Firefighter Health and Safety Research

Fire safety research equips the fire service with the latest knowledge about fire behavior and how tactics influence outcomes. These findings enable the fire service to make more sound decisions when seconds count, efficiently employ strategies and tactics, and ultimately save more lives.

Research shows that preliminary exposure reduction—sometimes referred to as field decontamination—is critical for reducing carcinogen absorption. Best practices include: 

• Washing down gear on scene with soap and water prior to doffing and bagging (commonly referred to as gross decontamination); 
• Removing, bagging, and laundering contaminated gear as soon as possible; 
• Cleaning skin (particularly the head, neck, hands, and forearms) with soap and water or wipes at the scene; and 
• Showering with soap within one hour of exposure.

Cardiac events and cancer remain the leading causes of firefighter LODDs. Traumatic injuries from vehicle crashes, structural collapse, and becoming disoriented or trapped comprise most remaining fatalities. Efforts to reduce chemical exposures and minimize cancer risk require adherence to the hierarchy of controls, specifically following best practices for when and how to wear PPE, doffing PPE appropriately to minimize the spread of contaminants, and proper post-exposure handling and cleaning of contaminated PPE and equipment. Cardiac events can be reduced with both cardiovascular screening and fitness/performance standards, as well as improvements in operational effectiveness. Research shows that many traumatic LODDs involve breakdowns in communication, situational awareness, and crew accountability; preventing these requires effective accountability systems, clear radio communication, and thorough risk-benefit assessments.