Occupational Medical Evaluations in the US Fire Service: State of the Art Review.

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]