LELAND – The scariest thing for firefighters is stepping into a burning building, not knowing what will happen next or if they will make it out alive. Each year, an average of 100 firefighters die in the line of duty. The most common cause of death is a heart attack.
Crews in Leland have started a new training method, aimed at saving firefighters’ lives, which has spread across the globe.
After losing a fellow firefighter, Captain David Heath with the New Hanover County Fire Dept. during training last year, two local emergency workers have developed a new way to prevent that type of tragedy from happening again.
Christopher Watford and Michael Herbert with the Leland Volunteer Fire/Rescue team started new initiative, called FD-CPR, which stands for “Firefighter Down.”
During an emergency, every second counts. The new program can help save minutes and ultimately save lives.
When the unthinkable happens, and a firefighter collapses on an emergency scene, the first job is to get them out of a building. Crews must be able to provide the highest level of care possible. What happens next is the key.
Before fire crews can start chest compressions, they have to remove the downed man’s gear which can take a lot of time especially with gear that is hot, wet, and maybe even contaminated.
FD-CPR involves stabilizing the victim and allowing CPR to begin even while the gear is still on.
“FD-CPR can enable us to take what would be eight to ten minutes before hands get on the chest to four to five minutes which is much better for the individual in cardiac arrest,” Watford said. “Because chest compressions can be initiated early and continue through the procedure.”
The program is a simple technique which requires minimal training and no additional equipment. Watford said it’s a process that saves time and ultimately can help save lives.
“Every minute that an individual goes without chest compressions decreases survival about ten percent,” Watford said. “It provides that focus in a time in which their adrenaline is going to be high and they lose fine motor skills. It’s a simple means that they can practice and be good at to make sure everyone does go home.”
The 10 step program is gaining momentum, not just locally, but all across the world.