Through a well-designed resistance training program, firefighter recruits can gain the movement skills, confidence to exercise, and foundational strength/physiological adaptations that they need for a long and healthy career.
In order to move patients, gear, and equipment properly, the first responder must be able to move well themselves. Both unloaded and loaded movement should be examined and trained. One way to achieve this is to train frequently and properly with a constant focus on both mobility and strength in the various positions that are commonly required of first responders.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designOrganization and Administrationtactical strength and conditioningTSAC-FTSAC;first responders
Chronic fatigue, stress, sleep deprivation, unhealthy diets, and pain can be commonplace in most departments. The tactical facilitator should try to keep their action plans simple and achievable to help prevent injuries and optimize performance.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designSafetytraining for tactical athletesTSACtactical strength and conditioning
This article contains a sample progression to use with high call volume fire departments to help maintain mobility while building job-specific strength and avoiding a hyper-fatigued state.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise TechniqueProgram designSafetysafe liftinglifting injuriesfitness for EMTfitness for firefightersTSAC
Tactical facilitators need to understand the movement patterns that first responders encounter because they can have a profound effect on underlying biomechanics and may contribute to excessive tissue loads.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise TechniqueProgram designSafetyinjury prevention for EMTsinjury prevention for firefightersrepetitive motion disorderOverexertion trauma
The “priority training system” is one method first responders can use to ensure adequate exercise while not overexerting to the point that they are too fatigued to perform their jobs.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designSafetyover trainingfatiguerecoveryfirst responderspriority training system
The program described in this article is an example of how a department can attempt to address and potentially prevent musculoskeletal injuries in firefighters and similar tactical populations. This process includes the use of movement screens, active workshops, and various modes of feedback.
To apply performance enhancement and injury prevention practices employed by today’s professional and collegiate athletics to the Army, a restructuring of training paradigms needs to be implemented across the force.
The extent to which a special operator’s training schedule can be planned in advance is often limited due to their unpredictable operational demands. However, there may be opportunities to plan for specific training during certain periods.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceNutritionsports nutritionperiodizationtactical athletemilitary athlete;tactical strength and conditioningTSAC
Given the high prevalence of injuries that occur during rucking, implementing an injury prevention program is paramount. Disseminating information on proper injury prevention training methods and reducing the risk of ruck-related back injuries can improve overall mission readiness with minimal lost training time.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or Diseaselow back injurytactical strength and conditioningTSAC-FRuck training