Concussion is a concerning injury and recovery can last days, weeks, or even months. Becoming familiar with post-concussion symptoms and the ensuing health-related sequelae is essential for those aiming to optimize the physical performance of tactical athletes.
TSAC FacilitatorsSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or Diseasesymptoms of concussionmTBIconcussionsigns of concussion
In addition to standard health, fitness, or sport assessment guidelines, several guidelines exist for the fire service. Since each agency is different in its preferences, capabilities, and philosophies, applying a standard recommendation may not be possible. This article introduces basic decision-making considerations for fire service assessment batteries.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyfitness teststactical strength and conditioningfitness assessmentfirefighter
Tactical jobs are fast-paced, physically and psychologically intense, and failure can have tragic consequences, making it vital to train tactical athletes to perform better under stress.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designSafetyperforming under pressurestress management techniqueshow to deal with stressstress managementstress reliefHow to handle stress
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
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
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
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
While no recruitment process will ever be perfect, it is time to address the “legal defensibility” of physical employment standards as the primary consideration in developing recruitment guidelines that are concurrently designed to increase workplace diversity.
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
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.