“I'm not sure I would have made it”: The impact of learning about cancer on firefighters

Firefighters, everyday heroes, often suffer the consequences of their bravery through smoke-related cancers, and the government will finally recognize them as victims of occupational diseases.

Quebec's announcement was welcomed with open arms by rescuers.

This is also the case for a former Saguenay firefighter who served his community for 31 years.

“In 2018, I finished my shift and did not know that it would be my last shift,” Sylvain Coté told Labor Minister Jean Boulet on Tuesday.

After that day, November 26, 2018, he was told that he had suffered a spinal injury. At his appointment with his health professional, he learned that he had leukemia.

“I met a doctor at Jonquière Hospital, who told me I had three weeks to live,” he recalls.

List of 15 cancers

Fortunately, a stem cell donation will allow Sylvain Coté to survive the disease.

“When we are diagnosed with cancer, we need support and financial assistance,” Minister Boulet admits.

Recently, the government recognized leukemia as an occupational disease for people who work as firefighters.

In addition to this disease, Quebec will add brain cancer, testicular cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer and breast cancer to this list.

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“They are exposed to toxic substances, smoke, gases and dust, so it is important that firefighters in Quebec benefit from compensation, and to reduce the burden of proof to obtain compensation as quickly as possible, admits the minister. When you are diagnosed with cancer, you need support, you need help Financial.

Quebec has a workforce of 20,400 firefighters, including 5,600 full-time and 7,800 volunteers. In total, 15 cancer cases will be classified as occupational diseases of these workers who risk their lives to save the lives of others.

“If I had to fight to convince the court, doctors or lawyers that my multiple myeloma had not been identified, I'm not sure I would have succeeded,” says Mr Côté.

See the meeting between Sylvain Côté and Labor Minister Jean Boulet in the report above.