Page 42, Fire News, November 2023
This Time: ‘My’ Cancer
If you are a fire-man (male firefighter) please just give me five minutes. Please. I am going to attempt to write a very basic but very honest “firehouse” talk article about cancer. Some people are afraid of even using the word cancer. I get it. This column has some words to intentionally draw your attention — with my hope to save your life — as I came very, very close to this being a very different outcome for me. How close? Google “Gleason Score 9” when you have a second. A Brief Background. I’ve been a firefighter since 1973, and I still love it. In 2022, I continued as a very active Deputy Chief who regularly responded to fires and participates in training-doing and learning. I am telling you my cancer experience, so you can learn. For example, someone asked me, “Did you find out you have prostate cancer from a colonoscopy?” “No,” I answered. Colonoscopies check your butt neighborhood. My butt is currently fine. This is about the “boy” region and its relatives in a nearby neighborhood — but segregated. You learn something new every day. What is the prostate? The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is a walnut-size gland that’s located between the bladder and your (or your friend/loved one’s) penis. The urethra runs from the bladder to the penis, through the center of the prostate. Although you probably never did it, you
should thank your prostate for being part of your personal pipeline of pleasure, reproduction and relief. I profusely thanked mine before its recent departure. Do I miss Mr. P? Read on.
By Billy Goldfeder Prostate Cancer?! How Did I Know? Did it Hurt? Any Symptoms? No Symptoms. None. No issues with the "”loved hand” test, finding nothing unusual. My issues started with an elevated PSA. The PSA test is a simple blood test that screens for prostate cancer. The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein that’s produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate. Mine rose slightly over three years, but with the added risk of firefighter-related cancers, exposures and an unknown family history (I was adopted), I realized that I was at risk.
In July 2021, the PSA was rising again (but still under 10) and I went to the Urology Group of Cincinnati and underwent numerous tests, including: • A prostate biopsy (I was asleep; there was no pain); • A CT scan (listen to music; no pain); • An MRI (listen to music; no pain); • A bone scan (listen to music; no pain). A few days later, my urologist told me, “You have prostate cancer.” Although my cancer was considered stage 1, “my” cancer cells were very aggressive, which resulted in a Gleason score of 9. The worst is 10; anything that's less than 6 isn’t overly concerning. Not great news, but still no pain, no discomfort physically. The urologist added that, even though we caught the cancer early, he was concerned about the cancer cells escaping my prostate —and the Gleason score (aggressiveness) indicated that those cancer cells wanted to, very badly. To be honest, I wasn’t scared nor worried
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about me. I was (and remain) concerned about my family. We have five kids and six grandkids, and my disabled sister counts on me literally each day. That was my 100 percent worry and focus. Otherwise, I saw this cancer issue as a fire: we’re on scene, we sized it up, we determined what we are going to do, and we do it hard, fast and with the best-trained and well-staffed folks anywhere. A Critical Note Initially, it is my opinion that it isn’t a good idea to share that you have cancer until after you decide on a course of action. This prevents you from getting advice from all of the so called “firehouse physicians” who know about all of the exotic and non-exotic treatments and the resultant horror stories. On the other hand, don’t decide on a treatment until you reach out to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN). The people there will connect you with other firefighters who survived, and you will hear it first-hand. You will not regret speaking with other firefighters via FCSN. After you weigh it all out (make a list of pros and cons), you likely will reach very naturally the conclusion of what’s best for you. I kept this cancer issue very close to my wife and I. I spoke with my chief, Otto Huber, and a few close friends, but no one else. I spoke with our kids two weeks prior to the surgery. Although they were taken aback, I did not want them to worry or have to engage in decision-making prior. If you know anything about me, you know that my kids, grandkids and family are my life, but I wanted to make this as least disruptive to their lives as possible. This way, I told them what was going on, what we had researched, who we spoke with, what we were doing about it and when we were doing it. They did appreciate it. How To Treat My Cancer My urologist explained that two options existed for my specific cancer treatment: radiation or surgery. There are pros and cons. Interestingly, I initially wanted radiation because of experiences of friends even though I had very little knowledge of the two options. (Continued on page 52)
Page 44, Fire News, November 2023
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The Fire Service and Cancer
In today’s Fire Service, firefighters are now keenly aware of the need to keep their gear clean and to properly decontaminate after all exposures. Taking the proper time to shower and change should become part of your routine, whether you are a career or volunteer firefighter.
