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Fire Apparatus Driver Operator Suffers Fatal Cardiac Event During Fire Department Training – Maryland
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2015/04/04
[PDF-165.11 KB]
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Description:Death in the line of duty…A summary of a NIOSH fire fighter fatality investigation
On May 30, 2014, a 58-year-old Fire Apparatus Driver Operator (FADO) participated in his fire department's (FD's) annual physical ability test, known as their "physical readiness assessment." The physical readiness assessment (PRA) involved completion of an untimed event of eight job tasks. Following this assessment, the FADO attempted a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) maze drill. The FADO completed the eight job tasks without difficulty, but had sudden onset of severe shortness of breath during the SCBA maze drill. While in the maze, the FADO collapsed. The FADO was removed from the maze training prop and on-scene emergency medical service (EMS) began advanced cardiac life support and transported the FADO to the emergency department (ED). Despite resuscitation efforts on-scene, during transport, and in the ED, the FADO died. The death certificate and autopsy report, both completed by the Medical Examiner's office, listed the cause of death as "atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease." The autopsy reported moderate to severe focal coronary artery atherosclerosis, an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly), and left ventricular hypertrophy. Based on the autopsy findings and the clinical scenario, NIOSH investigators conclude that the physical exertion associated with the physical readiness assessment and SCBA maze training triggered the FADO's sudden cardiac death. Key Recommendations: 1. Ensure that all fire fighters receive an annual medical evaluation consistent with NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. 2. Ensure fire fighters are cleared for duty by a physician knowledgeable about the physical demands of firefighting, the personal protective equipment used by fire fighters, and the various components of NFPA 1582. 3. Phase in a mandatory comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters. The following recommendation would not have prevented the FADO's death, but NIOSH investigators include them to address general safety and health issues: 1. Consider providing on-scene emergency medical services with advanced life support and transport capability during the PRA as is recommended during live fire training. 2. Adopt procedures to make sure that firefighters are properly supervised while they are doing training.
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FACE - Firefighter:
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Pages in Document:1-12
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NIOSHTIC Number:20046059
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NTIS Accession Number:PB2015-104135
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Citation:Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, FACE F2014-20, 2015 Apr; :1-12
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Federal Fiscal Year:2015
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Peer Reviewed:False
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Start Date:2014/05/30
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Resource Number:FACE-F2014-20
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