Buried in Our Uniform: A Call to Action to Protect Firefighters

Beyond law enforcement and the military, few professions are so deeply ingrained in one’s soul, evoke such a profound connection, that members would choose to be buried in their uniform. Fire service members’ love for their profession is part of their DNA and integral to their very being.

I write this article with a sense of frustration. Far too often, we get news of another firefighter’s death from cancer. These dedicated servants, in all likelihood, were or will be buried in their uniform.

We must do better and prevent the life of our brothers and sisters from being cut short.

At what point do we say, ‘Enough?’

When do we take a stand to ensure the future health of firefighters? Cancer has been an increasingly common diagnosis among firefighters for a while now, and it’s time for leadership to take the steps that are needed to address this issue head on.

We all are aware that firefighters are exposed to myriad harmful substances during their service. These dangers range from toxic fumes to hazardous chemicals, and they accumulate in our body, taking a toll on our health. Despite advancements in safety gear and procedures, the risk remains significant. Acknowledging these risks isn’t enough. We must take definitive action to mitigate them.

Leadership in fire departments and governmental bodies must prioritize the health and safety of their firefighters. This includes implementing commonsense procedures that account for firefighters’ long-term health and well-being and that ensure policy accountability.

Screenings, training, culture

Regular and thorough health screenings should be mandatory to catch potential issues early. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. By identifying health problems early, firefighters have a better chance of successful treatment and recovery, ultimately saving lives.

Firefighters need detailed training on the risks that are associated with exposure to hazardous substances and on best practices to minimize these risks. This includes using firefighting gear correctly and understanding decontamination procedures. Proper training empowers firefighters to protect themselves better, reducing the likelihood of exposure and subsequent health issues.

Fostering a culture that prioritizes long-term health within the fire service is essential. Firefighters often prioritize the immediate mission over their health, but shifting this mindset to one that also values ongoing health is critical. Promoting a culture of health awareness encourages firefighters to take proactive steps to protect their health, both on and off the job.

More is needed

We also must be part of the solution and provide the information that’s needed to develop better strategies and tactics for combating cancer in the fire service. This is why today, I ask you, whether you are a career or volunteer firefighter, active or retired, to please join the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer.

Firefighters understand the value of size-up on the fireground. The information that we gain is critical to informing our strategies and tactics, leading to successful outcomes and lives saved. This is the same way that the NFR aims to “size up” and assess cancer risks.

This information will be used to understand occupational cancer better and to make informed tactical and strategic decisions that will benefit future generations of firefighters. Simply stated, we assist in size-up by joining the NFR.

Protect our health

We are buried in our uniform. This must not be a symbol of our dedication but a call to protect ourselves. It’s time to say enough and make the changes that will ensure the future health of our firefighters.

Please join the NFR today. The sacrifices that were made by those who were diagnosed with cancer are a stark reminder of the urgency of this issue. Let’s honor them by taking action. Sign up at cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/registry.html.