Firefighters are rightfully thought of as heroes among the majority of the general public. They dedicate their lives to saving other people
While this is admirable, the vocation is not without drawbacks. Obviously, firefighting is extremely dangerous. Outlined below are some of the more challenging obstacles that firefighters face.
The physical risks
Of course, the biggest danger to firefighters is the flames that they face when tackling blazes. It only takes minutes for a fire that seems under control to become deadly. The flames are dangerous in more than one way though. Fires generally emit toxic fumes. If these are inhaled, they can result in significant injuries and even fatalities.
The job itself can also be extremely demanding physically. Firefighters commonly have to lift objects out of the way to free people who are trapped. They also have a limited time in which they can act, as blazes soon get out of control. This means rushing from one location to another, which increases the likelihood of vehicle collisions, falls and other potential injuries.
Psychological trauma
The downside of trying to save people for a living is that sometimes you aren’t able to. This can take a severe emotional toll on emergency responders. Firefighters commonly suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may become chronically depressed and relive the incident through daily flashbacks. It’s vital to remember that psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as those that are physical.
While firefighting can be risky, your health matters. It should not be neglected by your employers. If you’ve been injured during the course of your duties, make sure you get the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages and more.
