Module 3: Health and Safety - IAFF

Student Text IAFF Training for Hazardous Materials: Technician©
Personal Fitness
Physical fitness is critical to your overall health and your
ability to perform safely and effectively as an emergency
responder. Higher levels of aerobic fitness, muscular
endurance, and muscular strength are key assets in the
emergency response profession. All members participating
in fitness programs should be medically cleared prior to
doing so. This clearance can establish a health baseline and
rule out any existing medical issues that might preclude
participating in a fitness program.
Aerobic Capacity
Aerobic capacity is an integral part of a fitness program.
Improved aerobic capacity leads to better cardiovascular
fitness and keeps blood pressure, weight, and body chemistry
in the normal ranges. There is little debate that a high
aerobic capacity is a prime goal for fire fighters and other
emergency responders.
Flexibility
Because emergency response work is physically demanding
and often requires intense physical labor in restricted areas,
the majority of injuries are sprains and strains. In addition,
many fire fighters are forced into retirement each year
because of disabling back injuries. An important part of
injury prevention is a flexibility program that creates full
range of movement for joints and muscles.
Muscular Strength and Endurance
Muscular endurance is defined as the ability of a muscle
group to perform work over a period of time sufficient to
cause muscle fatigue. Fire fighting and emergency response
work frequently requires maximum exertion. Maintaining
an appropriate level of muscular strength not only
allows you to perform your work efficiently, it establishes a
reserve that can prevent sprains and strains. A routine
strength training component is a standard part of responder
fitness.
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