Haddock CK, et al. – This study probed the issue regarding alcohol use among women firefighters. Based on the findings, it was deduced that heavy and problem drinking was prevalent among women firefighters, similar to that seen with male firefighters. This alcohol use and problem drinking correlated with negative occupational outcomes in the study cohort.

Methods

• A national online survey was conducted of women, career firefighters.

Results

• 1,913 women firefighters completed questions regarding alcohol use.
• Approximately 40% reported binge drinking in the previous month and 4.3% reported driving while intoxicated.
• 16.5% screened positive for problem drinking, among the drinkers.
• Problem drinkers exhibited 2.5 times greater tendency of being diagnosed with depression or presenting with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.
• They were approximately 40% more likely to experience injury on the job in the previous year, compared to other women firefighters.
• Those who screened positive for problem drinking displayed lesser likelihood of saying that they would recommend a fire service career to other women.