Cardiac Events Again Top NFPA Fatalities Report
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released its annual report on firefighter fatalities, and once again the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths were related to cardiac events.
In their report entitled “Firefighter Fatalities in the United States - 2018,” authors Rita F. Fahy and Joseph L. Molis break down the 64 on-duty firefighter fatalities from 2018 recognized by the NFPA.
The leading causes of fatality were related to overexertion, stress and medical issues. Of those 28 deaths, 25 were classified as sudden cardiac deaths — typically heart attacks. Cardiac events have accounted for 44 percent of deaths over the past 10 years, but 2018 was the third straight year in which the toll was below 30.
There were 25 deaths caused by fire, including 13 in structure fires, 10 in the wildland, one vehicle fire and a gas main explosion.
“This report only reflects deaths that occur while victims are on the job, either as the result of traumatic injuries or onset of acute medical conditions,” said Fahy. “Studies have shown that years spent in the fire service can take a toll on a firefighter’s health, both physical and emotional, and can also result in exposures to toxins that eventually result in job-related cancer, cardiac and suicide deaths that are not represented in this report.”
One death that truly stands out was that of Long Beach, CA, Fire Capt. David Rosa, who was shot and killed last June when responding to a call.
Of the 64 fatalities, 34 were volunteer firefighters, 25 were career firefighters, four were employees or contractors for federal or state land management agencies, and one was a prison inmate.
The full report can be found at nfpa.org.
It should be noted that the 64 LODDs cited by the NFPA differ from the 84 recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration, 20 of whom are Hometown Heroes.
The Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefit Act passed in 2003 gives recognition to firefighters who suffer a fatal injury in the 24-hour period after a duty shift or emergency call.
CSU Offering Scholarships to NVFC Members
Columbia Southern University (CSU) is supporting volunteer responders by offering two scholarships to National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) members in 2019. CSU, an online university, offers a wide range of accredited degree programs, open enrollment and a flexible schedule.
This is the 11th year that CSU has offered scholarships to NVFC members. To date, 20 recipients have been able to further their learning and achieve their educational goals through the partnership.
“Volunteer responders donate so much of their time and resources in order to serve their communities,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “We appreciate CSU for recognizing this sacrifice and providing these men and women with an opportunity to further their education in a way that is conducive to the volunteer lifestyle.”
Each scholarship will cover up to 60 credit hours toward one online degree program. The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient’s tuition for up to three years or until the completion of the selected program, whichever comes first. Scholarship recipients can pursue an associate, bachelor or master’s degree.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a member of the NVFC. If you are not currently an NVFC member, visit nvfc.org/BeYourBest to learn about membership benefits and join the NVFC.
- Be a volunteer responder
- Complete the CSU/NVFC Scholarship application
- Submit a 500-word essay on this subject: “Explain how the opportunity to continue your education through this scholarship will advance your participation in the fire and emergency services or enhance your ability to contribute back to the emergency services community.”
- Provide at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or someone at the fire department you reported to directly
- Must not have previously earned a scholarship through CSU or the NVFC
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) and be able to provide a transcript
- Be able to begin coursework within 90 days of the date of the award
- Maintain a 2.0 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 graduate GPA
- Remain in good standing with CSU and the NVFC throughout the degree program
- Maintain continuous enrollment in the CSU degree program
- Current CSU students must already meet these requirements to be considered
The application period is open through Aug. 31. Recipients will be announced by October.
Learn about this scholarship opportunity and apply on the CSU website. For additional questions, please email the scholarship liaison at [email protected] or call 888-785-3006 .
For more on Higher Education, check out Glenn James’ feature article “Higher Education: Much More Than Checking the Box” on page 48.
NFFF Tabs Lippman for Firefighter Hero Award
Aurora, CO, Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Wendy Lippman received the Firefighter Hero Award from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and MAGLITE. Lippman was honored for her extraordinary commitment to the emotional health of firefighters.
In her letter nominating Lippman, Sherri Jo Stowell said, “Battalion Chief Wendy Lippman has dedicated herself to protecting the emotional health of her fire department family. She truly recognizes the need to address the stress and emotional trauma that firefighters experience on the job and the strain it has on their personal lives. She refuses to allow this issue to be pushed aside because it is uncomfortable for many to face. She has been willing to push back against the resistance, to say it’s time to be pro-active, it’s time to prevent the next tragedy related to firefighter mental health.”
The Firefighter Hero program is a joint effort between MAGLITE and the NFFF. The program periodically honors single firefighters, groups or whole departments for extraordinary commitment to upholding excellence in firefighting and related activities.
For more information, visit firehero.org.
Line-of-Duty Deaths
5 U.S. firefighters recently died in the line of duty. All five deaths were health-related incidents. This edition of Firehouse is dedicated to these firefighters.
FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC CHRISTOPHER MOORE, 42, of the Maryland Heights, MO, Fire Protection District, died on June 8. Moore was on duty at the fire station on June 6–7. He responded to several fire and EMS calls during his 48-hour shift. He complained of not feeling well in the late morning of June 7 and was relieved of duty to go home and rest. He stated that he was going to follow-up with his personal physician. He was found deceased on June 8 at his residence. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
CAPT. TODD LANTHRIP, 53, of the Mathiston, MS, Volunteer Fire Department, died on June 13. Mathiston responded to an automobile accident on the evening of June 12. He returned home after the response. At approximately 1:30 a.m. on June 13, he became unresponsive. Attempts by his wife and first responders were unsuccessful and he passed away.
FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC JARED WAYNE ECHOLS, 35, of Springville, AL, Fire Rescue, died on June 17. Echols, who was also an active member of the Pleasant Hill Volunteer Fire Department, became ill while participating in a recruit training exercise. He was immediately transported to the RMC Hospital, where he passed away a short time later. An investigation into the incident continues.
FIREFIGHTER /EMT COLEMAN LOADHOLT, 51, of Jasper County, SC, Fire Rescue, died on June 21. Loadholt was on-duty when he complained to his co-worker that he wasn’t feeling well and suffered a medical emergency. Loadholt was treated by his co-worker and was immediately transported to the Coastal Carolina Hospital where he was stabilized. Later that same day he was transported to the Hilton Head Hospital and was ultimately transported to the MUSC Hospital in Charleston, SC, where he passed away the next day.
FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL POWERS, 70, of the Libertytown, MD, Volunteer Fire Department, died on June 25. Powers responded to the scene of a fatal vehicle accident. While at the scene, he collapsed and suffered a medical emergency. He was immediately transported to Frederick Memorial Hospital where he passed away a short time later. An investigation into the incident continues.
