Firefighting and On-Duty Cardiac Deaths
Conclusion
Using autopsy data from on-duty fatalities that occurred over a 15-year period, the underlying cardiac pathological conditions associated with sudden cardiac death were investigated among firefighters. Our data suggest a need for updated and improved medical screening for firefighters. Particularly, screening for CHD and cardiac enlargement should be incorporated into a firefighter’s routine screening.
Given the important role of EMS in ensuring both civilian and firefighter safety, EMS personnel should be alert to the potential to encounter either sudden cardiac arrest or a myocardial infarction in firefighters when responding to stressful emergency operations.
References
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3. Smith DL, DeBlois JP, Kales SN, et al. Cardiovascular strain of firefighting and the risk of sudden cardiac events. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2016;44(3):90–97.
4. Fahy RF, LeBlanc PR, Molis JL. Firefighter fatalities in the United States—2016. National Fire Protection Association: Quincy, Mass., 2017.
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Source: JEMS Special Topics - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Denise L. Smith, PhD, FACSM Tags: Training Exclusive Articles Source Type: news
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