Most line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) are:

The primary reason for identifying stress (cardiac) related incidents as the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) stems from extensive research and data analysis within the firefighting community. Cardiac events can be exacerbated by the physical and emotional challenges firefighters face during emergencies, including extreme physical exertion, high stress levels, and environmental factors such as heat exposure.

The physiological demands of firefighting activities, combined with the inherent stresses of emergency response, create a significant risk of cardiovascular incidents among firefighters. This is evidenced by various studies and reports that track causes of fatalities within the profession, which consistently show that heart-related issues account for a substantial percentage of LODDs.

Understanding this statistic underscores the importance of proactive health and wellness initiatives within firefighting organizations, aiming to prepare personnel for the stresses of their roles and to prioritize cardiovascular health to reduce these risks.

In contrast, while burn-related deaths, apparatus accidents, and falls are noteworthy concerns and do contribute to LODDs, they do not occur with the same frequency as stress-related cardiac events. The emphasis on stress as a leading cause helps prioritize health and safety education that focuses on prevention and preparedness among firefighters.