RFD Offers Free Health Screenings to Firefighters

Streamlined Process for Firefighters

Firefighters sign up on a department roster, which is then sent to UNC Health. UNC Health contacts each participant to schedule a virtual review with a physician assistant. The PA reviews the firefighter’s medical history and places screening orders.

Next, Siemens Healthineers’ sonographer conducts an ultrasound on key organs, including the liver, aorta, kidneys, and pancreas. UNC Radiology reviews the scans, and the results are available to the firefighter within three business days. If the scans reveal anything concerning, the firefighter follows up with their primary care providers.

The program’s annual cost is about $72,000. But costs associated with serious health issues can be much greater.

Long-Term Project

The initiative has been in the making for a long time. The previous Health and Safety Compliance Chief Keith Wilder worked on getting it started for five years. 

His efforts became more urgent after a personal experience.

“In November 2023 I had this exact type of screening done at the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics convention,” he says. “At that time, we were working on implementing this screening program in Raleigh,” Wilder explains. “When I received my results, there was information highlighted that I needed to discuss with my doctor.”

‘I Became Poster Child for My Own Project’

Wilder’s doctor referred him to a cardiologist, and he underwent more testing, which confirmed an abnormal aortic valve. Further testing revealed three major coronary artery blockages. Within two months, Wilder underwent open heart surgery with a triple bypass and aortic valve replacement. 

“I didn’t have any symptoms, my bloodwork was normal, and I felt great,” he says. “If I hadn’t had access to that screening, I wouldn’t have known to seek help. And the blockages would have continued to get worse. So, in a way, I became a poster child for my own initiative.” 

Increased Cancer Risk

Firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer-related deaths and illnesses than the general population. That’s due to their repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens. Regular health screenings are crucial for early detection.

“The last thing our firefighters should have to worry about is navigating healthcare,” says Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin. “That’s why we are proud to provide them with the best preventative care and screenings. Through better early detection, we can keep them healthy and their minds at ease.”

Other Measures

RFD offers various preventative ways to keep firefighters healthy. Those include having two sets of fire gear; not allowing gear inside fire stations; and cleaning off the fire trucks after each call.

The voluntary health screenings can play a crucial role in the department’s efforts to help firefighters stay healthy. 

“We’re strongly encouraging our members to sign up,” says Griffin. “This is about making health a priority and getting ahead of potential issues. We want everyone to know this program is available, accessible, and confidential.”