The U.S. Fire Administration reported 106 firefighter on-duty or line-of-duty deaths in 2005. To the majority of the public, hearing a firefighter has died in the line of duty conjures images of a heroic firefighter perishing in a burning building while attempting a daring rescue. The fire service itself used this same context to define those who died in the line of duty for the greater part of history.

Today the term “line-of-duty death” has been expanded to include such incidents as firefighters killed while responding to or returning from an emergency call. Thanks to national fire service lobbying efforts and the 108th Congress, those suffering fatal heart attacks or strokes up to 24 hours after engaging in emergency actions also meet the criteria. With all of the different variations of line-of-duty deaths now being used, it's time for the USFA to develop and adopt a formal categorization system to distinguish the differences.

What the system is

Because of the inherent dangers associated with the occupation and the fact that firefighters will always be willing to take a certain amount of risk to save a life, we may never be able to completely eliminate line-of-duty deaths. However, in bringing greater awareness to these incidents in recent years, the USFA and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation have shone a bright light on the fact that these firefighter deaths have remained consistent.

One of the 16 goals established at the 2004 NFFF Life Safety Summit was to “create a national research agenda and data collection system that relates to the initiative.” Without question, a formal categorization and typing system of firefighter line-of-duty deaths will provide a vehicle for facilitating an organized, tenable and research-friendly data system for the collecting and cataloging of information, but more importantly, for future research to help reach the NFFF initiative.

Currently, a particular incident or particular kind of incident is not always distinguishable when we hear of a line-of-duty death. With just the general term and no other qualification in the “title language” other than being a firefighter line-of-duty death to differentiate the event, goals and objectives in attempts to minimize these incidents may be too general and wide in scope to provide detailed action specific to each cause.

There are academic systems for classifying specific topics when they are expanded beyond their original parameters or definition to include the new descriptions or subcategories. These categorization models implore typing, or assigning those differences from the point of reference. The actual structure of the model should be designed to flow in a general outline form and offer the ability to cross-reference information through the use of the letters and numbers assigned.

The categorization system should be in the form of types or other interchangeable synonym. These classifications, such as Type I for an on-scene emergency incident or Type II for motor-vehicle accidents, represent different areas and would appear with or in lieu of LODD information, announcements, charts and graphs to define the fatality. Also, like an outline, these alphabetic designations can be expanded to feature subcategories, such as Type IA, with “A” representing traumatic incidents or Type IB, with “B” representing those incidents where a firefighter became tangled or trapped and the death was a result of asphyxiation. (See “LODD Categorization Schedule,” left.)

It's important to emphasize that what is being proposed is not a ranking tool and should in no way be construed as classifying one LODD as more important than another. It's to provide an academic standard of distinguishing between the research constant of death and, in some cases, vastly different variables by which firefighters die in the line of duty or while on-duty.

Further expansion for each title category and subcategory for more detailed analysis can be accomplished by adding to the previous compilation of letters and numbers to meet the specific inquiry — so long as they meet the definition for each character. An example could include the need to list the different causes of Type IA (emergency on-scene; traumatic) incidents:

• Type I (title category: emergency on-scene operations)
• Type IA (title category + traumatic incident)
• Type IA1 (title category + traumatic incident + crushing injury)
• Type IA2 (title category + traumatic incident + laceration/evulsions)
• Type IA3 (title category + traumatic incident + gun shot)

The main emphasis is that no matter what series of letters and numbers you are looking at, they all work back to the root definition of the title category. The typing and subcategorizing of variables that meet the requirements of the title language will allow individuals and organizations to distinguish within a few short characters how a firefighter died. This will allow for quicker surface research and topic discussion without having to delve into the narrative of the incident to determine cause.

There is widespread sentiment in the fire service as well as the general population that firefighters who die while performing emergency operations should be distinguished in some fashion from other line-of-duty deaths. In this model, as demonstrated above, that is Type I. Again, this is not to say or intended to imply that one line-of-duty death is valued over another or to minimize the sacrifice that others have made. It's simply to stipulate that today there are differences, and there is a need to provide a system where all line-of-duty deaths are given attention collectively but also recognized individually according to the circumstances of the incident.

Why it's necessary

With the implementation of a formal LODD categorization system, the national fire service can draw immediate and greater attention to leading causes of firefighter deaths. The separation and further distinguishing of LODDs also will provide a faster method of identifying and grouping incidents than those currently being used. As a system becomes adopted and used with more frequency, first by the fire service and later the public (including the media) there will be automatic association with the new language. When the term Type I is used in a fire service context, there will be no difficulty distinguishing that the firefighter being read about, researched or discussed died while in the performance of his or her duties on or initiated at an emergency scene. One simple mention of the USFA classification, and the audience is on the same page.

