Alterations in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk Factors During Critical Training in Wildland Firefighters

Subclinical Measures of Cardiovascular Health Among Wildland Firefighters

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to compare subclinical measures of cardiovascular health among wildland firefighters (WFFs) to the US general population.

METHODS

Our cross-sectional study compared body mass index, total cholesterol, and blood pressure in 11,051 WFFs aged 17 to 64 years using Department of the Interior Medical Screening Program clinical screening examinations between 2014-2018 to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2015-2016 cycle using adjusted logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

The logistic regression model shows significantly higher odds of hypertension and prehypertension in WFFs (2.84 times more with 95% CI: 2.28-3.53) than US general population. There were no consistent differences in body mass index or total cholesterol between the two population.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension and prehypertension were more prevalent in WFFs compared with the US general population, which suggests the need for actions for protecting against cardiovascular disease among WFFs.

Attitudes and Beliefs of Wildland Firefighters Toward Occupational Health Services

CONTEXT

Wildland firefighters (WLFFs) are at an increased risk of health conditions, injuries, and illnesses related to sustained levels of intense physical activity. The purpose of this study was to identify and explore the current attitudes and beliefs of WLFFs regarding health services. Methods: We used consensual qualitative research design for this study. Participants engaged in an online, semistructured interview. Results: We identified four domains: (1) risk mitigation strategies, (2) culture of fire services, (3) access to health care services, and 4) identification of health care gap. Conclusions: Access to occupational health services for WLFFs is readily available in the form of emergency medical care. However, a lack of regular access to physical medicine and the continuation of care beyond acute treatment was apparent.