Download or read book Lieutenant Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death During Structure Fire Operations Arkansas written by Tommy N. Baldwin and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 12 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On January 26, 2010, a 52-year-old male volunteer lieutenant (LT) responded to a residential fire. At the scene, the LT, wearing street clothes, assisted in stretching two 1 3/4inch hose lines, carried a positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fan to the porch, and started the fan. After replenishing the fan's fuel supply, the LT collapsed. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was begun. The ambulance, already en route to the structure fire, arrived 6 minutes later, and advanced life support was begun. Despite CPR and advanced life support on scene, during transport, and in the hospital's emergency department (ED), the LT died. The death certificate and the autopsy listed "arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease" as the cause of death. Given the LT's severe underlying heart disease, NIOSH investigators concluded that the physical exertion involved in responding to the call, stretching the fire hoses, and carrying and starting the PPV fan triggered his sudden cardiac death. NIOSH investigators offer the following recommendations to address general safety and health issues. These recommended programs would have restricted the LT from participating in physically demanding emergency response activities. 1) Provide preplacement and annual medical evaluations to all fire fighters. 2) Ensure fire fighters are cleared for emergency response activities by a physician knowledgeable about the physical demands of fire fighting, the personal protective equipment used by fire fighters, and the various components of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582. 3) Phase in a comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters. 4) Perform a preplacement and an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation. 5) Provide fire fighters with medical clearance to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as part of the Fire Department's medical evaluation program. 6) Conduct annual respirator fit testing.

Download or read book Airport Fire Fighter Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death at Fire Station Arkansas written by J. Scott Jackson and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 9 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Designate an employee to administer the pre-placement and annual medical evaluations and their outcomes; perform an annual physical performance (physical abiltiy) evaluation; perform an autopsy on all on-duty fire fighter fatalities. Although unrelated to this fatality, the Fire Department should consider these additional recommendations: provide fire fighters with medical evaluations and clearance to wear SCBA; provide adequate fire fighter staffing to ensure safe operating conditions.

Download or read book Fire Chief Suffers Fatal Heart Attack While Fighting a Residential Structure Fire Arkansas written by Tommy N. Baldwin and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 16 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On the morning of January 28, 2014, a 53-year-old male career fire chief ("Chief") began his 9-hour shift. During the morning he spent over an hour fighting a grass fire using an attack line to knock down the flames and then wildland fire suppression tools to extinguish hot spots. During the ride back to the fire station, the Chief reported experiencing heartburn. At 1214 hours, the Chief used his command vehicle to respond to another grass fire. When the Chief arrived, the fire had spread to the land owner's residence. While waiting for the fire department's engine to arrive, the Chief began exterior fire attack. Once the engine arrived, the Chief and a lieutenant donned their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and began interior fire attack. During the attack, the Chief appeared sluggish and somewhat disoriented and did not communicate well. After about 15 minutes, the Chief's and the lieutenant's SCBA low air alarms sounded, and both exited the structure. Once outside, the Chief reported feeling sick and called the emergency medical services (EMS) director who recommended he come to their headquarters for an electrocardiogram (EKG). The Chief drove the command vehicle to headquarters with a mutual aid fire fighter as a passenger. He underwent an EKG, which revealed changes consistent with an acute heart attack. He was loaded into an ambulance for transport to the emergency department (ED) (1423 hours). Approximately 5 minutes into the transport, the Chief suffered cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support were begun, which included multiple defibrillation attempts, intubation, intravenous line placement, and cardiac resuscitation medications. The Chief was still in cardiac arrest when the ambulance arrived at the ED (1441 hours). After approximately 10 minutes of treatment in the ED, the Chief regained a heart rhythm and pulse. He was taken (1522 hours) to the cardiac catheterization lab where he was found to have 100% blockage of his proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty successfully opened the blockage; a stent was placed to keep the LAD artery open. Approximately 1 hour after being transferred to the intensive care unit, the Chief suffered another cardiac arrest (1735 hours). Subsequent resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the Chief was pronounced dead at 1800 hours. The death certificate and autopsy report, both completed by the associate state medical examiner, listed "hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease" as the cause of death. Given the Chief's underlying heart disease, NIOSH investigators concluded that the physical stress of performing interior fire suppression in turnout gear with SCBA probably triggered his heart attack.