Currently the USFA sends out e-mail notifications and posts information on its Web site when a line-of-duty death occurs. With a categorization system in place, within the first few line of information it can be known how the firefighter died and further details can then be assessed in the report accompanying each instance. The new addition to the notification, in bold, would look something like this:

The USFA has received notice of the following firefighter fatality:

USFA Category: Type IA

Name: John Q. Public

Rank: Fire Apparatus/Operator

Age: 42

Gender: Male

Status: Career

Years of Service: 22

Date of Incident: 5/10/2006

Time of Incident: 1700 hours

Date of Death: 5/10/2006

Incident Description: Fire Apparatus/Operator Public was part of an advanced hose team battling a residential structure fire when he separated from the group after a partial collapse of the home. After extensive search-and-rescue operations for the missing firefighter, he was discovered beneath a collapsed wall. He was transported to a local hospital, where he passed away on 5/10/2006.

To date, 29 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2006:

Type I - 12
Type II - 6
Type III - 8
Type IV - 2
Type V - 1

To provide further examples of the usefulness of a categorization system, one only has to look at the volumes of very well compiled and organized data provided by the USFA on firefighter line-of-duty deaths. Here USFA uses various charts, graphs and lists to identify the different firefighter line-of-duty deaths that occur each year. For the most part the graphic tables used are similar from year to year, but there is no standard that requires they remain that way. With a formal categorization system as proposed here, there would be assurances that through the years the typing and categorization remain consistent. This would allow for the many graphs produced by USFA to all contain similar language under one system and not require some of the lengthy titling inserted in some charts.

Additionally a categorization system would allow for rapid and simple reference to particular types of LODD occurrence for empirical comparison. By using the data provided by USFA for 2006 fire deaths through April (See “2006 LODDs,” left.), it's readily apparent that the addition of a categorization scheme provides immediate recognition to, although broadly, how the firefighter died, again with further details available in the narrative.

One step further

One can argue that current methods of separating and analyzing LODDs are sufficient so a new system isn't necessary. But the question must be asked, sufficient as compared to what alternative? After using and becoming familiar with the new system model, one can simply glance at the categorization column of the 2006 firefighter fatalities and, without review of any other information, instantly discern by the Type IC designation that firefighter death number-one made the ultimate sacrifice:

1. On the scene of an emergency incident.
2. Precipitated by a medical condition.
3. Brought on by stress or overexertion.

This quick reference and recognition ability are what current methods of data collection and presentation are lacking and a new formal categorization system can provide. At the present time, if research is needed to evaluate specific LODDs, one would essentially be required to pore over and individually separate volumes of data to narrow down and locate their subject matter. What this categorization model overwhelmingly demonstrates is the ability to readily recognize and group similar incidents, including those from year to year, without difficulty.

To take research implications one step further and include technology in the data disbursement of LODD information, USFA could place a search engine on the Firefighter Fatality page of its Web site. Here a person would only need to insert the type and click on the search icon to have the information displayed quickly. If the user was looking up particular causes of LODD that might be located in several different categories, such as medical incidents, he would be able to easily cross-reference his search by including Type IB (on-scene asphyxiation), IC (on-scene medical), III (heart attack or stroke up to 24 hours following emergency incident), and IV (training incidents) in the search request. This would save considerable time and effort on the researcher's part. Additionally the categorization system could have its own Web page where the type was hyperlinked to all of those discernible incidents.

The fire service and Congress have rightfully expanded the definition of firefighter line-of-duty death. With this expansion and those that may come in the future, it's important that USFA develop a formal categorization system to distinguish the different forms of fatal incidents. It's not a difficult task and if established as a priority, it could be completed in a relatively short time frame. The usefulness of a formal categorization and typing system of firefighter line-of-duty deaths is apparent and potentially revolutionary in not only providing quick reference for research but also aiding in establishing a form of branding to become synonymous worldwide with firefighter line-of-duty deaths.

There appears to be no downside to launching this or a similar initiative for categorizing firefighter line-of-duty and on-duty deaths. At the very least, the idea deserves thorough evaluation and exploration as to its possible implications as a fire industry standard. In that assessment should be the potential impact on those lives that may be saved with the advent of a better data collection system as mentioned in NFFF's Life Safety initiatives.

One thing is certain: Any new idea or innovation that carries the potential to reduce or minimize the occurrence of firefighter line-of-duty deaths is worth of hearty discussion and debate. Now is the time for that discussion.

---

Brian A. Crawford is an assistant chief and 22-year veteran of the Shreveport (La.) Fire Department, currently serving as assistant to the fire chief. He serves on Fire Chief's editorial advisory board and is a member of the IAFC Human Relations Committee. A National Fire Academy resident instructor and Maryland Fire Rescue Institute National Fire Service Staff and Command faculty member, Crawford is an Executive Fire Officer Program graduate and an IAEM Certified Emergency Manager. He is a graduate of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Senior Executives in State and Local Government and holds a paramedic associate's degree, a bachelor's in organizational management and a master's in industrial psychology. He can be reached at 318-673-6652 or brian.crawford@ci.shreveport.la.us.

