Washington State Fire Departments

In 2023, United Diagnostic Services (UDS) conducted health screenings for the members of Washington State Fire Departments, involving 423 participants. Of the participants, 318 (75%) were male, while 105 (25%) were female. The results of these screenings shed light on important health indicators.

Key Findings and Statistics

Among the firefighters, 254 out of 423 firefighters (60%) were identified as having at least one actionable finding that necessitated further attention. The screenings revealed a total of 390+ actionable findings across various organ types. Among these, 56 findings (14%) were categorized as “High-Risk,” further emphasizing the crucial role of early detection. Of particular significance, 2% 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 – 102 Total Findings

• Fatty Liver – 50 cases
• Fatty Enlarged Liver – 49 cases
• Cyst – 2 cases
• Hemangioma – 1 case

Thyroid Category – 82 Total Findings

• Enlarged Heterogeneous/Bulky – 27 cases
• Nodules – Complex – 19 cases
• Nodules – Solid <1 cm – 17 cases
• Nodules – Cystic – 11 cases
• Nodules – Solid >1 cm High Risk (HighRisk Finding) – 6 cases
• Nodules – Solid – 2 cases

Gallbladder Category – 44 Total Findings

• Gallstone – 20 cases
• Polyps – 15 cases
• Wall Thickening – 7 cases
• Collapsed – 2 cases

Kidneys Category – 35 Total Findings

• Stone – 19 cases
• Dilation of Collection System – 10 cases
• Cyst – 6 cases

Testicles Category – 34 Total Findings

• Calcifications/Microlithiasis (High-Risk Finding) – 12 cases
• Scrotal Varioceles – 8 cases
• Hydrocele – 4 cases
• Cyst – 4 cases
• Irregular Size – 3 cases
• Foci – 2 cases
• Heterogeneous/Irregular – 1 case

Spleen Category – 34 Total Findings

• Enlarged – 31 cases
• Cyst – 3 cases

Carotid Category – 7 Total Findings

• Moderate Plaque – 7 cases

Prostate Category – 27 Total Findings

• Heterogeneous and Enlarged (HighRisk Finding) – 27 cases

Female Pelvic Category – 14 Total Findings

• Fibroid – 7 cases
• Cyst – 4 cases
• Endometrial Stripe Thickening – 2 cases
• Foci – 1 case

Urinary Bladder Category – 4 Total Findings

• Debris – 2 cases
• Wall Thickening – 2 cases

Cardiac Category – 10 Total Findings

• Aortic Root Dilated (High-Risk Finding) – 8 cases
• Moderate-Severe Aortic Insufficiency (High-Risk Finding) – 1 case
• Low EF (High-Risk Finding) – 1 case

Aorta Category – 4 Total Findings

• Dilated (High-Risk Finding) – 4 cases

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 Washington State Fire Departments and the broader community.