FirefighterCloseCalls.Com - Home of the Secret List

We had a firefighter that was injured on Wednesday 10/16/09 during suppression activities of a vehicle fire. While working wearing full PPE the firefighter was stepping back from a vehicle that had been on fire and was now in the overhaul stage. The firefighter when he stepped back to allow another firefighter to walk in front of him stepped back off of a culvert that was hidden by overgrown grass. The firefighter reported injury to command immediately and was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Our firefighter has been placed on no physical duty until after he receives medical clearance to return to duty. The firefighter did not fall completely to the ground during the fall. The firefighter did not suffer any fractures but he has been suffering from lower back pain and muscle spasms. We hope he has a speedy recovery, and can return to work soon.
Lessons Learned
Lessons that can be learned from this are always ensure that slip trip and fall hazards have been identified. Always watch where you are walking. One way this could have been prevented is working with the county and state road departments to ensure that all culvert ends are marked with posts and reflectors. Had the culvert been identified the hazard would have been noted and the injury could have been avoided. Just remember to keep an eye on your surroundings and ensure everybody's safety. Even when wearing full and appropriate PPE things can go wrong and somebody can be injured.