[영문]Objective. Firefighters play a crucial role as first responders in a variety ofsituations that can expose them to respiratory hazards. To ensure their safetyand health, fire departments should have a respiratory protection program inplace for all firefighters. A survey of Kentucky fire departments was conductedto assess their respiratory protection practices, barriers to program implementation,and medical evaluation programs.Method. A 21-question survey assessing respiratory practices during the previous12 months was mailed to all Kentucky fire departments.Results. A 62% survey response rate was achieved, with 116 of Kentucky’s 120counties returning at least one survey. All respondents indicated they wereutilizing some type of respiratory protection, but only 37% indicated they hada written respiratory protection program. Compensation status and departmentsizes were found to be significant variables (p,0.01) in determining if afire department had a written respiratory protection program. Lack of funding(48%) and lack of understanding (39%) were cited as the greatest barriersto program implementation. Only 51% indicated they require their firefightersto receive a fit testing of their respirator, and 23% indicated they had ahealth-care provider who reviewed medical questionnaires or provided medicalevaluations.Conclusion. This survey indicates that many Kentucky fire departments arenot meeting the legal and voluntary respiratory protection standards andguidelines, and demonstrates the need for improved education and funding toensure that firefighters are adequately protected from respiratory hazards. Thisis particularly applicable to small rural volunteer departments, which had thegreatest gap in compliance.