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EMT QUESTION
When becoming an EMT was a fitness routine necessary in order to keep up with the work ?
4 answers
Updated
Todd D.’s Answer
Unless you are working for a governmental agency, then physical fitness standards are USUALLY not mandatory.
That being said, the better fitness level you maintain will help with the job. You will do a lot of bending, lifting, and other things. Your back and knees will suffer in the long run. Even doing a 'stretch & flex' routine as many construction trades do, will add to your muscles being looser and help to avoid injuries, strains, sprains, etc.
I hope this answered your question. If not, or if you are seeking additional answers, please feel free to reach out to me.
Be safe!
That being said, the better fitness level you maintain will help with the job. You will do a lot of bending, lifting, and other things. Your back and knees will suffer in the long run. Even doing a 'stretch & flex' routine as many construction trades do, will add to your muscles being looser and help to avoid injuries, strains, sprains, etc.
I hope this answered your question. If not, or if you are seeking additional answers, please feel free to reach out to me.
Be safe!
Thank you so much for the advice.
andrea
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Andrea,
You asked a good questions, and you've already gotten some great responses. I agree with everything said so far, which is to say that most EMT jobs' physical requirements are pretty minimal. Both the physical requirements and day-to-day job duties focus mostly on mobility; you need to be able to walk up and down stairs while carrying heavy weight, pick-up heavy weights off the ground, climb in and out vehicles, work in hot / cold / wet environments, potentially walk long distances or stand on your feet for long periods of time, etc. I know many EMTs and Paramedics that don't do any fitness training and are still capable of doing the job.
However, I would strongly encourage you not to aim for the bare minimums. A fitness routine that includes some strength training, some cardiovascular training, and some mobility work will be hugely beneficial to you. You don't need to train like an olympic athlete to see results. Even walking, stretching at the start of your shift, and lifting light weights 2-3 days a week will improve your job performance. If you're fit you will:
Have a lower chance of missing work due to minor sprains, strains, and sickness.
Sleep better, thus improving your memory, reaction time, and alertness.
Have an easier time responding to mental and emotional stressors of the job.
Probably live longer, ensuring you have a full career and can still enjoy retirement when your career ends
Be a better role model for your patients; it's hard to tell them to be healthy if you're not
Etc.
I hope that helps. Let me know if you have more questions about being an EMT, or maintaining you health and fitness!
You asked a good questions, and you've already gotten some great responses. I agree with everything said so far, which is to say that most EMT jobs' physical requirements are pretty minimal. Both the physical requirements and day-to-day job duties focus mostly on mobility; you need to be able to walk up and down stairs while carrying heavy weight, pick-up heavy weights off the ground, climb in and out vehicles, work in hot / cold / wet environments, potentially walk long distances or stand on your feet for long periods of time, etc. I know many EMTs and Paramedics that don't do any fitness training and are still capable of doing the job.
However, I would strongly encourage you not to aim for the bare minimums. A fitness routine that includes some strength training, some cardiovascular training, and some mobility work will be hugely beneficial to you. You don't need to train like an olympic athlete to see results. Even walking, stretching at the start of your shift, and lifting light weights 2-3 days a week will improve your job performance. If you're fit you will:
Have a lower chance of missing work due to minor sprains, strains, and sickness.
Sleep better, thus improving your memory, reaction time, and alertness.
Have an easier time responding to mental and emotional stressors of the job.
Probably live longer, ensuring you have a full career and can still enjoy retirement when your career ends
Be a better role model for your patients; it's hard to tell them to be healthy if you're not
Etc.
I hope that helps. Let me know if you have more questions about being an EMT, or maintaining you health and fitness!
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
My jobs never had any fitness standards, but we regularly had to lift 200lbs patients into the ambulance every day, along with moving the stretcher and going up and down stairs with equipment. So some physical fitness was a de facto job requirement.
lol good to know, thanks so much
andrea
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
I would agree with pretty much everything that has been answered on this post. The EMT role requires a lot of moving and lifting, and you should definitely implement a fitness routine into your life regardless of whether you become an EMT or not.
Thanks for the advice.
andrea
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