Simple daily habits—like showering, gear storage, and using wipes—can reduce firefighter cancer risk. Learn how to build a safer decon culture.
How to Build a Cancer Prevention Strategy for Your Department
By: Emergency Technical Decon Team Cancer is now the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters. While awareness has grown, many departments still lack a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes—especially when it comes to toxic gear contamination. Building a cancer prevention plan isn’t just about policy; it’s about culture, consistency, and accountability. Here’s where to start: 1. Establish …
Welcoming Ryan Burchnell as Emergency Technical Decon’s CEO
Hughes Fire Equipment and its affiliate companies are proud to announce the appointment of Ryan Burchnell as Chief Executive Officer of Emergency Technical Decon (ETD) and Emergent. Burchnell will lead strategy, growth, and profitability efforts across the entire family of Hughes businesses, helping shape the future of public safety technology and decontamination solutions. With more than three decades of public safety leadership, Burchnell …
Station Contamination: How Dirty Gear Affects More Than the Fireground
Contaminated gear spreads toxins through fire stations. Learn how secondary exposure risks affect crews—and how to prevent them with proper decon.
Emergency Technical Decon Opens First Full Liquid CO2 West Coast Facility for Turnout Gear Decontamination in Portland, OR
Emergency Technical Decon (ETD), a national leader in firefighter PPE liquid CO2 decontamination, inspection, and repair, is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest facility in Portland, Oregon, bringing lifesaving technology closer to departments across the West Coast. The opening marks a major expansion of Emergency Technical Decon’s Liquid CO2+ cleaning technology to this region, especially providing departments …
Decontaminating Helmets, Hoods, and Base Layers: The Overlooked Essentials in Firefighter Cancer Prevention
Helmets, hoods, and base layers trap toxins too. Learn why full gear decontamination is critical to firefighter cancer prevention and NFPA 1850 compliance.
Heat, Sweat, and Toxins: The Hidden Summer Risk for Firefighters
Summer heat boosts chemical absorption in firefighters. Learn how sweat, contaminated gear, and poor decon raise cancer risks—and how to fight back.
Overlooked Gear Components You Should Be Cleaning
Base layers, straps, and helmet liners trap toxins too. Learn why full PPE decon is critical for firefighter health—and often missed in standard cleaning.
How Clean Gear Supports Firefighter Recruitment and Retention
Clean turnout gear shows recruits and veterans that health matters, supporting firefighter retention, safety, and department culture.
From Hose Rinse to High-Tech: The Evolution of Firefighter Decontamination
By: Emergency Technical Decon For decades, firefighters returning from calls with soot-streaked gear were seen as symbols of grit and experience. But today, we know that lingering contaminants, especially carcinogens like PFAS, can be just as dangerous as the flames themselves. As awareness of occupational cancer has grown, so too has the need for effective gear decontamination. The shift from …
