Firefighter Fatalities and Injuries: The Role of Heat Stress and PPE

Abstract

More firefighters die in the line of duty from heart attacks than from any other cause. And slips, trips and falls cause a large number of firefighter injuries. While the origins of heart attack and slip, trip and fall may appear unrelated, previous research suggests that heat stress may be a common causal factor in both heart attacks and slips, trips and falls. Research further suggests that one common, critical factor can potentially mitigate both of these injuries and fatalities: modified personal protective equipment (PPE). This report of the "Cardiovascular and Biomechanical Responses to Fire Fighting and PPE" research project provides a review of the known research and new and important findings concerning the interrelationship of cardiovascular function, biomechanics, and the design of personal protective equipment.