Battling Bushland Fires, fires in the rural areas and building fires at the Urban Interface is an inherently dangerous job. Firefighters are subject to stressful conditions, in which fatigue and work capacity are affected by the erratic nature of work and rest cycles. The surrounding environment for the firefighter is often smoke filled, or has hazardous chemicals. The firefighter’s physical condition, particularly in the area of respiratory and cardiovascular health, and the need for appropriate hydration and nutrition are important considerations.

The ageing population, demographic variety and physical condition of Australasian firefighters presents a significant challenge to firefighting agencies in ensuring safe work practices on the fireground.

Firefighter safety and wellbeing may be improved through the measurement of ergonomic, physiological and behavioural factors. It is important to understand the effects of fitness, mental health, fatigue and crew management on the health safety and wellbeing of firefighters.

Agencies are also responsible for ensuring appropriate protective equipment, including personal protective clothing, is compulsory for all firefighters.

Firefighter health, safety and wellbeing can also encompass the identification of medical conditions which may impact on the health of a firefighter who will be placed in dangerous circumstances, as a result of the nature of the job. There is also research to suggest that firefighting may have a causal relationship with certain medical conditions. This is an area of current research under exploration.