Why are heart attacks so common in firefighters?

“However, the research clearly shows that the stress of firefighting – the heavy muscular work, heat stress, sympathetic nervous system activation, and exposure to smoke – can trigger a cardiac event in individuals with underlying disease,” Smith said.

What hazards are firefighters exposed to?

The results indicate that firefighters are frequently exposed to significant concentrations of hazardous materials including carbon monoxide, benzene, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, aldehydes, hydrogen chloride, dichlorofluoromethane, and particulates.

What are the most common line of duty illnesses and injuries that affect firefighters?

Sprains, strains and other muscular injuries are the most common injuries firefighters receive in the line of duty.

What percentage of firefighter line of duty deaths are cardiac related?

In the U.S., about 45 percent of firefighters’ on-duty deaths are due to cardiovascular events. The harsh conditions can cause injury to the heart and may explain the link between fire suppression and risk of heart attacks.

How many firefighters died of heart attacks?

Data from the National Fire Protection Association found that, of the 60 firefighter fatalities that occurred in 2017, 29 were because of sudden cardiac death. Firefighters, as an occupation, have some of the highest rates of heart disease, heart attacks, and sudden cardiac death.

Can you be a firefighter with a heart condition?

As a brief overview, disqualifying medical conditions (Category A) include: monochromatic or monocular vision, inability to wear a respirator, active pulmonary hypertension or tuberculosis, severe obstructive lung diseases, certain coronary diseases, cardiac pacemaker, hernia, uncontrolled epilepsy, and obstructive …

What are the four 4 conditions that commonly pose a breathing hazard to firefighters?

One of the major hazards associated with firefighting operations is the toxic environment created by combustible materials. The four major risks are smoke, oxygen deficiency, elevated temperatures, and poisonous atmospheres. To combat some of these risks, firefighters carry self-contained breathing apparatus.

What are the four basic respiratory hazards that a firefighter may face in the line of duty?

respiratory hazards at emergency scenes: oxygen deficiency, elevated temperatures, smoke, and toxic atmospheres. Each of these can have both physical and mental effects on the firefighter if proper respiratory protection precautions are not taken.

What are firefighter duties?

To respond to fire alarms, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, urban rescue and other calls to protect life and property; to participate in fire prevention and training; and to maintain the fire station and firefighting equipment.

What was the leading cause of firefighter line-of-duty deaths in 2019?

Of 2019 on-duty firefighter deaths in the U.S., 54\% were due to medical emergencies, overexertion, or stress (included in this category were 22 heart attacks or other sudden cardiac deaths, 2 strokes, 1 heatstroke, and 1 suicide); 13\% by fire progress (such as being trapped or overrun) or explosions, 8\% were struck by …

Can extreme heat cause heart attacks in firefighters?

New research adds another danger to the already long list of hazards associated with one of the riskiest jobs on earth: extreme heat has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks in firefighters. A new study explains the link between firefighting and experiencing cardiovascular events.

What are the long-term health risks to firefighters?

Another long-term health risk to firefighters is exposure to high levels of sound, which can cause hearing loss. Hearing loss in firefighters increases with age and the number of years working as a firefighter. The most common causes of excessive sound exposure are sirens, fire alarms, and work tools.

Why do fire fighters get tired so easily?

The heat stress and exertion can cause fatigue. Fire fighters can be exposed to excessive noise levels. Fire fighters are also required to work outdoors a great deal of the time. As a result, they may be exposed to extreme temperatures (both cold and heat) in addition to the heat of the fire.

What are the thermoregulatory demands during firefighting activities?

Thermoregulatory Demands During Firefighting Activities. The most serious consequence of exposure to intense heat is heat stroke, which may be fatal. It is caused by a sudden collapse of temperature regulation, leading to a marked rise in body heat. The rectal temperature may be 105.8 degrees F or higher.