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Current Female Firefighters' Perceptions, Attitudes, and Experiences with Injury.

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Research presented here examines how the demands of fire fighting uniquely affect women. A national sample of 73 female firefighters and fire-service leaders participated in focus groups and key informant interviews. Participants were asked about perceived threats to safety and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that lead to injury regarding gender differences. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted and the following six themes were identified: (1) impact of working in a male-dominated field, (2) harassment, (3) similar rates/types of injury, (4) inadequate training, (5) ill-fitting gear, and (6) functional techniques/endurance. Both chronic and acute injuries/causes were discussed. Future direction will require diversity education and new training methodologies for the fire service.

Source: PubMed