The life of a firefighter is extremely demanding, especially if they’re in the military. According to reports, military firefighters have a vast responsibility beyond regular fire extinguishing duties.
For instance, they need to undergo basic military training along with firefighting training. These include honing tactical skills, weapons practice, combat, etc. Moreover, they get training on how to use protective gear, perform damage control, prevent on-base fire breakouts, etc. Even then, they usually gain firefighting skills through on-the-job experience.
These prove that military firefighters have multiple duties. Examples include performing inspections, providing first aid, minimizing fire damage, fighting fire, responding to hazards, etc. That’s why, without proper self-care and regular doctor visits, they might develop serious health issues due to their demanding job.
In this blog, we will discuss how and why firefighters develop heart diseases, mental health problems, and cancer.
Table of Contents
#1. Different Types of Cancer
Reports suggest that firefighters are at an increased risk of developing cancer. Recently, occupational exposure to harmful chemicals during firefighting was declared a group 1 carcinogen. That means it’s scientifically proven that firefighting can lead to cancer, be it military or civilian.
Technically, military firefighters are in constant contact with cancer-causing materials and dangerous toxins while on the job. Examples of these chemicals include arsenic, asbestos, benzene, cadmium, etc.
Constant exposure to these chemicals can lead them to develop multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, melanoma, leukemia, etc. Colon, prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers are also common.
Other than that, they can get exposed to chemicals while using fire extinguishers specifically made to deal with fuel fires. For example, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a powerful firefighting foam used to fight Class B fires caused by flammable gas or liquid. Hence, AFFF was used in crash rescue operations and became a common fire extinguisher for the military.
Unfortunately, AFFF contains high amounts of per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It’s a synthetic chemical compound that stays in the human body for prolonged periods. Research has also proven that PFAS exposure can lead to cancer.
The Lawsuit
Military firefighters have been on edge ever since they realized the link between AFFF usage and cancer. Since the manufacturers and distributors failed to warn them about the PFAS content, the affected individuals filed AFFF lawsuits. They aim to gain compensation for the medical bills, loss of earnings, suffering caused, and permanent disabilities.
According to TruLaw, victims are eligible to receive compensation between USD 10,000 and USD 300,000. However, it’ll depend on the level of exposure, the medical evidence provided, and the strength of the claim.
#2. Mental Health Problems
Firefighters serving in the military are regularly exposed to multiple demands and threats. They’re confronted with hostile events and adverse situations. Most of these scenarios are unexpected and uncontrollable.
During these situations, they are expected to be calm and perform their duties without showing emotions. Unfortunately, not everyone can properly cope with these potentially traumatic events. Sometimes, they can face catastrophic health consequences.
Long-term exposure to these acute stressors can make military firefighters vulnerable, leading to emotional fatigue. As a result, they might develop stress, anxiety, depression, etc. Some might also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. For instance, 37.8% of military firefighters have experienced PTSD.
That’s why the government is increasing its focus on keeping firefighters’ behavioral and mental health in check. For instance, they are now taught to keep their mental health in check by prioritizing sleep, eating healthily, and speaking up. Regular exercise, social interactions, and being focused on personal development can also help.
#3. Cardiovascular Issues
Approximately 45% of on-duty fatalities among firefighters happen due to cardiovascular problems. Even with continuous physical activity and training, military firefighters can develop cardiovascular issues. That mainly happens due to toxic exposure or environmental stressors.
For instance, hazardous occupational stress is the leading cause of heart problems among military firefighters. They can have long sedentary duties followed by a sudden need for strenuous physical exertion. Their need for immediate response and reaction to harsh situations can suddenly increase their pulse rate, giving rise to heart problems.
Similarly, while suppressing fire, they can inhale the fumes that can slowly become catastrophic to their health. Regularly inhaling carbon monoxide and other burning chemicals can lead military firefighters to develop heart and lung diseases. It can also increase blood pressure, causing cardiac arrest.
Other than that, wearing protective equipment for prolonged periods can increase heart rates. It can lead them to develop dehydration and heat stress caused by fluid loss. Eventually, this can decrease cardiac output.
Even though it’s uncommon among military firefighters, smoking, having minimal physical fitness, and being overweight can also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. For example, smoking can reduce the amount of oxygen in the body. Hence, during high levels of physical stress, the heart cannot get enough oxygen, leading to abnormal cardiac rhythms.
3 Ways to Avoid Developing Health Issues as a Military Firefighter
As mentioned earlier, military firefighters have a long list of responsibilities. Hence, it’s normal for on-duty service personnel to forgo their health in the line of duty.
But when that happens, they can develop health issues like cancer, heart problems, etc. To avoid that, military firefighters should follow these rules before reporting for duty:
- Ensure the firefighting equipment isn’t faulty or broken. These include masks, PPE kits, shrouds, oxygen tanks, etc. Functional safety equipment will ensure they aren’t exposed to heat or harmful toxins.
- Every military firefighter should go through rigorous physical training daily. Being physically fit could help them deal with high-intensity situations with ease.
- They need to get evaluated by a psychologist after a traumatic incident since they’re usually going through dangerous, life-threatening situations daily.
In conclusion, military firefighters are at a higher risk of developing life-threatening health issues. Examples include cancer, mental health issues, and cardiovascular problems. That’s because they get exposed to harmful chemicals or go through traumatic events.
All in all, they need to look after themselves, stay healthy, consult medical professionals, and check their equipment regularly. Doing these will help reduce the risk of developing the health issues mentioned.
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