The United States Fire Administration (USFA) maintains a surveillance database of all Fire Fighters (FF) killed in the line of duty. From 1995 to 1998, the USFA registered 388 fatalities: 99% were men, median age range was 41-45 years, and 54% were volunteer FF. Using state population data, fatality rates (per 100,000,000) and rate ratios were calculated. The northeast (NE) had the highest rate of 70 (RR=2.1), followed by the south with 40, (RR=1.4), the north central (NC) with 20 (RR=1.3), and the west with 22 (RR=1). Heart attacks were the most common cause (44.6%), followed by internal trauma (30.2%), asphyxiation (14.2%), burns (3.9%), and electrocution (2.1%). Looking at just heart attack fatalities, the regional differences in rate ratios became more pronounced: NE had the highest rate with 35 (RR=5.8), followed by the NC with 14 (RR=2.3), the South with 13 (RR=2.1), and the West with 6 (RR=1.0). The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has initiated investigations into these regional differences thorough its Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program. Preliminary results from this NIOSH program suggest the absence of adequate medical screening programs as a potential contributing factor in these heart attack fatalities.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize federal surveillance efforts to track line-of-duty fire fighter fatalities. 2. Realize the number and characteristics of fire fighter fatalities. 3. Be aware of NIOSH efforts to further investigate the heart attack fatalities. 4. Be familiar with a variety of interventions, including medical screening programs, to prevent line-of-duty-deaths due to heart attacks
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: United States Fire Administration
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health