Incident Name:
Date: 2/21/05
Personnel: Henry DeAngelo Hobbs, Jr.
Age: 37
Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Forestry, Jacksonville Division
Position: Senior Forest Ranger
Summary: Senior Forest Ranger Hobbs reported for work at approximately 0800 hrs. He and another firefighter went to the sites of 2 previous wildland fires, and at each site performed overhaul and mop-up operations involving the use of hand tools and hose lines. The firefighters returned to the station at approximately 1200 hrs. The afternoon hours were spent completing paperwork and completing physical fitness activities. Senior Forest Ranger Hobbs went off-duty and drove to his residence at approximately 1700 hrs. Prior to his departure, he complained of indigestion. After his arrival at home, Senior Forest Ranger Hobbs took over-the-counter medications for heartburn. He went outdoors and began to talk with his neighbor. At approximately 1817 hrs, Senior Forest Ranger Hobbs collapsed. A paramedic ambulance arrived at 1831 hrs and found Senior Forest Ranger Hobbs unresponsive. He was transported to the hospital, with medical care continuing during the transport. Senior Forest Ranger Hobbs was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The cause of death was a heart attack.
Florida Department of Forestry, 7247 Big Oaks Road, Briceville, FL
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Reports, Documentation, Lessons Learned
- NIOSH Report: Wildland Fire Fighter Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death After Performing Mop-Up/Overhaul Operations at Two Wildland Fires – Florida (html)
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Wildlandfire.com Links:
- USFA Memorial Database: Henry DeAngelo Hobbs, Jr
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