With the Paris Fire Brigade having lost two of its men on Saturday morning in a violent explosion in the very heart of the capital, a question is once again being raised amongst the general public. Is being a firefighter a risky profession?
Last year, eleven firefighters died whilst on duty. So far this year, three firefighters have already lost their lives. Despite the risks they face, this profession is not recognised as a high-risk one. This situation has been criticised for many years by professional firefighters’ unions.
Recognised without really being so?
In 2004, the government acknowledged the ‘dangerous nature’ of the profession, but without being willing to admit the risks involved and the consequences that this entails.
Conversely, many organisations, such as banks and insurance companies, recognise this profession as being high-risk. They have no hesitation in applying higher premiums, particularly for loans and mutual insurance schemes.
Assaults rose by 23 per cent in 2018
A large number of reports and studies show that these men and women are at increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, physical assault, and exposure to chemical and biological agents…
Whilst everyone knows that smoke is dangerous and toxic, it is not necessarily clear just how much attacks and violence against firefighters have increased. A 23 per cent increase in 2018… acid attacks, stabbings, beatings, insults and endless stone-throwing – New Year’s Eve alone sums up their working conditions!
"This figure of 23 per cent is certainly still a significant underestimate, as not all attacks are reported to the police. Not to mention, of course, the tragic incident at the Strasbourg Christmas market, where firefighters were also on the front line alongside the police and the military (who are recognised as being at risk)" – two professional firefighters.
An online petition
"Faced with this growing frustration and the indifference of our leaders, we have set up a petition "to apply for recognition of the occupation as hazardous and unhealthy" as two professional firefighters from Strasbourg testify.