In my 40-plus years of firefighting, my knowledge and focus on firefighters’ cancer has evolved. First as the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association Local 94 Health & Safety Officer with knowledge garnered from being a member of the WTC Steering Committee. In this position, I testified before the STAC Committee about adding cancer to the list of WTC Covered Conditions. Months after my presentation, it was added. The list now covers about 70 different cancers. It wasn’t enough to just watch our firefighters’ cancer numbers grow.
How else could we help our firefighters in need? With the help of my assistant, Bernadette Royce, MPH, we put together a list of cancer resources available to them in their time of need. The list included many fire-specific services, free lawyer assistance, assisted travel and lodging expenses, and peer counseling. This list was recently updated by the current UFA Health & Safety Officer, Michael Schreiber. One of the most promising support services is the Firefighters Cancer Support Network, FCSN (866-994-3276). The FCSN’s President and Founder, Michael Dubron, is a Los Angeles County FirefighterParamedic and cancer survivor. FCSN provides, free of charge, an FCSN Signature Toolkit for your specific cancer. I am also one of the FCSN Mentors. In 2012, I was fortunate to be elected to the International Association of Fire Fighters as the 1st District Vice President representing career firefighters in New York and New Jersey. During my term there, I was the Chairman of the IAFF Health & Safety Committee. With the IAFF Health & Safety Officer, Patrick Morrison and his staff, we developed a Cancer Module. I had insisted upon including Support Services and not just reinforcing how to minimize the risks. After my term at the IAFF, and still wanting to use my knowledge as a Firefighter Advocate, I was fortunate to work for the Barasch & McGarry Law Firm (212-385-8000) doing WTC Outreach. In this position we help firefighters, other responders and survivors with their various pulmonary and cancer issues. The firm’s Michael Barasch is also on the Firefighters Cancer Support Network Board. Our firm has done many cancer-specific Webinars for firefighters throughout the country. An important concern I have is when firefighters get diagnosed with cancer, are treated, and then forced to retire. Some are older and some are younger, but most have not planned to retire from the fire service at that time. This is where FDNY Peer Counselors and FCSN Mentors can help fill the void. Firefighters are used to helping others and are not always receptive to receiving help from others. The Firefighting Brotherhood/Sisterhood is alive and well, and will always be available for each other! - Bill Romaka, Barasch & McGarry, WTC Outreach; Email - bill@baraschmcgarry.com; Cell - 917-834-1414
Firefighters have a nine-percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14-percent higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population, according to research by the CDC/National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH).
