Building a health and wellness Minimum Data Set (MDS) and web-based data collection system for the fire service

Fire fighters are exposed to a complex set of hazards: chemical, physical and biologic. In addition to increased risk of injury, with rates two to three times the national average, they suffer higher rates of disease related to work exposure, including excesses of heart disease and some cancers. To better assess these risks, a pilot Fire Service Data Collection System, modeled upon public health registry principles, was implemented in two departments with a goal to centrally collect longitudinal electronic health data. A Minimum Data Set (MDS) consisting of exposure and health history, and clinical and fitness testing results was defined. A standardized electronic questionnaire and data dictionary to collect the MDS was designed and tested. The process was evaluated through focus groups with fire fighters and medical staff. At the conclusion of the pilot project, records from 57 firefighters had been received in the central database documenting proof of concept. Descriptive statistical analysis was completed. The average age of fire fighter participants was 46 and average years worked in the Fire Service was 18.2. Fire fighters expressed an understanding of how the registry could be used to improve the overall health of fire fighters. Medical staff expressed that workloads had increased following implementation but believed this would improve. Lessons learned during this pilot will inform future enhancements and expansion. With greater participation, this data collection system will be a valuable public health tool to track health metrics and intervention effectiveness thereby promoting health and preventing injury to fire fighters.