Oxfordshire firefighter calling for annual cancer screenings
Firefighters are at increased risk of cancer due to chemical exposure.
Last updated 4th Oct 2024
A firefighter from Oxfordshire is calling for all fire crews to be given annual cancer screenings because of their increased risk, due to chemical exposure.
Following three decades of service at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue, Steve Wright's father died of cancer in 2018.
Now, his son joined the job earlier this year in February.
Mr Wright, an executive council member and Vice President of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), is focused on “helping future generations”.
He said: “I know when you join the job as an early 20-year-old, or an 18-year-old as I was, you’re not fully aware of these risks and you think you’re invincible when you put your kit on, but you’re definitely not.
“That’s where we need to change the behaviour of firefighters and put these other processes in place.
“We need a restructuring of our fire stations. If you go into fire stations now their kit is hanging up in areas where is could still be contaminating.
“We put personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect firefighters, but one thing that will ultimately save lives is annual testing to detect cancer and other illnesses.”
'I've taken those contaminants back to my home life'
Mr Wright says the equipment has changed since he started and has improved, and even more so since his father started, but says he worries about some of the contaminants he encountered and has regrets thinking back.
He said: “It may be too late in my career since I joined in 2001, but that’s why I’m passionate.
“I remember smelling the smoke and going home. That really concerns me that I’ve taken those contaminants back to my home life.
“Potentially, that contamination can be taken back to family members and that’s a real risk but that’s why we’re trying to change behaviours.”
Alongside annual cancer screening, the FBU is calling for more investment to improve decontamination procedures around fire stations.
They also demanded a legal change to make firefighting the presumed cause of firefighters' cancer, paving the way to greater compensation and protection.
Mr Wright says “we’re way behind of other countries” who have similar policies already in force, such as the United States, Australia and Poland.
In a statement from the Home Office, they said: “The health and safety of firefighters is of paramount importance and we regularly review the latest research with the sector to implement safety improvements when necessary.
“We regularly review and discuss relevant research findings with the National Fire Chiefs Council and Health and Safety Executive to identify and implement improvements to safety measures when necessary.
“Overall, fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.87 billion in 2024/25. The deployment of resources is determined by each authority, based on their assessment of local risks and circumstances.”