Fire Fighter Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death During Structure Fire Response - Mississippi

Death in the Line of Duty…A summary of a NIOSH fire fighter fatality investigation

F2010-29 Date Released: December 2010

SUMMARY

On January 14, 2010, a 55-year-old male volunteer fire fighter (FF) responded to a mobile home fire. The FF performed exterior overhaul (mop-up) operations for approximately 14 minutes, when he suddenly collapsed. Crew members provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as an ambulance was requested. The ambulance arrived, provided advanced life support, and transported the FF to the local hospital’s emergency department (ED). CPR and advanced life support continued in the ED until the ED physician pronounced him dead. The death certificate listed “sudden cardiac death” as the cause of death. No autopsy was performed nor were any carboxyhemoglobin levels measured to test for carbon monoxide exposure. Given the FF’s probable underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), NIOSH investigators concluded that the physical exertion involved in responding to the call and performing exterior overhaul triggered his sudden cardiac death.

NIOSH investigators offer the following recommendations, which may have prevented the FF’s death.

• Provide preplacement and annual medical evaluations to all fire fighters.
• Ensure fire fighters are cleared for return to duty by a physician knowledgeable about the physical demands of fire fighting, the personal protective equipment used by fire fighters, and the various components of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582.
• Phase in a comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters.
• Perform a preplacement and an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation.
• Provide fire fighters with medical clearance to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as part of the Fire Department’s medical evaluation program.
• Conduct annual respirator fit testing.
• Perform an autopsy on all on-duty fire fighter fatalities.

INTRODUCTION & METHODS

On January 14, 2010, a 55-year-old male volunteer FF collapsed after performing mop-up at a structure fire. NIOSH was notified of this fatality on January 19, 2010, by the U.S. Fire Administration. NIOSH contacted the affected Fire Department (FD) on February 5, 2010, to gather additional information, and on September 14, 2010, to initiate the investigation. On September 27, 2010, a safety and occupational health specialist from the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Team conducted an on-site investigation of the incident.

During the investigation, NIOSH personnel interviewed the following people:

• Fire Chief
• County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director
• FF’s brother

NIOSH personnel reviewed the following documents:

• FD training records
• FD incident report
• Emergency medical service (ambulance) incident reports
• Hospital ED records
• Death certificate
• Primary care provider medical records

INVESTIGATIVE RESULTS

Incident. On January 14, 2010, the FD was dispatched at 1315 hours to a fire in a mobile home. At 1317 hours, the FF requested mutual aid and at 1321 hours, the FF arrived on the scene. The fire began in the woods around a 14′ x 80′ mobile home (see photograph), then spread to the front yard and eventually involved the exterior of the home.

The mutual aid fire department arrived on the scene at 1329 hours and began fire suppression efforts. The fire was declared under control at 1334 hours, 1 minute before units from the FF’s FD arrived on the scene. The FF used a forestry rake to overhaul the grass/woods fire while other fire fighters overhauled the mobile home. After completing this task, the FF walked around the structure to check the electric meter and gas utilities. After returning to the front of the structure and conferring with the County EMA Director, the FF began talking with a crew member. The FF stated that he felt dizzy, and then he collapsed.

The crew member alerted the EMA Director who found the FF unresponsive, with no pulse, and with agonal breathing (irregular, gasping breaths). An ambulance was requested (1349 hours) as CPR was begun and oxygen was administered via bag-valve-mask. The ambulance arrived on the scene at 1355 hours with two paramedics.

Paramedics found the FF unresponsive, with no pulse, with agonal breathing, and CPR in progress. The agonal breathing lasted about 10 seconds before the FF stopped breathing altogether. A cardiac monitor was applied, revealing ventricular fibrillation; two shocks were delivered. The FF’s heart rhythm reverted to pulseless electrical activity. CPR continued as the FF was placed into the ambulance, which departed the scene at 1403 hours.

En route to the ED, an intravenous line was placed, and cardiac resuscitation medications were administered. Despite suctioning of his airway, the large amount of emesis precluded intubation. The FF’s heart rhythm changed to ventricular fibrillation and he was shocked again, which converted his heart rhythm to ventricular tachycardia at 144 beats per minute. The paramedic notes indicated the FF may have had a weak pulse at this time. The ambulance arrived at the ED at 1405 hours, and the FF’s care was transferred to the ED staff.

