Indiana State Fire Departments

In 2023, United Diagnostic Services (UDS) conducted health screenings for the members of Indiana State Fire Departments, involving 343 participants. Of the participants, 308 (90%) were male, while 35 (10%) were female. The results of these screenings shed light on important health indicators.

Key Findings and Statistics

Among the firefighters, 209 out of 343 firefighters (61%) were identified as having at least one actionable finding that necessitated further attention. The screenings revealed a total of 370+ actionable findings across various organ types. Among these, 63 findings (17%) were categorized as “High-Risk,” further emphasizing the crucial role of early detection. Of particular significance, 1% of these High-Risk Findings proved to be cancerous, with one case of thyroid cancer detected. The findings were distributed across different organ categories as follows:

Liver Category – 100 Total Findings

• Fatty Liver – 67 cases
• Fatty Enlarged Liver – 27 cases
• Cyst – 5 cases
• Hemangioma – 1 case

Thyroid Category – 76 Total Findings

• Nodules – Cystic – 18 cases
• Cyst – 15 cases
• Nodules – Complex – 12 cases
• Nodules – Solid >1 cm High Risk (HighRisk Finding) – 11 cases
• Nodules – Solid <1 cm – 10 cases
• Enlarged Heterogeneous/Bulky – 8 cases
• Non-Identifiable Tissue – 1 case
• Small in Size & Echogenic – 1 case

Gallbladder Category – 21 Total Findings

• Gallstone – 10 cases
• Polyps – 7 cases
• Wall Thickening – 2 cases
• Debris/Sludge – 2 cases

Kidneys Category – 36 Total Findings

• Stone – 19 cases
• Cyst – 11 cases
• Dilation of Collection System – 5 cases
• Mass (High-Risk Finding) – 1 case

Testicles Category – 47 Total Findings

• Hydrocele – 18 cases
• Calcifications/Microlithiasis (High-Risk Finding) – 13 cases
• Cyst – 10 cases
• Foci – 3 cases
• Scrotal Varioceles – 3 cases

Spleen Category – 26 Total Findings

• Enlarged – 20 cases
• Granulomas – 4 cases
• Cyst – 2 cases

Carotid Category – 15 Total Findings

• Moderate Plaque – 15 cases

Prostate Category – 13 Total Findings

• Heterogeneous and Enlarged (HighRisk Finding) – 12 cases
• Solid Structure – 1 case

Female Pelvic Category – 10 Total Findings

• Cyst – 5 cases
• Bulky Heterogeneous – 2 cases
• Fibroid – 2 cases
• Pelvic-Free Fluid – 1 case

Urinary Bladder Category – 5 Total Findings

• Debris – 3 cases
• Mass (High-Risk Finding) – 2 cases

Cardiac Category – 24 Total Findings

• Calcified Valve-Stenosis (High-Risk Finding) – 8 cases
• Aortic Root Dilated (High-Risk Finding) – 6 cases
• Mild-Moderate LVH (High-Risk Finding) – 3 cases
• Moderate Mitral Regurgitation (High-Risk Finding) – 2 cases
• Moderate Pulm Regurg (High-Risk Finding) – 2 cases
• Valve Calcification (High-Risk Finding) – 1 case
• Severe Mitral Valve Regurgitation (High-Risk Finding) – 1 case
• Mitral Prolapse (High-Risk Finding) – 1 case

These results underscore the significance of health screenings, particularly in a high-risk profession like firefighting. The identification of actionable findings, including high-risk ones, emphasizes the importance of prompt medical intervention and ongoing health monitoring. Early detection remains a cornerstone in ensuring the well-being of individuals, and these aggregate results provide valuable insights for the Indiana State Fire Departments and the broader community.