Unanswered Maydays: Not leaving Sisters and Brothers behind!

Unanswered Maydays: Texas Firefighter Cancer Study - Part 1

In this segment of the "Unanswered Maydays" we will introduce the Texas Firefighter Cancer Study from the University of Texas. We will be speaking with research engineers, Juan Alvarez, Juan.Alvarez@uth.tmc.edu [Juan.Alvarez@uth.tmc.edu], and Victoria Vidal, Victoria.Vidal@uth.tmc.edu [Victoria.Vidal@uth.tmc.edu]. We will also be speaking with Captain Gabe Dominguez of the Houston Fire Department Website: https://sph.uth.edu/research/centers/swcoeh/firefighter-research/ [https://sph.uth.edu/research/centers/swcoeh/firefighter-research/] Background: In response to growing evidence of elevated cancer risk among firefighters in Texas, and in recognition of the critical need for improved occupational exposure tracking and early detection, the Texas State Legislature appropriated funds through Senate Bill 1 89th Legislature in May 2025 to UTHealth Houston to establish the Texas Firefighter Cancer Study. This two-year initiative is designed to reduce the burden of firefighter-related cancers through three projects. While each project requires a distinct study protocol due to its methodological scope and data sources, they are unified by a shared scientific framework. The overarching protocol conceptualizes firefighter cancer risk as a multi-project process, beginning with exposure to carcinogens during firefighting activities, progressing through biological alterations, culminating in cancer diagnoses confirmed by registries, and clinical cancer screening promotion campaigns.

Burn, Bite, Kill You Framework, Mike Jensen 2026- audio with limited graphics

The conversation explores the Burn Bite Kill You (BBK) framework, a systems-based model that explains how cumulative exposure across a firefighter's career contributes to lifelong health consequences. It delves into the stages of the framework, the impact of exposure accumulation, and the opportunities for intervention and prevention. Takeaways * BBK framework for firefighter health * Exposure accumulation and long-term health outcomes Questions or comments: Mike Jensen mike.jensen@wsu.edu Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to BBK Framework * 07:04 The Bite Stage * 13:01 Visibility and Impact

Unanswered Maydays-Balancing Worklife after paternity leave. Audio Only

This is an audio only episode where we explore worklife balance after Firefighter Burns returns from paternity leave after adding a newborn daughter to their family! Althoough having a child is not an "Unanswered Mayday" , it does add stress to the alsready stressful job and balance between home life and work life.