Counting the costs of injury and disease to first responders as a result of extreme bushfires
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Extreme bushfires significantly increase injury and disease costs for emergency responders (ERs) and the general workforce. Firefighters faced a 67% cost increase, highlighting the need for targeted injury prevention and support.
Area Of Science
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Disaster Medicine
Background
- Extreme bushfires pose increasing risks, impacting emergency responders (ERs) and the general workforce.
- Understanding the compensable injury and disease costs for ERs during these events is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose Of The Study
- To compare the costs of compensable injuries and diseases for ERs during extreme bushfire periods versus the general workforce.
- To identify specific injury types and socio-economic impacts on ERs and the general population.
Main Methods
- Analysis of workers' compensation claims data in Victoria, Australia (Jan 2005–Apr 2021).
- Comparison of claims from ambulance officers, career firefighters, and police against a general workforce control group.
- Utilized generalized linear models to assess costs during extreme bushfires, other summers, and other periods.
Main Results
- ERs made 3.1% of claims during extreme bushfire periods, compared to 2.5% in controls.
- The overall study group saw a 31% increase in income compensation costs/claims during extreme bushfires.
- Firefighter costs increased by 67% during extreme bushfire periods, primarily due to fatality payments, after accounting for general workforce impacts.
Conclusions
- Extreme bushfires lead to significantly higher compensable injury and disease costs for emergency responders.
- Mental illness, burns, and cancer were the costliest claims for ERs.
- Targeted injury prevention strategies and socio-economic support are essential for ERs and the general workforce affected by extreme bushfires.
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