In order to discover what other fire rescue organizations did, an external study was conducted.  A search on the International Association Fire Chiefs website for urban fire departments with greater than 500 personnel. One hundred fire departments were sent questionaires. The data was complied out of the questionaires that were returned.

 

Check out the links below to see the quesionaire and the results of the study:

 

 

 

In an attempt to reduce line of duty fire fighter deaths, occupational safety and health programs were initiated in the 1970s. Safety programs, such as improved turn out gear and breathing apparatus, were implemented and accepted within fire departments nationally Because fire departments focused on safety concerns in the 1970’s, fire fighter deaths decreased from about 150 fatalities a year to approximately 100 fatalities a year. However, health and wellness concerns within fire department culture have a much slower evolution of acceptance and readiness to change. This lack of focus on wellness issues continues to plague fire departments nationwide with approximately 50% of fire fighters dying from heart attacks in the line of duty. Many of these fatalities can be prevented with a proactive wellness and fitness program. Sources state that the preventable risk factors of premature cardiac death are