LODD Categorization Schedule

Type I: All LODDs in this title category will have occurred while or as a direct result of a firefighter performing emergency duties intended to save lives or property.

Type IA: In addition to the above title definition, firefighter LODDs in this classification will be those deaths resulting from blunt or penetrating trauma. Examples include a structure wall collapse onto a firefighter causing his death or a firefighter fatally struck by an automobile while performing extrication at a motor vehicle accident.

Type IB: In addition to the above title definition, firefighter LODDs in this classification will be those deaths resulting from the onset of pulmonary asphyxia. Examples include those incidents where firefighters became caught/trapped/lost and unable to escape a structure or wildland fire. As a result, the firefighter died from running out of breathable outside air and/or self-contained air.

Type IC: In addition to the above title definition, firefighter LODDs in this classification would be those deaths resulting from a medical condition exacerbated by physical stress or overexertion. An example of this type of incident would include a firefighter suffering a fatal heart attack or stroke while performing command operations at an emergency scene. In this instance, no other mechanism, such as a toxic atmosphere or material objects, played a role in the firefighter's death other than the physical exertion or stress related to the role or task being performed.

Type II: All LODDs in this title category will have occurred while in response to or as a result of non-emergency actions immediately following an emergency incident. Where the term “motor vehicle” is used, along with automobiles, this is also meant to include airplanes, helicopters, boats, and any other transportation device powered by an engine.

Type IIA: In addition to the above title definition, firefighter LODDs in this classification will be those deaths resulting from a motor-vehicle accident while responding to an emergency incident.

Type IIA1: Firefighter was in fire apparatus at time of accident.

Type IIA2: Firefighter was in personal vehicle at time of accident.

Type IIB: In addition to the above title definition, firefighter LODD in this classification will be those deaths resulting from a motor vehicle accident while returning from an emergency incident.

Type IIB1: Firefighter was in fire apparatus at time of accident.

Type IIB2: Firefighter was in personal vehicle at time of accident.

Type IIC: In addition to the above title definition, firefighter LODDs in this classification will be those deaths resulting from being struck by or falling from a vehicle, not otherwise being involved in an accident.

Type III: All LODDs in this title category will have occurred or are a result of after-emergency action medical conditions and meet the definition provided within Section 2(k), Paragraph 2(C) of the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act of 2003:

“For purposes of this section, if a public safety officer dies as the direct and proximate result of a heart attack or stroke, that officer shall be presumed to have died as the direct result and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty, if that officer died as a result of a heart attack or stroke suffered no later than 24 hours after so engaging or participating.”

Type IV: All LODDs in this title category will be those incurred for any reason during firefighter practical training. This is to include incidents that occur during basic training for recruits or recurrent training for veteran firefighters.

Type V: All incidents in this title category will have occurred while member was on-duty but not related to any emergency or after-action task as defined by any other part of this document. Examples of this would include a firefighter dying at the fire station shortly after coming on shift and not having responded to any emergency incident within 24 hours or a member losing control of his vehicle while on-duty and traveling to a fire prevention education function.

Type VI: All other LODD or on-duty incidents that do not meet any other criteria listed in previous classifications.

2006 LODDs (through April)

	USFA Cause of Death	USFA Nature of Death	Categorization
1	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type IC
2	Caught or Trapped	Asphyxia	Type IB
3	Other	Other	Type IA
4	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type IC
5	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type V
6	Struck By	Trauma	Type IA
7	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type III
8	Stress/Overexertion	Cerebrovascular Accident	Type III
9	Struck By	Trauma	Type IA
10	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type IV
11	Struck By	Crushed	Type IIC
12	Unknown	Unknown	None Assigned
13	Stress/Overexertion	Cerebrovascular Accident	Type IV
14	Other	Heart Attack	Type V
15	Caught or Trapped	Burns	Type IB
16	Caught or Trapped	Drowning	Type IV
17	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type V
18	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type IC
19	Unknown	Unknown	None Assigned
20	Caught or Trapped	Asphyxia	Type IB
21	Vehicle Collision	Trauma	Type IIA
22	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type IC
23	Caught or Trapped	Unknown	Type IB
24	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type III
25	Caught or Trapped	Other	Type IA
26	Collapse	Crushed	Type IA
27	Collapse	Crushed	Type IA
28	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type III
29	Vehicle Collision	Trauma	Type IA
30	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type III
31	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type V
32	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type IC
33	Unknown	Unknown	None Assigned
34	Caught or Trapped	Burns	Type IB
35	Stress/Overexertion	Heart Attack	Type III
36	Stress/Overexertion	Unknown	Type IC
* Firefighter death numerical designations were randomly assigned for incidents recorded by USFA from Jan. 1 through April 30 and are not in any particular order, including chronological.