CTIF Health Commission meeting overview

The CTIF Health Commission met recently in Oslo during the Delegates Assembly for its yearly physical meeting.

The meeting, starting at 9 am, focused on cancer prevention within fire departments, aiming to minimise exposure to carcinogens from fires.

Discussions highlighted the importance of dividing firehouses into clean and contaminated areas to avoid cross-contamination.

The report also covered procedures for undressing and showering post-fire, emphasising the “shower within the hour” protocol.

Various best practices and recommendations were debated, with the understanding that implementation would be gradual.

Cleaning turnout gear

A significant topic was the cleaning of turnout gear, where the liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) system was identified as the preferred method.

This system meets REACH regulation and OEKO TEX 100 standards, avoiding environmental pollution associated with traditional washing methods.

The commission discussed a personal wash procedure post-fire, which includes initial showering without soap, followed by sweating and a second shower with water before using soap.

Addressing mould in fire stations

Another concern addressed was mould in older fire stations.

Members reported experiencing mould issues, which pose significant health risks, including allergic reactions, respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms.

The commission emphasised the need to seal off and decontaminate affected areas before they are safe to use again.

Stories of firefighters suffering from mould exposure without remedial actions were shared, highlighting a need for adherence to legal safety standards.

Psychological health in the fire service

The psychological working environment was also a key topic.

The commission discussed how different countries and fire departments handle psychological defusing and debriefing, recognising that traumatic experiences and other personal factors affect firefighters’ mental health.

The importance of creating a supportive culture and leadership within organisations was stressed.

The report “Heroes Are Also Human: An International Examination of Mental Health in the Fire Service and its Impact on the Emotional Well-being of Firefighters” was debated.

The report covers various issues such as culture, budget constraints, taboo subjects, trust within the organisation, prevention, and the different challenges faced by firefighters and leaders.

Brandon Evans, the report’s lead researcher, joined the meeting via Zoom to discuss his work and answer questions.

Visit to the new Oslo Fire Station

Before concluding the meeting, the commission visited the new Oslo Fire Station, designed with the principle of separating clean and contaminated spaces.

This visit showcased positive developments in reducing long-term health risks for firefighters.

Firefighter Magne Finholdt guided the tour and participated in debates about the station’s facilities.

The meeting also marked the farewell of Dorothee Katharina Knauf-Hübel, who had her last meeting with the commission.

Her proactive and honest contributions were acknowledged and appreciated by the members.