If you're new here, we're the First Responders Support Training (FRST) Center, and we're dedicated to promoting health and wellness for first responders statewide. This month, we're sharing new resources to support firefighter health, featuring a special First Responder in the Field Spotlight, bringing you cozy fall wellness tips and recipes, and continuing to share important research opportunities for first responders. Thank you for joining us this month -- we are excited to have you here!
Protecting Yourself After the Call
Firefighter health and safety does not stop when the fire is out. Contaminants from a fire incident can remain on turnout gear and lead to continued exposure after a response. NIOSH has created resources to help firefighters reduce these exposures and better protect their health. Their How to Remove Your Gear at a Fire Incident infographic walks through how to safely remove PPE and limit the transfer of contaminants to the skin. NIOSH also shares information on cleaning, transporting, and storing contaminated gear after a response. Together, these resources offer practical steps that departments can incorporate into their routines to help protect firefighter health both at the scene and after the call.
John Heide serves as a volunteer firefighter in the small community of Mapleton, North Dakota, while also working full time as an engineer. Like many volunteer firefighters, John balances his career and everyday life with a commitment to being there when his community needs him. John also participated in a physical activity research study led by Dr. Nathan Dicks at North Dakota State University in collaboration with the FRST Center. Through the study, John had the opportunity to learn more about his own fitness while contributing to a better understanding of physical activity among volunteer firefighters. His commitment to serving those around him has not gone unnoticed, as he was named Mapleton's Volunteer Firefighter of the Year in both 2023 and 2025.
What inspired you to become a volunteer firefighter?
"When I moved to Mapleton ND, I was looking for a way to help my neighbors. I enjoy physical labor, and while I knew it was going to be hard work, it was clear it needed to be done". Mapleton is a small town with few resources. I had thought about going career in firefighting, but I chose a path in engineering. This was always something I wanted to do, so this was a way to fulfill that."
Why is physical fitness important to you as a firefighter, and what motivated you to participate in this research?
"Firefighting is an extremely challenging and exerting thing to do. There's no room for breaks as fire doesn't care. It is essential that our team can put in maximum effort. The fire does not wait for us to be ready or to feel good. My life is in the hands of my teammates in some cases, and that is why I appreciate the research that is happening in these areas.
I was interested in the research study conducted in our department to see where I could compare to the rest of the volunteer firefighters. Since we don't do this as a full time job, it was interesting to see where our fitness levels were. Especially since volunteer firefighters don’t get a different version of a fire call . A call for help is the same regardless. We should be holding ourselves to the same standards as career firefighters.
I think it's important to keep in mind there are some days that people depend on us to be at our very best. Regardless of how we are feeling that day, it is our responsibility to put in the work to be prepared for these situations."
Fuel For Fall
As schedules get busier this fall, getting back into a routine can make all the difference! Consistent meals, balanced snacks, and staying hydrated can help keep your energy steady through even the most unpredictable shifts. This month, our nutrition team is sharing a few simple ways to stay fueled, plan ahead, and build a routine that works for you. Plus, they’ve included a cheeseburger casserole recipe perfect for fall!
We are so excited for the 2027 Spring Wellness Symposium and all that is ahead! As we continue planning, we look forward to building on last year’s event by bringing together even more first responders, professionals, and resources. If there is a topic you would like to learn more about or a resource you feel would be valuable to include, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to Dr. Allison Barry at allison.barry@sdstate.edu with any ideas or suggestions.
Firefighter Safety Survey
Your perspective matters. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is inviting firefighters to participate in a brief survey on line-of-duty deaths. The information gathered will help researchers better understand these incidents and identify opportunities to continue improving firefighter safety. If you'd like to participate, you can find the survey using the link below.
The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer (NFRC) is leading the way for improvements in understanding the underlying mechanisms and creating ways to reduce incidence of cancer. The NFRC can only do this with your help. During the registration process, you will be asked about your fire history and exposures. The upper Midwest has some of the lowest participation rates for the registry, but I think we can change that! If you have not yet registered, there is still time to get involved and make a difference. Below you will find even more reasons to register.
By joining the NFRC, you can:
• Help protect your brothers and sisters in the fire service from developing cancer • Lessen the impact of cancer on firefighters' families and friends • Pave the way for new health and safety measures for future firefighters • Improve understanding of cancer risk among firefighters historically underrepresented in research
Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if there are ways the FRST Center can help your department.
Don’t miss out—explore the FRST Center website today for previous newsletters, updates, expert tips, and resources designed to keep you strong, healthy, and ready for the job. Everything you need, all in one place.
If you or someone you know wants to be added to stay up-to-date with the latest news scan the QR code or click on this web address, Redcap Listserv, and enter this code: 4EW883FJL.
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SDState School of Health and Human Sciences, 1060 Campanile Ave., Box 2275A, Brookings, SD 57007
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