Helping First Responders Feel Healthy and Whole

Helping First Responders Feel Healthy and Whole

First responders face demanding physical and mental challenges every day they’re on the job. From responding to emergencies to making split-second decisions under pressure, firefighters and law enforcement officers rely on their physical health and mental resilience to serve their communities safely.

At AdventHealth Corporate Care, our specialized occupational health services support firefighters and police officers throughout every stage of their careers. Our clinics in Orlando and Tampa provide firefighter examinations that meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 guidelines, as well as law enforcement examinations that meet Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) requirements.

Our first responder examinations are overseen by board-certified Occupational Health Medical Director Evan Lowe, MD, and are designed to ensure people in these professions are physically, mentally and emotionally prepared for the demands of their high-pressure jobs.

A Whole-Person Approach to Care

For Dr. Lowe, supporting first responders starts with understanding the whole person.

“Our philosophy at AdventHealth Corporate Care is to see, hear and understand each person and meet them where they are. Once we know who they are, we can address how they interact with their career. To do that fully, we have to address physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs. To be healthy is to be whole. Achieving wholeness provides strength. That strength can be further shared with the community who are looking for help.”

This whole-person philosophy shapes how AdventHealth Corporate Care approaches both pre-employment and annual wellness examinations for emergency personnel.

Comprehensive Exams Designed for Demanding Careers

First responders face physically strenuous and high-risk situations that require strength, endurance and sound decision-making.

“Firefighters, law enforcement officers and their associates need to be healthy and maintain their fitness to provide optimal services to their community,” Dr. Lowe says. “ We have the capacity to provide professional-grade testing and a full laboratory. We strive to ensure that first responders receive a high-quality health assessment by our trained providers.”

These comprehensive exams help identify potential concerns early, support long-term wellness and help first responders stay ready for the demands of the job.

Exams include:

• Calcium scoring (imaging)
• Clinical physical examination
• Diagnostic echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), a 12-lead resting ECG to detect heart abnormalities
• Fitness-for-duty examination
• Full-body ultrasound
• Imaging (Chest X-ray)
• Lab work
• Medical history and review
• Pulmonary function test (PFT)
• Qualitative and quantitative mask fitting (firefighters)
• Return-to-work examination
• Treadmill stress test
• X-ray services

The Importance of Mental and Emotional Wellness

While physical fitness is essential for demanding tasks and the schedule of a first responder’s career, mental and emotional health are equally important. At AdventHealth Corporate Care, we recognize the importance of supporting emotional resilience and encouraging healthy recovery habits outside of work for first responders who often work in stressful and traumatic environments.

“Mental health and emotional health are very important in decision-making. First responders need to be mentally fit and of sound mind. They are the first ones on scene making decisions, and their actions can determine patient outcomes. Even though schedules are tough, we encourage rest, sleep, being with family and scheduling fun,” Dr. Lowe says.

Addressing Common Health Risks

Irregular schedules, overnight shifts and chronic sleep deprivation can significantly impact first responders’ health over time.

“First responders have a tough schedule. Sleep is hard to come by, especially if you are at a busy fire station or if you are working nights as an officer,” Dr. Lowe says.

“A natural tendency for people who are in these professions will gravitate to the mantra of ‘Work hard, play hard.’. First responders are notorious for burning the candle at both ends.”

Dr. Lowe also emphasized the importance of prioritizing recovery and rest after shifts.

“Professionals who are on an odd schedule try to course correct back to the schedule of their family and friends by making plans the moment they’re off-shift. Medically speaking, it is best to try to rest first and that way you can be the best you can be for your family and friends.”

Another growing concern is the widespread use of energy drinks to combat fatigue. Energy drinks have become increasingly common among shift-based professions.

“Energy drinks are being sold as a safe product to provide energy and keep people awake,” Dr. Lowe says. “But sleep deprivation lowers the threshold for seizures and heart arrhythmias. They’re not doctor recommended!”

Supporting Firefighters and Law Enforcement Throughout Their Careers

AdventHealth Corporate Care’s role extends beyond one-time examinations. We aim to be a long-term partner in helping emergency personnel as they navigate their healthcare needs.

“Given the opportunity, AdventHealth Corporate Care supports first responders throughout their careers. We have extensive knowledge of healthcare and can help anyone navigate the maze that it is.

We see each person as part of our family. We would want the same positive outcome for you as if you were our parent, sibling or child. We will point you in the right direction.”

Dr. Lowe believes AdventHealth’s comprehensive occupational health programs can positively impact both workforce readiness and community safety.

“We have heard many positive reviews of our medical approach to occupational medicine and how we treat our patients. By partnering with AdventHealth Corporate Care, I can assure you that our approach will add great benefit to your agency.”

Visit AdventHealthCorporateCare.com to learn more about our employee health services, including what we offer for first responders.