From Baby Wipes to Annual Physicals: Fighting Cancer in the Fire Service

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Colin Banks
6 years ago
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1 From Baby Wipes to Annual Physicals: Fighting Cancer in the Fire Service Presented by: Chief Dennis Compton, Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder, Chief Bobby Halton

2 Disclaimer The materials provided in this webinar are for general informational and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be and should not be considered legal advice or opinions. You should not act upon any information presented without first seeking legal counsel on your specific matter.

3 About Lexipol We help fire departments reduce liability, enhance firefighter safety and effectively manage their policy content 150+ state-specific policies and daily training Automatic policy updates Easy-to-use, web-based platform and mobile app Available in 16 states; Arizona coming soon!

4 Presenters Chief Dennis Compton Chairman, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder Loveland-Symmes (OH) Fire Department Chief Bobby Halton Editor-in-Chief, Fire Engineering Magazine Education Director, FDIC

5 BG Audience Poll: Firefighters and Cancer

6 A Look Back BG

7 BH Everyone is vulnerable But firefighters have specific exposure risk Modern environment/ off-gassing Understanding the Risk Source:

8 Industrial Hygiene The science of protecting and enhancing the health and safety of people at work and in their communities. BH

9 Skelleftea model BH Source: Healthy firefighters the Skellefteå Model improves the work environment

10 What We Know DC Testicular cancer (2.02 times greater risk) Multiple myeloma (1.53 times greater risk) Non-Hodgkin s lymphoma (1.51 times greater risk) Skin cancer (1.39 times greater risk) Prostate cancer (1.28 times greater risk) Source: Firefighter Cancer Support Network White Paper

11 What We Know DC Malignant melanoma (1.31 times great risk) Brain cancer (1.31 times greater risk) Colon cancer (1.21 times great risk) Leukemia (1.14 times greater risk) Breast cancer in women (preliminary study results from SFFD) Source: Firefighter Cancer Support Network White Paper

12 What We Know DC Lungs Skin Esophagus (swallowing) Your HOOD is most vulnerable part of the PPE ensemble!

13 What We DON T Know BG We are just beginning to understand the horrific magnitude of the problem, the depth of our naiveté, the challenges involved and the changes required in education, training, operations, medical screenings and personal accountability to effectively address cancer in the fire service. Source: Firefighter Cancer Support Network White Paper

14 What We DON T Know BG Numbers, types, exposures Role of individual health/heredity Cocktail effect, or 1+1=3 PPE vulnerabilities Decon procedures Female firefighters and cancer

15 DC Understand the problem On-site decon Wash your hood Proper PPE storage/wearing Air monitoring Individual Actions

16 Individual Actions DC Annual Medical Exam Know family history Aggressive/early testing (patterns) Doctor who understands fire service Self-advocate

17 Individual Actions BH How can we reduce exposure to contaminated PPE? How can we reduce exposure to contaminated equipment (e.g., hose)? Why are we getting back in the rig with contaminated equipment and PPE? Can we avoid transporting turnouts in the passenger compartment of our POVs?

18 Organizational Actions BG Crew has opportunity to shower after fire Proper PPE storage/wearing Two sets of PPE Air monitoring Exhaust removal in station Annual physical exam

19 Organizational Actions Distribute educational materials; incorporate into training BG Maintain exposure records/participate in registries Support firefighters who are diagnosed

20 Where Are We Now? DC United effort across fire service Acknowledgement that support is needed Continued research Education/sharing knowledge

21 DC Research Needed Effects of longterm, chronic exposure National cancer registry Specific groups

22 Get Involved! BG Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance Firefighter Cancer Support Network National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Rotary Fire Fighters

24 For More Information Links to research, recommendations and support Sample Wellness and Fitness Policy Presentation slides Recording of webinar Questions? Shannon Pieper, Director of Marketing Communications 949/

Policy Implications. Virginia M. Weaver, MD, MPH Associate Professor, Environmental Health Sciences and Medicine Johns Hopkins University

Policy Implications. Virginia M. Weaver, MD, MPH Associate Professor, Environmental Health Sciences and Medicine Johns Hopkins University Cancer in the Fire Service: Policy Implications Virginia M. Weaver, MD, MPH Associate Professor, Environmental Health Sciences and Medicine Johns Hopkins University Overview Fire fighters are exposed to