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Emergency Medical Technicians

Many are surprised to hear the extent of occupations that are affected by asbestos exposure. Many are aware that asbestos affected industrial jobsite workers, such as shipyard laborers and railroad workers, but some other jobsites are less obvious. In fact, asbestos exposure today among industrial workers is less common than among emergency first responders, including EMTs and other emergency personnel. Hazards exist and EMTs should be aware of possible exposure points to avoid possible related health complications.

The most common way in which emergency medical personnel encounter asbestos is during fire extinguishment situations. How does this happen? Asbestos was an industrial insulation component that was used for thousands of both industrial, as well as consumer building products. Common asbestos products in everyday homes include home siding, ceilings, drywall, roofing materials, and home insulation. When these materials are damaged by fire or other means, such as flood damage, the asbestos fibers within them break away from the stable compounds and can be released into the air.

First responders are likely those who are most at danger from asbestos materials compromised by fire, perhaps even more so than fire fighters, who regularly wear protective breathing apparatus to prevent inhalation of toxins. EMT personnel are less likely to wear these materials as their primary focus is maintaining the health of the injured and transporting them to hospitals and other emergency care facilities.

It’s important to realize that this is a real hazard. Many of the emergency personell and first responders to the World Trade Center site in September of 2001 are now experiencing what doctors are calling the World Trade Center Cough, which may be indicative of possible adverse asbestos exposure later down the road.

This is not to say, of course, that EMT personnel should be overly concerned about asbestos exposure that it prevents them from helping those who need it most, but more as a caution about possible materials which could present hazard. Certain precautions should be taken to ensure that you do not inhale materials or dust from materials which appear to be damaged, as they may contain asbestos. Awareness of your surroundings can enable EMT personnel to do their job effectively, while not compromising their own health in the process.

Last modified: December 09 2009.