About the “Put It Out” Campaign

Smoking cessation is a key component of leading a heart-healthy lifestyle. With heart attack the leading cause of firefighter deaths, and other illnesses such as lung cancer, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis significant threats to smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke, helping firefighters lead a smoke-free life is a critical component to keeping first responders safe and healthy.

Since its inception in 2003, the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program has provided resources and information to help firefighters quit smoking. In 2009, the NVFC entered into a partnership with Pfizer Inc. to develop an in-depth smoking cessation program. The Put It Out campaign began with a pilot program in North Carolina in the spring of 2009.

As part of the pilot program, the NVFC worked with fire departments across North Carolina to educate first responders on smoking cessation and its benefits. Each department received materials and information regarding smoking cessation and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. Half of the departments then received a specialized smoking cessation training seminar.

The progress of the departments was followed for six months to gauge how many firefighters quit smoking and stayed quit. A comparison study was then conducted on the success rate of the departments who received the specialized training versus those who only received the materials. As an added incentive, Scott Health and Safety donated a $1,500 gift certificate for the purchase of equipment to the department with the highest success rate.

To help the firefighters in improving their overall heart-health during the pilot program, each department had access to the tools and resources provided by the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program. Additionally, the NVFC worked with local dietetic groups to offer nutritional counseling in each department and with local gyms and fitness centers to provide discounted memberships during the six-month study. The departments’ innovative methods for making health and wellness a priority were tracked as part of the pilot program.

The results of the pilot program helped inform the next stage of the Put It Out campaign. For this stage, the NVFC has launched this interactive web resource to bring the Put It Out campaign to first responders across the country. The site features the tools, resources, and information you need to quit and stay quit, or to encourage those you know to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. Register today to begin utilizing the resources.

Learn more about smoking cessation and find additional tips, tools, and resources for leading a heart-healthy lifestyle on the Heart-Healthy Firefighter web site.