Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report: Major Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death During Physical Fitness Training in Kentucky

摘要

On January 17, 2010, a 51-year-old male volunteer Major responded to a reported residential fire. The reported fire turned out to be steam from a shower. Three hours after returning home, the Major went to exercise at a local fitness facility with his trainer. After walking on a treadmill for approximately 25 minutes, the Major had a short cool down period when he suddenly collapsed. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support were begun as an ambulance was requested. Despite CPR and advanced life support by the fitness center staff, fire department (FD) emergency medical technicians, ambulance paramedics, and hospital's emergency department (ED) staff, the Major died. The death certificate, completed by the attending physician, listed 'ischemic heart disease with cardiac arrest' due to 'coronary artery disease' as the cause of death. The autopsy, completed by the County Coroner, listed 'ischemic heart disease' as the cause of death. Given the Major's severe underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), NIOSH investigators concluded that the physical exertion involved in performing physical fitness training triggered his sudden cardiac death. NIOSH investigators offer the following recommendations to address general safety and health issues. It is unclear if these recommendations would have prevented the Major's death: (1) Perform an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation. (2) Phase in a comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters.