Hurricanes. Tornadoes. Wildfires. Flash Floods. These are just some of the disasters that have left communities across North America reeling. These events have taken lives, and left millions without homes and with little hope.
Many of you may be in these communities on various missions. Whether SAR operations or rebuilding after disaster, it is important to take time to care for yourself and your gear so you can continue to show up for those in need day after day.
This week, we are discussing the importance of proper decontamination of your footwear for physical health and sharing practical strategies for decompressing after long days in the trenches.
CARE FOR YOUR FOOTWEAR
Rescue and restoration efforts continue for much of the south, stretching from western North Carolina down to the Gulf Coast of Florida. Contaminants run rampant—from burst pipes, mold and mildew, chemical breaches and many other harmful encounters. As you respond, you shift your focus to proper, life-saving techniques. But continuing to ensure your footwear is as free from toxins as possible is still important for your continued long-term health and safety. We know these measures are difficult to maintain when actively deployed to the sites, however, keeping these tips in mind upon your return are critical.
While nothing can 100% guarantee non-transmission of different pathogens, or the 100% elimination of viruses from your footwear, this article can provide guidance on keeping yourself protected regarding your footwear. When dealing with leather fire and/or EMS boots, most cleaning can be done with a soft cloth or brush and mild soap and water. But, if you have had a potential exposure to a chemical, virus, bacteria, or fungus, we have some recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting your footwear.
Remove footwear from service until it can be cleaned and disinfected. (Please note this pertains to exposures to the exterior of your boots and not direct exposure to the interior of your boots or inner liner). Universal precautions should be used when handling and cleaning footwear. At a minimum, protective gloves certified to NFPA 1999 but also consider wearing an apron with sleeves and/or a respirator.
- First, clean your boots with warm water and a mild soap.
- Next, we recommend decontamination of the exterior leather and the outsoles with a disinfectant spray that is strong enough to kill the most dangerous viruses (Norovirus) and bacteria (MRSA) in a hospital environment, and EPA registered for use on children's toys at home (e.g. PureGreen24). Disinfectant spray should also meet the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) criteria for use against the spread of COVID-19 and be registered by the EPA to kill human Coronavirus with its demonstrated effectiveness against these pathogens. Disinfectant should contain no alcohol, bleach, or other toxic ingredients. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning and decontamination use.
- Disinfectants used on HAIX® boots need to have an EPA IV toxicity rating; the lowest rating assigned by the Federal EPA; it should be rated to not cause skin irritation associated with traditional disinfectants. This would be safest for the leather. Using a disinfectant that is too strong could damage the leather and weaken the threads used in construction.
- Once boots are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, allow the boots to air dry in natural light away from artificial heat sources. Force drying leather with heat or in direct sunlight can shrink the leather and damage its protective properties. Once boots are thoroughly dry, it is recommended to use a leather conditioner to keep leather moisturized, soft and supple. A good quality, silicone-based polish will condition the leather without clogging the leather’s pores, allowing the natural breathability of the leather to be maintained. Petroleum based products may be flammable and may significantly reduce the flame and heat resistance of your firefighting footwear.
CARE FOR YOURSELF
Caring for your footwear is important when you return from an operation. In addition to situational and environmental stressors, your mental health can be pushed to the limit as you respond to tragedy.
The following tips are not an exhaustive list of helpful exercises or actions you can take, but they are a start. Asking for help is a big step, but it’s a step in the right direction.
- Talk to someone: You can talk to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings or seek support from a support group.
- Take care of yourself: Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and drink enough water.
- Prioritize self-care: Set realistic goals and focus on what you can manage. Ask colleagues to help with tasks that feel overwhelming.
- Celebrate life: It's okay to feel joy and celebrate successes even in the midst of difficult situations.
- Practice relaxation: Try muscle relaxation exercises. You can also try listening to quiet music.
One specific relaxation technique is called “grounding”. Directing your mind back to the present can help decrease stress hormones and provide you with a greater sense of control of your emotions. There are many different ways to “ground” yourself when feeling overwhelmed. One specific grounding method is called the 3-3-3-3 technique, and it represents 3 seconds of intentional breathing, and locating 3 things you can see, hear and touch. This process is quick and easy to remember, and allows you to control breathing, increase oxygen to your brain for clarity, and pull your mind back to your immediate surroundings. Simply find a place to sit, put both feet on the ground in front of you and complete these simple steps:
- Breathe in for 3 seconds
- Breathe out for 3 seconds
- While engaged in the breathing exercise observe:
- 3 things you can see
- 3 things you can hear
- 3 things you can touch
BALANCING BOTH
Keeping your boots decontaminated and protected is important to keep them performing at their best. Staying aware of your mental health needs is important to keep YOU performing at your best. It isn’t a sign of weakness to ask for help; it is a sign that you want to remain strong. Stay safe and well out there.