NFPA: Cardiac Issues Were Leading Cause of FF Deaths in 2015

For the fourth time in the past five years, the number of firefighter deaths was below 70 last year.

Of the 68 who died in 2015, 32 were volunteers, the second lowest ever reported, according to NFPA researchers.

Cardiac-related issues were cited in 51 percent of the deaths.

"...Heart disease has been recognized as a serious health issue for the fire service for quite some time now. Sudden cardiac death has consistently accounted for the largest share of on-duty firefighter deaths since the NFPA began this study in 1977..." the analysts wrote.

Another statistic that stood out were the number of vehicle crashes, which typically account for the second highest share of deaths.

Six deaths in four wrecks were the second lowest number of deaths in the past 39 years, the report showed.

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There were three incidents in which multiple firefighters were killed. They included a wildland apparatus wreck that claimed three; a helicopter crash that killed two contract firefighters and a wall collapse that killed two.

One firefighter committed suicide on duty, and another was deliberately run down while collecting donations.

"Of the 24 fire ground fatalities, eight were due to asphyxiation or smoke inhalation, seven to sudden cardiac death, seven were due to internal trauma and crush injuries and two to burns. Seventeen of the 24 deaths occurred at 16 structure fires, five on three wildland fires and two at vehicle fires..."

Their research also showed 11 were career firefighters, eight were volunteer firefighters and five were employees of federal land management agencies.

Eleven firefighters – all volunteers -- died while responding to or returning from emergency calls, but the majority were not crash-related. . Eight of the deaths were due to sudden cardiac death, and another suffered a stroke. A firefighter also was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic.

The firefighters who died in 2015 ranged in age from 18 to 92, with a median age of 49.5 years, according to the report.

And, not surprisingly, about two-third of the personnel over 40 died of heart-related issues.

Four firefighters were killed in intentionally set blazes. But, none died responding to false alarms.

Researchers addressed two other causes of firefighter deaths -- cancer and suicide. Both are difficult to track.

However, they noted that last year, 94 firefighters and 22 EMTs died by their own hand, according to Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance. 

“As with heart disease and cancer, this is a problem that follows firefighters after their careers end, whether in retirement or some other form of separation from the fire service,” analysts wrote.

The NFPA staff also noted there are a number of research projects underway relating to cancer as it relates to the fire service.