INSTRUCTORS who train firefighters are at greater risk of suffering cardiovascular disease, fatigue and flu-like illnesses, a ground-breaking study published today has found.

Trainers often face up to 10 times as many live fires as firefighters, causing chronic inflammation which can lead to serious health issues — including possible heart attacks — researchers at the University of Roehampton in London warned.

The team, which also included academics from the University of Brighton, measured blood samples, blood pressure and psychological data from 136 fire and rescue service personnel — including breather apparatus instructors — over six months.