New River Gorge National River (WV)
Life Saved During Arduous Work Capacity Test
An NPS employee collapsed while he was taking an arduous work capacity test (WCT) around 11 a.m. on Friday, March 12th. Other employees at the scene responded quickly. After determining that he had no pulse, one ranger began chest compressions while a second administered ventilations via a pocket mask. An ambulance that had been prepositioned at the site in accordance with the park's fire management protocols responded quickly. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was hooked up; it advised that a shock was needed and one was accordingly administered. Ventilations were then provided by a bag valve mask. A third ranger noted that the man was breathing independently and began administering high flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask. He was then taken by ambulance to a local hospital and later transferred to a regional hospital. Medical personnel believe that the AED was critical in reviving him. He was discharged from the hospital on March 23rd with a favorable prognosis. The arduous WCT is administered to wildland firefighters annually to assess fitness. Participants walk three miles in under 45 minutes while wearing a 45-pound pack. A medical response plan is required in order to administer the test. It includes the evaluation of options for immediate medical care and transport and identification of the closest emergency medical services. A minimum of a qualified first responder/emergency medical responder must be on site during a WCT. Based upon specific evaluation of needs, a higher level of emergency medical qualifications on scene may be warranted. At New River Gorge, the policy is to have an ambulance with an AED on scene for all arduous work capacity tests. [Submitted by Frank Sellers, District Ranger, New River Gorge; Barb Stewart, NCR/NER Fire Communications Specialist]
