Fire Marshal Suffers Cardiac Arrest and a Probable Heart Attack During a Fire Department Physical Ability Test - Utah

Fire Marshal Suffers Cardiac Arrest and a Probable Heart Attack During a Fire Department Physical Ability Test - Utah PDF Author: Thomas R. Hales
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ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 20

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Book Description
On August 26, 2011, a 55-year-old male Fire Marshal suffered a sudden cardiac event during a fire department (FD) physical ability test (PAT). The test, a job-related simulation, involved completing 10 evolutions of essential fire fighter tasks in full turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (off-air / no mask) within 19 minutes. The test began about 0715 hours at the FD headquarters with two test proctors and two FD members from the adjoining fire station in attendance. The Fire Marshal completed the first 8 evolutions without any difficulty. About halfway along the ninth evolution the Fire Marshal stumbled and fell while dragging a 175-pound manikin. After taking a short break to catch his breath, he said "I gotta finish," and proceeded to the apparatus bay for the last evolution. The Fire Marshal looked exhausted; he was very short of breath and had ashen skin color and cyanotic lips. He was unable to complete the evolution before the 19-minute PAT completion time elapsed. He flopped into a chair and then asked to lie down. His breathing became very shallow and fast as his turnout coat was removed. He was treated at the scene for low oxygen saturation and low blood pressure. As the Fire Marshal was loaded into the ambulance he suffered a cardiac arrest, but regained a heart rhythm enroute to the local hospitals emergency department (ED). Upon arrival at the ED, the Fire Marshal was hypotensive and unresponsive. Subsequent blood tests indicated a probable heart attack. The Fire Marshal did not regain consciousness and died on August 28, 2011. The death certificate and the autopsy, both completed by the assistant medical examiner, listed "hypertensive cardiovascular disease" as the cause of death. Given the Fire Marshal's cardiac findings at autopsy (concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and focal acute myocardial infarction [heart attack] of the posterior wall), the NIOSH investigator concludes that the heavy physical exertion required to complete the PAT in full turnout gear triggered a heart attack and/or a heart arrhythmia (asystole) which resulted in cardiogenic shock.

Fire Marshal Suffers Cardiac Arrest and a Probable Heart Attack During a Fire Department Physical Ability Test - Utah

Fire Marshal Suffers Cardiac Arrest and a Probable Heart Attack During a Fire Department Physical Ability Test - Utah PDF Author: Thomas R. Hales
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 20

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Book Description
On August 26, 2011, a 55-year-old male Fire Marshal suffered a sudden cardiac event during a fire department (FD) physical ability test (PAT). The test, a job-related simulation, involved completing 10 evolutions of essential fire fighter tasks in full turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (off-air / no mask) within 19 minutes. The test began about 0715 hours at the FD headquarters with two test proctors and two FD members from the adjoining fire station in attendance. The Fire Marshal completed the first 8 evolutions without any difficulty. About halfway along the ninth evolution the Fire Marshal stumbled and fell while dragging a 175-pound manikin. After taking a short break to catch his breath, he said "I gotta finish," and proceeded to the apparatus bay for the last evolution. The Fire Marshal looked exhausted; he was very short of breath and had ashen skin color and cyanotic lips. He was unable to complete the evolution before the 19-minute PAT completion time elapsed. He flopped into a chair and then asked to lie down. His breathing became very shallow and fast as his turnout coat was removed. He was treated at the scene for low oxygen saturation and low blood pressure. As the Fire Marshal was loaded into the ambulance he suffered a cardiac arrest, but regained a heart rhythm enroute to the local hospitals emergency department (ED). Upon arrival at the ED, the Fire Marshal was hypotensive and unresponsive. Subsequent blood tests indicated a probable heart attack. The Fire Marshal did not regain consciousness and died on August 28, 2011. The death certificate and the autopsy, both completed by the assistant medical examiner, listed "hypertensive cardiovascular disease" as the cause of death. Given the Fire Marshal's cardiac findings at autopsy (concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and focal acute myocardial infarction [heart attack] of the posterior wall), the NIOSH investigator concludes that the heavy physical exertion required to complete the PAT in full turnout gear triggered a heart attack and/or a heart arrhythmia (asystole) which resulted in cardiogenic shock.

Fire Chief Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death During Emergency Medical Response - Utah

Fire Chief Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death During Emergency Medical Response - Utah PDF Author: Tommy N. Baldwin
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 14

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Book Description
(3) 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. (4) Phase in a comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters. (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.

Fire Chief Suffers Cardiac Arrest at Brush Fire - North Carolina

Fire Chief Suffers Cardiac Arrest at Brush Fire - North Carolina PDF Author: Denise L. Smith
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ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 13

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Book Description
On March 3, 2013, a 44-year-old Fire Chief experienced coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing while functioning as incident commander at a brush fire. The Chief drove himself to an on-scene ambulance and requested assistance. On-scene emergency medical service (EMS) personnel performed an initial assessment, initiated care, and began transport. En route to the emergency department (ED), the Chief suffered cardiac and respiratory arrest. Despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the ambulance for about 60 minutes, the Chief died. The death certificate and autopsy report, both completed by the County Medical Examiner's office, listed the cause of death as "atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease." The autopsy revealed a massively enlarged heart with severe coronary atherosclerosis. Given the presentation of his illness and his underlying heart disease discovered at autopsy, the Chief's respiratory distress was probably due to acute exacerbation of undiagnosed heart failure, precipitated by any of the following: a hypertensive crisis, ischemia, a heart attack, or a primary arrhythmia. NIOSH offers the following recommendations to reduce the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest among fire fighters at this and other fire departments across the country. Ensure that all fire fighters receive an annual medical evaluation consistent with NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. 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. Phase in a mandatory comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters.

