Alarming News About Firefighters And Cardiac Arrest
Three-quarters of firefighters who died of heart attacks — the top cause of on-duty deaths — went to work with known or detectable heart conditions, according to a recent analysis of firefighter fatalities by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Because unfit firefighters pose a danger to themselves, fellow firefighters and the public if they become incapacitated during emergency response, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health suggests the following steps to reduce on-duty heart attacks and other sudden cardiovascular events.
- Provide medical evaluations to ensure that candidates and members of the force are capable of performing job tasks with minimal risk of incapacitation.
- Ensure that physicians conducting medical evaluations are knowledgeable about the physical demands associated with firefighting.
- Implement a comprehensive wellness/fitness program for firefighters to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
- Control exposure to carbon monoxide and other fire contaminants through proper management of the fire scene and proper use of respiratory protection.
- Provide on-scene rehabilitation to monitor vital signs for indications of excessive cardiovascular strain and to cool and hydrate firefighters.
- Ensure adequate staffing levels for operations to prevent overexertion.
