Firehouse Cancer Supplement – Survivor Story: Engineer Ed Davila
Ed Davila has been with the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department for 14 years. He was diagnosed with cancer in January 2016, went through treatment and was declared cancer-free in July 2016.
Davila describes how his squamous cell carcinoma was first discovered after he experienced a terrible sore throat, as well as how his cancer battle introduced him to a new community of supporters—cancer survivors. He underscores the importance of education in protecting yourself from the occupational cancer risks, encouraging firefighters to learn about fireground toxins. He also details the changes he’s made in his work routine as a result of his diagnosis: “I keep my gear clean. I know I’m guilty of it and a lot of firemen are, but I enjoyed having dirty gear. It made me feel like big, bad firemen, but you know, the reality is, it’s contaminated, so clean it, send it off to be cleaned when it’s that time.”
Firehouse thanks our Keystone Sponsor, MSA, and all our Cornerstone Sponsors for helping fund this project to better inform you about one of the most dangerous parts of the job.
