Fitness Testing for EMTs

[RomeViking09]

This question comes after having been applying for job in the past few weeks, I had 3 services out of 6 I applied at (1 where EMS is part of the Fire Dept., 1 Privet, and 1 County EMS service) that require fitness testing at some point in the hiring process, 2 of them (Fire and Privet) also required a skills test identical to the NREMT skill section. The fire service also requires fitness testing (pushups, pullups, situps, and 2 mile run) twice a year. What do you think?

[rock_shoes]

I think a hiring fitness requirement in conjunction with a yearly fitness test is a great idea. It ensures two very usefull and important things. First of it ensures that your partner meets enough of a fitness standard that you are far less likely to become injured due to their lack of fitness. Second it ensures that all employees are capable of doing the physical aspect of the job prior to them being expected to do so in an emergent situation.

My service currently employs a fitness/dexterity test prior to hiring but nothing after. I wish the hiring fitness/dexterity test test was repeated yearly to ensure people at least maintain that level of fitness. The thought of suffering a career ending injury due to a partners lack of fitness is just unacceptable.

[RomeViking09]

I think a hiring fitness requirement in conjunction with a yearly fitness test is a great idea. It ensures two very usefull and important things. First of it ensures that your partner meets enough of a fitness standard that you are far less likely to become injured due to their lack of fitness. Second it ensures that all employees are capable of doing the physical aspect of the job prior to them being expected to do so in an emergent situation.

My service currently employs a fitness/dexterity test prior to hiring but nothing after. I wish the hiring fitness/dexterity test test was repeated yearly to ensure people at least maintain that level of fitness. The thought of suffering a career ending injury due to a partners lack of fitness is just unacceptable.

I agree, I am in good shape but have worked with other EMTs and Medics who I don't think could pass a basic fitness test each year and are more prone to injury, I think we better serve the public if we don't hurt ourselves while helping them.