Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect the public. They often risk their lives to save others, and sometimes they are injured or killed in the line of duty. In this blog post, we will take a look at firefighter fatalities according to the cause and nature of the injury.
In the United States, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) records firefighter fatalities on an annual basis. In 2021, there were 135 on-duty firefighter fatalities. It is important to note that 65 were a result of COVID. Read on to learn more.
Firefighter Deaths By Cause and Nature of Injury
The leading cause of death for firefighters tends to be overexertion, stress, or a medical ailment. In 2021, there were 26 firefighter fatalities due to this cause, which accounts for 54% of all deaths that year.
Similarly, sudden cardiac death caused 22 firefighter fatalities in 2021, which accounts for 46% of the total number of deaths.
There were 14 deaths as a result of internal trauma and crushing in 2021, which makes up 29% of all fatalities that year.
Next, rapid fire progress and explosions took the lives of six firefighters in 2021, which accounts for 13% of all deaths that year.
Similarly, burns caused four deaths, making up 8% of all firefighter fatalities in 2021.
We Can Help Injured Firefighters and Their Families
If you've suffered injuries on the job as a firefighter, you may be eligible for compensation. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need legal assistance. We have experience helping injured firefighters and their families navigate the legal system and get the benefits they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We are proud to serve those who serve our communities, and we understand the risks that come with being a firefighter. We are here to help you in any way we can and advocate on your behalf. Thank you for your service!
Contact the skilled team at Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC today by calling (916) 884-6554 or by filling out the online contact form with the details of your case to learn more about how we can help you.