Preventing Fire Fighter Fatalities Due to Heart Attacks and Other Sudden Cardiovascular Events

Preventing Fire Fighter Fatalities Due to Heart Attacks and Other Sudden Cardiovascular Events PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Cardiovascular system
Languages : en
Pages : 44

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Book Description


Fire Chief Suffers Fatal Heart Attack - New Hampshire

Fire Chief Suffers Fatal Heart Attack - New Hampshire PDF Author: Denise L. Smith
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ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 11

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Book Description
On September 2, 2012, a 52-year-old Fire Chief experienced chest pains while working at the station. Fire department (FD) personnel transported the Chief to the hospital where he suffered a cardiac arrest and died. The death certificate and autopsy report listed the cause of death as "acute myocardial infarction" due to "arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease." Activities at the fire station on the morning of September 2 and his duties as the Fire Chief during the State Fair were temporally related to his angina, heart attack, and sudden cardiac death. NIOSH offers the following recommendations to reduce the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest among fire fighters at this and other fire departments across the country. Ensure that all fire fighters receive an annual medical evaluation consistent with NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. 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. Phase in a mandatory comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters.

Fire Fighter Suffers a Heart Attack and Dies After Completing Work Capacity Test - Idaho

Fire Fighter Suffers a Heart Attack and Dies After Completing Work Capacity Test - Idaho PDF Author: Tommy N. Baldwin
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ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 16

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Book Description
5) Ensure that fire fighters participate in a mandatory wellness/fitness program designed for wildland fire fighters to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular capacity. 6) Perform an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation to ensure fire fighters are physically capable of performing the essential job tasks of structural firefighting. 7) Provide fire fighters with medical evaluations and clearance to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs). 8) Perform an autopsy on all on-duty fire fighter fatalities.

Wildland Fire Fighter Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death After Performing Mop-up/overhaul Operations at Two Wildland Fires - Florida

Wildland Fire Fighter Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death After Performing Mop-up/overhaul Operations at Two Wildland Fires - Florida PDF Author: J. Scott Jackson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 8

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Book Description
Nonetheless, the NIOSH investigators offer these recommendations to reduce the risk of on-the-job heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest among fire fighters. (1) Provide mandatory pre-placement and annual medical evaluations to ALL fire fighters consistent with the most recent edition (2003) of NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. (2) Phase in a mandatory wellness/fitness program for fire fighters to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular capacity; and (3) Perform an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation to ensure all fire fighters are physically capable of performing the essential job tasks of wildland fire fighting.

Fire Chief Suffers Fatal Heart Attack While Responding to a Structure Fire - Pennsylvania

Fire Chief Suffers Fatal Heart Attack While Responding to a Structure Fire - Pennsylvania PDF Author: Tommy N. Baldwin
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 12

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Book Description
(3) Ensure fire fighters are cleared for return to 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. (4) Phase in a comprehensive wellness and 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 firefighting. (6) Provide fire fighters with medical clearance to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as part of the Fire Department's medical evaluation program.

Fire Fighter Suffers Cardiac Arrest at Structure Fire - Illinois

Fire Fighter Suffers Cardiac Arrest at Structure Fire - Illinois PDF Author: Tommy N. Baldwin
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 9

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Book Description
2) Provide mandatory annual medical evaluations to ALL fire fighters to determine their medical ability to perform duties without presenting a significant risk to the safety and health of themselves or others. 3) Ensure that fire fighters are cleared for duty by a physician knowledgeable about the physical demands of fire fighting and the various components of NFPA 1582. 4) Provide fire fighters with medical evaluations and clearance to wear SCBA. 5) Incorporate exercise stress tests into the fire department's medical evaluation program. 6) Phase in a mandatory wellness/fitness program for fire fighters to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular capacity.

Fire Apparatus Operator Suffers Fatal Heart Attack During Annual Fire Department Medical Evaluatin - Missouri

Fire Apparatus Operator Suffers Fatal Heart Attack During Annual Fire Department Medical Evaluatin - Missouri PDF Author: Tommy N. Baldwin
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ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 16

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Book Description
On January 7, 2011, a 54-year-old male career Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO) participated in the Fire Department (FD) mandatory annual medical evaluation program scheduled while the FAO and his crew were on-duty. After completing several portions of the evaluation, the FAO began the exercise stress test component. After exercising for 3 minutes, 10 seconds, the FAO developed a life threatening arrhythmia (ventricular tachycardia), and the test was stopped. While being assisted to the examination table and while an ambulance was summoned, the FAO lost consciousness. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support (ALS) were administered at the medical clinic, in the ambulance, and in the hospital's emergency department (ED). In the ED, the FAO regained a heart rhythm, and an electrocardiogram (EKG) showed signs consistent with a heart attack (myocardial infarction). The FAO was taken to the catheterization lab with a very low blood pressure (cardiogenic shock). A 95% blockage of one of his main coronary arteries was opened via angioplasty and a stent. While still in the catheterization lab, the FAO suffered another cardiac arrest from which he could not be revived. The death certificate and the autopsy listed "atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease" as the cause of death. Given the FAO's severe underlying heart disease, NIOSH investigators concluded that the physical exertion involved in the exercise stress test probably triggered a heart attack resulting in the FAO's death. NIOSH investigators offer the following recommendations to address general safety and health issues. It is unclear, however, if these recommendations would have prevented the FAO's death. 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. Ensure that all members participate in the Fire Department's mandatory wellness/fitness program. Perform an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation. Notify the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the clinic defibrillator was not working properly.