The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) supports annual medical assessments for all firefighters. Firefighter health and safety is essential to the protection of citizens and property in our communities. Firefighting is a physically demanding occupation. Health-related injuries including heart attack, stroke, and cancer are the leading causes of firefighter duty-related death. It is important that firefighters have an annual medical assessment, but many do not. In some cases firefighters may not have health insurance or even a personal physician to conduct or consult with regarding the results of the assessment. Additionally, it can be cost-prohibitive or administratively challenging for many departments to implement an assessment program. The following are options for departments to consider in developing a firefighter medical assessment program.

https://www.nvfc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NVFC-Position-on-Firefighter-Medical-Assessments.pdf