Three Components of Fitness for Emergency Personnel

Jimmy Marwan Kassis

Jimmy Marwan Kassis is an EMT-B working at Beaumont EMS in Taylor, Michigan. Complementary to his career as a first responder, Jimmy Marwan Kassis remains active through hiking, weight lifting, and general fitness activity.

Being physically fit is a crucial part of working in certain aspects of EMS. The physical fitness requirements can be divided into three parts. First, EMS personnel need to be flexible in the muscle groups necessary to ensure safe and efficient movement on the job. Being able to move without biomechanical obstruction is a critical component of the job.

Another important component is the strength. However, typical strength training might not promote the kind of strength that translates to being more capable of the job as an EMS worker. Using strength programs that target the job-specific movements and tasks leads to practical improvements in strength.

Finally, anaerobic conditioning must be a part of any training regimen. Typical, emergency personnel have to act in short bursts of exertion and maintain their composure through high-impact, time-constrained activity.

Figuring Out the Right Amount of Weight to Lift

Jimmy Marwan Kassis photo

Michigan-based emergency medical technician (EMT) Jimmy Marwan Kassis provides immediate and efficient preliminary medical care to patients through his service at Beaumont EMS. Outside of work, Jimmy Marwan Kassis is a fitness enthusiast who is particularly fond of weightlifting.

Regardless of where you are in your weightlifting journey, choosing the best weight for your fitness level is always a challenge. To start, pick a weight that you can lift at least 30 times. Once you’ve lifted it 30 times, you should be able to lift the weight an additional 15 times, though it will likely be more difficult. If these final repetitions do not push you, then the weight you’ve chosen is likely too light.

As you lift, pay close attention to your form. While these final repetitions of weightlifting should be difficult, you shouldn’t sacrifice good form just to raise the weights up. Poor form increases your risk of injury and adds stress to muscles that aren’t part of your routine. Struggling with maintaining form often results from the weight being too heavy.

Over time, your muscles will grow and your perfect weight will increase. If you’ve been weightlifting for some time and have never increased you weight, you likely need to. Not lifting the correct weight will halt your progress. You can tell when a weight has become too light. If the repetitions become very easy and you feel like you could lift forever without resistance, it’s time to go up in weight.

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