By FireRescue1 Staff
TOLEDO, Ohio — Hypertensive cardiovascular disease led to the death of a firefighter who was found unresponsive at his Ohio fire station, according to investigators.
Toledo Firefighter-Paramedic Michael J. Darrington, 45, reported he wasn’t feeling well on February 27, 2009, after responding to two medical calls and a fire alarm in the morning of his shift.
After skipping lunch and retiring to an upstairs bunkroom, Firefighter-Paramedic Darrington was found unconscious on the bathroom floor of the fire station, according to a NIOSH report released Wednesday.
Crews initiated CPR but were unable to revive him.
As a result of the death, NIOSH investigators are offering the following recommendations for fire departments to address general safety and health issues:
- Provide annual medical evaluations to all firefighters consistent with NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.
- Phase in a comprehensive wellness and fitness program for firefighters.
- Perform an annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluation.