Amy Gutman

Obesity poses a significant threat to the health and safety of first responders. It increases the risk of job-related disabilities and various illnesses such as neurovascular, cardiovascular, endocrine, and oncologic diseases. It is a primary contributor to sudden cardiac events, the most common cause of on-duty firefighter and prehospital provider mortality.

The number of overweight, obese, and unfit first responders has risen to alarming levels in EMS and fire departments across the nation, mirroring the world's population. All first responders must maintain good physical condition and adequate cardiovascular fitness to cope with job-related physical and mental stressors and perform their duties with minimal health risks. Without high levels of health and wellness, first responders may not be able to perform the strenuous physical requirements of their job and risk injury and even death for themselves, their colleagues, and the general population. Being overweight or obese interferes with job performance and increases the risk of injury during prehospital activities and training.

Despite first responders' bravery and commitment to public service, this obesity epidemic threatens their ability to respond effectively to emergencies. This lecture addresses this obesity epidemic practically and empathetically while offering practical solutions to protect those who protect us all.