First Responders: Act Now, Save a Life

Cardiac events remain one of the leading causes of death among first responders, making early detection critical. According to national fire service tracking data, cardiovascular events are the leading cause of on-duty firefighter deaths, accounting for nearly 50% of all fatalities. Additionally, occupational health studies reveal that nearly 80% of these tragic deaths occur in individuals with underlying, undetected coronary artery disease – frequently triggered hours after the extreme stress of an emergency call has ended.

“Heart disease is often silent until it becomes catastrophic,” said Fred Sanscoucie, Director or Radiology Services at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center, one of the hospital partners in Alton, Ill. that serves as a test site. “This simple screening can be an important addition to any patient’s overall health plan, but especially for those who work in high-stress professions. Early detection provides an opportunity to make lifestyle changes, pursue treatment if necessary and potentially prevent a life-threatening cardiac event.”

While BackStoppers’ mission remains rooted in supporting families after line-of-duty death or catastrophic injury, the Cardiac Wellness Program marks the organization’s first investment in preventative care aimed at helping save lives before tragedy occurs.

“The threats first responders face aren’t always the ones making headlines,” said Col. Lawrence O’Toole, Executive Director of BackStoppers. “Heart disease remains one of the greatest risks facing public safety officers. For more than 65 years, BackStoppers has been there for families after tragedy strikes. This program allows us to take a different approach, helping save lives before a family ever needs us.”

OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center security supervisor, Stephen Ridings, who was formerly in law enforcement, knows the value of the test firsthand. After undergoing a calcium scoring scan, he learned he had a serious heart condition that required immediate medical attention.

“I almost didn’t take the test because I felt fine,” said Ridings. “The scan was incredibly quick and easy, but the results changed my life. It revealed a condition I had no idea existed. Without it, I may not have known until it was too late. I truly believe this program could save countless lives.”

For families who have already experienced devastating loss, the initiative carries deep emotional significance.

“When my husband died from cardiac arrest, our lives changed forever,” said Nicole Boyd, who began receiving support from BackStoppers after her late husband, St. Louis Deputy Sheriff Dennis Boyd, died in 2025. He had been on the force for 20 years. “You always think there will be more time. If a program like this had existed back then, maybe his condition would have been caught early enough to save him. Knowing other families may be spared that pain means everything.”

The BackStoppers Cardiac Wellness Program is available to approximately 17,000 eligible active-duty public safety officers across Missouri and Illinois within the organization’s 28-county coverage area.

Eligible public safety officers can schedule an appointment directly through OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center by calling (618) 474-4606, or by visiting their primary care physician, who can direct them to any testing site that’s conveniently located for them.

For more information on the Cardiac Wellness Program click here.