Which group reportedly has one of the highest rates of fatalities among responders?

Fire and rescue personnel face some of the most dangerous situations during incidents, particularly those involving traffic collisions, hazardous materials, or structural collapses. Their role often requires them to enter environments that are unpredictable and can rapidly change—such as a vehicle fire or a collapsed building. This exposure to high-risk situations significantly contributes to their higher fatality rates compared to other groups.

Moreover, fire and rescue operations often occur on or near roadways, where responders are at risk from moving traffic. The combination of working in environments filled with hazards and the necessity to operate under time constraints to save lives puts them at an elevated risk. Training for these personnel also emphasizes understanding the specific safety protocols and risks associated with their work, which can help mitigate some dangers, but the inherent risks remain significant.

In contrast, local government officials, traffic engineers, and public transportation drivers may not engage in activities that expose them to the same level of immediate physical danger. While they each play crucial roles in traffic incident management and public safety, their work does not typically involve the life-threatening circumstances that fire and rescue personnel frequently face. This distinction helps clarify why fire and rescue personnel are reported to have one of the highest rates of fatalities among responders.