Way off topic, but an interesting article for Jim.....

[Jim Kaiser]

Hey Jim,

Here's something I just read dealing with some health concerns in your line of work.

Some really interesting statistics here....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070321/ap_on_he_me/fitness_firefighters__hearts

Jim

[Jim Wilson]

We have to train hard and unfortunately many of my brothers have fallen in the aftermath of hardcore training exercises. (none thankfully in my own department)

Most people don't know this but...

Each and every year about 110 firefighters die in what is known as "LODD" which stands for "Line of Duty Death". This includes training, actual fires, responding to calls, returning from them, and sudden illnesses including heart attacks while on duty.

Of the 110 approximately 25 die in auto accidents.

Of the remaining number about 45 die of heart conditions.

The rest are killed in structural collapses, falls, burns, strokes, and the list goes on.

Before we do any training at my department we basically take a full set of vital signs, pre-hydrate, and assure that everyone participating is up to the task. This is repeated immediately after the training has been completed.

It is both sad and scary that firefighters can end up dying in a fire of medical causes. But from first hand knowledge I can tell you all...

We don't always take care of ourselves as well as we should and we end up really getting over-exerted in the heat and smoke.

Our equipment is about 100 pounds and this can also take a toll.

It all adds up to a HUGE potential for medical problems while we are actually working.

Thanks for the article Jim. I plan on showing it to my Chief next week.

Jim Wilson