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Nonfatal Injuries to Fire Fighters Treated in U.S. Emergency Departments, 2003–2014
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9 2018
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Source: Am J Prev Med. 55(3):353-360
[PDF-784.21 KB]
Details:
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Alternative Title:Am J Prev Med
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Description:Introduction:
Several studies of nonfatal fire fighters (FFs) injuries have been conducted but are limited by inclusion criteria and coverage. The aim of this study is to enhance current knowledge by providing national estimates of nonfatal injuries to fire fighters (FFs) treated in U.S. emergency departments (EDs).
Methods:
Nonfatal injuries from 2003 through 2014 were extracted from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance system occupational supplement (NEISS-Work). NEISS-Work captures nonfatal occupational injuries, illnesses, and exposures treated in a sample of U.S. EDs. Nonfatal injury rates were calculated based on NEISS-Work counts (numerator) and counts from the National Fire Protection Association (denominator). Data were analyzed from 2016 through 2017.
Results:
Between 2003 and 2014, an estimated 351,800 FFs were treated in EDs for nonfatal injuries. The overall rate was 260 per 10,000 FFs. Career FFs had an annual rate of 699; volunteers had a rate of 39. Leading injury events were fires and explosions (36%) and overexertion and bodily reactions (20%). A majority (38%) of injuries occurred during fire fighting activities, 7% occurred during training and 7% occurred during patient care. Sprains and strains accounted for the largest proportion of injuries in all three of these activities: 28%, 32%, and 36%, respectively.
Conclusions:
The results demonstrate that nonfatal injuries for FFs remained high throughout the study period. The predominance of sprains and strains in all fire fighting activities suggests the need for additional research and prevention needs in areas of improved fitness, safer body postures and movements, and situational awareness.
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Pubmed ID:30031637
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC10379440
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Volume:55
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Issue:3
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