What About Cancer Statistics for Women and Non-White Firefighters? There have been relatively few studies about cancer among women and non-white firefighters, in part due to their statistically smaller representation in the fire service. There's a small but growing number of studies with women firefighters and the specific cancer risks they face. We will be sharing details about that research as it develops. Black men have the highest risk of prostate cancer overall, according to CDC data from 2013, the most recent year for which data has been reported. The International Association of Black Professional Firefighters provides periodic prostate cancer prevention tips to its members via an email newsletter. - FCSN
Page 46, Fire News, November 2023
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“Chief, I Have Cancer …” - By Batallion Chief Bryan Frieders
Discussions about leadership in the fire service usually revolve around fireground management, labor relations, EMS or some new specialized training. Although valuable in their own right, none of these discussions addresses what to do when an employee tells you that they've been diagnosed with cancer. We as supervisors and managers must be prepared for these conversations. Your first reaction to the news, as well as the decisions you’ll make, will likely have the most significant impact on this person — a person who is preparing to engage in a fight for their life. Meeting Mike I met Mike Dubron at the funeral for my engineer, Gary Sauls. Gary was diagnosed with melanoma in June 2005 and succumbed to the disease three months later. I was telling Mike how difficult it was for me, as both a supervisor and a friend, to deal with this loss. Mike shared his story about being diagnosed with cancer at age 39 and not knowing where to turn for help. He told me that as a result of his own experience, he started an organization called the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), which helps fire service personnel who have been diagnosed with cancer (and their immediate families). This conversation helped me to realize the importance of our department’s reaction to Gary’s devastating news and how this reaction had shaped his entire attitude and prepared him for his fight. Having a conversation with an employee who has just been diagnosed with cancer will require you to use every concept of leadership you've ever read about. It will force you to assume a role that hasn’t been taught in any training exercise or leadership symposium. Get the Facts The National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) has launched a comprehensive study (supported by the U.S. Fire Administration, IAFF, IAFC and FCSN) of cancer incidents among firefighters. But one thing to remember about cancer is that it does not discriminate. Cancer is killing us at an alarming rate, and we need to STOP IT before it's too late! Very few cancers are exactly the same, and although two people may have the same type, the level of spread and the organs involved may be very different, leading to an entirely different set of symptoms and/or treatment options. Another part of the support efforts should include a referral to the FCSN. Once a person registers on the FCSN website, they’re paired with another firefighter who has had a similar cancer diagnosis, so they can provide them with valuable information about their particular type of cancer, their personal experience with the testing and treatments, and some insight into their recovery process Remember Respect A supportive reaction that uses positive dialogue and genuine concern can make all the difference in the world. A good friend of mine who’s a firefighter and also a cancer survivor told me that his diagnosis was like getting a one-way ticket to “Cancer Island,” and that the isolation, fear and relative lack of information were almost unbearable. But having someone to talk to who had a similar diagnosis, coupled with a supportive management team behind him, made his recovery a much more palatable experience. The fire service is famous for launching an all-out attack on a problem, especially if it involves one of our own. But when it comes to cancer, we must remain focused on the individual and their needs — not our own. As supervisors and managers, we must be conscious of our demeanor and make sure that the first interaction offers hope and solidarity. We
must be diligent in organizing a plan that meets the person’s needs while maintaining their dignity and honoring their wishes. Keep Hope Alive So how do we stop the devastating effects of cancer in the fire service? Simple. Through prevention by early detection, better protection through the use of PPE, and annual wellness exams. The IAFF/IAFC Firefighter Fitness and Wellness Initiative has brought with it an excellent sense of awareness for both heart disease and cancer, and yielded many success stories by utilizing the early screening methodology. Additionally, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the remarkable efforts of people like Billy Goldfeder and Rich Duffy. Their dedication to firefighter wellness and safety and their unyielding support of the FCSN have enabled us to reach out to firefighters all over the world who have been diagnosed with cancer. It has allowed us to bring hope to our brothers and sisters who are in their hour of need, and provide an expeditious return ticket from “Cancer Island.” I encourage all fire service members to register on the FCSN website, www.FirefighterCancerSupport.org, or to call toll free 866/994-FCSN (3276). Even if you’re not diagnosed with cancer, registering will allow the FCSN to communicate with you about program updates, blood/marrow drives, fundraisers, etc. Bryan Frieders is a Battalion Chief with the San Gabriel (CA) FD and spokesperson for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. He has 20 years in fire and EMS, a Master's Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor's Degree in Vocational Education and an Associate's Degree in Fire Science. This article has been edited for space requirements and can be found in its entirety on the FCSN website.
