Charleston Firefighter Survives Heart Attack on Duty, Worker’s Comp Denies Coverage

Charleston Firefighter Survives Heart Attack on Duty, Worker’s Comp Denies Coverage

Charleston firefighter, Scott McWethy, survived a heart attack at his post, only to learn that his medical bills and lost wages were not eligible for worker’s compensation claims.

A Life-threatening Situation

McWethy, a seasoned firefighter with 25 years of service, experienced the traumatizing cardiac arrest while exercising at Daniel Island’s Fire Station 18 gym, as part of his daily mandatory routine. Despite the life-threatening situation, McWethy was not considered for worker’s compensation as heart attacks outside fire incidents, or beyond 24 hours post incident, do not fall within the compensation coverage. “I was surprised to find out that the state’s workers’ compensation doesn’t cover heart attacks,” McWethy expressed.

Medical Attention and Recovery

After feeling dizzy, having breathing difficulty, and an overall discomforting feeling, McWethy was rushed by his crew to Roper St. Francis Hospital downtown. Surgeons performed a successful operation, inserting a stent into an entirely blocked artery and fixing a partially blocked artery. Within a short time and against the odds, he got back on his feet and even resumed his duties. “It feels good to be back. I feel blessed to work with the people that I call brothers and sisters in the Charleston Fire Department.”

Seeking Change in Legislation

The Charleston Firefighters Association-Local 61 President, John Baker, stated that heart conditions, including heart attacks, were frequent causes of death among firefighters. He expressed the need for a change in the legislation to include such incidents within worker’s compensation coverage. “I think the law needs to be changed so others can have some help if faced with a heart attack on duty,” said McWethy.

Support for McWethy

To aid in McWethy’s recovery, the Charleston Firefighters Association-Local 61 launched a GoFundMe campaign that surpassed its initial goal of $7,000. The collected funds served to lessen the burden of McWethy’s medical bills and regular monthly expenses. In speaking about McWethy, Baker shared his admiration for his friend’s dedication to the line of duty, “Scott’s always got a smile on his face, he’s always watching out for other people.”

In light of the Unexpected

McWethy’s ordeal brings to light a serious gap in the system – the compensation policy’s failure to consider heart conditions and strokes as job-related illnesses. Firefighter unions, medical professionals, and lawmakers are now directed to consider these overlooked facets and make urgent, necessary amendments.

This unfortunate event has stirred the firefighting community and the public, sparking renewed calls for a change in the coverage legislation that would protect firefighters and other emergency responders from similar predicaments in the future.