Written question WQ96119
- Asked by
- Luke FletcherPlaid
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
Further to the First Minister's response to a supplementary question to OQ62324 on 11 February 2025, will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the Chief Medical Officer's work in relation to preventative health monitoring for firefighters?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
Firefighting is an inherently dangerous profession, and it is essential the fire and rescue services prioritises firefighter safety.
Research has shown firefighters face an increased risk of certain cancers, arising from their exposure to smoke-filled environments and officials are reviewing data related to this issue.
We support the Fire Brigades Union’s campaign to reduce those risks, and we have concluded an agreement between employers and unions to reduce the exposure of firefighters in smoke-filled environments. All three fire and rescue services in Wales have adopted best practice in the use and maintenance of breathing apparatus, which reduces exposure to carcinogens significantly.
The UK National Screening Committee does not recommend any targeted screening programmes based on occupation. The NHS offers diagnostic investigations on the basis of guidance from professional bodies, such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
There are existing resources to support firefighters, such as Mind’s Blue Light programme, which offers support for emergency service workers, health and fitness advisors, occupational health services and employee assistance programmes.