As the Chief or Assistant Chief of your particular Fire Station, you know the problems of maintaining a full complement of fire protection personnel. No matter whether they are employed or volunteer, keeping your fire fighting and EMS personnel competent, capable and ready to serve is likely a continuing challenge.

The physical nature of the chosen profession can impact EMS health. This EMS fitness guideline by the Nation Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) presents some startling observations. One of the most disconcerting is that "One out of four EMS practitioners will suffer a career-ending injury within the first four years of service".

When you figure that most EMS practitioners enter the field in their early to mid-twenties when they feel immune to injury, this means that 25% of them will no longer be able to pursue their career by the time they are thirty and you won't be able to put them on your duty roster.

In addition, consider this. The NAEMT guideline also states that "the increased incidence of obesity and lack of physical fitness within EMS agencies also contribute to injuries and increases in chronic diseases." and that:

• EMS practitioners are seven times more likely than the average worker to miss work as a result of injury
• Half of all EMS workers suffer back pain annually
• Back injury is the most frequently cited reason for leaving EMS
• Back injuries are often the result of cumulative wear and tear.

It goes on to state that, "It is also worth noting that, similar to the general population, EMS personnel may experience an elevated risk for obesity, coronary heart disease, and poor cardiorespiratory fitness. Furthermore, occupational mental health hazards stemming, in part, from altered sleep schedules and high work-stress burnout have been shown to affect an EMS worker’s overall health (Becker & Spicer, 2007)."

1. Emphasize to your staff the dangers of overexertion, (Refer to this presentation by the National Safety Council) and note that overexertion is the, "#1 cause of nonfatal disabling work injuries", and the "#1 Cause of DAFW" (Days Away From Work).
2. Instruct and advise your staff regarding the NIOSH recommended 35-pound safe weight limit for lifting.
3. Encourage your more senior personnel to counsel new young employees and volunteers (while still suffering from a "Superman" complex) regarding the high risk of injury to EMS personnel due to overexertion.
4. Develop a culture of fitness and healthy eating habits with good nutrition within the fire house.
5. Promote the practice of multi-person team lifting using adjunctive devices such as the MegaMover® Transport Units by Graham Medical.

These are ideas for addressing the issue of lifting-related musculoskeletal injuries that may affect your EMS staff. There are a multitude of additional issues that need to be considered as well including, but not limited to, heart disease, respiratory issues, burnout and stress, sleep deprivation, alcohol and nicotine abuse to name a few.

To see a more broad-scope presentation of the issues affecting the health and well-being of your EMS practitioners and how to deal with them, download this free eBook.