ORIGINAL PAPER
The analysis outlining the occurrence
and consequences of accidents in the work environment
of the firefighters employed by the State Fire Service
in Poland in 2008–2013
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1
Polish Medical Air Rescue / Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe, Warszawa, Poland
2
Medical University of Warsaw / Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Warszawa, Poland
(Division of Teaching and Outcomes of Education Faculty of Health Sciences / Zakład Dydaktyki i Efektów Kształcenia)
3
Medical University of Warsaw / Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Warszawa, Poland
(Department of Emergency Medical Services / Zakład Medycyny Ratunkowej)
Corresponding author
Agata Pawlak
Polish Medical Air Rescue,
Księżycowa 5, 01-934 Warszawa, Poland
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2016;67(1):1-9
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ABSTRACT
Background: Due to the specifics of their work and to being exposed to a wide range of hazards, firefighters working for the State
Fire Service (SFS) face the risk of work-related accidents more often than members of other occupational groups. The aim of this
paper is to analyze the occurrence and consequences of accidents in the work environment of the SFS officers in Poland between
the years 2008–2013. Material and Methods: The material analyzed is based on aggregate data collected by the Headquarters of
the State Fire Service. Figures regarding accidents in the period between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2013 show that 8518 workrelated
accidents occurred in that period and 8635 people were injured. Results: The data shows that neither the number of accidents
nor their frequency indicator underwent any significant fluctuations over the 6 years under consideration. The group that is most exposed
to accidents on duty in the profession includes active firefighters serving in rescue and fire extinguishment divisions. According
to the data, the greatest number of trauma incidents in the SFS between the years 2008–2013 occurred during sporting activities.
The predominant cause of these was inappropriate behavior or the lack of proper care. The most frequent injuries sustained during
the accidents were broken or fractured bones and sprained joints. Conclusions: Accidents on duty occur significantly more often
when firefighters are at their stations, during sporting classes, exercises or maneuvers, than in the course of actual rescue operations.
The firefighters of the State Fire Services are insufficiently prepared for their sporting activities. Med Pr 2016;67(1):1–9