What is Tobacco Free in IFD?
The long list of health hazards and other destructive results of the use of tobacco are well known to us all. Like other segments of our population, many firefighters are addicted to tobacco products and their health and enjoyment of life suffer as a consequence of that addiction.

As a leading member of the internationally acclaimed Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness/Fitness Initiative, the Indianapolis Fire Department has taken on the responsibility of ensuring, where it can, the health and fitness of our firefighters. Eliminating the use of tobacco in the fire service is one of the major goals of IFD and the Wellness/Fitness Initiative. "Tobacco Free in IFD" is a program designed to help firefighters to avoid the health dangers of tobacco use.

The Great American Smokeout
Join the thousands of others nationwide for the Great American Smokeout on November 15 and make it your day to quit. For more information on the Great American Smokeout, call your American Cancer Society at 317.347.6670 or click above.

Louis A. Dezelan, Fire Chief, Indianapolis Fire Department

Smoking Facts
Cigarettes and cigarette smoke contain over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known to cause cancer. Every time you smoke, you are exposed to these deadly chemicals, tars and gases.

Nicotine, which occurs naturally in tobacco, keeps many people addicted. Each puff of a cigarette delivers a concentrated dosed of nicotine straight to the brain - reinforcing the need for another puff.

Top Ten Alternatives to Smoking

Select Smoking and Tobacco Cessation Resources

Fitness Center discounts provided by your wellness program (Public Safety Medical Services)

Benefits of Quitting Now

8 hours after quitting:
· Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal

2 weeks to 3 months after quitting:
· Circulation improves
· Walking becomes easier
· Lung function improves

1 to 9 months after quitting:
· Coughing, congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decrease
· Overall energy increases
· Lung function continues to improve

1 year after quitting:
· Risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker

5 years after quitting:
· Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker
· Cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker

The Tobacco Free in IFD Partners

Indianapolis Fire Department
Indianapolis Firefighters Local Union 416
Public Safety Medical Services
CIGNA HealthCare
Advantage Health Plan
White River Psychology
IU Nicotine Dependence Center

For more information…

Please contact Public Safety Medical Services at 877.972.1180 with additional questions or click here.

© 2006 Public Safety Medical Services