Women firefighters, particularly in North America, are less likely to have access to female-specific personal protective equipment and appropriate strength training and conditioning support, according to a new study.
In addition, women reported numerous counts of sexism on the job, and others talked about logistical issues such as sanitary conditions and toilet facilities, especially when tackling fires for several hours, researchers wrote in Women’s Health Issues.
“Little research has been undertaken on female firefighters, yet there are clearly some very specific questions that need answering that are often overlooked as the vast majority of staff are male,” said senior study author Alan Richardson of the University of Brighton in Eastbourne, UK.
About six percent of firefighters worldwide are female, he said, and the numbers are increasing.