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.
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
Tactical athletes, due to the nature of their jobs, may have sleeping problems (such as falling asleep and/or staying asleep) which is indicative of poor sleep quality. This article shares sleep hygiene strategies that can help tactical athletes achieve better rest.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designtactical strength and conditioningtsacrestsleep quality testsleep hygienesleep
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
The movement pattern utilized when flipping a tire is similar to the movements required during firefighting. Learn not only how to flip a tire, but how to assess functional power output among firefighters through the use of tire flipping.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueClient Consultation|AssessmentStrength trainingConditioning trainingTire flipping workoutsTire workoutsTire flip;How to flip a tireTire flipping weightTire flipping benefitsTire flipping techniquetire flippinghow to flip a tire
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
Collecting data can be trial and error, but by building a solid foundation prior to data collection and putting the appropriate people and procedures in place, the tactical facilitator can minimize errors while optimizing effort, money, and time.
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
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.