Diversity, preventive work and education—matters of health and well-being in firefighter discourse

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyse how recurrent health hindrance themes in the firefighter discourse, identified by firefighters themselves, relate to a set of policies about diversity, preventive work and education of firefighters. The intention is further to discuss the implications of these policy initiatives and the resistance against them in terms of firefighters' health and well-being at work. Method: Firefighters from three different rescue stations in Sweden, participated in either a focus group discussion or individual interviews. Different themes in firefighter discourse that were described as hindrances to the health and well-being of firefighters were identified. A strategic sample of policy documents that relate to the very same themes was also chosen for analysis and here we combined critical discourse analysis (CDA) with critical policy analysis. Results: The health hindrance themes regarding diversity, preventive work and education that firefighters identified have in common that they relate to changes in work culture and the firefighter profession. Conclusion: In conclusion, we argue that the most important challenge for the rescue service to tackle in the future, is how to transform firefighting to be more inclusive and yet maintaining the good health and well-being that exists among the vast majority of today's firefighters.

Promoting and Hindering Health and Well-Being in Firefighter Discourse

“…This pattern stands out when the perspective of health promotion is the main focus and because most research to date has looked at obstacles and ill-health. Another study has also found evidence of relatively good health among firefighters (Jacobsson et al, 2017(Jacobsson et al, , 2020. These positive results are of particular interest because they were unexpected to some extent.…”

Intensitas Dan Sosialitas Keberagaman Di Lingungan/Unit Kerja

“…Berbagai penelitian mengisyaratkan paradigma bahwa lingkungan kerja bersifat pluralistik, entah disengaja ataupun tidak disengaja (Jacobsson et al, 2020;Messarra, 2014;Shore et al, 2011;Syamsuar & Ginting, 2020). Untuk itu, terdapat penelitian yang menganalisis hubungan antara diskriminasi, keberagaman, dan pekerjaan yang menjadi sorotan dalam aktivitasnya (Roscigno & Yavorsky, 2015).…”

Cancer in female firefighters: The clinicobiological, psychological, and social perspectives

“…In terms of providing support for women at risk or those already diagnosed with cancer, more information and resource is needed for governmental regulatory bodies, insurance providers, and fire jurisdictions to meet the rising challenges around cancer prevention, education, or screening and surveillance strategies concerning cancer in female firefighters (17)(18)(19)(20). Neither are there standardized and effective health policies across jurisdictions, nor sufficient resources allocated to initially aid and subsequently provide ongoing care for women in the fire service who have been confronted with a cancer diagnosis.…”