Heat Stress and Fireifighters: The Enemy Within

Background and Objective: Firefighting is an extremely hazardous occupation for the over 1,000,000 firefighters in the United States. Typically about 100 deaths and thousands of injuries occur annually. Heat stress, a dangerous medical condition, can develop in firefighters exposed to extreme heat. Its effects include heat rash, cramps, dehydration, exhaustion, and stroke which can result in death. Although heat stress is largely preventable, it remains a serious problem in the fire service. The percent of high humidity days and elevated temperatures experienced in Florida may put these firefighters at greater risk of heat related illness than fire professionals in other regions of the U.S. The objective of this study was to assess heat stress and safety behaviors/culture in Florida firefighters. Methods: The methodological approach for this study was qualitative and focus groups were the data collection tool. The groups concentrated on firefighter safety behaviors, perceptions of risk, and favorite channels of communication. They were conducted in fire departments located in Florida. Results: 60 firefighters participated in focus groups. The results indicated that many firefighters (1) do not fully comprehend the seriousness and potential health effects of heat stress, (2) tend to ignore symptoms and risks of heat stress until they are severe, (3) are significantly influenced by the attitudes of others in the fire service, and (4) are highly interested in electronic media. Conclusion: As a result of the study findings, a social media intervention is proposed to educate and reduce the dangerous health risk of heat stress in firefighters.