It’s no secret that firefighting is dangerous. Fire fighters and emergency medical workers face a higher risk of certain cancers and mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, due to exposure to hazardous materials and traumatic experiences.
Receiving one of these diagnoses can feel overwhelming, but there are resources and strategies available.
IAFF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Whu says it’s always a good idea to first seek a second opinion when it comes to serious diagnoses.
“The treatment related to serious conditions is often complicated and very involved, so it behooves the person to ensure that the diagnosis is correct and that the treatment options being offered are consistent with what other similar specialists offer,” he said.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is to “reach out to your support system, whether it’s your immediate family or your extended one at your Local.”
“Many of your brothers and sisters have already gone through or know someone who has gone through what you’ll be going through,” Whu said, “and you can lean on them for emotional advice and support.”
And it is helpful to know what you are up against by educating yourself on your condition, learning how to manage work responsibilities with treatment, and focusing on self-care.
Prioritize understanding the condition
Lindsay Longo was a Baltimore County, Maryland, fire fighter and Local 1311 member for 11 years before joining the IAFF as a behavioral health specialist. Toward the end of her firefighting career, Longo went through her own experience with a mental health diagnosis.
Her best friend, Baltimore City Local 734 member Kelsey Sadler, was one of three fire fighters killed in the line of duty Jan. 24, 2022, as they responded to a rowhouse fire. The impact hung over Longo for an extended period.
“I was not myself after that. I couldn’t sleep, and I had lost interest in just about everything,” said Longo, who is also a licensed therapist specializing in first responders. “I did not immediately realize that I had post-traumatic stress disorder, but I knew something was not right.”
I was not myself after that. I couldn’t sleep, and I had lost interest in just about everything. I did not immediately realize that I had post-traumatic stress disorder, but I knew something was not right.
Behavioral Health Specialist Lindsay Longo
After her diagnosis, she learned that any traumatic event could trigger PTSD; it doesn’t have to be seismic like 9/11. Getting to know your condition can provide insight into what to expect, help you make choices regarding a treatment plan, and guide you on how much work you may need to miss.
Things you can do to learn more about your condition are:
- ask your doctor or healthcare provider about treatment options and for reliable resources and information about your diagnosis,
- ask for clarification if you have questions, and
- consider joining support groups or online communities for individuals with similar conditions.
Know your work options
Claudine Buzzo, a member of Metro Dade County, FL Local 1403, is the union’s benefits officer. She advises members with various diagnoses on their options.
If it’s cancer, workers’ compensation covers 21 different cancers. And whether it’s cancer or a different diagnosis, the Family Medical Leave Act offers other options if a fire fighter or emergency medical worker needs to take time away from the job for treatment.
As a two-time cancer survivor, the 23-year veteran fire fighter became the benefits officer as a way to give back and help others in a similar situation.
“Knowing what resources are available to you is huge. Workers’ compensation and FMLA are great places to check first,” Buzzo said. “In my community, we are lucky to have the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is part of the University of Miami Health System. They were very helpful with paperwork and walking me through the treatment process.”
Buzzo was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2016. It was shocking because she had no family history of the disease. She had surgery to remove the cancer but there were complications, and she was off the job for four months.
And then, in August 2024, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She again had surgery, followed by radiation treatment.
Buzzo is now back on the job, helping those around her understand their options.
Reach out for support
Beyond the options available, doctors and behavioral health experts suggest anyone with a serious diagnosis should bring a friend or family member with them to doctor’s appointments. A spouse or a close friend are good candidates for attending those appointments. The friend should take notes so that they can remind you later about follow-up appointments and treatment.
Chicago, IL Local 2 Fire Fighter Juan Covarrubias was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in June 2019.
“When you receive a diagnosis like this, it is very overwhelming,” Covarrubias said. “It’s difficult to concentrate during appointments, so it’s good to have someone else there so they can help you and provide you with reminders.”
Beyond family and friends, peer support counselors and the Employment Assistance Program (EAP) through your fire department are good resources, as well as organizations like the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
Peer support counselors and EAPs can offer counseling and assistance to fire fighters who need help with job-related issues including behavioral health concerns. Both groups can also refer fire fighters who need more specialized assistance to health providers in the community.
The FCSN can provide valuable post-diagnosis resources, including a mentorship program that connects you with other fire service mentors who have been through cancer. They also provide a “toolbox” that contains a comprehensive guide to walk fire fighters step-by-step through the cancer treatment process.
Focus on self-care
Fire fighters and paramedics going through a tough diagnosis also are encouraged to address their bodies, minds, and spiritual well-being.
“You have to have a positive attitude. When I told my family, I told them the two possible outcomes were that I would survive, or I wouldn’t, and they would have to take care of things in my absence,” Covarrubias said. “But I come from a Mexican American family. They are hardcore, so they looked at me and said, ‘Survival is the only option.’”
You have to have a positive attitude. When I told my family, I told them the two possible outcomes were that I would survive, or I wouldn’t, and they would have to take care of things in my absence. But I come from a Mexican American family. They are hardcore, so they looked at me and said, ‘Survival is the only option.’
Chicago Local 2 member Juan Covarrubias
If you are religious, faith can help keep you grounded. Focusing on a hobby is also worth considering.
“You might not be able to do a lot physically as you are trying to recover, so it is good to find something that you can do sitting down,” Buzzo said. “For me, I did a lot of painting. Others might get into reading or games.”
More resources
The IAFF developed a checklist for cancer diagnosis management, but it could be applied to any serious diagnosis. It can be found here.
Other resources include:
IAFF│American Cancer Society – IAFF
