Being a Firefighter with Diabetes?

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Fire Hawk

Member
Messages
8
Hi folks, kinda new these forums and I'm typing on an iPad so apologies if there are a few mistakes throughout the thread. I'm hoping to pursue this career but over the years I've heard many people talk about "how you can't be this and that with Diabetes". My question is, is it possible for me to become a fireman despite having Type 1 Diabetes? It is relatively well controlled and I have an HbA1c of 8.2.

Any answers would be much appreciated,
Ross

PS: Sorry if there have been many topics on this before on here, it's just I've read tons of different things online and haven't really came to a conclusion.
 
phoenix

phoenix

Expert
Messages
5,671
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
(snap NIgel, I just take too long drafting!)
It is possible: but I suspect it may be very difficult to achieve.
The Fire service is not exempt from disability legislation. In fact diabetes UK has done a great deal of work with the various employers and trades unions to draw up guidance which is available here:
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/About_us/New ... e-service/

the then minister for the Fire Service said
“Diabetes is not a bar to a career in the service and it shouldn't be a barrier to firefighters, potential firefighters and other staff. The Fire and Rescue Service must draw on all the potential available to it by providing career opportunities to everyone."

There is also this site which towards the bottom of the long screed about overcoming discrimination describes the recruitment of people with existing diabetes to the fire service.
http://irfduk.net/a-not-so-short-history/
However one problem is that the DVLA 'currently recommends that people with insulin-treated diabetes should not drive vehicles for which they hold a relevant licence under blue light (i.e. emergency service) conditions'

I think that your best port of call would be writing to the DUK care line http://www.diabetes.org.uk/How_we_help/ ... /Careline/
 
mo1905

mo1905

BANNED
Messages
4,334
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Rude people !
I am T1 and am currently in the UK fire service. As long as it is well controlled. There are approx 70 diabetics currently serving.


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F

Fire Hawk

Member
Messages
8
Thanks for your replies, someone else made the point that I'd be carrying 50lbs of gear in high stress situations but I'm used to training 4 hours a day and I'm pretty strong built so I think that'd be ok. The stress might be an issue as I know it can lower your blood sugars, anyways thanks guys :) Feel free to post anything else you think is relevant.
 
F

fireant4

Member
Messages
15
I'm and fire fighter in London.. Been doing it 10 years when I found out was type one! After short time off been dealing with it for over two years now! And still in job! Long as you control it its not a problem


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