Vector Solutions, the provider of technology solutions to help train, prepare, and retain public safety professionals are expanding upon their pre-existing commitment to firefighter health and safety with a series of initiatives in recognition of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.
Now in its fifth consecutive year, Vector Solutions are continuing to support first responders by providing education and resources to combat occupational cancer, the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.
“Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to amplify critical resources and education that can help reduce risks, save lives, and honor the brave men and women who dedicate themselves to protecting others,” said Robbi King, a 27-year veteran firefighter, former Chief Officer and now a Vector Solutions Engineer.
“With research indicating that 68% of firefighters develop cancer compared to just 22% in the general population, it is imperative that we equip firefighters with meaningful training and initiatives to safeguard their health and safety.”
Vector Solution’s initiatives for this year include a three-part webinar series in collaboration with Fire Engineering, where they will donate $5 to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, up to $3,000. They will also be providing free access to NFPA 1851 Firefighter Cancer Awareness Course.
In collaboration with the National Firefighter Registry, Vector Solutions have also commissioned a custom activity within Vector LMS, TargetSolutions, to support cancer prevention among firefighters. This feature enables departments to easily share information about the NFR and encourage participation. The NFR is the largest US initiative focused on understanding and reducing cancer risks among firefighters. This is done through utilising data-driven research to develop better health and safety measures.
“The National Firefighter Cancer Registry is a critical component in this fight, as it collects invaluable data to better understand cancer risks in the fire service,” said Chief Todd LeDuc, retired Fire Chief and Deputy CEO of Life Scan Wellness.
“By participating in the registry, firefighters contribute to groundbreaking research that will lead to more effective safety protocols, improved health measures, and life-saving prevention strategies for the entire fire service community.”
Firefighters face a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general US population, according to the CDC and NIOSH. The research shows that firefighters have a higher risk of certain cancers, including skin melanoma, other skin cancers, prostate cancer, rectum cancer, testis cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Vector Solutions’ resources aim to reduce these disparities by providing accessible training and prevention solutions to departments nationwide, equipping firefighters with the resources and knowledge needed to protect their health and well-being.
Retired Fire Chief and Board President of FCSN discussed the importance of this partnership: “The Firefighter Cancer Support Network is proud to continue our partnership with Vector Solutions to bring critical resources and education to the fire service during Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.”
“By working together through initiatives like these, we can drive awareness, foster education, and support the health and safety of our nation’s first responders.”
Vector Solutions have mapped out their initiatives supporting the Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. In their fifth year of supporting first responders, Vector want to do as much as they can to assist in combatting the risk of cancer.