Download or read book Lieutenant Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death at the Scene of a Structure Fire South Carolina written by Tommy N. Baldwin and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 8 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: (4) Phase in a mandatory wellness/fitness program for fire fighters to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular capacity. (5) Perform an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation to ensure fire fighters are physically capable of performing the essential job tasks of structural fire fighting; and (6) Perform an autopsy on all on-duty fire fighter fatalities.

Download or read book Lieutenant Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death After Structure Fire Florida written by Tommy N. Baldwin and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 12 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On March 26, 2009, a 60-year-old male career Lieutenant (LT) responded to nine emergency calls. The last call was at 2012 hours for a structure fire. At the fire scene the LT forced entry into the structure and extinguished the fire with a portable fire extinguisher. He then performed overhaul with his crew. After returning to the station, the LT went to his bunkroom. Approximately 30 minutes later, he was found unresponsive in his bunkroom's chair. Despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support (ALS) at the fire station, in the ambulance, and in the hospital's emergency department (ED), the LT died. The death certificate and the autopsy listed "coronary atherosclerosis with remote myocardial infarct" as the cause of death with "generalized atherosclerosis and pulmonary emphysema" as significant conditions. Given the LT's severe underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), NIOSH investigators concluded that the physical exertion involved in responding to nine calls and performing fire suppression and overhaul triggered his sudden cardiac death. NIOSH investigators offer the following recommendations to address general safety and health issues. It is unclear if these recommended programs would have prevented the LT's death. 1) Modify the FD's policy for conducting member exercise stress tests. 2) Phase in a comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters. 3) Ensure fire fighters are cleared for return to duty by a healthcare provider knowledgeable about the physical demands of fire fighting, the personal protective equipment used by fire fighters, and the various components of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582. 4) Perform an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation for all members. 5) Discontinue lumbar spine x-rays as a screening test administered during the preplacement medical evaluation.

Download or read book Lieutenant Suffers Fatal Heart Attack During Training Ohio written by Tommy N. Baldwin and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 15 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On March 31, 2010, a 53-year-old male career Lieutenant (LT) reported for duty as the officer on Squad 91. During his shift he participated in the Fire Department's (FD) annual self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) endurance evaluation. After completing the first evolution in about 15-20 minutes, the LT complained of shoulder pain and sat down to rest. Shortly thereafter, both on-duty crews were dispatched to separate emergency calls. The LT did not respond with Squad 91, and crew members assumed the LT was either taking a shower or had responded with the other crew. Upon returning to the fire station about 1 hour later, crew members found the LT unresponsive in his bunkroom. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support were begun, and the LT was transported to the local hospital's emergency department (ED). Advanced life support continued in the ED for an additional 10 minutes when he was pronounced dead by the ED physician. The autopsy, completed by the County Coroner, listed the cause of death as "acute thrombus of left anterior descending artery" due to "hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease." Given the LT's underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), NIOSH investigators concluded that the physical exertion involved in performing the SCBA endurance training triggered his acute heart attack and subsequent cardiac death. NIOSH investigators offer the following recommendations to address general safety and health issues. It is possible that if some of the recommended programs had been in place, the LT's death may have been prevented. 1) Incorporate exercise stress tests following standard medical guidelines into a Fire Department medical evaluation program. 2) Provide annual medical evaluations to all fire fighters consistent with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. 3) Ensure that fire fighters are cleared for return to duty by a physician knowledgeable about the physical demands of fire fighting, the personal protective equipment used by fire fighters, and the various components of NFPA 1582. The following recommendations are made for safety and health reasons and would not have prevented the LT's death. 1) Provide preplacement medical evaluations to all fire fighters consistent with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582. 2) Perform an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation for all members. 3) Phase in a comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters. 4) Use a secondary (technological) test to confirm appropriate placement of the endotracheal tube.

