Allostatic Load is the Quiet Hazard in Fire/EMS
The most prevalent hazard I experienced in my former position as a professional firefighter/paramedic was prolonged exposure to high call volumes working in a dual-response system. During a shift (24hrs - 38hrs), firefighter/paramedics could respond continuously to medical emergencies, fires, vehicle accidents, overdoses, traumatic injuries, and other high-stress situations. Although each individual emergency presented its own hazards, I believe the cumulative exposure created one of the greatest risks to employee health and safety.


