Virginia EMT Dies During Firefighter Training
DALE CITY, Va. -- Officials in Prince William County say EMT Cecilia Turnbough died Sunday afternoon during training to become a firefighter.
The 42-year-old Turnbough was an eight-year member of the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department. She had worked only on the emergency medical side and had decided recently to become a firefighter. As part of her firefighter training, Turnbough was in a maze in full firefighting gear when she collapsed.
The maze is used to simulate the dark, disorienting conditions in a fire. No smoke or fire is used with the maze.
Prince William County Fire Chief Kevin McGee said when Turnbough was no longer in voice contact with her instructors the instructors went in to look for her. She was in cardiac arrest.
Turnbough was taken to Prince William Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Turnbough was the mother of three. Her oldest son, now in the Navy, is also a member of the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department. Turnbough's husband, Chris, is a lieutenant with the department.
Republished with permission of WUSA-TV.
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