The emerging details about the tragic death of Shawnee, Kansas, firefighter John B. Glaser, while searching for a reported victim in a May 22 house fire, reinforce a few important lessons for all of us.
First is yet another reminder that most U.S. firefighter casualties occur in single-family residential occupancies. Take nothing for granted — even during these so-called bread-and-butter events.
Second, remember that fire and emergency services work takes a huge physical toll on the body, and not just at fires.
The physical stress is cumulative and builds up over the course of the work period, whether it’s a 24-hour shift or just several calls over a relatively short time period.
This is all the more reason firefighters need to stay well hydrated, properly nourished, and above all, physically fit.
Finally, keep in mind that even a small room-and-contents fire in a contemporary residential structure can release large amounts of toxic combustion by-products.
A lot of departments are, rightly, worried about carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN), but these are just two of many hazardous materials in the potentially deadly brew of solids, liquids, and gases present during, and after, any fire involving today’s home furnishings and building materials.
Even a short-term exposure to these toxic compounds can be immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) without the respiratory protection afforded by positive-pressure SCBA.
