firefighters. The purpose of this study was to determine whether female reproductive health is a concern among firefighters and to identify key associated issues. Eighty-seven United States (US) firefighters participated in focus groups or interviews. Themes were created using grounded theory with NVivo analysis software and a three-phase coding process. The major finding emerging from the study is that female firefighter reproductive health is a significant concern among firefighters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past decade of research on the health of firefighters has identified several areas of need related to morbidity and mortality risks including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and injury. Data suggest that a number of occupational risk factors push firefighters toward poor health and increase their risks for a number of diseases and premature deaths. Underlying modifiable risk factors have emerged as playing a central role in increasing risks for poor health, including obesity, poor nutrition, low fitness, binge drinking, smokeless-tobacco use, poor sleep, and behavioral-health concerns. Understanding these risks, as well as prevention and intervention techniques, are necessary components to improving occupational health among this important population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research presented here examines how the demands of fire fighting uniquely affect women. A national sample of 73 female firefighters and fire-service leaders participated in focus groups and key informant interviews. Participants were asked about perceived threats to safety and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that lead to injury regarding gender differences. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted and the following six themes were identified: (1) impact of working in a male-dominated field, (2) harassment, (3) similar rates/types of injury, (4) inadequate training, (5) ill-fitting gear, and (6) functional techniques/endurance. Both chronic and acute injuries/causes were discussed. Future direction will require diversity education and new training methodologies for the fire service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighters face increased health risks related to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other diseases because of exposures they encounter in carrying out their job duties, including firesuppression and rescue activities and treating individuals with medical emergencies. Because of these exposures and disease risks, the need for medical exams has received increasing attention. While the importance of these exams is not debated, many departments in the United States (US) still fail to offer regular medical monitoring of their personnel. Given the lack of consistent implementation, it is important to understand perceptions and beliefs about these exams. Using interviews and focus groups, information from firefighters, fire chiefs, and fire service health-promotion personnel was collected about occupational medical exams. Personnel discussed benefits of and barriers to exams, as well as ways to effectively overcome barriers. Limitations to current exam programs in departments were discussed as well as department and medical-provider needs. Innovative methods for securing exams for firefighters also were discussed. Findings have important implications for planning and implementation of consistent medical programs for firefighters nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

\In occupations such as the military, police, and fire service, leaders play an important role in promoting the health and safety of their employees. A growing body of research suggests that United States (US) fire service personnel face a host of health and safety challenges, including high rates of obesity, low physical fitness, and binge drinking. In order to address these health issues effectively, strong fire service leadership is needed on these issues. However, little data exists on the attitudes and opinions of fire service leaders regarding health and safety. This study presents data from part of a large, national, qualitative study on the health of firefighters. Themes related to the role of leadership and management as well as effective messages for motivating firefighters to be healthy were identified. The critical role of leadership (e.g., fire chiefs, company officers) in modeling and promoting health and safety practices was a prevalent theme across fire departments. Participants also noted that framing health and safety initiatives as important for the sake of your crew rather than for individual gain was an effective motivational tool for fire service leaders. Findings highlight the importance of engaging leadership in effecting department-level change for firefighter health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]