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Home » Fitness » 10 things EMS providers need to know about wellness and fitness – EMS1.com

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By Sarah Calams for EMS1 BrandFocus

At the beginning of each year, many people make resolutions to either accomplish a personal goal or improve their life in one way or another. These resolutions, both large and small, include goals like eating healthier, exercising regularly and learning a new skill.

Staying focused on a resolution year-round is difficult even under the most normal circumstances. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended first responders lives as they continue to serve and take care of patients.

Its easy to place your own needs on the back burner while taking care of others who are suffering and need help. However, it is important to recognize that your health both physically and mentally is more important than ever right now.

To help keep your health and well-being a top priority during such a tumultuous time, here are 10 things every EMS provider needs to know about wellness and fitness.

Its important to remember that you cant take care of others if you dont take care of yourself. This means that if youre not feeling well, now is not the time to act tough and ignore potential symptoms. Call your doctor if youre feeling unwell. Period.

And while physical health should always be a top concern, EMS providers mental health should never be ignored. Red-flag behaviors can include increased feelings of anger, loss of appetite, confused thinking, extreme highs and lows, or feelings of worry or panic. These signs need to be acknowledged, addressed and managed immediately.

During times of increased stress, its critical to check in with yourself and your colleagues and remember that a peer support person or member of an employee assistance program is just a phone call away.

First responders are finding it difficult to relieve their stress in the same ways they did before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. These self-care measures are important, and its imperative for first responders to find new ways of reducing and managing their stress.

For example, exercising has direct stress-busting benefits, like boosting your endorphins, improving your mood and relieving stress or worries.

If sweating it out isnt your way of decompressing, then focus on other hobbies or skills. These can include going fishing, painting, knitting, journaling or meditating.

Finding time to fuel your body with healthy food is a chore, especially when youre running back-to-back calls, shift after shift.

As you continue to respond to and provide care during the pandemic, its crucial that your immune system stays strong. In the event you do contract COVID-19, this can help sustain your body as it fights off the virus.

Here are a few ways to boost your immune system (and target your physical and mental health needs):

Achieving your wellness, fitness and health goals starts with clean eating. But, in order to change your diet, you must first admit that you have a food problem.

With a little planning, these five healthy, on-the-go meals fit the bill for any EMS provider. Get rid of any nutrient-free, high-sugar products from your diet right now. When youre stressed or fatigued, these types of foods may seem like the answer, but theyre not.

Many first responders are working longer hours and extra shifts during the pandemic, and these longer hours can cause exhaustion and fatigue.

A 2015 study found that EMTs and paramedics who work long shifts are 60% more likely to suffer injury and illness than those who work eight- to 12-hour shifts. Furthermore, inconsistent sleep patterns can lead to mental health issues.

As an EMS provider, youre likely always burning the candle at both ends. This makes it difficult to protect yourself from fatigue.

Thats why its important not just now, but always for EMS leaders to tackle this issue head-on and begin implementing ways to ensure that every EMS provider is properly rested. Not sure where to begin? Start with a fatigue risk management program.

Also, on a personal level, try taking a 20- to 30-minute nap or rest break during your scheduled shift. Taking a short nap or just resting your eyes in a quiet, dark room can be helpful.

According to research from Ohio State Universitys Wexner Medical Center, sitting is the new smoking. Use a device that monitors your activity, such as a Fitbit, Apple Watch or pedometer app on your smartphone. These will notify you to get up and move if youve been sitting or staying in one spot for too long.

Need an exercise idea? Try this fat burning workout three times a week even the busiest EMS provider can do this.

If youre missing lifting heavy weights at the gym, try getting outside and going for a 30-minute run. Not only will the fresh air do you some good, but it will allow you to decompress and alleviate your stress after a long, difficult day.

Dont think of exercising as just another thing to check off on your to-do list. Find a physical activity you enjoy whether thats a pick-up basketball game or a brisk walk around the park and make it part of your daily routine. Exercising often and regularly will provide you with at least one activity a day thats directly associated with easing your stress levels.

There are two types of people: those who stretch before and after a workout, and those who dont.

Stretching shouldnt be overlooked not only in a workout, but before, during and after your shift. Stretching not only helps you feel and move better, but it helps reduce your risk of injury. Regularly doing these six stretches will help you perform your job better and keep you and your patients safer.

Do you ever get reminded by your Apple Watch to relax and focus on your breathing?

It might sound and feel corny, but taking deep, conscious breaths allows you to release any negative energy thats being stored in your body. Deep breathing, according to Dr. James Hoyt, a Colorado-based pulmonologist, has been shown to slow the heartbeat, lower or stabilize blood pressure and lower stress.

To properly relax and reduce your stress, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Then, just breathe slowly and deeply through your nose, and exhale fully. Take a few slow, deep breaths for a couple of minutes throughout your day, especially when youre feeling stressed.

Visit Pulsara for more information on tools for COVID-19 management.

Read Next: Pulsara launches free resource to help emergency management, hospitals and EMS find and secure COVID-19 funding

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10 things EMS providers need to know about wellness and fitness - EMS1.com

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Home » Fitness » 10 things EMS providers need to know about wellness and fitness – EMS1.com