When we get dispatched to a medical call, we should use 3 rule outs to prevent us from getting tunnel vision and to assist in finding the underlying medical problem. Think of three medical problems that the patient complaint may be caused by and use those rule outs to help get a field impression of the patient. #1 – Respiratory Rule Outs We are dispatched to a 64-year-old male patient complaining of shortness of breath. While en route to the call think of three things it could be. Let’s pick the rule outs: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Pneumonia ..read more

In part 2 of this article series, we will cover the remaining “Top 10” pieces of functional fitness training equipment for the fire station. If you missed part 1, you can read it here. 6. Firefighting PPE Firefighting gear including turnout coat and pants, helmet, gloves, and SCBA add to the challenge of executing functional fitness exercises as well as train your mind and body to be able to work efficiently in cumbersome and restrictive environments. Firefighters should exercise in gym clothing as well as in various levels of turnout gear, from time to time. 7. Free Weights Weights like ket ..read more

One of the excuses we hear most often when it comes to avoiding fitness is that “proper equipment is not available.”  Well, when it comes to Firefighter Functional Fitness, this is far from accurate. In this article series we’ll share with the best pieces of functional fitness equipment for the fire station and why they are so effective. 1. Fire Hose Fire hose can be used for a plethora of functional fitness exercises. Using The Big 8 of Firefighter Functional Fitness as our guide (core, cardiovascular capacity, flexibility, push, pull, lift, carry, and drag), exercises such as battle ho ..read more

The Comprehensive Feedback model of evaluating employees is a proven way to outline expectations and monitor progress throughout the year. It provides an open dialogue between raters and members while detailing a clear path to achieve professional success in the workplace. Company Officers (and their crews) can benefit tremendously by incorporating these tips into their mentoring game.  5 Types of Assessments: Assessment #1 – Initial Feedback The initial feedback session should be completed as soon as possible following assignment of a new employee. Our expectations should be clearly ..read more

Checking our truck seems to be a simple task that can become monotonous. We come to shift and the person who we relieve informs us “the trucks good”. We then scan the rig to make sure everything is there and we call it a day.This is a bad habit to have and in the end, could be costing someone their life. Here are 3 things we can do to not only break the monotony but help keep us safe by ensuring the contents are on the rig and they are fully operational. Key #1 – Have a Truck Check Routine By keeping a routine, we make sure that we continue to do the same thing the same way every time. Th ..read more

In this three-part series I’m going over three types of exercise I believe all firefighters should do. While there isn’t ONE right way for everybody to exercise (although superfans of certain workout regimes will argue with that) there are some workouts that are beneficial for firefighters specifically because they help you either perform better on the job and/or reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack or injury. Best Workout #3 – Basic yoga Notice that I stated “basic” yoga because advanced yoga involves some twisting and spinal hyperextension that is potentially damaging to firefig ..read more

Overview/Description of the PWR Training Sandbag The PWR Training Sandbag is an exercise sandbag that helps firefighters (and non-firefighters) improve their functional fitness.  It consists of an outer canvas shell with 3 inner tubes which can be filled with kitty litter (recommended by the manufacturer), sand or other non-abrasive material. PWR Training offers shoulder straps (additional purchase) that attach to the bag so that firefighters can wear it like an SCBA cylinder. I used the PWR Training Sandbag in approximately 10 different workouts, using a total weight range of 2 ..read more

This is the second of a three-part series explaining some of the best types of exercise for firefighters. There’s so much out there, and for every workout regime, there are people advocating that their program is the best. I’m often asked what firefighters should be doing. Although different types of workouts are good for different firefighters, there are three types of exercise that I recommend universally for all firefighters. Best Workout #2 – Circuit Workouts Circuit workouts are great for anybody who wants to be well rounded in their fitness because you get your cardio and your resis ..read more

It’s no secret that a firefighter’s work places incredible strain on the body.  According to the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), sprains and strains account for 50% of all line-of-duty injuries, and back injuries result in approximately 50% of all line-of-duty retirements annually.  In this article, we’ll share 3 ways to help you reduce the chance of a back injury. 1. Build Core Strength As you might expect, exercise is a great way to reduce the probability of suffering an injury, especially sprains and strains.  But in order to reduce your chances of sufferin ..read more

There are so many different types of workout regimes out there and a lot of firefighters ask me which is best for firefighters? The truth is that the best type of exercise for you is one that will help you work on the component(s) of your fitness that’s lacking. For example, if you have a lot of endurance but you’re not very strong then you should focus on heavy resistance training. But in general, there are some types of exercise that work well for all firefighters. In this 3-part blog series, I’m going to tell you the 3 best types of exercise for firefighters overall and explain why you shou ..read more