Training that is mostly overlooked...

[Guest DG795]

We all know that firefighting can be dangerous, and we promote training techniques that will protect ourselves...

Every firefighter (hopefully) has spent some hours performing self rescue evolutions.

Every firefighter (hopefully) looks at every situation with an eye towards the safety of the companies(s).

In more recent times an emphasis has been put on safety during emergency driving.

However, many departments overlook one of the leading causes of death among firefighters, that being physical fitness/cardiac related LODD's.

The questions I pose are these:

1.Do you feel your department has taken an interest in promoting their personnel's health and fitness? If so, how?

2.Does a "department physical" simply consist of a doctor's office visit and no real evaluation of physical fitness?

3.Do your firefighters treat working out with the same commitment as drills/training?

4.Is there an ongoing assessment in your department as to the physical fitness and abilities of its members?

5.Have you ever seen someone ever get taken off active status due to a lack of physical fitness?

[Remember585 815]

No comment.

[Guest]

DG795, the lack of replies to the 4 questions might be that BIG can , no, make that the BIG dumpster of worms that got oppened............ [-(

[Guest DG795]

Im not trying to make departments full of professional athletes, just seeing if this is a thought or priority for any departments. i.e.; gym membership stipens, free stress tests at a certain age, etc.

[Guest]

The subject you brought up is a critical one and I applaud you for it.

In my personal case, no one has ever approached me with suggestions or priorities except for the trainer I sometimes work out with at the gym. I do make it my own personal priority.

[mstrang1 213]

No comment.

[Guest alsfirefighter]

=D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

I know of one volunteer dept in dutchess :roll: that gives its members a physical through a medical clinic which you are evaluated on your physcial fitness status as well. Walking with weights and up and down a few flights of stairs with scba, coat, helmet, gloves and ankle weights on.

Its nice to see more of us are critical of how we push aside the real issues we can deal with that kill more of us every year. Perhaps I shoud forward Seth an article I wrote on this topic and have him post it.

[Pudge3311 5]

perhaps the real question is not about the departments doing it, but about ourselves. We chose to join the department, and we know what the job entails, so one would have to think that if it is our job to go in and rescue someone and we barely get ourselves into the building with our gear on, one has to look in the mirror and question themselves when the person 10 feet from the door doesnt make it out.

[firemn23 8]

Our department changed this year to a physical that is done by I believe Empire Health group where they come to the firehouse and preform about 6 different test. Blood work, EKG, Urine sample, eye test, etc. I would have rather scene a stress test included but it is unrealistic for us to do with our limited budget. My opinoin is I would rather spend the $2000 per member to have the complete physical done than to have a LODD. Also after the last physical several members were taken off the active roster, and are now considered exterior firefighters.

[firecapt32 282]

I read with interest all the comments. fact is :

1-All interior firefighters must have a annual physical.

2- osha 1910.156 calls for physicals

3- osha 1910.120 haz mat calls for physicals

all firefighters must have a mask fit test and a pulmenary function test.

4-if you are taking ff1 or ff2 or safety/survival you must have a signed document stating that you meet these requirements

so if your department dosent - then the State of New York says you cannot take these courses.

lets move our departments into the new the 2000's its already 2005

be safe out there