It’s not easy to be a firefighter. Your job demands a lot from you. Putting out fires is just one part. You also respond to medical emergencies, rescue operations, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters.

Firemen Spraying on Flaming Vehicle

Firefighter AFFF: Strategies to Improve Longevity and Health

Emotional and mental aside, the physical toll of your job is immense. Amidst the chaos and long shifts, it’s easy to forget about one important thing: your health. Thus, it’s no surprise that the life expectancy of firefighters is short. 

In a recent article published in PBS NewsHour, Amna Nawaz quotes that firefighters’ life expectancy is ten years less than the average person. 

Don’t worry, however. There are several lifestyle changes you can adopt to increase your life expectancy. 

Read on to learn the strategies that can help you stay healthy and fit and improve your longevity.

#1 Nourish Your Body With Healthy Food 

Fire station meals are often a blend of hearty comfort food and quick, on-the-go snacks. 

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a good meal with your team, but you must be mindful of your overall diet. 

An article published in the American Heart Association revealed that the leading cause of line-of-duty fatalities among U.S. firefighters is sudden cardiac arrest. 

Better nutrition plays a significant role in minimizing line-of-duty mortality, alleges FireRescue1

Incorporate whole foods into your diet—fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, meat, and fish. 

High levels of continuous physical activity significantly increase energy expenditure. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as bars, sports drinks, potatoes, rice, and corn can help you maintain energy, support endurance, and aid recovery.

Staying hydrated is just as important. Keep a water bottle handy and make it a habit to sip water throughout your shift to prevent dehydration.

#2 Use Full PPE During Firefighting Operations

Firefighter gear may feel heavy or cumbersome, but it’s designed for vital protection. As a firefighter, you’re regularly exposed to dangerous, cancer-causing substances like arsenic, benzene, asbestos, and cadmium. One particularly concerning group of chemicals is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These harmful chemicals that Firefighters use are commonly found in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and have been linked to various types of cancer.

A former New York firefighter, Robert Zimmerman, filed an AFFF lawsuit after being diagnosed with testicular cancer due to his exposure to AFFF. In June, he sought compensation by suing Honeywell Safety Products, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Chemguard, Inc., and 3M Company for the damages he sustained.

Another plaintiff, Kevin Gentile, a former firefighter from Virginia, also developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after years of exposure to PFAS in AFFF.

Thousands of other firefighters have also filed AFFF lawsuits. All suits allege that the makers knew of the risks of exposure to PFAS, yet they failed to warn them. 

Cancers cited in litigation, TruLaw notes, include kidney, testicular, bladder, thyroid, prostate, and liver. 

Hence, proper use of PPE can be—quite literally—a lifesaver. Your gear, from the helmet to the boots and everything in between, shields you from extreme heat, harmful chemicals, and toxic smoke. 

Skipping even one step when you’re in a rush or think the situation is under control can have lasting effects on your health.

Don’t forget SCBA or self-contained breathing apparatus. Breathing in dangerous gases or fine particles can cause lung damage or even lead to long-term respiratory issues and cancer. 

#3 Stay Active Beyond the Firehouse

You’re no stranger to physical activity, but it’s important to stay active beyond what’s required on the job. 

You might already be lifting hoses, carrying equipment, and climbing ladders. But you must work out daily. Consistent exercise is one of the best ways to improve your overall health and longevity.

A mix of cardio, strength training, and stretching into your weekly routine can help build strength, endurance, and flexibility. 

If you’re tight on time, 20-30 minutes a few days a week can make a huge difference. Think of it as maintenance for your body, helping you stay fit and ready for the physical demands of firefighting.

Another way you can add exercise to your daily routine is to make active choices throughout the day. 

David Conley, in a recent feature of Fire Engineering magazine, advises firefighters to take the stairs instead of the elevators. Walk or bike to work if possible, he suggests further. These small changes can significantly improve your fitness and overall health.

Your career as a firefighter is demanding. You break down doors and carry victims while putting out fires—this can take a serious toll on your body over time. 

The long shifts, high-stress situations, and exposure to hazardous environments make it easy to overlook your well-being. But to keep doing the job you love, you need to invest in your health.

Firefighter AFFF and Long Term Health

These lifestyle strategies can help you stay strong, both physically and mentally while improving your longevity. So, adopt them now so that you can enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life long after your last call.

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