Buscio Heart Screening Program Continues to Save Firefighter Lives

Atlantic City, NJ – The Captain Dominick Buscio Memorial Heart Screening Program continues its life-saving mission of detecting hidden cardiac disease in New Jersey firefighters, with program founder Donna Buscio reporting another successful year of screenings that identified numerous firefighters with previously undiagnosed heart conditions.

Buscio addressed convention delegates on September 16, 2025, sharing the bittersweet news that she recently welcomed her first grandchild, with two more expected soon. "I wish my husband Dom was here to see our family growing," she said emotionally, referencing the line-of-duty cardiac death that inspired the screening program.

Dr. Patel and Dr. Garcia, who provide medical oversight for the program, presented alarming statistics about the elevated risk firefighters face for hidden heart disease. The combination of cardiac stress from firefighting, exposure to toxic substances, irregular sleep patterns, and other occupational hazards creates a perfect storm for cardiovascular disease.

"We've discovered silent issues in many firefighters during screening," Donna reported. "Early detection and prevention are critical—please do it for your family."

The screening program offers comprehensive cardiac evaluation beyond what standard physical examinations provide, including advanced imaging and stress testing that can detect structural abnormalities and coronary artery disease before symptoms develop. Many cardiac conditions remain asymptomatic until a catastrophic event occurs, making proactive screening essential.

Firefighters face a significantly higher risk of cardiac death than the general population, with sudden cardiac events representing the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths nationally. The physical demands of firefighting combined with extreme heat exposure and toxic substance inhalation create acute cardiac stress that can trigger heart attacks in individuals with underlying disease.

The program's success stories include firefighters who discovered significant blockages or structural abnormalities during screening, leading to interventions that likely prevented line-of-duty deaths. Some underwent immediate cardiac procedures; others received guidance on lifestyle modifications and medication management to reduce their risk.

President Donnelly emphasized that the Buscio screening is the only FMBA-endorsed cardiac screening program, noting the organization's confidence in the medical team's expertise and the program's track record of accurate diagnosis. Other screening vendors have approached the FMBA seeking endorsement, but the organization maintains its exclusive support for the Buscio program.

Firefighters with questions about the screening process or scheduling appointments can contact Donna at [email protected] or visit the program booth at FMBA events. The program team staffed a booth throughout the convention, answering questions and scheduling screening appointments for interested firefighters.

The screening program represents the positive legacy of Captain Buscio, whose death prompted his widow to ensure that other firefighter families wouldn't experience similar loss. Donna's dedication to continuing the program honors her husband's memory while providing tangible benefits to New Jersey's firefighting community.

Dr. Patel and Dr. Garcia emphasized that early detection enables firefighters to make informed decisions about their careers and health management. Some firefighters with significant cardiac disease may need to consider transitioning to less physically demanding roles within their departments, while others can continue firefighting with appropriate medical management and monitoring.

The screening program also provides peace of mind for firefighters whose results show no significant cardiac issues, allowing them to continue their careers with confidence. The comprehensive evaluation addresses common concerns about cardiac risk without requiring firefighters to navigate complex medical systems on their own.