What is the most common cause of firefighter injuries at incidents?

Overexertion and strain are the most common causes of firefighter injuries at incidents due to the physically demanding nature of firefighting. Firefighters often engage in strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy equipment, carrying victims, and moving through hazardous environments. This high level of physical exertion can lead to injuries, particularly sprains, strains, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Firefighting tasks typically require a significant amount of strength, endurance, and agility, and managing these physical demands is crucial for maintaining safety during operations. Furthermore, the stressful environment, coupled with the need for rapid response, often contributes to the risk of overexertion. Recognizing and addressing the potential for strain injuries through proper conditioning, training, and the use of appropriate techniques and equipment is essential for reducing injury rates among firefighters.

While inadequate training, unpredictable fire behavior, and equipment malfunction can certainly contribute to incidents and injuries, overexertion remains a prevalent issue given the intense physical workload firefighters face on the job.