ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. — NIOSH is reminding fire departments to take steps to minimize the chances of heart attack fatalities following the investigation of a LODD in California.
Orange County Fire Authority Firefighter/Paramedic James M. Owen was participating in multi-company training on Sept. 16 last year when he experienced chest discomfort.
With the help of another paramedic, an EKG was administered but revealed no changes suggestive of cardiac ischemia, prompting him to resume training, according to a report released Thursday.
During the following 25-minute evolution, he lifted and moved heavy concrete blocks.
After debriefing and being dismissed for lunch, Firefighter Owen collapsed while walking to his vehicle.
CPR and ALS were administered at the scene, in the ambulance and in the hospital’s emergency department, but Firefighter Owen did not survive.
Investigators concluded that his severe underlying coronary artery disease, combined with the physical exertion involved in rescue training led to his death.
As a result of the report, NIOSH made recommendations for fire departments to address general safety and health issues:
- Report signs or symptoms consistent with a heart attack to authorities for prompt medical evaluation.
- Provide mandatory annual medical evaluations to all firefighters consistent with the current edition of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.
- Consider reviewing the fire department’s policy for conducting member exercise stress tests.
- Phase in a mandatory comprehensive wellness and fitness program for fire fighters.
- Perform an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation for all members.