Asthma? Issue or not?

[Jhirtle]

Hi, Im really interested in firefighting and i have asthma, but its controlled and bothers me very little. I take a preventative pill once a day and use an inhaler maybe twice a month. This includes when im training. I've played many sports such as football and rugby and it hanst affected me alot. If you could please help me out on this issue that'd be great. thanks for your time.

[Iceman26]

I think my biggest fear would be if you needed your inhaler at a time when you couldn't get to it. For instance you are in a smoke filled building doing a search and rescue, crawling through smoke. One of the most stressful situations you will face. You won't be able to reach your inhaler through your gear nor would you be able to remove your face piece to use it! What happens if you don't use it when you need it?
You may want to discuss it with your doctor. Another route to consider in the fire service is Fire Prevention or fire dispatch. Then if your asthma went away at a later date you may have an in to get in fire suppression at that time! Don't worry, fire fighters are only kidding when the call the fire prevention department FAGS! (Fire Avoidance Guys)

Don't give up there is more than one route to take in the fire service.

[FFWannabe]

I know a couple of guys with asthma who have made it. My doc thought I had asthma as well and this was not long before my medical after being accepted by Ottawa. The doc I spoke with said it wouldn't have mattered, as long as you pass the breath test... .you simply have to breathe out as hard as you can and it measures the force, etc. I didn't have asthma, just some damage due to helping move a very, very dusty and pet dandery apartment. Keep at it, especially if it is controlled!

Sue :)

[eveningmail]

I also know a couple of guys in the service with asthma. I have it myself. As long as you can keep up with the cardio its nothing to worry about. However its not something that one should mention during an interview.... in fact I was told by my fire instructor to lie about it. If you don't want to do that, then get a doctor to clear you for duty, might work.

[JGallagher]

I have it, guys in the department have it and it has never been a issue. If it is controlable then great. As long as you can do the job I dont see a issue with it. See what your doctor has to say. There may be some restrictions that your department may have.