Firefighting is an inherently dangerous profession. Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect people and property. As a result, injuries are common in this line of work. But what are the most common types of injuries suffered by firefighters? Knowing the answer can help fire departments better prepare to prevent and treat these injuries.
Overexertion is the Leading Cause of Firefighter Injury
According to data from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the leading cause of firefighter injury by far is overexertion or strain. This accounted for over 70,000 injuries in 2018 alone. This includes injuries from lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects. It also includes injuries from climbing, crawling, reaching, or using tools that vibrate or require force.
Overexertion injuries often affect the back and shoulders. Sprains, strains, and musculoskeletal disorders are common. These injuries can happen when carrying heavy gear or working to open stuck doors. They also frequently occur when pulling hoses and operating fire equipment. The physical nature of firefighting takes a toll over time.
Slips, Trips, and Falls Are Also Common
After overexertion, the next most frequent firefighter injuries come from slips, trips, and falls. These accounted for nearly 10,000 injuries in 2018. Fighting fires requires working in some of the most dangerous environments. Firefighters often work in low visibility with smoke obscuring their vision. They climb ladders, work on uneven and unstable surfaces, and deal with debris and liquids on the ground. All of these hazards can lead to slips and falls at the scene or when rushing to respond.
Falls at height are particularly hazardous. Falls from ladders, roofs, stairs, and other elevated surfaces can lead to serious or even fatal injuries. Sprains, fractures, traumatic brain injuries are risks. Precautions like harness systems are essential when working at height. But slips and falls remain a danger that firefighters must be constantly vigilant against.
Struck By and Caught In Objects Are Risks
Firefighters also face dangers from being struck by or caught in objects. In 2018, nearly 6,000 struck by and caught in injuries occurred. Firefighters work around unstable structures that may collapse. Falling objects like debris or building components can strike them as well. They also face risk from their own equipment such as tools or equipment that may strike or entrap them inadvertently.
Vehicle accidents both in route to calls and at the scene also pose hazards. Firefighters may be struck by other vehicles responding to the emergency or by civilian vehicles. At the fire ground, they work around fire trucks and apparatus in close quarters that can lead to struck-by injuries.
Smoke and Gas Exposures Are an Invisible Hazard
In 2018, USFA data showed 5,000 cases of smoke and gas exposure among firefighters. Smoke inhalation and toxic gas exposures lead to both acute and chronic health effects. Firefighters rely on SCBA equipment for breathing protection. However, masks can become dislodged. Irritant gases like ammonia and chlorine released from burning materials also pose risks. Diesel exhaust from fire trucks operating on scene is another exposure concern.
Respiratory disease and cardiovascular problems are particular health risks of smoke exposure. Carcinogens in smoke are also linked to increased cancer rates among firefighters. While less common than other injury causes, smoke and gas hazards pose both immediate and long-term health dangers.
Trends Over Time
Looking at USFA injury data from 2008 to 2018 reveals some notable trends over the past decade:
- While overexertion has remained the top injury, cases have decreased some from a high of over 78,000 in 2012.
- Injuries from falls, slips, and trips have risen over 60 percent in the past decade from just over 6,000 to close to 10,000.
- Struck by and caught in injuries peaked at over 7,000 in 2011 but have since fallen to just under 6,000 in 2018.
- Smoke and gas exposure injuries have declined from over 7,000 in 2008 to about 5,000 in 2018.
So while overexertion is still the most frequent cause, efforts to address training and improve ergonomics may be helping reduce this risk over time. Meanwhile, other injury causes have shown less of a decline over the past 10 years. Continued focus on these areas is warranted to limit firefighter injuries.
Prevention Through Training and Safety Culture
How can fire departments work proactively to prevent these common firefighter injuries?
- Ergonomics and body mechanics training helps reduce overexertion from lifting and tool use.
- Equipment like stair chairs can aid in carrying victims down from heights safely.
- Training on ladder and roof safety helps prevent falls.
- Vehicle operation policies ensure seatbelt use and safe driver behaviors.
- Equipment maintenance checks that ladders, tools, and apparatus are in safe condition.
- Advance scene size up helps identify fall and collapse dangers.
- Routine equipment checks ensure SCBA masks fit tightly.
Beyond specific operational and training tactics, developing a culture of safety is key. Leadership commitment, safety metrics, reporting of near misses, and ongoing education help ingrain safety as a core value within a fire department. Firefighters are inherently at risk, but thorough preparation, prevention-focused training, and vigilance can help reduce injuries.
Conclusion
Firefighting entails unavoidable hazards, but focused efforts can mitigate the dangers. Overexertion remains the most prevalent cause of firefighter injury. But other risks like falls and smoke exposure also pose threats. Understanding the main causes of injury and proactively addressing risks through training, safety policies, and leadership commitment can help keep firefighters healthy and able to continue serving their communities. While some injuries may still occur, fire departments can significantly improve safety outcomes through a holistic focus on preparation, prevention, mitigation, and learning from past incidents. With greater awareness and vigilance around these common firefighter injury causes, fire departments can better protect the wellbeing of their members.