Firefighter Detox & Wellness Programs

 
 
 
 

Wild Oak Medicine serves as a central hub for firefighter health and detoxification in California. We work directly with fire departments, unions, and nonprofit partners to reduce chemical exposure and support the long-term health of first responders. Through partnerships with the Integrative Healers Action Network (IHAN) and the Volunteer Fire Foundation (VFF), we provide structured detoxification and recovery programs for firefighters statewide. Our team offers both group intensives and individualized care plans, integrating medical detoxification, physical medicine, and nervous system support.

Why This Work Matters

Firefighters are routinely exposed to harmful carcinogens and environmental toxins through smoke, contaminated gear, and fire suppression chemicals. These include PFAS compounds, flame retardants, heavy metals, and combustion byproducts, as well as many different mycotoxins. Over time, these exposures can increase the risk for cancer, respiratory disease, hormonal disruption, cardiac disease, immune dysregulation, and chronic fatigue.

Wild Oak Medicine’s detoxification and recovery programs were developed to help address these occupational risks. In collaboration with IHAN and VFF, we use evidence-informed, integrative protocols designed to reduce chemical burden, improve detoxification capacity, and support long-term wellness for both career and volunteer firefighters.

What We Do

1. Group Intensive Detox & Wellness Programs
In collaboration with IHAN and VFF, Wild Oak Medicine coordinates 12 week comprehensive detox programs for fire departments across California. These intensives include:

  • IV, nebulized, and oral glutathione therapy to support chemical detoxification

  • Comprehensive Sauna Protocol

  • Nutritional and supplemental protocols targeted to occupational exposure

  • Mind-body sessions for nervous system regulation and resilience

2. Individual Firefighter Care & Contract Services
We offer ongoing care for individual firefighters through customized treatment plans, including:

  • Testing and monitoring of chemical burden, immune and adrenal function

  • Integrative detoxification protocols using evidence-based supplements and therapies

  • Treatment for battery fire inhalation injury

  • Physical medicine, hydrotherapy, and manual treatments

  • Nervous system and stress recovery support

3. Research, Education & Collaboration
Our clinic contributes to data collection and program evaluation alongside IHAN and VFF. We help analyze detox outcomes, track biomarkers, and develop protocols to guide fire service wellness programs. Education and training materials are provided for departments and union wellness leads to integrate sustainable health strategies into their operations.

Outcomes & Program Impact

Partnership programs with IHAN and VFF have shown measurable benefits for firefighters, including:

  • Decreases in circulating chemical toxins such as PFAS and glyphosate

  • Improved respiratory health and reduced inflammation markers

  • Enhanced energy, recovery, and stress resilience after detox programs
    Wild Oak Medicine continues to expand these offerings to reach more departments throughout California.

Ways We Collaborate on a Firefighter’s Health

Wild Oak Medicine engages with the fire service at multiple levels of care and collaboration to meet the needs of individual responders and entire departments:

1. Individual Care
Firefighters can access personalized care through Wild Oak Medicine’s clinic. These visits are most often self-pay and designed for those seeking individualized detoxification, injury recovery, or long-term wellness support. Each plan includes targeted testing, integrative therapies, and personalized follow-up care. To become a patient at Wild Oak Medicine, you may schedule here.

2. Group Detox Sessions
In partnership with IHAN, VFF, and local departments, we organize group detoxification programs funded through grants, county allocations, or departmental wellness budgets. These programs provide accessible, structured detox care for groups of firefighters in a short-term intensive format. To inquire, please contact Jacqui Jorgeson (see below).

3. Specialized Programs for Injury or Exposure
Wild Oak Medicine develops custom protocols for specific injury recovery, such as chemical inhalation incidents, battery or electrical fire exposure, or significant burn or toxic injury. These programs combine advanced detoxification, tissue recovery support, and nervous system regulation tailored to the firefighter’s specific exposure or injury type. To inquire, please contact Dr. Riegle at below email.

4. Acute Disaster Response
As part of our collaboration with IHAN, Wild Oak Medicine mobilizes to provide acute care during and after disasters—including wildfires and other environmental events. Our team delivers on-site integrative medical support, detoxification therapies, and recovery care for first responders, evacuees, and community members affected by environmental toxins and trauma. If you are finding us during disaster, please contact Dr. Riegle at the below email or clinic, or Jenny Harrow-Keeler, IHAN’s ED at jenny@ihanclinics.org.

In collaboration with IHAN and VFF, Wild Oak Medicine contracts with fire departments, unions, and nonprofit organizations to make this care accessible to both career and volunteer firefighters.

Contact

For program details or to explore partnership options, contact:


Dr. Jen Riegle, ND
Program Director, First Responder Treatment Programs
Wild Oak Medicine
drjenriegle@ihanclinics.org

or

Jacqui Jorgeson
Fire Department Liaison for VFF and IHAN
Volunteer Fire Foundation ED and Founder
jacqui@volunteerfire.org