Mental Health Resources for Firefighters
Firefighting is difficult (physically and mentally). Accessing mental health resources can help you process the difficult calls you experience in-the-line-of-duty and prevent burnout. This article discusses new and existing benefits available to firefighters to improve their mental health. Workers’ Compensation Workers’ Compensation benefits are available for full-time and paid-on-call firefighters and cover many types of […]
Heart Presumptions for Firefighters
Firefighters encounter intense physical and emotional stressors on the job, which can directly impact cardiovascular health. For firefighters with heart-related conditions, and families who lose loved ones to such conditions, legal presumptions ensure that they have access to financial support, aiding in medical treatments and meeting ongoing living expenses. In Minnesota, the legislature has enacted […]
Roadside Emergencies: a Guide for Firefighters
Firefighters in Minnesota face high-risk situations while responding to motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and providing emergency roadside assistance or medical care. These critical duties expose them to the potential for serious injuries, whether caused by being struck by passing vehicles or from the physical demands of rescue operations. When a firefighter is injured on the […]
Catastrophic Injuries: a Guide for Firefighters
Firefighting is a highly demanding and dangerous profession. The risks associated with the job can lead to severe, life-altering injuries. Catastrophic injuries—those with severe and long-lasting impacts—pose significant challenges for firefighters. Understanding how the Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system addresses these injuries is essential for ensuring that firefighters receive the necessary support and benefits. How Catastrophic […]
Benefits for Firefighters With Cancer
The link between firefighting and cancer is well known. The U.S. Fire Administration has reported that firefighters have a 9% higher risk of developing cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general public.[1] Given this reality, there are a variety of benefits available for firefighters who develop work-related cancer […]
Increased Cancer Risk for Firefighters
Surprisingly, cancer is the leading cause of death among career and volunteer firefighters, and research clearly shows that high levels of exposure to carcinogens could be one of the most dangerous things about fighting fires. These troubling findings raise the question of whether current preventive measures are enough and highlight the need to protect firefighters […]
