Local Firefighters Focus on Health During National Firefighter Health Week

Firefighters and emergency medical responders protect our community every day from all types of emergencies and disasters. Yet these first responders face risks to their hearts and health that most people don't realize. In fact, heart attack is the number one cause of line-of-duty deaths for firefighters. To ensure that the first responders at Center Moriches FD stay strong and ready to serve the community at a moment's notice, the department is participating in National Firefighter Health Week from August 16-20.

"The added stress put on a firefighter's heart from the moment the alarm rings until well after an incident ends makes firefighters more susceptible to experiencing a devastating event such as a heart attack," said Chief Bill Renzetti. "Then there are additional concerns such as exposure to potential toxic materials. Because of these increased risks, it is especially important for our first responders to focus on their health and wellness and do what they can to keep their hearts and bodies strong. We don't want our hometown heroes to become a tragic statistic."

National Firefighter Health Week is sponsored by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and supported by a network of fire service and health-related organizations. To proactively combat the alarming instances of fatal heart disease among firefighters, the NVFC launched the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program in 2003 to educate firefighters and emergency responders about heart-health and provide them with the tools and resources to get and stay healthy.

The theme of the fourth annual National Firefighter Health Week is "Only you can Keep It Strong. Are you up for the Challenge?" Through this theme, first responders are asked to take personal responsibility for their health and wellness and take the steps necessary to keep their heart, mind, and body strong. Each day of National Firefighter Health Week focuses on a different health and wellness issue of particular concern to emergency service personnel: behavior health, personal protective equipment, heart-health, cancer, and nutrition and physical fitness.

The department asks for community awareness and support during National Firefighter Health Week and in its health and wellness initiatives throughout the year. Learn more about National Firefighter Health Week and firefighter health at www.healthy-firefighter.org.