It is widely understood that firefighting is a physically rigorous job that requires members to dedicate time and effort toward maintaining optimal physical fitness. But it is becoming increasingly recognized that firefighting can take a toll on “mental fitness” – and that great effort should also be placed in helping those in the fire service…
The Portage Volunteer Fire Company provides fire protection, rescue detail, and quick response services to the residents of Portage, PA. Portage VFC consists of 40 active volunteers operating out of two stations. They are dispatched to about 350 alarms annually.
There’s no doubt that firefighting is a dangerous profession – but those dangers go beyond the obvious physical dangers immediately present when fighting fires. In the last decade, new research has emerged about the health risks specific to firefighters. Of the many studies that have been conducted, most have had the same, jarring results about…
