Firefighting is a noble profession, but it is fraught with known and unforeseen risks. As firefighters battle the inferno to save lives, they risk more than their lives.

According to CDC statistics, 60-100 duty deaths have been reported each year since 2002. The number was consistently declining until 2020 when the pandemic led to a significant surge in on-duty firefighter deaths.

As a firefighter, death is not the only threat in the line of duty. Injuries are common, with statistics showing an estimated 60,750 of them in 2021. Even though most injuries are not fatal, they can be painful and crippling. Beyond job-related injuries, you may also be vulnerable to many diseases due to the nature of your job.

While some health issues may be resolved with precautions, others require timely and effective help. Here are a few health issues firefighters must pay close attention to and seek timely medical treatment:

Heart Disease

Did you know that 45% of work-related fatalities among firefighters are attributed to heart disease? Prolonged exposure to intense heat and carbon monoxide are the primary culprits elevating the risk for these professionals. Other contributing factors include stress, obesity, and smoking.

The heart requires more oxygen as physical and mental stress levels run high for firefighters. But you may end up breathing in more CO in the surroundings. It means your heart receives less oxygen, resulting in problems such as coronary artery disease and abnormal heart rhythms.

Sadly, most cardiovascular events leading to death during duty are preventable. Timely diagnosis is the key, so you must opt for proactive checkups. Watch out for signs such as breathlessness, palpitations, and rapid heartbeat, and see a doctor if you experience them.

Cancer

Firefighters are exposed to several known and potential carcinogens, elevating the risk of cancer. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) studies suggest that these professionals are twice as likely to suffer from invasive cancer as the average person.

Here is a list of cancer-causing agents firefighting agents come across:

  • Arsenic
  • Asbestos
  • Benzene
  • Cadmium
  • Radionuclides (alpha/beta-particle-emitting)
  • Radioactivity (gamma activity)
  • Formaldehyde
  • Sulfuric acid
  • 1,3 Butadiene

Surprisingly, the firefighting foam trusted to extinguish flames and save lives also elevates the risk of cancer. It contains toxic chemicals like Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) that remain in the blood forever and increase the chances of cancers of the kidney, prostate, lungs, and pancreas. A professional suffering from cancer due to these chemicals can file a firefighting foam lawsuit against manufacturers.

According to TorHoerman Law, firefighting lawsuits can hold manufacturers accountable for not warning people about the health risks related to the product. Besides firefighting professionals, many municipalities have also filed compensation claims for Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)-induced water contamination.

Chronic Respiratory Disease

Chronic respiratory issues are another health condition firefighters must pay attention to. Constant exposure to smoke during firefighting activities can cause lingering cough, hoarseness, allergies, and asthma. Severe conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and abnormal lung function may also occur.

The risk of significant and permanent lung damage is higher because their lungs bear double the brunt. Beyond work-related exposure, cigarette smoke contains the same burning substances as occupational fire hazards.

Occupational Stress

According to a recent study, 11% of firefighting professionals reported moderate to severe stress. The concern around being widespread is only the tip of the iceberg. The real concern is that constant stress can lead to several severe health problems, such as digestive disorders, headaches, anxiety, hypertension, and even heart attacks.

The worst part is that most people tend to overlook this issue because it may not be evident right away. Stress causes gradual yet extensive damage, making it crucial to address the problem sooner rather than later.

Injuries and Heat Damage

On-duty injuries such as burns, fractures, bruises, strains, and sprains are common among firefighters. Mishaps like slip and fall, vehicle collisions, and falling objects elevate the chances of injuries. Some injuries may be fatal, while others may have long-term consequences.

Working in high-temperature environments can cause heat stress and heat exhaustion. Severe exposure can lead to heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Caution and proper personal protection equipment can be the best defense against heat damage.

The Bottom Line

Firefighting is a risky job, but the world cannot survive without these professionals. While accidents are contingent, most health risks are manageable with the right approach. As a firefighter, you must be proactive about self-care and early diagnosis of health issues. Timely intervention can prevent the progression of most diseases and ensure a long and healthy life.