Protecting firefighters

Firefighters are in a very special position in the world today. On one hand, better and better preventive efforts is done in the society to hinder fires in houses and buildings. However, at the same time climate change and land-use change are projected to make wildfires more frequent and intense, with a global increase of extreme fires of up to 14 per cent by 2030, 30 per cent by the end of 2050 and 50 per cent by the end of the century, according to a report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2022. Increasing number of wild fires

The job as a firefighter involves many tasks. Both the specific firefighting, but also jobs like rescue missions, preventive efforts, maintenance and training, and there are high demands both physically and mentally. In many countries, special health certificates are needed to become a firefighter. This is to keep the firefighter as safe as possible, but also be sure that the firefighter will be able to do the job required.

Selection

Firefighters undergo specific selection in countries that require health certificates of this occupational group. Most of the health criteria are to prevent firefighters from having medical conditions that can be worsened by exposures as a firefighter. An example is heart conditions. Heavy strain and high temperatures demands a lot from the heart and circulation system and it is therefore important not to have cardiovascular diseases. There are a number of other examples, and the selection list varies between the countries. Some countries also have physical tests that the potential firefighters need to pass before certification is given.

Equipment

The access to different equipment for firefighters differ a lot between countries. Where they are available, vehicles, helicopters, airplanes and vessels are important, so is also communication equipment. Also the fire station itself is important, how the work there is organized. How is equipment washed and kept separate from clean equipment (clean and dirty zones), ventilation, facilities for filling air on smoke diving equipment and many many more. There is a number of equipment and procedures that need to be addressed properly to ultimately keep the work safe.

Personal protective equipment

Firefighters most often do not know what they will be exposed to in a fire. Therefore available smoke diving equipment is of great help. Having the possibility to breath clean air and making sure the mask does not leak is important to keep the worker safe in a fire. It is also important to protect the skin as much as possible with clothing which can withstand the heat. In the smoke from fires there can be numerous different gases and particles, both from the fire itself, and from melted materials and other pollution such as exhaust, dust particles and fibers. Studies on firefighters have revealed a high risk for developing both lung diseases, skin diseases and cancer, so prevention of these exposures are very important.

Sometimes the national alertness is not enough and the fires or other disaster requires more effort than is possible from single nations. The video below demonstrates a good international collaboration in firefighting when disaster struck. The video demonstrates the importance of giving the firefighters enough rest between the battles, and we see examples of safety equipment in firefighting.

Correct protective clothing and washing of these is important in addition to protecting airways and skin from exposure. Also numerous aids are emerging both helping with reducing exposure from smoke and heat.

With the changing climate it seems that these issues are increasing, trained firefighters are an important resource and we need to protect them and keep them safe.