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Fire Apparatus Driver Operator Experiences Chest Pain While Exercising at Fire Station and Dies Three Days Later due to a Pulmonary Embolus – Maryland
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2009/10/01
[PDF-674.21 KB]
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Description:Death in the line of duty…A summary of a NIOSH fire fighter fatality investigation
On January 9, 2008, a 36 year old Fire Apparatus Driver Operator (D/O) reported for duty at 0700 hours. Later that afternoon the D/O began walking on an exercise treadmill - a sanctioned activity that the Fire Department (FD) encourages while on-duty. While exercising, the D/O experienced chest discomfort. After being evaluated by a paramedic in the station, the D/O was transported and admitted to a local hospital. A number of medical tests were conducted focusing on a cardiac etiology including a cardiac catheterization which revealed no significant coronary artery disease. The D/O was discharged two days later (January 11) and instructed to report to the Fire Department's health care provider for a "return to work" evaluation. On January 12, the D/O collapsed at his residence. An advanced life support (ALS) unit responded to the scene and found the D/O in severe respiratory distress. Upon arrival in the hospital's emergency department, the D/O went into cardiac arrest. Despite advanced life support (ALS) provided by personnel in the emergency department, the D/O died. The autopsy listed "occlusive bilateral pulmonary thromboembolism" [pulmonary embolism (PE)] as the cause of death. Given the cause of death, it is unlikely the Fire Department (FD) could have prevented the death of this D/O. Therefore, the following recommendations address general health and safety issues facing this FD and the Fire Service in general. NIOSH offers the following recommendations to reduce the risk of on-the-job cardiovascular events among fire fighters at this and other fire departments across the country: 1. Provide mandatory annual medical evaluations to all fire fighters consistent with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. 2. Develop a comprehensive wellness/fitness program for fire fighters to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular (CVD) and improve cardiovascular capacity.
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FACE - Firefighter:
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Pages in Document:1-9
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NIOSHTIC Number:20036104
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NTIS Accession Number:PB2010-103433
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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 F2009-14, 2009 Oct; :1-9
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Federal Fiscal Year:2010
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Peer Reviewed:False
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Start Date:2008/01/09
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Resource Number:FACE-F2009-14
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