NIOSH issues NFPA 1582 reminder in fatality reports
By FireRescue1 Staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. — NIOSH investigators are reminding fire departments of the importance of NFPA 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program following the deaths of three firefighters in separate incidents.
Reports were issued Thursday on the fatalities. All three firefighters suffered fatal heart attacks.
Firefighter Eric J. Olson, 35, of Laury's Station, Pa., Volunteer Fire Company collapsed and died a day after responding to a river rescue July 4, 2006.
Firefighter Kent Long, 44, of Charlotte, N.C., Fire Department was participating in physical fitness training in preparation for the department's annual physical fitness examination and the JRPAT when he collapsed and died Dec. 1, 2006.
Washington, D.C, Firefighter-Technician James McRae III, 34, suffered a fatal heart attack six hours after attending several emergency calls during his shift July 6, 2007.
The NIOSH reports all reiterate the importance of performing pre-placement and periodic medical evaluations consistent with NFPA 1582.
In the report on Firefighter Long's death, investigators recommend that firefighters should be medically cleared prior to participating in the department's physical fitness examination and the job-related physical agility test, specifically by taking the aerobic capacity (treadmill) test.
Investigators in the other two reports suggest departments secure funding from the governing municipality to upgrade current fitness-wellness programs and develop structured health initiatives for firefighters to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular capacity.
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