EMS installation in Helsinki base station room

Are fire and EMS stations at risk of cancer?

As of the end of 2016, 36 states have enacted some form of cancer-presumptive legislation. Fire and EMS stations also contribute to infectious disease risks. Due to the nature of their work, fire and EMS personnel are at an increased risk of exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens.

Should a fire and EMS Station serve as a model?

In each of these areas, the fire and EMS station should serve as the model for the community. As with any public or private facility, fire and emergency services stations are subject to theft, vandalism and violence. For stafed stations, these acts are most likely to occur when emergency response personnel are on a call.

How do fire and EMS Station personnel get contaminated?

Station personnel may be susceptible to food and waterborne-based infections through improper food storage and backflow from sewage systems. At the fire or EMS station, cross contamination may occur in laundry facilities, sewage systems, and outdoor operations involving training.

What makes a good EMS station design?

Proper storage and easy accessibility of medical equipment are vital in EMS stations. Design solutions include modular storage systems that can be easily adjusted to accommodate different types and sizes of equipment. Achieving hygienic and sterile environments is a cornerstone of EMS station design.