A 2007 study demonstrated that the relative risk of suffering from a fatal cardiac event was up to 100 times greater following fire suppression activities. When a sudden cardiac event occurs in firefighters, one of the most important parts in the chain of survival is administering quality chest compressions as early as possible. In the past, compressions were not able to be performed until the downed firefighter was completely removed from his or her turnout gear which, in so...me cases, took up to four minutes to accomplish. With the new “Firefighter Down” method, basic life support protocols—including quality chest compressions—are initiated within thirty seconds.

Members of South Montgomery County fire department & the Montgomery County Hospital District participated in Live Burn training focusing on the “Firefighter Down” drill this week.