“It is time for a cultural change [in the fire service].” So begins an impassioned Chief Fling as he urges all fire departments and their firefighters to be much more cognizant of the modifiable risks associated with firefighting. Chief Fling notes the many simple interventions firefighters can take to combat unhealthy choices and to protect themselves from exposures to toxins. From diet to smoke exposure, to the many carcinogens at the fireground, he believes, based on research, a commitment to decontamination awareness and action is vitally important. Decon is so important, “…it’s our health that’s in jeopardy, it’s our families reliance on us, and it’s up to us to take care of the brotherhood, as well as to take care of our families’ and to start taking this seriously.”
“It’s not just the fire that puts us at risk.” – Robert Fling
Related:
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Lt. Dustin Dunn, Gallatin (TN) Fire Department
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Chief Robert Fling (Ret.), Dix Hills (NY) Fire Department
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Deputy Fire Chief Steve Przibowski, Santa Clara County Fire Department
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Mike Wieder, Executive Director, IFSTA
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Paul Melfi, State Fire Instructor, New York State Office of Prevention & Control
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Fire Chief Shane Ray (Ret.), President, National Fire Sprinkler Association
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Rich Marinucci, Executive Director, Fire Department Safety Officers Association
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Mike Wieder, Executive Director, IFSTA
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Deputy Chief Tim Cowan
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Captain Rich Goddard
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Captain David Harris
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Deputy Chief Matt Tobia
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Chief Trisha Wolford
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Captain John Dixon