Download or read book Lieutenant Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death at Scene of a Brush Fire Missouri written by Denise L. Smith and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 14 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: and (6) provide fire fighters with medical clearance to wear SCBA as part of the Fire Department's medical evaluation program.

Download or read book Fire Fighter operator Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death While Operating a Fire Engine at a Structure Fire Louisiana written by Tommy N. Baldwin and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 15 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: (2) Ensure fire fighters are cleared for return to duty by a physician knowledgeable about the physical demands of fire fighting, the personal protective equipment used by fire fighters, and the various components of NFPA 1582. (3) Phase in a comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters. (4) Perform an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation. (5) Provide fire fighters with medical clearance to wear self-contained breathing apparatus as part of the Fire Department's annual medical evaluation program. (6) Conduct annual respirator fit testing. (7) Discontinue lumbar spine x-rays as a screening test administered during the preplacement medical evaluation.

Download or read book Career Fire Fighter Suffers Cardiac Arrest and Dies While Conducting Overhaul Operations at a Structure Fire Missouri written by Denise L. Smith and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 12 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 1) Consider providing symptom limiting and diagnostic imaging exercise stress tests for fire fighters at increased risk for coronary artery disease and sudden cardiac death. 2) Work with the local union to phase-in an annual physical ability test.

Download or read book Fire Fighter Trainee Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death During Maze Training Arkansas written by Tommy N. Baldwin and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 20 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On January 26, 2011, a 38-year-old male career fire fighter recruit ("Trainee") participated in an entry-level fire fighter certification class. The training included maneuvering through a tunnel maze while wearing full turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). After he completed most of the maze evolution, the Trainee's SCBA became stuck inside the tunnel. He tried to free himself for several minutes; meanwhile, his SCBA became low on air. Instructors removed the Trainee from the maze and noted that he was breathing hard and complaining of nausea. After rehabilitation, his symptoms resolved, and his vital signs returned to normal. The Trainee went on to complete the basement search portion of the smokehouse training without difficulty. After lunch, the Trainee repeated the maze evolution and became stuck in the same location. After assuring instructors he was okay, the Trainee suddenly became unresponsive. Instructors removed the Trainee from the maze and found him unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. An ambulance was requested, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was begun, and an automated external defibrillator was utilized; no shock was advised. Paramedics assigned to a nearby flight ambulance responded and began advanced life support including the administration of intravenous cardiac resuscitation medications. A cardiac monitor was placed, revealing asystole (no heart beat) and pulseless electrical activity. The ambulance arrived about 11 minutes later and transported the Trainee to the hospital's emergency department (ED), where CPR and advanced life support treatment continued. Approximately 47 minutes after his collapse, despite CPR and advanced life support, the Trainee died. The death certificate and the autopsy, completed by the medical examiner, listed "dilated cardiomyopathy" due to "hypertensive cardiovascular disease" as the cause of death. NIOSH investigators concluded that the Trainee's underlying cardiomyopathy coupled with the physical exertion involved in performing the fire fighter training triggered his sudden cardiac death.

