First Responders

Our commitment to the health and wellness of your department goes beyond a single appointment. We collaborate with you to create a tailor-made solution that meets the specific needs of your team, from new hires to retirees, and everyone in between.

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Our First Responder Services

Screening and diagnostic tests play a vital role in the early detection of cancer and other diseases in first responders. The nature of the work of first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians, puts them at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer and other diseases. In particular, firefighters are exposed to toxic gases, chemicals, and smoke regularly during their work, leading to an increased risk of developing cancer and heart disease. Police officers may be exposed to dangerous chemicals and biological hazards while investigating crime scenes or handling evidence, while emergency medical technicians may face infectious diseases and other hazards while providing life-saving care.

Unfortunately, the first responders community is also plagued by other health issues such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, smoking, alcohol use, and stress, which can compound the risk of cancer and other diseases. It is essential to address these health issues proactively to reduce the risk of developing cancer and other diseases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have found that cancer is a significant health issue for first responders. In fact, cancer is responsible for approximately 61% of deaths among U.S. firefighters. Furthermore, first responders have a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer compared to the general population. It is important to prioritize the health and well-being of these professionals by providing comprehensive screening and diagnostic tests, as well as addressing potential health risks and mental health concerns.

Benefits of early disease detection

Early detection of diseases through regular screening and diagnostic tests is critical for several reasons:

Early detection allows for prompt treatment, which can improve the chances of successful recovery and reduce the need for more invasive and costly interventions.
Regular screening and diagnostic tests can help monitor the health of individuals in high-risk occupations, such as first responders or healthcare workers, and allow for early detection of work-related health issues.
Early detection and prevention can not only improve the overall population health by reducing the burden of disease and lowering the risk of transmission, but it can also help individuals maintain their physical and mental health, thus enhancing their quality of life.
Early detection and treatment can prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases and reduce the risk of disability and premature death.

Tests and procedures

Comprehensive Screening – Ultrasound

Echocardiogram (Valve Function, Heart Pumping Ejection Fraction)
Cartoid Doppler
Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (AAA)
Thyroid
Abdominal and Bladder Ultrasound
Testicular or Pelvic Ultrasound

Lung Screening

Low dose CT scan (less than 10 minutes)
Can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages
Reduces risk of death from lung cancer among high-risk patients

Heart Screening

Low dose CT scan of the heart
Measures calcium in heart’s arteries
Calcium score helps reduce risk of heart problems

Mammography Screening – Mobile Breast Imaging

Can detect tumors too small to feel or see any other way
Early detection increases likelihood of successful treatment

NFPA 1582 Physical / Wellness Program

At UDS Health, we offer a comprehensive NFPA 1582 Physical/Wellness Program to assess the health and wellness of firefighters. Our program consists of a range of tests, including hearing and eyesight evaluations, pulmonary function tests, cardio-pulmonary assessments, comprehensive blood analyses, and chest and lung X-rays with radiologist review. Additionally, we conduct stress tests and stress echocardiograms to evaluate the heart’s response to physical activity or stress.

Our NFPA 1582 program is designed to ensure that firefighters are physically fit and healthy to perform the demanding tasks required of them. Our team of experienced medical professionals uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology to deliver accurate and reliable results. We take pride in providing high-quality care and support to firefighters and helping them maintain their health and well-being.