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What Research Supports the Link Between Firefighting and Cancer? Research spanning decades, continents, and more than 80,000 firefighters validates the connection between firefighting and occupational cancer. Here is an overview of key studies. The 2017 Blais University of Ottawa study examined chemical exposure occurring during emergency, on-shift fire suppression. The researchers found firefighters absorb harmful chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), through their skin. Firefighters had from three to more than five times the amount of byproducts of PAHs in their urine after a fire compared to before the fire. The 2013 Daniels NIOSH study (phase 1) is the largest study of U.S. firefighters to date. It examined mortality patterns and cancer incidence for 30,000 firefighters. The NIOSH study, which began in 2010, found statistically significant mortality and incidence rates of all cancers and cancers of the esophagus, intestine, lung, kidney, and oral cavity, as well as increased mesothelioma for firefighters compared with the general population. The NIOSH study found excess risk of bladder and prostate cancers at younger ages. The NIOSH study also is significant because it spanned geographical distance (San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia) and decades (1950-2009). It is one of the few studies to date that has included women and non-white firefighters. The 2015 Daniels NIOSH study (phase 2) examined firefighters' work histories and variables such as fire runs, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and use of diesel exhaust control systems. It compared the cancer risk for firefighters with higher exposures to carcinogens with those who had lower exposures. In this phase, researchers found that lung cancer and leukemia risk increased with exposure. The 2014 Pukkala Nordic study of 16,422 firefighters from five Nordic countries found an increased risk for all cancers combined among firefighters, similar to the NIOSH phase 1 study. It found significant increases in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer; lung cancer; and prostate cancer from 1961 to 2005. The 2008 Kang Massachusetts study compared cancer incidence among Massachusetts firefighters with that of Massachusetts police officers and other occupations. When compared with police officers, firefighters were found to have increased cancer risks. This study found the firefighters had a 90 percent higher risk for brain cancer and an 81 percent higher risk for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Researchers examined data from 1987-2003. The 2006 LeMasters meta-analysis reviewed data from 32 studies of firefighters for 20 different types of cancer. Risks for 10 types of cancer were "significantly increased" in firefighters. Risks for the other 10 types were increased, although not to the same extent. The 2006 Fangchao Ma Florida study compared Florida firefighters' cancer incidence rates (rather than mortality) with those of the general Florida population. It was the first such study to include women. Florida researchers examined data for 34,796 male and 2,017 female firefighters and found 1,032 total cases of cancer (970 male & 52 female). The top cancers for male firefighters were prostate (13.7 percent), skin (8.4 percent), colon (7.1 percent), bladder (6.9 percent), and testicular (5.5 percent). The most prominent cancers for female firefighters in Florida were breast (27.8 percent) skin (7.6 percent), thyroid (5.6 percent) and lung (4.6 percent). - FCSN
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Fire News, November 2023, Page 49
Fire Station
Design Best Practices to Reduce Exposures
When designing a fire station, it is important to reduce exposures and prevent contamination of carcinogens and other harmful agents. Existing stations should be retrofitted to best accomplish this where possible. It is recommended to divide the fire station in to three hazard zones to reduce exposure to cancer-causing chemicals at the fire station: 1) Hot (Red) Zone: Designated area for everything contaminated that needs to be decontaminated. When decontaminating, wear proper PPE to minimize exposure; Contaminated PPE and equipment include, but are not limited to boots, gloves, helmets, turnout gear, SCBA, EMS equipment from medical calls, fire hoses, etc. 2) Warm (Yellow) Zone: This is commonly the apparatus bay.
