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 Administration
The daily energy requirements of tactical personnel are highly variable, depending on gender, body composition, activities performed, age, and environmental conditions.
This TSAC Report article discusses the training load of GPS technology and blood lactate monitoring for first responders. Visit NSCA online to learn more about tactical fitness.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentProfessional Development
In this lecture from the NSCA's 2014 TSAC Conference, Katie Sell talks about the unique demands and skills required of wildland firefighters. Because wildland firefighters are involved in many different disciplines, Katie stresses the importance of fitness for not only job performance, but survival.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designTesting and Evaluation
The purpose of this article is to provide education surrounding the importance of recovery in tactical populations, identify key aspects of the mental recovery process, and identify strategies Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitators® (TSAC-F®) can implement to promote mental recovery when working with athletes.
Military and law enforcement needs analyses are not specifically matched to firefighting, but those training styles are better than basic fitness regimens or no regimen at all. For firefighters who are attracted to other styles of training not specific to firefighting, there are ways to train for all the demands of firefighting without making the firefighter use training modalities that they dislike or are not comfortable using.
There are inherent challenges to designing training programs for firefighters, Mark Abel says in this member-only lecture from the 2014 TSAC Conference. Join Mark as he provides valuable insight into programming for these tactical athletes, including appropriate periodization and training strategies that address these challenges.