Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report: Fire Fighter Dies After Performing Ventilation at a Fire in a Two-Story Dwelling in Pennsylvania

摘要

On October 7, 2003, a 43-year-old male Fire Fighter (FF) responded to a fire in a two-story dwelling. After performing 'up and over' ventilation (climbing two ladders to the roof and removing windows below the roof line with a closet hook), the FF had a witnessed collapse on the roof. After approximately 47 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support (ALS) on-scene and at the hospital, the FF died. The death certificate and the autopsy, both completed by the City Medical Examiner, listed 'ischemic heart disease' as the immediate cause of death and 'smoke inhalation' as a significant condition. Pertinent autopsy results included mild coronary artery disease, fibrosis of the left ventricle (consistent with remote (old) heart attack), and cardiomegaly. Other agencies have proposed a three-pronged strategy for reducing the risk of on-duty heart attacks and cardiac arrests among fire fighters. This strategy consists of: (1) minimizing physical stress on fire fighters$ (2) screening to identify and subsequently rehabilitate individuals at higher risk$ and (3) encouraging increased individual physical capacity. Issues that are relevant to this fire department are given.