Cleaned equipment can be stored in this zone (cleaned PPE should be stored in a separate area with its own ventilation system). Handwashing occurs here prior to entering the living areas of the fire station. Washer/extractors should be in the warm zone. 3) Cold (Green) Zone: These are the living quarters of the fire station (e.g., kitchen, bathrooms, sleeping quarters, offices). Ventilation systems should not allow fireground contaminants or diesel exhaust to enter this area from the air, personnel or equipment. Contaminated PPE and equipment should never enter the cold zone. Do not prop open doors between living areas and the apparatus bay. - FCSN
Page 50, Fire News, November 2023
Making a Difference One Set of Turnout Gear at a Time
Time For Action Cancer in the fire service is the leading cause of death among firefighters. Odds are if you're reading this, occupational cancer has impacted your own community. We can continue to list the statistics and talk about the numbers but what does that achieve? We know this is an epidemic in our industry and the time for talking is over, the time for action is now. As firefighters, we knew the risks for which we signed up. Not everyone can put their community before themselves every single day, but we know that is the job and we do it with pride. What many people don't know is that even if you make it to retirement, there is still one major risk you can’t escape — your increased risk of cancer from just doing your job. There are ways to mitigate our risk of cancer and reduce our longterm exposure to carcinogens and there are organizations out there working to educate the fire service about early detection and cancer prevention. Our goal with this article is not to sell anyone into using one specific service or donate to one organization over another, it is to sim-
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ply highlight that, as a community, there are resources available to create a path forward for future generations of firefighters to not share the same fate as so many before them. Reducing The Risk of Cancer There are three ways toxic contaminants can enter our body. Either ingested, inhaled and absorbed through the skin; wearing contaminated turnout gear opens all three of these doors. We can’t control what chemicals we come in contact with during a fire but we must control what chemicals we come in contact with after a fire. The proper handling and maintenance of turnout gear can have a huge impact on the amount of harmful carcinogens we come in contact with on a daily basis. RedLine Gear Cleaning™ is one organization working to create a change in culture around “salty” gear. Not only by educating firefighters on the risks of contaminated turnout gear, but by providing Advanced Cleaning tactics specifically designed for the fire service. Started by a career firefighter, RedLine was born out of necessity. After years of watching turnout gear being handled improperly or being sent out to be cleaned for weeks by an off-site ISP, RedLine founder, Mike Matros designed the first gear cleaning service to provide on-site Advanced Cleaning and Inspection services utilizing a patented truck design called the Mobile Extraction Unit® (MEU). The MEU as it is called, has the capacity to clean and inspect 40-plus sets of turnout gear in a single day, all while never leaving the fire station. This means departments can decontaminate gear and have it back in service faster than ever before. Together, We Can Make A Difference In partnership with Emergency Decon Services, RedLine’s MEU has been a welcome sight for New York State fire departments. Both RedLine and Emergency Decon Services are firefighter owned and operated organizations whose main goal, above all, is to protect those that protect our communities. This is why both businesses choose to donate a portion of revenue to non-profit organizations like DetecTogether and Firefighter Cancer Support Network. These organizations work tirelessly to educate our community on the importance of early detection and cancer awareness
Most Common Kinds of Cancer in FFs The cancers mostly responsible for this higher risk were respiratory (lung, mesothelioma), ?GI (oral cavity, esophageal, large intestine), and kidney.
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Page 52, Fire News, November 2023
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This Time: ‘My’ Cancer...continued from page 42 I had very little knowledge of the two options. But surgery? That sounded like, well, surgery, and I didn’t like that sound. Silly me. Teri and I weighed the options and spoke with friends at the FCSN. I also spoke with some longtime fire service friends who survived prostate cancer. I have remained very close to many of my brother and sister firefighters over the years. One of those firefighters is now highly respected physician internationally. He and his peers (who are experts in urology) were my second opinion. You must get a second opinion. After sizing it up, Teri and I agreed on surgery (robotic) as the best option to achieve the best results, which is to be cancer free. My surgery (robotic prostatectomy) is a laparoscopic surgery that’s done via a robotic system. My surgeon sat at a control panel in the operating room and moved robotic arms to operate through five small incisions in my abdomen. The robotic system provides the surgeon more maneuverability and more precision when moving the instruments than is possible non robotically. My surgeon did very well. His history as a world-class video gamer obviously played a critical role in his surgical experience and skill.
