To support our mission of protecting first responders from biological hazards using chemical-free decontamination technology that meets or exceeds NFPA guidelines, Cres Cor Health and Safety conducted a survey aimed at understanding the concerns of first responders about biological risks and the measures they take to safeguard themselves and their teams.
The responses shed light on how first responders perceive these risks and the various ways they handle decontamination.
In April 2024, we collected responses from 112 first responders at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC).
The survey was supplemented by outreach through emails and social media, encouraging wider participation.
First responders shared their experiences and views through an online form, allowing us to gather a broad perspective on how different departments approach biological hazards in the field.
The survey revealed that concern about biological risks is widespread.
Forty percent of the respondents rated their concern at a moderate level (3 out of 5), while another 30% indicated a high level of concern (4 out of 5).
Seventeen percent of respondents expressed an extreme level of concern (5 out of 5), underscoring the reality that biological risks weigh heavily on the minds of first responders.
Altogether, 87% of the participants voiced concerns about the potential impact of biological hazards not only on their health but also on their crew members and their families.
First responders face a broad range of biological threats in their daily operations, and the concern they express reflects both personal and professional anxieties.
Working in environments where exposure to hazardous materials can occur regularly creates a continuous need to remain vigilant and adequately prepared.
These findings highlight the necessity for both protective equipment and effective decontamination strategies that first responders can trust to keep them safe.
When asked about the specific biological risks that trouble them most, 25% of respondents pointed to COVID-19 as a key concern.
Given the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, this is unsurprising, as first responders have faced heightened risks from respiratory pathogens while responding to emergencies.
However, other biological threats are also top-of-mind.
MRSA, bedbugs, and the flu were cited almost equally as causes for concern.
This diversity of responses shows that first responders are aware of and affected by a wide array of biological risks, not limited to any one specific threat.
These conditions pose various challenges, from surface contamination to airborne risks, making it essential for departments to be prepared for different scenarios.
The methods used to reduce the risks of infectious diseases and contamination vary from department to department.
Many respondents reported using personal protective equipment (PPE), along with disinfecting wipes and sprays, as part of their daily routine.
Handwashing and gear cleaning after visible contamination were also commonly mentioned.
Yet, some respondents noted that their departments limit the exposure of personnel during certain calls, which introduces an element of decision-making regarding which situations might carry higher biological risks.
This raises a question: How do first responders assess the potential danger from biological hazards in each scenario? While protective measures are in place, understanding the level of risk during a call can be challenging.
Departments might benefit from clearer guidelines or tools to help them make these critical decisions in real-time, especially given the wide range of biological hazards they encounter.
One of the most varied responses in the survey related to the frequency with which gear is decontaminated.
Some first responders indicated that they clean their gear after every call, while others said they decontaminate on a monthly or even quarterly basis.
A small number of respondents reported that they never decontaminate their gear.
This range points to a lack of uniformity in decontamination practices across different departments, with some placing a higher priority on regular cleaning than others.
This inconsistency could leave gaps in protection, particularly if gear is reused without proper sanitation after exposure to biological hazards.
Having a more consistent decontamination routine could reduce these risks.
However, many departments may lack the resources or time to decontaminate gear as often as they might prefer.
This is where advancements in decontamination technology can make a difference, offering faster and easier solutions that fit into the demanding schedules of first responders.
When asked about the types of decontamination equipment used, more than half (55%) of the respondents reported relying on gear washers and extractors.
Another 25% said they turn to outside vendors for cleaning, or they use chemical solutions to sanitize their gear.
These methods, while effective to some degree, introduce certain challenges.
For example, outside vendors can introduce delays in getting gear back into service, while chemicals used for cleaning may degrade the gear over time or cause irritation for the user.
With Cres Guard, we offer a solution that addresses these challenges.
The system decontaminates gear in just 15 minutes, without the need for disassembly or exposure to harmful chemicals.
This approach allows first responders to maintain cleaner gear more regularly and with less effort, improving overall safety and extending the life of their equipment.
The survey reveals that biological risks remain a significant concern for first responders, affecting their sense of safety both on and off the job.
Current practices for decontamination vary widely, indicating a need for more standardized protocols that ensure reliable protection.
Cres Guard offers an efficient, chemical-free solution that can help departments enhance their decontamination routines, ensuring first responders and their families can count on clean, safe gear after each call.
By addressing these concerns with practical solutions, we can better protect those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
