Cancer Prevention Resources

2018LavenderRibbonReport_VCOS_1280x720

The VCOS is working to provide fire departments with the tools and resources they need to make a cultural shift to ensure the prevention of firefighter cancer. Below you will find information, statistics and resources on the 11 best practices to prevent firefighter cancer.

Reports

The Lavender Ribbon Report Update: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer - September 2021

The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have released an update to the Lavender Ribbon Report that provides 11 best practices for reducing exposure risks and preventing occupationally caused cancer in firefighters. The new Lavender Ribbon Report Update includes additional information, essays, articles, research, and ideas for successfully implementing the best practices.

Download the Report

The Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer

The VCOS and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) are proud to release this important report focused on providing actions to reduce the risk factors of cancer in the fire service. Unfortunately, this topic has had a significantly increasing impact on firefighter health and welfare. We have started to see great strides by departments and responders everywhere in combatting and preventing cancer, but more still needs to be done. The time is NOW to make changes. 

Download the Report

Posters

11 Best Practices for Preventing Cancer

VCOSBestPracticesCancerPreventioninstagram300x250

The VCOS and the NVFC, along with the Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), and with support from California Casualty, have developed a poster of the 11 best practices for preventing firefighter cancer. The poster provides all fire department leaders and firefighting personnel with specific actions that must be taken to address the cancer epidemic and protect firefighters.

Download the Poster

Best Practice One Poster

VCOS_BestPractice1_PosterImage300x250

Full protective equipment (PPE) must be worn throughout the entire incident, including SCBA during salvage and overhaul.

Download the Poster

Best Practice Two Poster

VCOS_BestPractice2_PosterImage300x250

A second hood should be provided to all entry-certified personnel in the department.

Download the Poster

Best Practice Three Poster

Best Practice 3 Poster

Following exit from the IDLH, and while still on air, you should begin immediate gross decon of PPE using soap water and a brush, if weather conditions allow. PPE should then be placed into a sealed plastic bag and placed in an exterior compartment of the rig, or if responding in POVs, placed in a large storage tote, thus keeping the off-gassing PPE away from passengers and self.

Download the Poster

Best Practice Four Poster

Best Practice 4 Poster

After completion of gross decon procedures, and while still on scene, the exposed areas of the body (neck, face, arms and hands) should be wiped off immediately using wipes, which must be carried on all apparatus. Use the wipes to remove as much soot as possible from head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms and hands immediately.

Download the Poster

Best Practice Five Poster

VCOS_BestPractice5_PosterImage300x250

Change your clothes and wash them after exposure to products of combustion or other contaminants. Do this as soon as possible and/or isolate in a trash bag until washing is available.

Download the Poster

Best Practice Six Poster

VCOS_BestPractice6_PosterImage300x250

Shower as soon as possible after being exposed to products of combustion or other contaminants. “Shower within the Hour”.

Download the Poster

Best Practice Seven Poster

VCOS_BestPractice7_PosterImage300x250

PPE, especially turnout pants, must be prohibited in areas outside the apparatus floor (i.e. kitchen, sleeping areas, etc.) and never in the household.

Download the Poster

Best Practice Eight Poster

VCOS_BestPractice8_PosterImage300x250

Wipes, or soap and water, should also be used to decontaminate and clean apparatus seats, SCBA and interior crew area regularly, especially after incidents where personnel were exposed to products of combustion.

Download the Poster

Best Practice Nine Poster

VCOS_BestPractice9_PosterImage300x250

Get an annual physical, as early detection is the key to survival. The NVFC outlines several options at www.nvfc.org. “A Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Physicals” can be downloaded from www.fstaresearch.org/resource/?FstarId=11591.

Download the Poster

Best Practice Ten Poster

VCOS_BestPractice10_PosterImage300x250

Tobacco products of any variety, including dip and e-cigarettes should never be used at anytime on or off duty.

Download the Poster

Best Practice Eleven Poster

VCOS_BestPractice11_PosterImage300x250

Fully document ALL fire or chemical exposures on incident reports and personal exposure reports.

Download the Poster

Want all of the individual posters?

Download All 11 Individual Posters

Webinars

Surviving the Job

The purpose of this webinar is to provide real world advice and examples of how to implement change at your department using the VCOS & NVFC Lavender Ribbon Report. We focused on gross decon and what alternatives are available to meet the needs of every department, regardless of size and budget. Participants learned tips to encourage and enforce personal responsibility for cancer prevention. Presenters reviewed efforts in 2018 and share details about more training opportunities in 2019.

Watch the Webinar

 

Additional Resources

A Healthcare Provider's Guide to Firefighter Physicals

This free Healthcare Provider's Guide to Firefighter Physicals is available for you to bring to your physician to help them understand the physiological demands of firefighting and the resulting health risks research shows firefighters are most prone to. The guide assists primary care providers in the evaluation, treatment and ongoing surveillance of the unique health and wellness needs of firefighters. Its medical recommendations are research-supported and experience-driven.

Download the Guide