Shape Up for Safety’s Sake
Gene Carlson’s Volunteers Corner
The physical fitness of firefighters has been a growing concern over the past several years, resulting in the development of more stringent hiring practices, regular fitness programs for on-duty firefighters, and an annual physical. With the growing number of people who have cardiovascular diseases, weight problems, and job related stress, an interest in and adherence to fitness programs are indeed necessary. Since stress is the single highest cause of fatal injuries among firefighters, the need for top physical condition in all firefighters is obvious.
Unfortunately, many volunteer fire departments have not chosen to review the physical health of their firefighters nor have they encouraged them to improve or even maintain their physical condition. Volunteer, just like career, firefighters are risking their lives daily—and dying. Shouldn’t the conditioning of both segments of the fire service be equally important? Projecting the image of the fire service can no longer be the overhang at the edge of the table.
Far too often the excuse “We’re only volunteers” is given. The stress of the response, the risk of the alarm, the physical endurance required to extinguish a fire is the same for all firefighters. Remember, fire doesn’t discriminate.
Many firefighters are employed in full-time positions that do not require strenuous physical exercise and, without some program of fitness conditioning, they are not prepared to meet the exertion level required on the fireground. A firefighter does not acquire good fitness spontaneously when the tone sounds or the siren blows. Injuries can lead to complications other than physical: insurance coverage may be inadequate, income from a regular job can be disrupted, or, worse, employment may be terminated due to an extended absence. Families may suffer if they are deprived of a regular primary source of income.
Volunteer fire departments can embark on programs to improve the physical fitness and hence the performance and safety of their members. The Greensburg, PA, Fire Department has initiated an extensive program of aerobic dancing to improve the physical well-being of its members. The Emmaus, PA, Fire Department uses a former garage at the rear of the station as a physical education building equipped with commercial exercising equipment.
A physical fitness program, of necessity, must be simple and easy. It can be as uncomplicated as jumping rope for 10 minutes a day. The most important element is to maintain consistency. The exercise needs to be performed on a regular basis, and requires constant motivation and support among the membership. However, the bottom line to any program is that there must be support from the top. Without the backing of the department’s top administrative officers, the program will fail before it ever begins.
Before starting a physical fitness program, the department should explore all the pros and cons. Contrary to the belief that a fitness program may be a deterrent to recruitment, a good program will enhance the overall physical state of the membership. Being in good physical shape can have a positive impact on the members’ regular jobs as well, since the energy levels increase, there are fewer severe illnesses, and less lost time due to incidents. Also, if exercise facilities are provided, it may be an enticement to younger members to join the department and bring already enlisted members to the station, where additional duties such as training or maintenance may be accomplished.
Some of the problems surrounding a physical fitness program are the costs of medical examinations prior to the members starting the program, to assure that they can indeed undertake an exercise program and that there won’t be any unexpected complications. In addition, there are the costs of providing space and training equipment. There is also the problem in securing competent assistance and instructors to direct the program. Finally, it can take several years to achieve the effect of the program; and this difficulty in realizing the cost/benefit ratio of a fitness program can be hard to justify at budget time.
Assistance in establishing a physical fitness program is available from many sources. Local agencies such as the YMCA or the Parks and Recreation Department are a good start. Fitness consultants are available to design specific programs, often a local physical education instructor or coach will enjoy helping. Outside agencies such as the Travelers Insurance Company with their film “Are You Ready?” and PEP (physical exercise pays) program can provide beneficial information to those starting a physical fitness program.
Don’t mislead members into believing that an hour or two of exercise once a week while overindulging and smoking in-between will lead to a successful program for them. They will need to do some exercising on their own and exhibit some self-control, being selective in the types of foods they eat rather than in the quantities.
Stress is unavoidable in the fire service. Heat, noise, fire gases, psychological traumas, etc., all affect the firefighter’s cardiovascular system and make him a prime candidate for coronary heart disease. Firefighters need fo increase their strength and improve their endurance to fight these potential killers. A well-designed and well-run physical fitness program is a good beginning.
When do you plan to start getting your department in shape?
