By FireRescue1 Staff
EMMITSBURG, Md. — Firefighter fatalities last year were the lowest in more than 15 years, according to a USFA report.
Ninety firefighters were killed in the line of duty in 2009 — the lowest total since 1993, when 81 died, and the third lowest since USFA began keeping records in 1977.
Ensuring Everyone Goes Home By Glenn Gaines, Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator The United States Fire Administration is very pleased to see a modest reduction in firefighter fatalities for 2009. A less severe wildland season and a reduction in transportation related fatalities appear to be the primary reason for the reduction in the number of firefighter fatalities. The unacceptable number of heart attacks continues to lead the cause of firefighter fatalities. USFA encourages all fire and EMS personnel who engage in firefighting and/or emergency operations to ensure that they are in top physical condition which includes scheduling an annual physical at a minimum. USFA encourages all fire and EMS leaders to insist that emergency apparatus and vehicles operate at the posted speed limits and comply with all controlled intersection signage. When on the scene of incidents, wear retro-reflective vests, ensure that the scene is clearly marked and a safety lane is maintained. The USFA is proud to partner with our fire and EMS organizations in seeking new opportunities to reduce firefighter and EMS personnel fatalities and injuries. We look forward to a safer 2010 and our ongoing efforts and continued vigilance to ensure Everyone Goes Home. |
Of the firefighters killed, 46 were volunteers, 36 were career and seven were wildland firefighters.
The leading cause of fatalities was stress or overexertion, accounting for just over half of the deaths.
Vehicle collisions were the second most common cause of death, responsible for 16 fatalities.
Pennsylvania suffered the highest number of fatalities, losing eight firefighters, while New York had the second most deaths, losing seven.
Thirteen of the killed firefighters were designated as Hometown Heroes, a title given to firefighters who die of heart attacks or strokes within 24 hours of a response or training.
The report listed seven categories for type of duty at the time of the fatalities:
• 28 On-Scene Fire 31.1%
• 17 After 18.8%
• 15 Other On-Duty 16.6%
• 12 Responding 13.3%
• 9 On-Scene Non-Fire 10%
• 6 Training 6.66%
• 3 Returning 3.33%
Cause of fatal injury was divided into nine categories:
• 52 Stress/Overexertion 57.7%
• 16 Vehicle Collision 17.7%
• 7 Fall 7.77%
• 4 Struck by 4.44%
• 3 Caught/Trapped 3.33%
• 3 Other 3.33%
• 2 Collapse 2.22%
• 2 Lost 2.22%
• 1 Contact with 1.11%
Firefighters under the age of 40 accounted for 28.9 percent of the total deaths.
The total number of deaths last year may change in the following months as records are checked and revised.
USFA reported 118 firefighters died during 2008.