Download or read book Lieutenant Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death During the Pack Test Arizona written by Tommy N. Baldwin and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 12 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On March 8, 2014, a 61-year-old male paid-call lieutenant (LT) performed the U. S. Forest Service arduous duty Work Capacity Test (WCT), also known as the "Pack Test." The test is a required component of "red card certification" allowing wildland firefighters to work on federal property. The Pack Test requires a 3-mile walk within 45 minutes while wearing a 45-pound weighted vest. After completing 6 laps around the track (1.5 miles), the LT stumbled, appeared dizzy, and then collapsed. Crewmembers assessed him and found him unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse; they initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support (ALS). Despite CPR and ALS on-scene and in the hospital's emergency department (ED), the LT could not be revived. The death certificate and the autopsy, completed by the County Medical Examiner, listed "complications of acute myocardial infarct (heart attack)" due to "hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease" as the cause of death. The LT had a left ventricular rupture and cardiac tamponade. Prior to this incident, the LT was not known to have coronary heart disease (CHD). The NIOSH investigators concluded that the physical stress of the Pack Test probably precipitated his left ventricle rupture in an area weakened by an asymptomatic heart attack occurring approximately 1 week earlier. It is unclear if any of the following recommendations would have prevented the LT's death. Nonetheless, NIOSH investigators offer the following recommendations to reduce the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest among fire fighters at this and other FDs. Provide preplacement and annual medical evaluations to all fire fighters consistent with NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, to identify fire fighters at increased risk for CHD. Perform exercise stress tests on fire fighters at increased risk for CHD. Check Pack Test participants' vital signs before testing. Require the completion of a Health Screen Questionnaire (HSQ) prior to participating in the Pack Test.

Download or read book Fire Fighter Suffers On duty Sudden Cardiac Death Missouri written by Tommy N. Baldwin and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 13 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On October 23, 2010, a 37-year-old male career fire fighter (FF) was working a 24-hour shift as the driver/operator of the tanker. During the shift he responded to two emergency calls. At the first call, a dwelling fire, the FF participated in interior structural fire fighting. At the second fire, a mutual aid call, the FF provided water supply. During the remainder of the shift, the FF performed about 2 hours of physical fitness training. That evening, he was having trouble falling asleep and remained in the day room where he sent a text message to a friend at midnight. The next morning crew members found the FF deceased and notified the coroner. The death certificate listed "sudden cardiac death probably exasperated (sic) or induced by overexertion fighting two structure fires while on duty" as the cause of death. The autopsy listed "cardiac arrhythmia secondary to dilated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and severe arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease" as the cause of death. Given the FF's underlying dilated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, NIOSH investigators concluded that the physical stress of fire suppression activities and physical fitness training triggered a fatal heart arrhythmia. NIOSH investigators offer the following recommendations to address general safety and health issues. It is unclear, however, whether these recommendations could have prevented the FF's death. NIOSH investigators offer the following recommendations to address general safety and health issues. It is unlikely, however, that any of these recommendations would have prevented the Trainee's death. Provide preplacement and annual medical evaluations to all fire fighters in accordance with NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. Ensure that fire fighters are cleared for return to duty by a physician knowledgeable about the physical demands of fire fighting, the personal protective equipment used by fire fighters, and the various components of NFPA 1582. Phase in a mandatory comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters. Perform a candidate and an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation for all members. Provide fire fighters with medical clearance to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as part of the Fire Department's medical evaluation program.

Download or read book Fire Fighter Suffers Heart Attack and Dies After Fighting a Structure Fire Louisiana written by Tommy Baldwin and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 12 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On December 3, 2011, a 45-year-old male volunteer fire fighter ("the FF") was dispatched to a structure fire. Wearing turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) off-air, the FF assisted in exterior fire suppression operations followed by interior overhaul (SCBA on-air) for a total of 30 minutes. After 10 minutes of self-rehabilitation, the FF assisted in breaking down hoselines when he commented that he "felt funny." He walked to the rescue unit and suddenly collapsed (0541 hours). Crew members notified dispatch to request an ambulance while cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was begun and an automated external defibrillator (AED) was placed; three shocks were administered. Advanced life support was provided by the ambulance personnel at the scene and during transport to the local hospital emergency department (ED). Inside the ED, the FF's pulse returned, but he never regained consciousness. An acute heart attack was diagnosed and emergency cardiac catheterization was performed with stent placement. The FF, however, suffered recurring bouts of ventricular fibrillation in the catheterization lab and in the intensive care unit over a period of 4 hours. At 1120 hours the FF was declared dead and resuscitation efforts were discontinued. The death certificate and the autopsy report listed "myocardial infarction" as the cause of death. Given the FF's underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), NIOSH investigators concluded that the physical stress of fire suppression activities triggered his heart attack which resulted in sudden cardiac death.

