What is the second most frequent cause of firefighter death?

The second most frequent cause of firefighter death is attributed to internal trauma or crushing injuries. This type of injury often occurs in high-risk environments where firefighters are exposed to unstable structures, hazardous conditions, or potential collapse situations, particularly during search and rescue operations, or when they are working to control a fire. The physical demands of the job, combined with life-threatening scenarios, increase the risk of such injuries.

Cardiac events are frequently recognized as the leading cause of firefighter fatalities, primarily due to the intense physical exertion and stress encountered during firefighting operations. While burns and smoke inhalation, as well as vehicle accidents, are significant causes of death among firefighters, they typically rank lower than internal trauma and crushing injuries, which can result from falling debris or accidents occurring while firefighting. The understanding of these risks emphasizes the need for rigorous training, safety protocols, and physical fitness among firefighting personnel to mitigate such hazards effectively.