By FireRescue1 staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new NIOSH report released Tuesday recommends pre-screenings and periodical medical evaluations for all firefighters.
The report analyzes the death of 19-year-old John ‘JP’ Memory II, of the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department of Carrollton, Virginia, who died while performing a motor vehicle extrication demonstration in September 2006. Firefighter/EMT Memory collapsed after a heart attack. He was wearing full bunker gear and using heavy extrication tools during the demonstration.
NIOSH urges departments to implement fitness programs to reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Medical personnel who evaluate firefighter fitness should be familiar with the risks associated with firefighting, the report also states.
The recommendations might not have prevented the death of Firefighter Memory, NIOSH writes, but will improve general health and safety for firefighters in the future.
| Related Resources: NIOSH REPORT: John ‘JP’ Memory II |