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Firefighting is the most physically demanding job in the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracked the physical requirements of about 480 jobs at more than 56,000 workplaces [8].
Every day, firefighters nationwide put their bodies on the line, battling extreme heat, toxic environments, and physically challenging tasks like carrying equipment, advancing hoselines, and rescuing victims. The physical and mental demands of firefighting are unlike those found in many other professions, requiring a high level of strength, endurance, cardiovascular health, and grit. Yet, despite these requirements, physical fitness in the American fire service continues to fall short of meeting a necessary standard.
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Although many firefighters set personal fitness goals, this approach is proving insufficient for the realities of the job. Instead, the fire service must move towards setting clear physical fitness standards that reflect the demands of the job. This is not just a matter of health and well-being but a critical safety issue—both for firefighters and the communities they serve.
The CDC Physical Activity Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines for physical activity that apply to all adults. These guidelines recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week. Additionally, the CDC recommends muscle-strengthening activities two or more days per week. These muscle-strengthening exercises should involve all major muscle groups, promoting balanced physical development and reducing the risk of injury [1].
These guidelines are based on years of research demonstrating the numerous health benefits of regular physical activity, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers [1]. For firefighters, the implications are even more significant, as physical preparedness is essential for health and job performance.
However, recent research shows that many firefighters are not meeting these basic physical activity standards, putting themselves at increased risk for health issues and impairing their ability to perform effectively under extreme firefighting conditions [2,3].
The Reality: Firefighters’ Physical Activity Levels
Firefighters are often perceived as being in peak physical condition, but data suggests otherwise. Multiple studies have revealed a gap between the physical demands of the job and the actual fitness levels of many in the fire service.
A study by Poston et al. (2011) found that a substantial proportion of firefighters are not meeting the CDC’s recommended physical activity levels. Specifically, only 30% of the firefighters studied met the aerobic activity recommendations, and just 40% met the strength-training guidelines [2]. These findings are troubling, given the critical role that both cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength play in fireground performance.
Further research by Jahnke et al. (2013) found that many firefighters struggle to maintain regular physical activity due to various factors, including long shifts, lack of time, and inadequate access to proper training facilities [3]. If available, firehouse gyms are often underequipped and lack the necessary equipment to perform comprehensive strength and conditioning programs. This problem is compounded by age-related declines in physical activity, especially among veteran firefighters [2,3].
The Health Implications
The health implications of failing to meet physical fitness standards are profound, not just for firefighters but for the fire service as a whole. Firefighters are exposed to a variety of health risks, including heart disease, cancer, and musculoskeletal injuries, which are often exacerbated by poor physical conditioning.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 45% of firefighter fatalities each year are due to sudden cardiac events [4,7]. These events often occur during or shortly after fire suppression activities, where extreme physical exertion and heat stress place immense strain on the heart [5,7].
Firefighting requires our nation’s best to perform high-intensity tasks for extended periods of time, often under extreme conditions that can elevate core body temperatures and place additional stress on the cardiovascular system [5,7]. Inadequate cardiovascular fitness can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest during these high-stress situations, making it critical for firefighters to maintain a level of fitness that ensures their hearts can withstand the demands of the job [4,5,7].
However, studies show that many firefighters are at an increased risk for CVD due to poor physical fitness and elevated rates of obesity [2]. The study by Poston et al. (2011) revealed that nearly 70% of firefighters are either overweight or obese, conditions that further elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and related complications [2]. Obesity not only compromises heart health but also impairs mobility and increases the risk of heat stress, making it even more dangerous in the fireground environment.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Another significant health concern for firefighters is the high incidence of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly injuries to the back, knees, and shoulders. The physically demanding nature of their work—whether carrying heavy equipment, advancing hoselines, climbing stairs, or performing rescues—places tremendous stress on these parts of the body. Research has shown that musculoskeletal injuries are one of the leading causes of disability and early retirement in the fire service.
According to a study by Watson et al. (2023), firefighters with lower levels of muscular strength and endurance are at a significantly higher risk of these injuries due to the demands of their work (6). The study underscores the critical role that overall fitness plays in mitigating injury risk, especially in tasks that require heavy lifting, awkward body positions, or sustained physical effort. Weakness in key muscle groups, particularly in the core and lower back, can lead to improper lifting mechanics, increasing the likelihood of injury. The study further found that firefighters with higher fitness levels were less prone to musculoskeletal injuries and experienced quicker recovery when injuries occurred.
Ensuring firefighters engage in regular strength and conditioning programs targeting vulnerable areas, such as the back, upper, and lower extremities, can significantly reduce injury risks. Building trunk stability, muscular strength, and endurance is essential for maintaining proper form during physically demanding tasks, reducing the overall strain on joints and ligaments.
The CDC emphasizes the importance of regular strength training to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, yet many firefighters fail to engage in consistent strength-training routines. As a result, they are more vulnerable to injury, which can lead to extended time off the job and, in severe cases, permanent disability.
The Cultural Shift: Setting Physical Fitness Standards
The current approach to physical fitness in the fire service is largely goal-oriented, with individual firefighters often left to determine their own fitness routines. While this approach works for some, it is inadequate for the fire service as a whole. Goals, by their very nature, are subjective and vary widely from person to person. Some firefighters may set rigorous fitness goals and hold themselves to high standards, while others may struggle to maintain consistent physical activity for general health.
This inconsistency is unacceptable in a profession where physical preparedness can be the difference between life and death. The fire service needs to move beyond individual fitness goals and adopt clear physical fitness standards that apply to all firefighters, regardless of rank, age, or experience. These standards should be based on the physical demands of the job and incorporate not only aerobic capacity but muscular strength and endurance as well, aligning with the CDC’s recommended guidelines for physical activity.
