It is well known that firefighting is a dangerous profession, and many firefighters die in the line of duty each year. According to an NFPA article (National Fire Protection Association), there were a total of 68 firefighter line of duty deaths (LODD). While the number is below average, it is still a very noticeable amount. In the early days of the job, deaths were commonplace due to the primitive tactics used by the volunteers and townspeople. Causes of death ranged from burning to death and smoke inhalation, to getting crushed by falling walls or falling from a great height. Even though fire technology and protective equipment have improved since then, the job has not become any safer.
In the past, firefighters faced problems that were deadly, but relatively simple. Nowadays, problems other than fire plague rescue workers. Firefighters now have to train to respond to things such as terrorist attacks, riots, and other occurrences. There are also existing hazards that have evolved to become even more dangerous. An example of this is the new kind of smoke firefighters are facing. Smoke has always been a hazard for rescuers in the past. It takes away oxygen and makes the air unbreathable. Now with the new chemicals being used to make household furniture and appliances, chemicals such as Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen Cyanide are now mixed in the smoke. Both chemical can cause severe damage to the body and, over time, even kill a person. A more in-depth list of chemicals fond in smoke can be found here. It just goes to show that even though safety has advanced throughout the years, the hazards of the job are still there.
