State ramps up post-fire decon ed for firefighters

ALBANY | New York State's Office of Fire Prevention and Control will begin new outreach efforts to help protect New York's firefighters and their families from the threat of fire-related cancers. Coinciding with January being Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, the program hopes to raise awareness of cancer-prevention protocols and to support firefighters who've already received a cancer diagnosis. To that end, fire officials will be traveling throughout the state to educate firefighters on basic protocols for decontaminating firefighting gear following a response call. "The state's firefighters bravely risk their own lives and safety every day to protect their fellow New Yorkers," Gov. Hochul said. "Sadly, cancer is a serious threat to the health and well-being of all of our fire service members, and we are committed to ensuring that these heroes have the most up-to-date guidance and information so they can enjoy a long, safe career and live a healthy life." State fire officials have begun working with counties across the state to schedule Firefighter Contamination Reduction and Cancer Prevention classes. Decontamination kits containing information and basic decon gear — buckets, wipes, hose, detergent, brush, and spray bottle — will be distributed at these meetings. According to two studies conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters are currently being diagnosed with cancer at a nearly 10 percent higher rate than the general public and experiencing cancer-related deaths at a nearly 15 percent higher rate, making immediate post-fire decontamination critical. To combat these trends, DHSES and OFPC have established basic, inexpensive protocols that will go a long way in limiting firefighters' exposure to harmful chemicals found in smoke. If exposed during a response, firefighters should: Perform on-scene gross decontamination to stop exposure and spread of contaminates Use post-fire wipes to reduce exposures on-scene Shower as soon as possible and put on clean clothes Wash tools, equipment, and apparatus after fires Transport gear in nonporous containers such as a clear garbage bag Wear only clean gear, including hood Starting this month, experts will travel across New York State to bring these protocols directly to firefighters via in-person educational sessions at local fire departments. At each session, firefighters will view a live demonstration of the new decontamination protocols, a new educational video that details the protocols and the risks facing firefighters and have an opportunity for a Q&A with OFPC personnel. Additionally, OFPC is expanding its firefighting classes and trainings to include a section on cancer awareness and prevention. New sessions are being scheduled on a rolling basis. Firefighters looking to attend or host an educational session can view the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control's training calendar (dhses.ny.gov/outreach-programs), or contact their county's fire coordinator. a wide breadth of essential services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York to help ensure the safety of all stakeholders. OFPC advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations, and technical rescue programs.

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State ramps up post-fire decon ed for firefighters

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