Why Standards Matter
Physical fitness standards serve several critical functions. First, they ensure that all firefighters meet a minimum threshold of physical capability, which is essential for safety—both for individual firefighters and their brothers and sisters in arms. Second, fitness standards promote accountability within the fire service. By establishing clear benchmarks, departments can regularly assess firefighters’ readiness to perform their duties.
These assessments can help identify individuals who may need additional support or training to meet the required standards, preventing injury and reducing the likelihood of line-of-duty deaths.
Finally, fitness standards encourage a culture of health and wellness within the fire service. When fitness is treated as a standard job requirement rather than a personal goal, it becomes integrated into the firehouse’s daily routine. This cultural shift can lead to improvements in overall health, morale, and job performance.
Implementing Fitness Standards in the Fire Service
Setting physical fitness standards is a critical first step, but it must be accompanied by practical measures to support firefighters in meeting these standards. Fire departments should provide structured physical training programs, regular fitness assessments, access to well-equipped firehouse gyms, and subject matter experts who can offer guidance to those in need.
Structured Training Programs
Many firefighters lack the knowledge or experience to develop adequate strength and conditioning programs on their own. Fire departments should provide access to certified strength and conditioning coaches who understand the unique physical demands of firefighting.
A well-structured training program should focus on developing multiple qualities in conjunction with one another simultaneously. For example, a concurrent model like the Conjugate Method popularized by Louie Simmons of Westside Barbell can train all methods of strength simultaneously, focusing on building maximal strength, developing explosive power, and increasing work capacity. This approach is particularly well-suited to the needs of firefighters, as it prepares them for the varied and unpredictable demands of the fireground.
Regular Fitness Assessments
Fire departments should implement regular fitness assessments to ensure firefighters meet the required fitness standards. These assessments should evaluate cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength, reflecting the physical tasks firefighters will likely encounter on the job.
Departments should develop fitness assessments that mirror the physical requirements of firefighting, including tasks such as stair climbing, hose advancement, and victim rescue. These assessments should be conducted regularly—ideally every six months—to ensure that firefighters maintain their fitness over time.
Access to Well-Equipped Firehouse Gyms
Finally, fire departments must provide access to well-equipped gyms that allow firefighters to train effectively. While many firehouses have basic gym equipment such as dumbbells and treadmills, these are often insufficient for comprehensive strength and conditioning programs. Firehouse gyms should include various cardio machines like rowers and air bikes as well as equipment such as barbells, squat racks, kettlebells, and odd objects that allow firefighters to perform functional movements that mimic the physical tasks they encounter on the fireground.
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The time has come for the American fire service to stop setting arbitrary fitness goals and start setting objective fitness standards. Firefighters face extreme physical demands with every call, and their fitness levels directly impact their ability to perform safely and effectively. By adopting fitness standards, providing structured training, and supporting firefighters with proper resources, we can improve both firefighter health and fireground performance, reducing the risk of injury and tragic death for all involved.
Fitness is not just a personal responsibility for firefighters—it is a professional obligation. By setting standards, we can ensure that every firefighter is ready to meet the demands of their profession, enhancing safety for all.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How much physical activity do adults need? CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm.
- Poston WS, Haddock CK, Jahnke SA, et al. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and substandard fitness in a population-based firefighter cohort. J Occup Environ Med. 2011;53(3):266-273. doi:10.1097/JOM.0b013e31820af362.
- Jahnke SA, Poston WS, Jitnarin N, Haddock CK. Obesity and incident injury among career firefighters in the central United States. Obesity. 2013;21(8):1505-1508. doi:10.1002/oby.20164.
- National Fire Protection Association. Firefighter fatalities in the United States – 2022. NFPA. Available at: https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Emergency-Responders/Firefighter-fatalities-in-the-United-States.
- Kales SN, Soteriades ES, Christoudias SG, Christiani DC. Firefighters and on-duty deaths from coronary heart disease: A case control study. Environ Health. 2003;2(1):14. doi:10.1186/1476-069X-2-14.
- Watson H, Baughman M, Smith DL, et al. Physical fitness and the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries among firefighters: A longitudinal cohort study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(12):10352848. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10352848.
- Smith DL, Barr DA, Kales SN. Extreme sacrifice: sudden cardiac death in the US fire service. Extreme Physiol Med. 2013;2(1):6. doi:10.1186/2046-7648-2-6.
- Breeding, B. (2024, May 29). Firefighting named most physically demanding job. KTBS. https://www.ktbs.com/news/arklatex-indepth/firefighting-named-most-physically-demanding-job/article_cc3d2994-1de3-11ef-9468-c75152751952.html
Eric Haskins is a Senior Firefighter for the Nampa (ID) Fire Protection District, currently assigned to “Roosevelt’s Rough Riders” on Engine 6 and was Idaho’s first graduate of the Georgia Smoke Diver program. Prior to joining the American Fire Service in 2016, he was a U.S. Project Gold Snowboard Team member and competed internationally for six years in pursuit of Olympic Gold. Retiring in 2009, he played ice hockey for Boise State University while earning his bachelor’s degree in exercise science, specializing in exercise physiology. Haskins is a National Strength and Conditioning Association-Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator(TSAC-F), and Westside Barbell Conjugate Tactical coach. Haskins is the Head Coach of Firehouse Strength & Conditioning, an online strength & conditioning program designed specifically for firefighters.