Inside the ED, advanced life support continued, including intubation. At 1411 hours, the cardiac monitor revealed asystole. The FF was shocked again with no positive change in his heart rhythm. Resuscitation efforts continued until 1430 hours, when the attending physician pronounced the FF dead.

Medical Findings. The death certificate listed “sudden cardiac death” as the cause of death. No autopsy was performed. The FF’s blood was not tested for carboxyhemoglobin (a measure of carbon monoxide exposure).

The FF’s known risk factors for coronary artery disease included possible hypertension (high blood pressure) and family history of CAD (father died of a heart attack at age 49). According to another brother, the FF was prescribed no medications and was a former cigarette smoker.

In 2008 the FF visited his primary care physician after suffering a rib fracture. His blood pressure was elevated (165/92 millimeters of mercury [mmHg]), but this is common in patients with acute pain. A subsequent blood pressure measurement taken 1 week later was also elevated (160/89 mmHg) suggesting the FF may have had untreated hypertension. A chest x-ray revealed a normal heart size and clear lungs.

The day of this incident the FF had responded to the structure fire and performed exterior overhaul, expending about 7 metabolic equivalents (METs), which is considered moderate physical activity [AIHA 1971; Gledhill and Jamnik 1992]. During the weeks and months prior to this incident, the FF had not expressed symptoms or signs of heart problems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

The FD has approximately 120 members, organized into 3 fire companies operating from three fire stations. The FD serves a population of approximately 11,000 in an area of approximately 30 square miles. The FD responded to over 1,000 calls in 2009 (fire and EMS).

Membership. Potential members must complete an application package which is reviewed by a membership committee. If the membership committee approves the application, the applicant must get a medical evaluation (the FD pays for this medical evaluation). Once medical clearance is obtained, an arson background check is performed. Membership applications must first be favorably voted by the membership of one of the fire companies. Following these steps the Board of Fire Commissioners votes on the membership application.

Training. The FD requires members to attend a minimum of 18 hours of education per year, which must include at least 9 hours of hands-on training. The FD routinely offers hands-on training for its members, including the drill performed on the night of the captain’s death. The Captain was certified as an Interior Firefighter and had taken numerous training classes.

Pre-placement Medical Evaluations. The FD requires that new members receive a medical examination. This evaluation includes a health history, blood pressure check, physical examination, urinalysis, urine drug screen, spirometry, resting EKG, and hearing and vision test.

Periodic Medical Evaluations. The FD requires and provides for periodic medical evaluations. Members less than 50 years old are required to have a medical evaluation every other year; members 50 or more years old must have an annual medical evaluation. The medical evaluation consists of the same components as the preplacment medical evaluation except that a urine drug screen is not performed. The medical evaluation may be performed by a PCP or the FD contracted physician. An evaluation conducted by a PCP must use the FD approved paperwork and address the required elements of the FD evaluation.

Medical clearance for SCBA use is required yearly through approval by the FD physician. Fire fighters must be cleared by a physician (PCP or Fire District physician) before returning to work after a serious injury or a serious illness. The District reserves the right to require any firefighter to be cleared by the FD physician before returning to work.

Fitness/Wellness Programs. The FD has a voluntary program that pays half the cost of monthly membership to a local fitness center provided the member uses the facility a minimum of 6 times per month.

DISCUSSION

Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease. In the United States, atherosclerotic CAD is the most common risk factor for cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death [Meyerburg and Castellanos 2008]. Risk factors for its development include age older than 45, male gender, family history of CAD, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity/physical inactivity, and diabetes [AHA 2010; NHLBI 2010]. The FF had three CAD risk factors (age older than 45, male gender, and family history of CAD) and possible hypertension.

The narrowing of the coronary arteries by atherosclerotic plaques occurs over many years, typically decades [Libby 2008]. However, the growth of these plaques probably occurs in a nonlinear, often abrupt fashion [Shah 1997]. Heart attacks typically occur with the sudden development of complete blockage (occlusion) in one or more coronary arteries that have not developed a collateral blood supply [Fuster et al. 1992]. This sudden blockage is primarily due to blood clots (thromboses) forming on top of atherosclerotic plaques.

