News
USFA Releases New Firefighter Autopsy Protocol
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has issued an updated version of the Firefighter Autopsy Protocol manual, which was original released in 1994. The new Protocol addresses additional areas of information and considers emerging issues and new technologies for conducting autopsies.
"The updated Firefighter Autopsy Protocol manual is intended to advance the analysis and understanding of the causes of firefighter deaths and contribute to the future development of improved health and safety standards, operational procedures, and technology for our nation’s firefighters,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade. “With the continued development of our understanding to the causes of firefighter fatalities, we can all work toward preventing them in the future.”
Around one hundred firefighters die in the line of duty each year. The Protocol provides general background related to conducting autopsies as well as information about current autopsy practices that may assist in ascertaining causes and mechanisms of firefighter fatalities. It includes discussion on the examination of personal protective clothing as well as toxicological evaluations. It is recommended that autopsies be performed for all firefighter fatalities where a line-of-duty death has occurred.
To download the Firefighter Autopsy Protocol or for further information about this project, visit the USFA web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/research/safety/.
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Kimberly Ettinger
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David Finger
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