Samatters Radio

The fire service continues to be plagued by occupational health risks that have been directly related to the rigors of firefighting. The author has written about and published on these extensively terming it the three-legged stool. The three legs of the stool are fire service cardiovascular deaths and disability, occupational cancer threats and behavioral health disorders including suicide. Sadly, all three of these occupational risks can be minimized but are often not through annual early detection exams. The notion of situational awareness is key to fire ground survival and that same concept of situational awareness of our health risk status is paramount to assuring survival. We know early detection is a key factor in better survival outcomes. Yet, many firefighters are still not receiving annual wellness exams or ones that are specific to the unique health risks they face as firefighters. ________ Chief LeDuc began his emergency medical services training in Lowell, MA. in 1986 and completed his paramedic