Establishing the occurrence of a recent (acute) heart attack requires any of the following: characteristic electrocardiogram (EKG) changes, elevated cardiac enzymes, or coronary artery thrombus. In this case, the FF’s heart rhythm precluded the ability to see EKG changes consistent with a heart attack. His cardiac enzymes at death were normal, but the FF died before the enzymes would be expected to increase. These enzymes take at least 4 hours after a heart attack to become positive. No autopsy was performed to determine if a coronary artery thrombus was present. Based on the clinical scenario, however, it is likely the FF experienced a heart attack.

Epidemiologic studies have found that heavy physical exertion sometimes immediately precedes and triggers the onset of acute heart attacks and sudden cardiac death [Siscovick et al. 1984; Tofler et al. 1992; Mittleman et al. 1993; Willich et al. 1993; Albert et al. 2000]. Heart attacks in fire fighters have been associated with alarm response, fire suppression, and heavy exertion during training (including physical fitness training) [Kales et al. 2003; Kales et al. 2007; NIOSH 2007]. The FF had responded to the alarm and performed exterior overhaul. These activities expended about 7 METs, which is considered moderate physical activity [AIHA 1971; Gledhill and Jamnik 1992].

Occupational Medical Standards for Structural Fire Fighters. To reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest or other incapacitating medical conditions among fire fighters, the NFPA developed NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments [NFPA 2007a]. This voluntary industry standard provides (1) the components of a preplacement and annual medical evaluation and (2) medical fitness for duty criteria. The FF’s elevated blood pressure was identified in 2008 but this condition by itself would not have caused fire fighter duty restrictions. However, elevated blood pressure together with the FF’s other CAD risk factors warrant a referral for an exercise stress test.

Exercise stress tests screen people at risk for CAD and sudden cardiac death. NFPA 1582 recommends performing an exercise stress test “as clinically indicated by history or symptoms” and refers the reader to Appendix A [NFPA 2007a]. Items in Appendix A are not standard requirements, but are provided for “informational purposes only.” Appendix A recommends using submaximal (85% of predicted heart rate) stress tests as a screening tool to evaluate a fire fighter’s aerobic capacity. Diagnostic stress tests (maximal or symptom-limiting stress tests) with imaging should be used for fire fighters with the following conditions:

• abnormal screening submaximal tests
• cardiac symptoms
• known coronary artery disease
• two or more risk factors for CAD (in men older than 45 and women older than 55)

Risk factors are defined as hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol greater than 240 milligrams per deciliter [mg/dL]), hypertension (diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 millimeters of mercury [mmHg]), smoking, diabetes mellitus, or family history of premature coronary artery disease (heart attack or sudden cardiac death in a first-degree relative less than 60 years old). This exercise stress test recommendation is similar to that recommended by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation [Gibbons et al. 2002; Blumenthal et al. 2007].

The FF probably had two of the five CAD risk factors and he was older than 45 years of age. Therefore, an exercise stress test should have been performed. Given the FF’s probable undiagnosed CAD, the stress of responding to the call and performing exterior overhaul probably triggered his sudden cardiac death. Had a stress test been performed, perhaps the CAD would have been identified, resulting in further evaluation and treatment.

RECOMMENDATIONS

NIOSH investigators offer the following recommendations, which may have prevented the FF’s death.

Recommendation #1: Provide preplacement and annual medical evaluations to all fire fighters.

Guidance regarding the content and frequency of these medical evaluations can be found in NFPA 1582 [NFPA 2007a]. These evaluations are performed to determine fire fighters’ medical ability to perform duties without presenting a significant risk to the safety and health of themselves or others. However, the FD is not legally required to follow this standard. Applying this recommendation involves economic repercussions and may be particularly difficult for small volunteer fire departments to implement.

To overcome the financial obstacle of medical evaluations, the FD could urge current members to get annual medical clearances from their private physicians. Another option is having the annual medical evaluations completed by paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from the local EMS (vital signs, height, weight, visual acuity, and EKG). This information could then be provided to a community physician (perhaps volunteering his or her time), who could review the data and provide medical clearance (or further evaluation, if needed). The more extensive portions of the medical evaluations could be performed by a private physician at the fire fighter’s expense (personal or through insurance), provided by a physician volunteer, or paid for by the FD, City, or State. Sharing the financial responsibility for these evaluations between fire fighters, the FD, the City, the State, and physician volunteers may reduce the negative financial impact on recruiting and retaining needed fire fighters.

Recommendation #2: Ensure that fire fighters are cleared for return to duty by a physician knowledgeable about the physical demands of fire fighting, the personal protective equipment used by fire fighters, and the various components of NFPA 1582.