Download or read book Fire Fighter Suffers Heart Attack During Structural Fire Fighting Operations and Dies 8 Days Later Kentucky written by Tommy N. Baldwin and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 13 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On June 30, 2011, a 49-year-old male volunteer fire fighter (FF) responded to a residential structure fire. The FF, wearing full turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on-air, climbed a 14-foot ladder to the second floor and performed exterior and interior fire suppression activities for about 30 minutes. After the fire was brought under control, he started to perform overhaul (mop-up) operations on the second floor when he suddenly collapsed. Crew members carried the FF down the stairs and outside the dwelling. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was begun as an ambulance was requested. The ambulance arrived, advanced life support was provided, and the FF was transported to the local hospital's emergency department (ED). In the ED, the FF regained a pulse but remained minimally responsive and was flown to a regional hospital where angioplasty was performed. Over the next 8 days, his condition did not improve and, after consulting with the family, the decision was made to remove the FF from life support. The attending physician pronounced him dead at 0434 hours on July 8, 2011. The death certificate listed "myocardial infarct" due to "cardiac arrest" as the cause of death. No autopsy was performed. Carboxyhemoglobin levels were not measured to test for carbon monoxide exposure. Given the FF's known underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), NIOSH investigators concluded that the physical exertion of responding to the call and suppressing the fire triggered his heart attack, which caused his death. NIOSH investigators offer the following recommendations to address general safety and health issues. Had some of these recommended programs been in place, it is possible the FF's death may have been prevented. Provide preplacement and annual medical evaluations to all fire fighters. Ensure fire fighters are cleared for return to duty by a physician knowledgeable about the physical demands of fire fighting, the personal protective equipment used by fire fighters, and the various components of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582. Phase in a comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters. Perform a preplacement and an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation. Provide fire fighters with medical clearance to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as part of the Fire Department's medical evaluation program. Use a secondary (technological) test to confirm appropriate placement of the endotracheal tube. Perform an autopsy on all on-duty fire fighter fatalities.

Download or read book Instructor in charge Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death During Live Fire Training Pennsylvania written by Denise L. Smith and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 10 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On September 25, 2011, a 38-year-old male volunteer lieutenant (LT) was serving as the instructor-in-charge during live fire training. The LT spent about 60 minutes setting up the training drills and then spent about 30 minutes debriefing and orienting the instructors and trainees. He was inside the specially designed burn building attending the fires when his low air alarm sounded and he exited the building. After changing his air cylinder, he began debriefing the fire department (FD) chief when he suddenly lost consciousness. Fellow firefighters immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and attached an automated external defibrillator (AED) which delivered a series of shocks that did not revive the LT. An ambulance arrived on scene about 12 minutes after the LT collapsed and provided advanced life support (ALS) while en route to the local hospital's emergency department. Despite these efforts, the LT never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1120 hours, approximately 40 minutes after losing consciousness. The death certificate and autopsy listed "cardiac dysrhythmia due to hypertrophic cardiomegaly" as the cause of death. Given the underlying heart abnormalities found at autopsy, the moderate-to-heavy physical exertion during the training most likely triggered a sudden cardiac event.

Download or read book Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in written by and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Career Lieutenant Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death at His Station After Making Multiple Runs During the Day Tennessee written by J. Scott Jackson and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 11 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On October 24, 2005, the Lieutenant (LT) arrived for duty at his fire station at 0700 hours. Throughout the morning the crew checked the fire apparatus and equipment, then performed station housework (cleaning, sweeping, mopping, etc.). During the day, the crew responded to four incidents: two fire alarms and two EMS calls. During all four responses, the LT performed only light physical activity. Later that evening, while sitting in a chair, the LT collapsed. Despite exhaustive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed at the scene, in the ambulance, and in the emergency department (ED) of the local hospital, the LT died. The autopsy, completed by the medical examiner, revealed marked enlargement of the heart with left ventricular hypertrophy.