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Our treatment of firefighters is now a global scandal
Research at the highest level has shown firefighters are exposed to cancer-causing agents in the line of duty — but unlike many other countries we are not taking necessary steps to address this, writes LUKE FLETCHER MS
10 - firefighters

LAST FEBRUARY, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to throw myself into some of the extensive training undertaken by our fire and rescue services.

I joined the South Wales Fire and Rescue team who invited me to the Cardiff Gate training centre and Bridgend fire station where I attempted search-and-rescue drills in cramped, smoke-filled rooms and mazes of confined crawl spaces, all in complete darkness.

Needless to say, I left both experiences with a renewed appreciation for what our service people do day in and day out. One thing was abundantly clear to me: we are incredibly lucky to have such a skilled group of people who are willing to go above and beyond while putting themselves at risk.

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