Despite dealing with medical emergencies on a daily basis, firefighters can sometimes ignore symptoms they might be experiencing, including those leading up to a heart attack. In fact, 41 percent of firefighter deaths in 2018 were attributed to a cardiac event, according to a cardiac event.
To combat that problem, the International Association of Fire Chiefs launched "If You Don't Feel Well, Don't Make It Your Farewell" on Tuesday. The global campaign is designed to raise awareness among firefighters and emergency service workers about the fatal risks of not paying attention their heart health.
“Almost half of all firefighter deaths each year are cardiac-related,” Champaign, IL, Fire Chief Gary Ludwig said in a statement about the initiative. "Many who have experienced but survived a cardiac incident have reported not feeling right, not feeling well, or that something is wrong. The best way to change the culture of ignoring warning signs that are not always chest tightness and shortness of breath is through education and awareness."
In a video announcing the campaign posted on the IAFC's website, Ludwig, who also is the chairman of IAFC's board, shows how first responders can develop a mindset of not addressing symptoms when they happen. With this campaign, the group hopes firefighters become more vigilant about their own heart health, so they recognize and address minor medical concerns before they possibly grow into major heart crises they can't ignore.
The IAFC has created a cardiac awareness kit to help fire departments and other emergency agencies educate their members about the dangers of ignoring the signs of heart issues. The kit, which can be downloaded at the group's website, includes research papers and sample department policies, as well as training, media and strategy development tools.
“If you’re a first responder and your body is signaling to you a feeling that you have never experienced before with extreme fatigue and other symptoms, you need to act and those around you need to act,” stated Ludwig, a 42-year veteran in the fire service. “If a firefighter tells you ‘something is wrong’ or ‘I don’t feel right’ or any similar statement, do not tell them to go home or lay down in the bunk hall. Their body is sending them a signal that something could be seriously wrong.”
Go to the International Association of Fire Chiefs' website for more information about the "If You Don't Feel Well, Don't Make It Your Farewell" campaign, which the IAFC helped develop with founding partner AMR and supporting partner PulsePoint.
