Photo by Steve Baer | FireDog Photos
Can you remember the last time you started a shift without checking your SCBA? Can you remember the last time you went to your primary care provider (PCP)? Based on my experience as an occupational health physician who works with first responders, I’m going to bet that many of you do not have a PCP but regularly check your SCBA.
Many departments have contracts with provider groups to complete the annual NFPA exam and usually those exams are required. So while you may not go to your PCP, you are having an annual medical exam, which is great, but that’s not all you need to do.
The Role of Your Primary Care Provider
The PCP is the quarterback of healthcare. They have a full view of the field, your health, and can help you ward off chronic disease, rehab acute injuries, recover from surgeries, and identify mental health concerns before it is too late.
Firefighters are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental health (to name a few) and these conditions should not be ignored or only discussed once a year during the occupational health exam. These conditions require ongoing care, attention to the treatment plan and revision of the treatment plan to achieve optimum health.
Why Family Medical History is Important
Another key factor in someone’s health is their family medical history. Due to the GINA Act, employer-driven exams should not discuss family history. But the medical history of your family is important when providing holistic care and assessing for the appropriate medical screening tests. The PCP is able to synthesize all aspects of an individual’s health history – chronic disease, family medical history, occupational exposures – to ensure their patient is meeting health milestones that will promote longevity and health throughout their life.
The PCP should be viewed as one of your safety checks and not emergency roadside assistance. If your PCP is not up to speed on the health risks of a firefighter, several firefighter advocacy groups co-sponsored and published a two-page document that highlights the medical conditions firefighters are most at risk of developing based on their occupation.
Do yourself a favor – get a PCP and see him or her regularly. It just may be the thing that saves your life. Would you go into a fire without checking your SCBA?
