Cyanide Poisoning can Mimic Other Firefighter Health Issues

The U.S. Fire Academy and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) have, for years, utilized the same National Institute for Occupational Safety and Heatlh (NIOSH) Firefighter fatality statistics to assist in driving the firefighter wellness initiatives.

These initiatives are based on the statistics that show approximately 50 percent of fireground fatalities are caused by cardiac arrest secondary to poor fitness levels. These statistics have caused a strong push throughout the entire fire service to strongly encourage all firefighters to work out harder and more frequently to ensure they are able to handle the rigors demanded by the job. But what if a portion of the fireground induced cardiac arrests where not caused by poor health but by a silent killer we have not assessed for during emergency treatment or the existing line of duty death investigations required for a firefighter to receive the Public Safety Officers Benefit?

One of the most recent theories currently being evaluated by the International Association of Fire Chiefs is the possibility of cyanide poisoning causing some portion of the cardiac arrests. This question is currently being discussed by Chief Bobby Halton, Chief Editor of Fire Engineering and has been delivered to various audiences around the country. The primary concern regarding cyanide is its ability to cause fatal health issues with firefighters and the inability or unavailability of assessing for the problem. The symptoms of cyanide poisoning mimic the signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction.

Source:cms.firehouse.com