RESCUE: A Workplace Dietary Intervention for UK Firefighters
RESCUE
1 other identifier
interventional
350
1 country
2
Brief Summary
Firefighters may be at increased risk of poor dietary habits due to nature of shift work, extended duty periods, and reliance on food available within fire station environments. Irregular working patterns and limited access to healthy food options during shifts can contribute to poorer dietary intake. Previous research suggests that occupational environments and works schedules can significantly influence food choices and overall nutrition in emergency service personnel (Ramey, 2012; Hughes, 2010). This study is being conducted to assess current dietary behaviours among firefighters and to evaluate changes following participation in the RESCUE (Resilient Eating Strategies for Cancer-Risk in Uniformed Emergency workers) nutrition education programme, a structured intervention designed to improve dietary knowledge and food choices. It will also explore the influence of station-based food provision on dietary intake. The research is important as firefighters face increased occupational health risks, including elevated cancer risk, where diet may play a role in long-term health outcomes. Improving dietary habits in this group may improve health, occupational performance, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. The findings will provide evidence to inform the development of practical, targeted nutrition interventions within fire and rescue services ((IARC), 2010).
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P75+ for not_applicable cancer
Started May 2026
2 active sites
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
Click on a node to explore related trials.
Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
May 5, 2026
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
June 19, 2026
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
July 7, 2026
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
October 1, 2027
ExpectedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
October 1, 2027
July 7, 2026
June 1, 2026
1.4 years
June 19, 2026
June 30, 2026
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
Change in RESCUE Protective Foods Score
Change in RESCUE Protective Foods Score from baseline to 12 months following participation in the RESCUE nutrition education programme. The score is a measure of protective dietary behaviours, including fruit, vegetables, cruciferous/allium vegetables, legumes, wholegrains, nuts/seeds, fish/seafood, and use of olive oil or extra virgin olive oil. This score is calculated from answers given to a food intake questionnaire completed at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months following the intervention. Scores range from 0 to 32, with higher scores indicating greater intake of protective foods.
12 months
Secondary Outcomes (1)
RESCUE Programme Acceptability, Practicality and Educational Impact Score
12 months
Other Outcomes (1)
Change in workplace messing practices (RESCUE Messing Questionnaire Score)
12 months
Study Arms (1)
Single-arm nutrition education intervention
EXPERIMENTALAll participants receive the RESCUE firefighter nutrition education programme. Dietary behaviours are assessed using questionnaires before programme delivery and again at approximately 3, 6 and 12 months after the intervention to evaluate changes in dietary habits over time.
Interventions
A firefighter-specific nutrition education intervention delivered at watch (fire station crew) level. The programme provides education on dietary strategies that may support long-term health and are relevant to current evidence regarding cancer risk reduction, supported by educational resources designed to encourage dietary behaviour change at home and within the workplace.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Wholetime (full-time) operational firefighters employed by Avon Fire \& Rescue Service.
- Aged 18 years or over. Able to provide informed consent.
You may not qualify if:
- Individuals who are not full-time operational firefighters within Avon Fire and Rescue service (e.g. administrative staff, support roles, or part-time on-call firefighters, firefighters from other fire services)
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
- Oxford Brookes Universitycollaborator
- Avon Fire and Rescue Servicelead
Study Sites (2)
Avon Fire and Rescue Service
Bristol, BS20 8JJ, United Kingdom
Avon Fire and Rescue Service
Bristol, BS20 8JJ, United Kingdom
Related Publications (1)
Jones B, Coe S. Exploring the role of diet in reducing cancer risk in UK firefighters: Mediterranean pattern and the potential for targeted nutritional strategies. Nutr Res Rev. 2025 Dec;38(2):777-790. doi: 10.1017/S0954422425100073. Epub 2025 May 28.
PMID: 40432497BACKGROUND
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- NA
- Masking
- NONE
- Purpose
- PREVENTION
- Intervention Model
- SINGLE GROUP
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER GOV
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Principal Investigator
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
June 19, 2026
First Posted
July 7, 2026
Study Start
May 5, 2026
Primary Completion (Estimated)
October 1, 2027
Study Completion (Estimated)
October 1, 2027
Last Updated
July 7, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-06