Guidance regarding medical evaluations and examinations for structural fire fighters can be found in NFPA 1582 [NFPA 2007a]. According to this guideline, the FD should have an officially designated physician who is responsible for guiding, directing, and advising the members with regard to their health, fitness, and suitability for duty. The physician should review job descriptions and essential job tasks required for all FD positions and ranks to understand the physiological and psychological demands of fire fighters and the environmental conditions under which they must perform, as well as the personal protective equipment they must wear during various types of emergency operations. The FF last saw his primary care physician in 2008 for a rib fracture, and his medical records never mention medical clearance for duty.

Recommendation #3: Phase in a comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters.

Guidance for fire department wellness/fitness programs to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular capacity is found in NFPA 1583, Standard on Health-Related Fitness Programs for Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Health and Wellness Guide, and in Firefighter Fitness: A Health and Wellness Guide [USFA 2004; NFPA 2008; Schneider 2010]. Worksite health promotion programs have been shown to be cost effective by increasing productivity, reducing absenteeism, and reducing the number of work-related injuries and lost work days [Stein et al. 2000; Aldana 2001].

Fire service health promotion programs have been shown to reduce coronary artery disease risk factors and improve fitness levels, with mandatory programs showing the most benefit [Dempsey et al. 2002; Womack et al. 2005; Blevins et al. 2006]. A study conducted by the Oregon Health and Science University reported a savings of more than $1 million for each of four large fire departments implementing the IAFF/IAFC wellness/fitness program compared to four large fire departments not implementing a program. These savings were primarily due to a reduction of occupational injury/illness claims with additional savings expected from reduced future nonoccupational healthcare costs [Kuehl 2007].

Given the FD’s structure, the NVFC program might be the most appropriate model [USFA 2004]. NIOSH recommends a formal, structured wellness/fitness program to ensure all members receive the benefits of a health promotion program.

Recommendation #4: Perform a preplacement and an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation.

NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, requires the FD to develop physical performance requirements for candidates and members who engage in emergency operations [NFPA 2007b]. Members who engage in emergency operations must be annually qualified (physical ability test) as meeting these physical performance standards for structural fire fighters [NFPA 2007b].

Recommendation #5: Provide fire fighters with medical clearance to wear SCBA as part of the Fire Department’s medical evaluation program.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Revised Respiratory Protection Standard requires employers to provide medical evaluations and clearance for employees using respiratory protection [29 CFR 1910.134]. These clearance evaluations are required for private industry employees and public employees in States operating OSHA-approved State plans [OSHA 2010]. Mississippi does not operate an OSHA-approved State plan. Therefore, the FD is not required to comply with this standard. However, NIOSH recommends voluntary compliance to ensure that all members are medically cleared to wear an SCBA.

Recommendation #6: Conduct annual respirator fit testing.

The OSHA respiratory protection standard requires employers whose employees are required to use a respirator (e.g., an SCBA) to have a formal respiratory protection program, including annual fit testing [29 CFR 1910.134]. As mentioned previously, Mississippi is not an OSHA-approved State-plan state; therefore, the FD is not required to follow this OSHA standard [OSHA 2010]. Again, NIOSH recommends voluntary compliance.

Recommendation #7: Perform an autopsy on all on-duty fire fighter fatalities.

In 2008, the USFA published the Firefighter Autopsy Protocol [USFA 2008]. With this publication, the USFA hopes to provide “a more thorough documentation of the causes of firefighter deaths for three purposes:

1. to advance the analysis of the causes of firefighter deaths to aid in the development of improved firefighter health and safety equipment, procedures, and standards;

2. to help determine eligibility for death benefits under the Federal government’s Public Safety Officer Benefits Program, as well as state and local programs; and

3. to address an increasing interest in the study of deaths that could be related to occupational illnesses among firefighters, both active and retired.”

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INVESTIGATOR INFORMATION

This incident was investigated by the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, Cardiovascular Disease Component in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Tommy Baldwin (MS) led the investigation and co-authored the report. Mr. Baldwin is a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, a National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Certified Fire Officer I, and a former Fire Chief and Emergency Medical Technician. Dr. Thomas Hales (MD, MPH) provided medical consultation and co-authored the report. Dr. Hales is a member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Occupational Safety and Heath, and Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Medicine Section of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).

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This page was last updated on 12/30/10.