Incident Name: “pack test” certification in Chapel Hill, NC
Date: 4/28/2003
Personnel: Mark Austin Morgan
Age: 41
Agency/Organization: NC Division of Forest Resources, Raleigh NC
Position: Ranger / Firefighter
Summary: Ranger Morgan was completing the annual “pack test” that is required for firefighters to participate in interagency wildland fire fighting efforts. Ranger Morgan complained of breathing problems during the test in Chapel Hill and stopped carrying the required 45-pound pack. He finished the 3-mile walk and did not show any outward signs of distress. Approximately 10 minutes after completing the test, Ranger Morgan suddenly collapsed. Other rangers at the scene provided aid immediately and CPR was started after Ranger Morgan stopped breathing. An ambulance arrived approximately 20 minutes after the collapse and transported Ranger Morgan to the hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital due to a heart attack.
Maps
Department: NC Division of Forest Resources, Raleigh NC
Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) took place someplace in Chapel Hill, NC, neither hospital nor Pack Test location is known; if you have any better location, please let us know.
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- USFA Memorial Database: Mark Austin Morgan
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