What is the most common cause of incident fatalities?

The most common cause of incident fatalities is cardiac arrest. This is primarily due to the physical and emotional stress that individuals experience during emergencies, particularly in environments filled with smoke, heat, or heightened anxiety. The heart may fail to maintain adequate circulation due to these stressors, especially in populations that may already have underlying health conditions. Cardiac events can occur suddenly and without warning, making it a significant contributor to fatalities in various incident scenarios, including fires and other emergencies.

Other causes of fatalities, such as trauma, burns, and asphyxiation, while serious and potentially lethal, typically account for fewer deaths than cardiac arrest in the context of incidents. Trauma may occur due to accidents or structural collapses, burns result from exposure to flames or heat, and asphyxiation is related to the lack of oxygen and the presence of toxic smoke. However, the prevalence of cardiac-related deaths underscores the importance of recognizing the risk factors associated with heart health in emergency response situations.