Training Hike Fatality 2018

An inmate trainee on California's Conservation Camp Program was participating in an initial training hike in moderately steep terrain while wearing full wildland PPE, web gear, and a hose pack. As the trainee reached the top of the climb for a second and final lap, he knelt and said he needed to catch his breath. The crew told the trainee to drink some water while he rested and questioned him to see if he was alert and oriented. Less than two minutes later, the crew noticed the trainee wasn’t drinking water or moving and did not respond when called. The crew quickly notified the captain that they needed additional support, started treating him for heat exhaustion, and loaded him into a vehicle. As they drove down the hill, when he became pulseless and non-breathing, the crew immediately started CPR.

Within two minutes, the crew arrived at the fire station where medical staff was waiting. The crew continued CPR as correction medical staff began advanced life support (ALS) efforts. Despite the efforts of fire crews, medical staff and paramedics, the trainee died. The cause of death was fatal cardiac arrhythmia due to cardiomyopathy. 

Fitness, Training, Fatality, Medical or Exertion, Heat Related Illness