Meet Matt Petch, a 41-year-old volunteer firefighter from Perth, who is valiantly battling cholangiocarcinoma. This rare and aggressive bile duct cancer has dealt him a mighty blow. After spending more than 12 years serving his community as a firefighter, Petch’s world has been completely changed by his diagnosis last year. His doctor, who has treated over 7,000 firefighters for various illnesses, points directly to years of exposure to toxic carcinogenic compounds during firefighting operations. Having recently started chemotherapy treatment himself, Petch is now on a mission to bring awareness and access to NSW’s Firefighter state compensation scheme for firefighters diagnosed with these cancers. He hopes to spare others from experiencing the same misfortunes he has endured.
Petch’s condition has severely impacted every aspect of his daily life. While he used to be an extremely fit and healthy person, today he still deals with debilitating impacts from such a terrible sickness. He describes his current state, saying, “I feel sick, I have nausea, I’m vomiting. I’m not half the person as what I used to be.” This grim pronouncement highlights just how profoundly his cancer has affected his bodily health. More importantly, it highlights the impact that the program has had on his quality of life.
The Fight for Compensation
Though acknowledged as being at elevated risk of cancer due to firefighting work, Petch now finds himself shut out from Western Australia’s presumptive cancer law. This legislation was created to make compensation claims easier for several cancers associated with firefighting. Unfortunately, Petch’s diagnosis is outside the parameters of this law. As such, he has no cash assistance—something we all need right now more than ever.
Petch is not alone in his struggle. There is a consensus in the firefighting community that this legislation is woefully inadequate. The system is outdated and desperately in need of a complete rework, according to him. “The presumptive legislation is outdated and needs a review,” he emphasized, calling for an expansion to include more cancers that could be linked to hazardous firefighting conditions.
His advocacy isn’t all self-serving, though he wants to make sure the firefighters that come after him are better protected. There must be more cancers on that list,” he claimed, as he emphasized the need for increased awareness of the health hazards of firefighting.
Community Support and Personal Struggles
Petch’s battle with cancer has garnered significant public support, evidenced by over $200,000 raised through crowdfunding efforts aimed at covering his treatment costs. This financial support is a demonstration of the community’s appreciation for his commitment and sacrifice as a volunteer firefighter.
Even now, Petch’s medical journey hasn’t gotten any easier. As he goes through treatment and the resulting side effects, the emotional impact crushes him. He expresses deep remorse for the risks he took during his years of service, stating, “I loved doing the role when I was there, but I have massive regrets exposing myself to those risks and those carcinogens.”
His sentiments are shared amongst firefighters across the country. Even more have succumbed to personal health issues due to the high-voltage nature of their jobs. Tim Trew, another firefighter, shared similar feelings: “You always think it won’t happen to you, that you’re bulletproof, but at the back of your mind it’s always there.”
A Call for Regular Screenings
Given his firsthand ordeal, Petch is now working to ensure all firefighters are regularly screened for certain cancer markers. He thinks that with the right proactive health measures, we could significantly improve early detection and treatment outcomes. This is particularly the case for veterans who endured toxic environments while serving their country. “What I would like to be regularly screened for is just those key cancer markers,” he stated.
Firefighting is one of those fundamental services. Petch’s case shows the alarming holes in the health and safety guidelines for workers in this dangerous line of work. Craig Waters, a representative for firefighters, noted that “presumptive legislation regarding cancers significantly streamlines the process to access compensation for career and volunteer firefighters.” He stressed the importance of good legislation. It makes firefighters healthier in the long-term so they can complete their careers in better health.
