Cardiac Health

Firefighting is both a physically and emotionally demanding job. The dangerous work, heavy uniforms and overwhelming amount of stress cause strain on the heart. This strain, in conjunction with a toxic work environment – breathing in smoke, dehydration and gas exposure – can trigger a sudden cardiac episode.

  • Education and awareness

  • Access to fitness equipment

  • Resources and support

While not much can be done to change the environment firefighters work in, the St. Paul Fire Foundation aims to provide resources to help firefighters reduce their cardiac risks.

Cardiac Health for Firefighters

It's more than fire - it's the hidden dangers that firefighters face

Cardiac Health

Heart disease is the number one killer of firefighters nationwide and is by far the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. More info
Two firefighters outside burned building

CAncer Prevention

Cancer caused 61% of the career firefighter line-of-duty deaths from January 1, 2002, to March 31, 2017, according to data from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). More info

Emotional Trauma

A recent study found that more firefighters died by suicide in 2017 than all line-of-duty deaths combined. More info