Health and Fitness Programming for Fire Fighters

Blevins, Jennifer S.; Bounds, R. G.; Armstrong, Eamon; Coast, J. R.

doi:10.1249/00005768-200605001-02782

Cited by 29 publications

(29 citation statements)

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Section: Recommendation #3: Phase In a Mandatory Comprehensive Wellnementioning

confidence: 99%

44-year-old female firefighter suffers sudden cardiac arrest at station - Georgia.

2019

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Executive SummaryOn March 12, 2018, at approximately 0700 hours a 44-year-old female career firefighter (FF) completed a physical ability test (PAT) at the beginning of her 24-hour shift and then reported to the station and was assigned as the driver of the rescue unit. The FF and her crew responded to a full cardiac arrest late in the morning and then to a motor vehicle accident (MVA) shortly thereafter. Around 1200 hours, the crew returned to the station. Within 5 minutes of returning to the station, the FF complained of burning in her throat and grasped her shirt. As fellow fire department members were assessing the FF, she went into cardiac arrest. Paramedics in the station initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and delivered two manual shocks. The transport ambulance arrived on scene at 1215 hours and participated in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). The FF was loaded into the ambulance and resuscitation efforts were continued en route to the hospital emergency department (ED). Hospital ED personnel continued resuscitation efforts unsuccessfully for approximately 20 minutes. The FF was pronounced dead at 1306 hours.The death certificate and the Medical Examiner's report listed the FF's cause of death as "occlusive coronary artery disease" due to "atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease". The autopsy found complete occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) investigators concluded that the physical exertion of the PAT and emergency responses triggered a myocardial infarction in an individual with underyling cardiovascular disease.The FF was a non-smoker and was very physically active. She had hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) and had begun medication for this within the past 3 months. Key RecommendationsNIOSH offers the following recommendations to reduce the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest among firefighters at this and other fire departments across the country.• Ensure that all firefighters receive an annual medical evaluation consistent with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments • Ensure firefighters are cleared for duty by a physician knowledgeable about the physical demands of firefighting, the personal protective equipment used by firefighters, and the various components of NFPA 1582• Phase in a mandatory comprehensive wellness and fitness program for firefighters• Continue to perform annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluations.

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Section: Recommendation #3: Phase In a Mandatory Comprehensive Wellnementioning

confidence: 99%

44-year-old female firefighter suffers sudden cardiac arrest at station - Georgia.

2019

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“…Worksite health promotion programs have been shown to be cost effective by increasing productivity, reducing absenteeism, and reducing the number of work-related injuries and lost work days [Pelletier 2009;Baicker et al 2010]. Fire service health promotion programs have been shown to reduce coronary artery disease risk factors and improve fitness levels, with mandatory programs showing the most benefit [Dempsey et al 2002;Womack et al 2005;Blevins et al 2006;Poston et al 2013]. A study conducted by the Oregon Health and Science University reported a savings of more than $1 million for each of four large fire departments implementing the IAFF/IAFC wellness/fitness program compared to four large fire departments not implementing a program.…”

Section: Recommendation #5: Phase In a Mandatory Comprehensive Wellnementioning

confidence: 99%

Captain suffers a heart attack at a motor vehicle fire and subsequently dies - Nebraska.

2017

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Executive SummaryOn April 16, 2015, a 42-year-old male volunteer captain (the "Captain") participated in auto extrication training. He set up the extrication tools and performed a door frame cut. The fire department was then dispatched to a motor vehicle fire. The Captain drove the tanker to the fire scene. He performed fire suppression duties. He then drove a tanker to a nearby town to refill the tanker's water supply. He arrived back at the scene and assisted with overhaul. Then the Captain assisted getting a vehicle off the tow-along trailer. After the fire was declared under control, he remained at the scene to wash debris from the roadway. As the Captain prepared to leave the scene, he remarked to the assistant chief that he did not feel well. The Captain exited the tanker and sat on the rear bumper. He related that he was having chest pressure. The Captain then entered the on-scene ambulance.

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“…Worksite health promotion programs have been shown to be cost effective by increasing productivity, reducing absenteeism, and reducing the number of workrelated injuries and lost work days [Pelletier 2009;Baicker et al 2010]. Fire service health promotion programs have been shown to reduce coronary artery disease risk factors and improve fitness levels, with mandatory programs showing the most benefit [Dempsey et al 2002;Womack et al 2005;Blevins et al 2006;Poston et al 2013]. A study conducted by the Oregon Health and Science University reported a savings of more than $1 million for each of four large fire departments implementing the IAFF/IAFC wellness/fitness program compared to four large fire departments not implementing a program.…”

Section: Fire Fighter/paramedic Suffers Heart Attack After Performingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fire fighter/paramedic suffers heart attack after performing physical fitness training and dies - Minnesota.

2016

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Executive SummaryIn August 2015, a 38-year old fire fighter/paramedic (FF/P) was working a 24-hour shift. During the shift he responded to five calls. He then exercised for about 1 hour in his fire station's gym. After showering, he developed chest tightness. He analyzed his own heart rhythm on a cardiac monitor, entered a restroom, and collapsed. Crew members found the FF/P. They began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support. They defibrillated the FF/P five times. Then they transported him to the hospital's emergency department (ED). ED staff continued CPR and advanced life support. The FF/P was taken emergently to the cardiac catheterization lab. Coronary angiography and balloon angioplasty revealed a totally occluded left anterior descending coronary artery. A stent was placed and the artery opened. However, the FF/P's heart rhythm remained in pulseless electrical activity/asystole and he was pronounced dead.The death certificate and the autopsy report listed "coronary artery thrombosis due to atherosclerotic heart disease" as the cause of death. They also listed "coronary vessel disease -coronary sclerosis" as a contributing factor. The FF/P's biventricular hypertrophy and coronary heart disease were undiagnosed before this incident. These underlying conditions and the exertion of physical fitness training contributed to the FF/P's heart attack. The heart attack resulted in his death. Key RecommendationsThe following recommendations address general safety and health issues and would not have prevented the FF/P's death:• 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 components of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582• Perform an annual physical ability evaluation• Phase in a mandatory comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters

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Health and Fitness Programming for Fire Fighters

Cited by 29 publications

References 0 publications

44-year-old female firefighter suffers sudden cardiac arrest at station - Georgia.

44-year-old female firefighter suffers sudden cardiac arrest at station - Georgia.

Captain suffers a heart attack at a motor vehicle fire and subsequently dies - Nebraska.

Fire fighter/paramedic suffers heart attack after performing physical fitness training and dies - Minnesota.

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