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N.H. captain dies after reporting severe back pain after training

After participating in forcible entry training the prior evening, Northwood Fire Rescue Capt. Christopher Brown was transported to a local hospital

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Captain Christopher E. Brown.

Northwood Fire Rescue/Facebook

NORTHWOOD, N.H. — Captain Christopher Brown of Northwood Fire Rescue died after being transported to a local hospital for severe back pain.

According to the United States Fire Administration, Brown participated in forcible entry training on the evening of Aug. 18. At 3:12 p.m. on Aug. 19, he called the fire station to report severe back pain and requested an ambulance.

He was taken to a nearby hospital, where his condition deteriorated rapidly. Medical staff initiated CPR and other lifesaving measures, but Brown was pronounced deceased.

His cause of death has not yet been determined.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.