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 volunteers firefighters, 25 were career firefighters, four were employees or contractors for federal or state land management agencies, and one was a prison inmate.
Read the entire report here.
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.
