Firefighting Fitness Exams
The National Fire Protection Association has specified minimum medical requirements for firefighter candidates and veteran firefighters. These are meant to assure safety of the firefighter as well as to protect the safety and health of those the firefighter is serving.

These assessments are to be done before assignment, after leave for a debilitating illness or injury, and annually. They are to be done by a licensed physician and shall be done at no cost to the candidate. The focus of the evaluation includes physical performance requirements, physical fitness, and limiting or preventing exposure of members to infectious and contagious diseases in the performance of their assigned duties.

MOMC is up-to-date on the NFPA requirements and strongly agrees with 8-7.2 of the NFPA recommendations: "In all cases, the fire department shall have ultimate concern for the members' ability to regain and maintain a comfortable, healthy, and productive life during and after their service with the fire department."

National Fire Protection Association (opens in new window):

http://www.NFPA.org/index.html

Diving Medical Exam
Scuba and other modes of compressed-gas diving can be strenuous and hazardous. A special risk is present if the middle ear, sinuses, or lung segments do not readily equalize air pressure changes. The most common cause of distress is Eustachian insufficiency. Most fatalities involve deficiencies in produce, judgment, emotional stability, or physical fitness.