Common Workplace Injuries for First Responders

Police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other emergency responders put themselves at risk of workplace injury or illness every day because of the dangerous nature of their jobs. 

Work-related injuries sustained by first responders can be expensive to treat, cause lost wages, and in some cases can prevent a return to normal work duties. In the event of a fatal occupational injury, family members left behind may face financial and emotional challenges.

Luckily, there are certain protections made available by workers’ compensation when emergency responders or other public safety officials are injured or killed on the job.

The following are common injuries among first responders:

Police Officers

Police officers and sheriff’s deputies suffer most of the fatal occupational injuries among law-enforcement workers. However, law-enforcement workers also include bailiffs, correctional officers and jailers, detectives and criminal investigators.

• Motor vehicle accidents

• Shooting injuries and deaths

• Slip, trip, and fall injuries

• Overexertion injuries

• Burn injuries

• Muscle sprains and strains

Firefighters

Firefighting is a high-risk career due to the very nature of their job - extinguishing fires and responding to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Their duties include fire prevention, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

• Smoke inhalation

• Exposure to dangerous chemicals

• Violent attacks from people or animals

• Falls from heights

• Fires and explosions

• Extreme weather

• Thermal stress

Emergency Medical Services

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics provide medical care for the sick or injured. These professionals respond to emergency calls, provide rescue and medical services at accident scenes, and transport patients to medical facilities. Due to the high-stress nature of their job, EMTs and paramedics have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.

• Violent attacks

• Exposure to contagious diseases and viruses

• Impact with objects or equipment

• Slips, trips, and falls

• Overexertion

• Motor vehicle, pedestrian and aircraft accidents.

Options Available for Emergency Responders

Emergency responders know they are at risk of on-the-job injuries, yet they continue to serve our communities on a daily basis. Any time a first responder is hurt or killed on the job, they may have a right to claim workers’ compensation benefits. An employee only needs to show that the injuries are work-related to receive benefits.

Our team of Certified Workers’ Compensation specialists have extensive experience representing emergency responders. We can help you to understand the options available to you for seeking compensation if you have been injured on the job.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.