Physiological Stress Associated with Structural Firefighting Observed in Professional Firefighters

By Fire Smoke Coalition

In the last few months too many firefighters have suffered cardiac arrest that have resulted in death.  While there are many factors associated with heart disease, Dr. Jim Brown’s study should be placed at the top of your reading list.

A primary goal of this project was to investigate the physical rigor of real fire scene work. Fire scene work tasks may differ widely with respect to their cardiovascular and respiratory stress. The project sought to illustrate normative data for multiple fire ground tasks including fire attack, search & rescue, exterior ventilation, and overhaul activities.

The presence of an independent observer (scientist) on the fire ground provided the opportunity to describe the fire scene environment under which firefighter physiology data was being collected.  Subsequent analysis allowed the identification of the fire scene factors having the greatest impact on firefighter physiology.  These factors were also prioritized with respect to their relative importance.

The full access to firefighters provided by the study also allowed some investigation into the physiological aspects of answering emergency calls.  Specifically, a comparison of emotional stress and anxiety between on and off duty life may provide some insight into a source of firefighter risk for development of heart disease.   

In conclusion, it appears that firefighting activity presents significant cardiovascular and respiratory stress. Recent evidence suggests that a majority of the cardiovascular-related line of duty deaths are caused by underlying heart disease. It is clear from the data collected here that fire scene work exposes the firefighter to a substantial potential for triggering cardiovascular events. Therefore, firefighters with pre-existing cardiovascular disease exposed to the physical and emotional stress of a fire scene are in extreme risk of a experiencing a myocardial infarction, stroke or other cardiovascular system collapse.

The fire scene is alive with many potential complicating exposure factors (toxic gases, particulates etc.) and it is certainly possible that working on a fire scene may contribute to the progression of the disease state. However, the best defense against the progression of the disease is a health monitoring plan coupled with a sound physical training program, and adequate operating procedures to lessen exposures. The National Fire Protection Association has issued guidelines for such programs and, in the case of physical training program, suggests they be made mandatory (49). Although this guideline meets with resistance from every faction of the fire service, departments, unions, and firefighters alike, it is a simple fact that sound physical training programs are the only way line of duty deaths due to heart attacks are going to be reduced.

Read the complete study.

For more information, please visit www.SaferResponder.com

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