Cardiac

Over the last decade, more than half of on-duty volunteer firefighter deaths were from heart attacks. Discover what you can do to reduce your risk.
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HEART DISEASE: A LEADING FACTOR IN SUDDEN CARDIAC EVENTS AND DEATHS

The strenuous activities and heat stress faced by first responders place extreme demands on the heart, arteries and circulatory system. A stroke or heart attack during a fire event is a constant threat. The articles, research studies and other information found here will help you better understand cardiac risks and how to mitigate their impact on your health, well-being and ability to save lives.

Rhabdomyolysis (Rhabdo) Training

Rhabdomyolysis, “Rhabdo”, is the breakdown of damaged muscle resulting in release of muscle cell contents (proteins & electrolytes) into the blood and can occur anytime a muscle is damaged or killed. For wildland firefighters, risk factors can include heat exposure, extreme physical exertion, and direct trauma (e.g. crush injury from a fall). Rhabdo may be misdiagnosed as heat stress or dehydration as the presenting signs and symptoms can be similar. Learn more about Rhabdo by downloading the documents or reviewing the training video below.
One-Page Infographic (PDF, 1 MB)
Model Heat Policy (PDF, 421 KB)
Wallet Card (PDF, 149 KB)
Ten Minute Online Training Module (Video, 10m 53s)

Resources

Here you can discover fascinating articles and groundbreaking research into many cardiac-related issues affecting emergency personnel. From the phenomena of sudden cardiac death among younger first responders to the effects of obesity, stress and other chronic conditions on the heart to evidence-based approaches that can help reduce cardiac disease within our profession. These resources can be filtered or viewed by tag, audience type or category of post.

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Found 86 Results
Cardiac : Research
Examination of Strenuous Activity Preceding Cardiac Death during Firefighting Duties
9-Aug-19 | Safety
Sudden cardiac death accounts for approximately 45% of duty-related fatalities among United States firefighters. Strenuous physical exertion is recognized as a trigger of sudden cardiac events.

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