有时坐着很有趣的“老萨尔ts" and discuss the way things used to be. Things seemed simpler then: Go to fires (a lot of fires), drill a little, and wait for the next one. Most of them (and those of us old enough to have come on in the '70s) would also agree that as simple and as thrilling as it was, there were problems. Except for rare occasions, safety and health programs were pretty much nonexistent back then. Things have generally gotten better-better apparatus, better working conditions, safer firegrounds, and so on. Several "standards" and strong union involvement in specific issues have improved conditions both on and off the fireground. I believe that medical evaluations are one of the "better" things that the standards have provided.
No one will disagree that this is a tough profession. To work at a structure fire is one of the most physically demanding jobs there is. At times, EMS runs can also require exertion and careful lifting. Another concern is the adrenalin rush and rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure when the "gong" hits. It is documented that this, too, takes a toll on the cardiovascular system. Medical evaluations can detect problems that could otherwise go unnoticed. Statistically, a large percentage of line-of-duty deaths are attributed to "stress." Some of the precursors to heart attacks and strokes can be detected by medical examinations.
In the Toledo (OH) Department of Fire and Rescue, we do not provide annual medical evaluations for members. Recruits are given a medical evaluation as part of the selection process. Haz-mat members are given a medical evaluation every two years. The biggest reason for not requiring annual physicals is funding (this is where it may be an advantage to be in a smaller department). Another concern is, What do you do when someone is determined to be physically "unfit" for duty because of a physical problem? It's easy when the problem results from a fire department activity. The answer is not so simple when the problem is not related to the job.
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