NFPA: Firefighter Injuries Lowest in Decades

The number of firefighters injured in the line of duty last year was the lowest in nearly 30 years, an NFPA report shows.

During 2010, NFPA officials estimated there were 71,875 firefighters injured, an eight percent decrease in those hurt on the job in 2009.

Officials who compiled the report were quick to point out that exposures are now placed in their own category, and not lumped with injuries.

Researchers used earlier reports submitted by fire departments to make their estimates.

An estimated 15,000 injuries or 20.8% resulted in lost time.

They also said that 32,675 or 45.4% of all firefighter injuries occurred during fire ground operations. An estimated 13,355 occurred at non-fire emergency incidents, 4,380 while responding/returning from an incident, 7,275 during training activities, and 14,190 occurred during other on duty activities.

"Firefighters work in varied environments under extreme conditions that increase their risk of on-the-job death and injury," Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA said in a prepared statement. "This analysis helps NFPA and local fire departments gain a better understanding of how injuries occur so fire departments can implement the best solutions to minimize inherent risks."

In addition, the NFPA estimates that there were 11,200 exposures to infectious diseases such as hepatitis, meningitis, HIV and others.

Also, researchers said there were 25,700 exposures to hazardous conditions like asbestos, radioactive materials, chemicals, fumes. This amounts to 24.2 exposures per 1,000 hazardous condition runs.

"Overall for the 1981 to 2010 period, the number of injuries at non-fire emergencies increased from 9,600 in 1981 to 13,355 in 2010 for an overall increase of 39%. For the same period, the number of non-fire emergencies increased a substantial 247% due in large part to an increase in the number of medical aid incidents," they wrote.

Crashes also continue to injure firefighters as the NFPA estimated that 4,380 personnel were hurt injuries occurred while responding or returning from an incident.

Other records showed 7,275 injuries occurred during training activities, and 14,190 during other on-duty activities