The Importance of Self-Care and Exercise for EMTs

At Unitek EMT, we firmly believe in the necessity of self-care and fitness. Because EMS workers perform a variety of physical tasks, it’s imperative that they go the extra mile and strive to stay healthy. Back injuries also seem prevalent in the EMS world, which further highlights the importance of exercise and proper lifting techniques.

Today, we’re going to look at some helpful articles for EMS workers!

Information About Self-Care

1. Exercises to avoid back injury: An EMS1 article by Bryan Fass delves into the importance of prevention, stating that it is the key to having a healthy back. According to Fass, “studies and data clearly show that stretching daily, consistent exercise, good nutrition, and hydration will all help to prevent on-the-job injury.”

Fass takes it a step further by looking at the current best practices for sports, therapy, and public safety. In studying these practices, he notes that “using tissue mobilization tools like foam rollers, massage balls, and massage sticks all have a clear benefit to helping your tissue be more mobile.” Fass suggests that these techniques be performed while on duty, as they are all uniform and largely station friendly. Again, a healthy back is about one key word: prevention.

So, just what are Fass’s recommended exercises to avoid back injury? Check out his article to find out!

2. The many benefits of yoga: Another EMS1 article, “5 reasons EMS providers should take yoga seriously” was written by Olivia Kvitne, founder and director of Yoga for First Responders. Kvitne believes that yoga is not only good for first responders, but that it is actually meant for them.

According to Kvitne, this is because the “original and true intents of yoga are to obtain a mastery of the mind and achieve an optimal functioning of the entire being—from the subtle nervous system to the whole physical body.” She also writes that “yoga allows people to increase their ability to focus and problem-solve, gives them heightened situational awareness, and helps them make intelligent gut reactions to situations.”

Along with the release of stress, Kvitne highlights several other benefits of yoga: it’s simple, it’s private and introspective, and it’s multifunctional.

3. Tips to improve your fitness for the field of EMS: Bryan Fass returns with another insightful article about fitness and peak performance for EMS personnel. This article, published by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, provides various tips that might help prevent on-the-job injuries.

Fass says it best: “EMS providers drive around in the perfect stretching and exercise device. Your rig has steps, handles and pull bars galore—essentially everything you and your partner need to get and stay fit. With resolution season upon us again, it’s time to turn over a new leaf and set some goals.”

Due to the nature of the job, it seems logical to assume that being fit for duty would not only reduce your chances of getting hurt, but might also reduce the severity of any potential injuries.

An Overview of Unitek EMT

For the past 12 years, Unitek has provided aspiring Emergency Medical Technicians with the EMT training they need to succeed. Our boot camps and EMS courses equip graduates with the current theory and technique for first-response treatment of patients. Taught by seasoned EMS professionals, the classes at Unitek EMT include realistic simulations, hands-on training, and one-on-one instruction to ensure students master the skills they’ll need to save lives.

For more information, please reach out to us at 888-790-1458!