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NIOSH Investigation Report: Maryland
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The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program has released the investigation report of the line of duty death of a Maryland captain who suffered a cardiac event after completing physical exercise and one day after fire training.
On January 31, 2008 the Captain was an instructor for fireground operations training at the City Training Academy. The following day, February 1, the Captain ran for approximately 1 mile on a treadmill at his home. Shortly after completing the run, he grabbed his chest and collapsed. An ambulance crew from the local volunteer fire department (FD) responded to his residence and initiated advanced life support (ALS).
After being worked on for about 30 minutes, the Captain was transported to the local hospital emergency department. ALS measures continued in the emergency department for another 10 minutes without change in the Captain’s condition and he was pronounced dead. The medical examiner listed the cause of death as "Hypertensive Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.” NIOSH investigators agree with this assessment and conclude that the physical exertion associated with the Captain’s physical fitness program triggered his sudden cardiac death.
The NIOSH report makes the following recommendations:
Read the Report
Captain Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death Just After Physical Exercise
The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program has released the investigation report of the line of duty death of a Maryland captain who suffered a cardiac event after completing physical exercise and one day after fire training.
On January 31, 2008 the Captain was an instructor for fireground operations training at the City Training Academy. The following day, February 1, the Captain ran for approximately 1 mile on a treadmill at his home. Shortly after completing the run, he grabbed his chest and collapsed. An ambulance crew from the local volunteer fire department (FD) responded to his residence and initiated advanced life support (ALS).
After being worked on for about 30 minutes, the Captain was transported to the local hospital emergency department. ALS measures continued in the emergency department for another 10 minutes without change in the Captain’s condition and he was pronounced dead. The medical examiner listed the cause of death as "Hypertensive Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.” NIOSH investigators agree with this assessment and conclude that the physical exertion associated with the Captain’s physical fitness program triggered his sudden cardiac death.
The NIOSH report makes the following recommendations:
- Provide mandatory pre-placement and periodic medical evaluations to all fire fighters consistent with the National Fire Protection Association (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.
- Develop a comprehensive wellness/fitness program for fire fighters to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and improve cardiovascular capacity.
Read the Report
Captain Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death Just After Physical Exercise
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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Having just gone through a bodyscan that was offered free to firefighters and their spouses due to our local being affiliated through the LAFD firefighters medical insurance, I was advised that I have plaque in my anterior coronary artery, causing a condition known as the "widowmaker". I would not have known that this condition exists without going through the bodyscan. Being a hazmat guy, every year I had to undergo a complete physical including a cardiac workup that included a stress ekg. Nothing has ever shown up over my career of close to 30 years that was negative. I am asymptomatic, but highly motivated to both change diet and increase physical conditioning efforts. The good news so far is that by diet, vitamins and Omega III fish oil pills, the cardiac plaque deposits can be successfully dissolved. The plaque in my aorta is a different matter that has to be addressed.
Bottom Line: Get a body scan to give you heads up way in advance. This is the best preplanning you can do for yourself. To not do so means that you could end up on a metal table.
CBz
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