The use of a aerial ladder when a ground ladder may have been a safer choice, the absence of a helmet and potentially diminished vision were listed as key contributing factors in the death of a Rhode Island firefighter earlier this year, according to a report released by NIOSH.
Kingston Assistant Chief Allan "Pickles" LePage died on June 30, a day after suffering a severe head injury while he operated a platform aerial ladder from within the platform.
According to the report, the assistant chief was recorded by a nearby security surveillance camera as he entered the platform of the aerial ladder, and extended and raised the aerial ladder up toward an open fire station bay door.
Another firefighter is seen moments later exiting from the bay door, and calling for LePage, then mounting the apparatus and walking up the aerial ladder.
When the firefighter arrived at the platform he noticed that assistant chief's head was pinned between the header of the bay door and the platform railing. The firefighter operated the controls in the platform to relieve the pressure on his head.
LePage was removed from the platform and transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to a trauma center.
He succumbed to his head injury the following day.
According to the medical examiner's autopsy report, LePage died from blunt force trauma.
NIOSH investigators have concluded that, to minimize the risk of similar occurrences, fire departments should:
- Develop, implement, and train on policies and standard operating procedures that govern aerial apparatus (e.g., safe operation, appropriate use, and low clearances).
- Ensure that members operating an aerial ladder wear appropriate personal protective equipment including head protection.
- Consider adopting NFPA 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments to ensure that fire fighters, officers, and medical physicians fully understand the requirements to clear a fire fighter to return to duty.
