G2-SR had the honour of attending and sponsoring the Particulate and Decontamination Seminar at London Biggin Hill Airport last week hosted by PGI, Andy Slater. The team was truly inspired by the dedication and hard work of Fire and Rescue Services across the UK in advancing particulate and decontamination care.
The day featured insightful speeches from industry leaders, highlighting the progress made and the challenges that remain. Key topics of discussion included contamination-related cancer risks, women in fire, and particulate solutions. These discussions not only gave us a deep appreciation for the efforts being made across the UK to reduce risks but also reinforced the importance of continuing to raise awareness about the dangers firefighters face when exposed to harmful contaminants.
The sunny day at Biggin Hill began with a speech from John Lord, who discussed the current understanding of contamination-related cancer risks. John’s unwavering dedication to educating those unaware of these dangers is truly remarkable. One statement from John’s speech that has stuck with me was his recounting of industry professionals saying, “It’s too late for me; I haven’t used anything the whole time I’ve been in the fire service.” To which John responded, “It’s not too late for your families, though.” Reflecting on this, it has become clear that the impact on families is sometimes overlooked when considering exposure to contaminants. John’s words have reinforced the critical importance of minimizing the risk of cross-contamination to protect not only firefighters but also their loved ones.
Recent discussions at the G2-SR office have focused on the impact of contaminants on women in the fire service. While male-specific cancers, such as penile cancer, are frequently highlighted, breast cancer in firefighters is a topic that often receives less attention. A powerful speech from Dany Cotton, Ex Chief Commissioner of London Fire and Rescue on gender-specific health risks helped to bring this issue to the forefront, sparking important conversations about how we can contribute to raising awareness and reducing risks for female firefighters. Michelle O’Toole, Ex Dublin Fire, shared her personal experience with breast cancer and the impact it had on her, her career, and her family. As a young mum of two, her story was a powerful reminder that the work being done to reduce contamination risks is not just theoretical—it’s about protecting real people and making a tangible difference in their lives.
Robbie Burns, a passionate advocate for our mission, then shared his personal journey with cancer and how Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue are actively fighting against contaminants. Every time Robbie tells his story, it delivers a powerful and emotional message that truly resonates with everyone in the industry, reinforcing the reality of the risks we face. His words serve as a crucial reminder of why we must continue pushing forward in the fight against contaminants.
Throughout the day, all speakers emphasized the importance of implementing SNOMED Codes and raising awareness about them. They stressed that ensuring people are aware of these codes is crucial for helping individuals receive the essential care they need when visiting their GP.
Conversations about cancer can be daunting, as hearing the “C word” often leads people’s minds to the worst-case scenario—which is completely natural. That’s why it’s essential to also address mental health, ensuring that the industry prioritizes psychological well-being alongside physical health. Sean McCallum, Crisis Intervention and Trauma Consultant, Ex Firefighter and Veteran, highlighted this important aspect by discussing the traumatic impact of cancer and how it affects mental health. His speech reinforced the need for open discussions and put real life scenarios into different formulas and imagery to make relatable to the audience.
After an afternoon of networking and reflecting on the valuable insights shared so far throughout the day, the event concluded with a discussion from Ian Ray of Surrey Fire and Rescue. Ian spoke about the practical solutions Surrey has implemented to reduce contamination risks, highlighting their progress in enhancing decontamination protocols.
The day of speeches concluded with Chris Hands from West Midlands Fire and Rescue, who shared the important work being done to identify contaminants on equipment and clothing. He discussed efforts to assess contamination levels, explore effective decontamination methods, and implement strategies to minimize exposure risks. His insights highlighted the proactive steps West Midlands Fire and Rescue is taking to ensure firefighter safety by reducing contamination as much as possible.
The day wrapped up with a special appreciation ceremony, where John Lord presented the Invisible Risk 2025 Awards to honour individuals and organizations for their hard work and dedication. The recipients were:
- Aviation RFFS Champion – London Biggin Hill Airport
- Fire Service Champion – Surrey Fire and Rescue
- Invisible Risk – NARU
- Martin Green Award – Robbie Burns
A final award was presented to John Lord in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the cause. His tireless efforts to keep the conversation going and emphasize the importance of acknowledging and addressing these risks were celebrated. The Particulate and Decontamination Seminar served as the perfect platform to raise awareness, educate, and discuss the ongoing efforts to combat these risks.
G2-SR would finally like to recognise Andy Slater and PGI for hosting the seminar and giving everyone a platform to discuss such important topics. Also to the sponsors of the event, PGI, Invisible Risk, De-Wipe and G2-SR.