Surgery Time, And a Tube My surgery (three-and-a-half hours and another four hours to wake up) was on October 8, 2021. I was in the hospital for one night. What was really cool is that they “traded” my cancer-filled prostate for a catheter. OK. Go ahead now and squint your eyes. Say, “Nope. No way. Uh-uh. No one sticking no tube up into my ‘pal’ down there!” Again, there was no pain. Was it awkward for the seven days that I had to use it? Of course. I normally don’t have anything attached to my ‘pal,’ so it was awkward, but, really, no big deal. Come on, think back to what you and your little buddy have been through in your life together. A little catheter? Piece of cake. When the tube is in, you don’t know when you are peeing (you sleep through the night), because the urine automatically goes/flows into a small bag (taped to the leg), and you (or the best wife ever) dumps it a few times a day. It isn’t what you are used to, and it’s a little different, but keep things in perspective. This all happened because I had cancer. Plus, remember, I had no symptoms and only two options. If I ignored the PSA test (or never got the test), my outcome was predictably horrible.
Waiting For Results After surgery, I was home for a total of 30 days, no lifting, light schedule, etc., which means no bunker gear, which means no work or runs. I am not sure how they functioned without me. A week after surgery, they removed my catheter. It stung for about a second as it was removed it, but I was fine after that. Not a big deal. When my prostate was removed (radical prostatectomy), some tissue around it, including the seminal vesicles and lymph nodes, also were removed, and were tested for cancer, to see whether any “micro stuff” escaped from the artist formerly known as my prostate. At my 30-day appointment, the surgeon took blood and tested it to see what my PSA was. Fingers crossed. Prayers. Hope, etc. He called me two days later and stated enthusiastically, “Your PSA is perfect at 0.01, and I will see you in three months."”Outstanding! Out Of The Woods? Sort of. I am far better off than if I didn’t have my PSA checked in the past several years and didn’t have the surgery. Not the slightest doubt in my mind. The alternative: My fire department would have a spare chief’s car. (Continued on page 53)
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Fire News, November 2023, Page 53
This Time: ‘My’ Cancer... continued from page 52 However, because my cancer was confirmed (by the post-surgery pathology report) to be highly aggressive (a confirmed Gleason score of 9), and I am considered cancer-free, a high risk of metastasis (cancer spreading to other organs) exists. I will get blood tests every three months to ensure that there is no rekindle. See what I did there? What’s Different In My Life? I wrote this column seven weeks after surgery, so keep that timeline in mind. Changes for everyone post-surgery are different based on the individual. Mine included: Urination. The prostate used to control that, so some of that bodily function is re-learned. In my case, I have had very little incontinence issues. If you tell me a joke and I laugh really hard, I might have a little dribble problem. Same if I cough. Talk to any woman who has had kids. It happens. I am wearing a pad and will be for a few months. To me, not uncomfortable and not a big deal. Another difference: In the past, when I had to pee, I had 15-20 minutes to ignore it, wait, hold it in, etc. Nope. No more. When the pee tones go off, I can’t be delayed, and if I’m not, I am fine. Every time. Energy. Some say that it isn’t the surgery but my age (66). Shut up. But before surgery, when 11 p.m. came around, I was ready for bed. Now, some days, 6 p.m. is my new 11. As the days go on, the energy increases. I am reminded that this was major surgery, and it takes time for the body to recover from that — and the anesthesia. Sexual function. Oh, the good part. The real answers that you want to know. Pee, schmee. What about sex and erectile abilities? It takes time. I will tell you that it seems to be getting better, so I am hoping that will continue. I am not yet where I was (aka sexual dynamo), but I am seeing some improvement. Sound like a big deal? Compared to time with my grandkids, family and friends? No comparison. Get Checked I feel great. If I am tired, I rest. The rest of it is all coming along well. This was the closest call that I have ever had. I have been in several crashes responding. I have been in two fire collapses. I was lost and disoriented once. I was assaulted at a fire in a bad neighborhood and got my bell rung. I was transported twice for smoke inhalation and didn’t get transported and puked many times more than that. I faced whatever else a typical suburban firefighter would over 49 years. But cancer was the biggie — and that’s why I wrote this column to you, in my own words. You, as a male firefighter, have the greatest chance of losing your life from cancer. You know it. Check out 40PlusFIRE.com. It’s a website focused on active firefighters who are 40 and older being