Those who enter into a career as a firefighter do so with a strong understanding of just how dangerous your chosen profession can be. Firefighters face numerous risks related directly to fighting fires, from burns and smoke inhalation to falls and traffic accidents. But you also face additional hazards that can arise years later as a result of environmental exposures on the job.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, you face a particularly high risk of developing work-related cancer when you make your living as a firefighter. In fact, firefighters are 9% more likely than the average American to receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime and are 14% more likely to die from cancer than the rest of the general population.
Environmental hazards
In the past, some firefighters went without personal protective equipment when working in the field because they considered fighting fires in the absence of this equipment to be a sign of toughness and fortitude. However, research shows that failing to wear such equipment can leave you substantially more at risk of developing lung cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Contamination control
While, nowadays, most employers and firefighters fully comprehend how critical it is to wear personal protective equipment, failing to properly clean this equipment can also increase your risk of developing cancer. Contaminants and carcinogens can build up on your gear and equipment when you fight fires, so it is critical that you follow all recommended cleaning procedures to adequately remove toxic chemicals, pathogens and other potentially harmful substances from them. In addition to cleaning all personal protective equipment thoroughly, you must do so as soon as you possibly can to reduce your risk of exposure to cancer-causing substances.
Soiled personal protective equipment can cross-contaminate anything it touches, so removing harmful substances from your equipment as quickly and thoroughly as possible is an important line of defense against cancer.
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Road rage is a problem in the Sunshine State. In fact, according to a recent report, Florida has more road rage incidents than any other state in the country. If you happen to find yourself in the middle of an automobile accident involving road rage, you must prioritize your personal safety.
Road rage occurs when a driver experiences intense anger due to traffic conditions or another motorist’s behavior. Because angry drivers may act violently after a collision, what you do matters. We offer four tips for dealing with an outraged motorist after a car crash.
Avoiding A Tragic Escalation
According to ABC Action News, Florida leads the nation in road rage incidents, including the most confrontations in which someone pulled out a gun during the encounter. Since 2014, there have been at least 277 road rage incidents in Florida, outpacing even Texas and California. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in such a situation:
1. Call the police
Police officers receive extensive training on dealing with angry, irrational and aggressive individuals. They also know how to investigate car crashes. Accordingly, any time you have a collision, you should call 911 immediately. As you may suspect, an angry driver is apt to behave better after officers arrive.
2. Disengage
Anger may interfere with rational thinking. As such, trying to discuss an automobile collision with an irate driver may be futile. Even worse, it may put your life in danger. Therefore, rather than trying to engage a furious motorist or passenger, try to disengage. That is, wait to talk about the crash until the other driver calms down, or until police arrive.
3. Move to a well-lit public place
If you have a minor collision with an angry driver on a secluded stretch of roadway, you may feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Parking your vehicle in a well-lit public place may help to deescalate the situation. That is, an irrational driver may be less likely to try to harm you physically if witnesses are present. You may also be able to ask for help from bystanders.
4. Stay inside your vehicle
Angry individuals can be unpredictable. If you think someone is likely to try to attack you physically, it is probably best to stay inside your vehicle. Of course, you must first analyze your surroundings. If your vehicle is vulnerable to subsequent collisions, you should probably evacuate it as quickly as possible and move to safety.
With some luck, you may never have to deal with an incensed driver after an automobile collision. Still, because road rage is not exactly uncommon in Florida, you should have a plan for staying safe when interacting with an angry motorist.