By FireRescue1 Staff

EMMITSBURG, Md — Poor overall health is the number one safety issue facing the fire service today, says a study released this week by the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Volunteer Fire Council.

The report, “Emerging Health and Safety Issues in the Volunteer Fire Service,” identifies specific health and safety problems that fire service leaders can address to reduce firefighter fatalities.

"The volunteer fire service has distinct issues related to health and safety that need to be specifically addressed," said Philip C. Stittleburg, NVFC Chairman. "We lose too many volunteer firefighters in line-of-duty deaths."

Cardiovascular disease, which causes a higher percentage of deaths in volunteer than career firefighters, can be combated by proper exercise and nutrition and reduction of other risk factors like smoking or diabetes. The report recommends specific plans that can help departments improve volunteers’ health practices, which may prevent some health-related line-of-duty deaths.

Occupational safety is the second half of the equation in stopping preventable firefighter deaths. The report identifies the most common safety risks and ways to combat them.

The majority of volunteers who die from on-the-job injuries are not hurt at incidents, but in transit. Guidelines for ensuring proper vehicle operation and maintenance are highlighted in the report.

Departments are also advised to avoid unnecessarily agressive fireground tactics by naming a safety officer who can weigh the safety risks and potential benefits of fireground operations.

“Emerging Health and Safety Issues in the Volunteer Fire Service” includes a listing of exemplary programs from across the country that can be used as models for creating comprehensive programs that encourage safe and healthy behaviors for firefighters.

Read “Emerging Health and Safety Issues in the Volunteer Fire Service” (pdf)