FirefighterNetCast- The Next New Chapter?

The number for the year 2009 is below 100 for the first time in a long time. Why?
– Answers will depend mostly on comparison to the number of fires in 2009 as well as a review of previous years. Other than 77 in 1992, the other below 100 years are relatively close to one another in count and most likely debate of line of duty definition.

Is it an anomaly, or the result of a concerted effort to reduce the causes for firefighters killed in the line of duty?
– Neither. In review of the previous years and comparing structural fireground deaths with other fire service deaths, physical and medical health continue to lead as a main cause. The known safety initiatives have made a considerable contribution, however only on the fireground. NIOSH reports on medical line of duty deaths still reveal departments that have none, or only initial, medical and physical assessments.

What will it take to keep this number on a downward trend?
– Clearer understanding of DOJ PSOB definitions (i.e. FDNY cancer death of 9/11 responder; WA chief officer suicide; DE 'firefighter/first responder' killed) where the fire service and officials are unable to wholly define “line of duty”. Greater review of the initiatives regarding physical/medical health and apparatus operations, with more emphasis on departments doing it right; too much is reported on those who err and this eventually contributes to becoming a cultural norm. Comparison review of departments awarded grants for operational improvements and close call/fatal firefighter incidents; as with anything, especially within the government scope, anything tied to money gets results. Maybe if financial penalties are handed down initiatives will be take seriously. Finally, realization in the fire service that while line of duty deaths are part of the vocation or service, drastic reduction is unrealistic. Firefighters are human and will always be prone to make mistakes, some which will be costly. A 50% reduction borders between realistic and fantasy.

Is it realistic to assume we can ever get to zero?
– No. By hoping for 0, we hope for a utopia. It is akin to the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff believing that no soldiers, sailors and airmen will die in combat in 2010.

This netcast reads like it will be a good one.

Thanks Bill, there are soooo many aspects we can delve into. We have not picked an exact course of discussion and might just let the callers and discussion take over. We do have numerous points we would like to hit on though!

Thanks Bill, there are soooo many aspects we can delve into. We have not picked an exact course of discussion and might just let the callers and discussion take over. We do have numerous points we would like to hit on though!

There has been dialogue, but nothing from notable or well-known figures in the nation's fire service. In these old posts are some valuable references:
Is it the Job or Your Body?
Considering LODD Medical Information
PERI Symposium on Firefighter Deaths and Injuries
Introduction Revisited
Implications of Medical History
2009 LODD 6 Month Summary
2009 LODD; Position, Fireground
2009 LODD; Medical, Response
2009 LODD 6 Month Summary

This week I will be posting the following:
2009 LODD, Last 6 Months
2009 LODD: Traditional Deaths Summarized