pushed to get a PSA check annually. No excuses. No BS. Push for it. Ask for it. Make sure that it happens. If you are 40 or older and you go to fires, you must get checked. I am begging you, if you are 40 or older and you go to fires (or know someone who does), please accept no excuses: a PSA test is a must. If you ignore getting a simple PSA test, and have cancer, it won’t go away. It will get worse and can kill you. Too many firefighters have ignored the slight rising of a PSA or didn’t get a PSA test or perhaps got one and were told to see a urologist and ignored it or put it off. After all: No symptoms; how bad can it be? I Had No Symptoms! Don’t be a dope. Look at the photos of your family in your phone, in your wallet, in your helmet and in your locker. Get your PSA test now. The odds are that you are fine, but if not, you will be way ahead of it and can knock down your “room and contents fire” versus a fully involved, out-of-control personal conflagration. Make your appointment today. Just Do It! - This piece originally appeared in Firehouse Magazine
Page 54, Fire News, November 2023
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13 Cancer Prevention Tips for Firefighters As cancer continues to gain nationwide recognition as one of the most dangerous threats to the health and safety of our first respondersit's likely a glaring concern for you, your fellow firefighters and your families.According to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), firefighters have a nine-percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14-percent higher risk of dying from cancer, when compared to the general U.S. population. And, while the stats are scary, you likely already have a deep understanding of the true, devasting impacts that cancer continues to have in the fire service. While there is no denying the risks are frightening, there are things that you can start doing today to help address cancer within your fire department. One of the resources that FCSN provides is their widely hailed white paper, “Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service,” which outlines specific policies, procedures and actions that you can take to help address occupational cancer risks. Here’s an overview of 13 recommendations from the FCSN that you can apply to your operations to help protect yourself and your fellow firefighters against cancer risks, plus a bonus tip from the VFIS team. 1) Use of SCBA from initial attack to finish of overhaul. Not wearing SCBA in both active and post-fire environments is the most dangerous voluntary activity in the fire service today. 2) Perform gross field decontamination of PPE to help remove as much soot and particulates as possible. 3) Use baby wipes or similar cleansing wipes to help remove as much soot as possible from head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms and hands immediately, and while on the scene. 4) Change your clothes and wash them immediately after a fire. 5) Shower thoroughly after a fire. 6) Wash your PPE, gloves, hood and helmet immediately after a fire. 7) Do not take contaminated clothes or PPE home or store them in your vehicle. 8) Decontaminate the interior of fire apparatus after incidents. 9) Keep bunker gear out of living and sleeping quarters. 10) Stop using tobacco products. 11) Protect yourself while working in the sun by using sun screen, sunblock and hats.
12) The importance of annual medical examinations cannot be overstated — early detection and early treatment are essential to help increase survival. 13) Avoid diesel exhaust. The exhaust fumes are dangerous. Do not breathe the fumes and avoid getting them on or into your clothes. Treat clothing as contaminated if exposed and also wash your body. We thank you for all that you for your community and departmentand for prioritizing safety. We hope these tips can help you make a meaningful difference in your organization today.
CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CANCER POLICY
561-795-1330 • www.hubbinettecowel.com
Diesel Hazards The hazards of diesel exhaust have been known since the 80s when the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published their first study on the known toxicological hazards of exposure. Over 30 years later the World Health Organization (WHO) classified diesel exhaust as a known carcinogen and further studies show the increased hazards of exhaust exposure to “Ultra-fines” diesel particulate. Ultra-fines are the smaller particulates emitted after the exhaust passes through on-board diesel particulate filters (DPF) that are now required as part of the Clean Air Act. These particulates are in the submicron range making them easier to penetrate deeper into the alveoli region of the lungs. Further studies show an increase in some of the hazardous gasses emitted as a result of the filter regeneration process where the filter temperature is increased to burn off captured particulates. For more information on the hazards of diesel exhaust and the best methodology for protecting your firefighters, contact the Clean Air Company at 800-738-0911.
