GUIDELINES FOR FIREFIGHTER PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS

1 GUIDELINES FOR FIREFIGHTER PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONSH eart attack is the most common cause of on-duty FIREFIGHTER fatalities. Yet, existing regulations do not require firefighters topass periodic medical EXAMINATIONS . Everyyear, firefighters needlessly die on duty because their medical conditio ns are not identifiedor properly treated. This is especially a problem withvolunteerfirefighterswho often tendto be older than their counterparts in career departments. Recommendations: Pre-placement PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS :This examination should be similar to that conducted for police candidates. Periodic Reexaminations: Incumbent firefighters should be required tocompletea reexamination on an annual basisand this examination should include calculation of each FIREFIGHTER s heart attack risk. Background:In 2007, the national Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued an alert that sudden cardiac death represents the most common cause of on-duty FIREFIGHTER fatalities.

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards 1500 and 1582 include detailed guidelines and protocols for conducting physical examinations and the development of comprehensive occupational health and wellness programs. • The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and the International Association of Fire

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