AOHC Encore 2024-123 Process and Results of Increasing the Required Firefighter Fitness for Duty Stress Test From Nine to Twelve METs for All 2500 Firefighters in Montgomery County , Maryland

123 Process and Results of Increasing the Required Firefighter Fitness for Duty Stress Test From Nine to Twelve METs for All 2500 Firefighters in Montgomery County , Maryland

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Video Summary

In summary, Mark Leffert, an occupational medicine physician, shared his professional journey, including his involvement with various medical settings such as Howard County Fire, federal government, and U.S. Postal Service. His focus on occupational medicine led to implementing a 12-minute MET stress test for firefighters in Montgomery County, aimed at improving their cardiac endurance. The program showed a decrease in work-related injuries, but further data on injuries and health metrics like blood pressure and cholesterol are still being collected. Discussions also delved into the compliance with NFPA guidelines, the impact on volunteers, and potential confounding factors contributing to injury reduction. The audience raised questions regarding exercise-induced injuries, BMI data, NFPA guideline changes, and the correlation between injuries and number of calls. Overall, the presentation highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance firefighter health and safety through innovative occupational medicine practices.

Keywords

Mark Leffert

occupational medicine physician

Howard County Fire

federal government

U.S. Postal Service

12-minute MET stress test

Montgomery County

firefighters

NFPA guidelines

firefighter health and safety