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Questions about the NYS Volunteer Firefighter Enhanced Disability Act? We have Answers! A Brief Overview on the NYS Volunteer Firefighter Enhanced Cancer Disability Act - By Julia Keiffert, Commercial Claims Coordinator, Hometown Firefighter and EMS Services It is no doubt that our firefighters are the backbone of citizens' safety. They put their lives on the line to ensure that we get to keep ours. While we citizens benefit from our firefighters' sacrifices, those sacrifices can have consequences, one of them being an increased exposure to carcinogens in today's smoke. In recent years, studies have shown that firefighters in particular are more prone to developing cancer than the average person because of those carcinogens. Given this statistic, discussions about cancer benefits for firefighters surfaced amongst NY State legislators, and on January 1, 2019, the New York State Volunteer Firefighter Enhanced Cancer Disability Act came into effect. What is the NYS Volunteer Firefighter Enhanced Cancer Disability Act? The NYS Volunteer Firefighter Enhanced Cancer Disability Act serves as a means to ensure monetary benefits for eligible firefighters who develop cancer. According to the Act, a fire district, department, or company must provide and maintain an insurance program for each eligible volunteer firefighter. The New York State Department of Homeland Security thru the Office of Fire Prevention monitors compliance. The fire protection entity can either carry the Cancer coverage (a Critical Illness insurance policy), or they must agree in writing to fund any cancer claims of eligible volunteer firefighters and their beneficiaries through existing and future revenues. What are the Benefits under the Cancer Act? Whether a fire protection entity opts to carry an insurance policy or fund the cancer benefits without using insurance, their financial responsibilities shall encompass the following benefits: A lump sum payment of $25,000 for invasive cancer, or a lump sum
payment of $6,250 for non-invasive cancer. A monthly disability benefit of $1,500 payable after 180 days have elapsed since the member was deemed by their physician as totally disabled because of the cancer. This monthly disability benefit is payable for up to 36 consecutive monthly payments. A death benefit of $50,000 payable to the firefighter's beneficiary
upon acceptable proof by a board-certified physician that the firefighter's death was caused by cancer. Firefighter Eligibility For a firefighter to be eligible for enhanced cancer disability benefits, they must meet the following criteria: Active firefighting service for five or more years as an interior firefighter. Completion of at least five certified annual fit tests Diagnosis of cancer or a malignant growth or tumor affecting the lymphatic or hematological systems or digestive, urinary, prostate, neurological, breast or reproductive systems
or a melanoma (to qualify under the basic cancer policy). Must have undergone a physical examination upon entrance into the volunteer service that shows no evidence of cancer. Recently, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control has amended the definition of an eligible firefighter to allow for easier determination of eligibility. In addition to the above captioned qualifications, for firefighters who entered the fire service prior to January 1, 2020, documentation identified by the OFPC in the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to subdivision seven of the Act, shall include, but not be limited to: Training or certification records, Health care provider records; internal fire department records. Alternatively, any combination of official documents capable of evidencing that the firefighter meets the aforementioned requirements. A member shall remain eligible for cancer benefits for 60 months after the formal cessation of their active firefighting duties. While eligibility for the lump sum benefit requires a cancer diagnosis, after the Enhanced Cancer Disability Act came into effect in 2019, a member may be eligible for the monthly disability benefit and the death benefit no matter when they were diagnosed, as long as they meet the member eligibility requirements stated above. To fully understand how the Enhanced Cancer Disability benefits apply, it is important to review the Cancer Act in its entirety, along with any Critical Illness insurance policies that fund the benefits. To review the NYS Volunteer Firefighter Enhanced Cancer Disability Act please visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/12/9-nycrr-210.pdf Call Hometown with any questions or for a policy review.
What About Cancer Statistics for Volunteer Firefighters? There's little data about cancer among volunteer firefighters, but firefighting increases cancer risks significantly for all firefighters. The Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY) and Northwell Health launched a research project in 2017 to examine cancer incidence and mortality among NY volunteers. - FCSN