Public health reports
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Public health reports · Nov 2007
Respiratory protection programs for firefighters: a survey of practices for the state of Kentucky.
Firefighters play a crucial role as first responders in a variety of situations that can expose them to respiratory hazards. To ensure their safety and health, fire departments should have a respiratory protection program in place for all firefighters. A survey of Kentucky fire departments was conducted to assess their respiratory protection practices, barriers to program implementation, and medical evaluation programs. ⋯ This survey indicates that many Kentucky fire departments are not meeting the legal and voluntary respiratory protection standards and guidelines, and demonstrates the need for improved education and funding to ensure that firefighters are adequately protected from respiratory hazards. This is particularly applicable to small rural volunteer departments, which had the greatest gap in compliance.