COVID-19 has had a massive impact on people globally. This impact has been particularly devastating in the U.S., where countless people have fallen ill from the virus. Quarantine has forced many people to stay inside, thus minimizing their ability to stay active, and many are now seeing the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. For the average person, this might not be disastrous, but for an EMS professional, it’s a cause for concern. Here are four reasons why fitness is especially important for EMS personnel in the age of COVID.
Improving Mood
One of the first and most important benefits of fitness is the impact it has on a person’s mood. Fitness has a well-documented positive effect on a person’s overall disposition, largely due to the endorphins that are released when engaged in physical exercise. For EMS personnel, maintaining an optimistic mood is imperative. Working as a first responder is an emotionally and physically taxing job. It is important to offset the stress with activities such as exercise that are uplifting. Going for a jog or doing yoga can be a great way to unwind after a long day at work.
Meet Challenges Head-On
Yet another benefit of regular exercise is the confidence it grants in physically demanding scenarios. EMS professionals are in such situations regularly, and it’s stressful to be unable to meet physical demands simply because of a lack of fitness. In a worst-case scenario, this could even put a civilian in harm’s way if an EMS professional is physically unable to assist them. Engaging in fitness regularly is the best way to maintain professional competence in the field of first response emergency services.
Boost Positive Outcomes
EMS personnel who engage in physical fitness regularly also enjoy the benefit of improved outcomes on the job. The more physically able an EMS professional is, the higher the likelihood of successful rescue missions. This correlation means it’s well worth it to hit the gym for anybody who works in EMS. When saving lives is the objective, physical fitness is an imperative. EMS personnel who fall out of shape also risk becoming unqualified for the job if there are physical specifications in place indicating staff requirements.
Maintaining Wellbeing
Maintaining physical fitness for the sake of the job is important, but it’s also a vital form of self-care. EMS professionals work in some of the highest-stress environments, so maintaining wellbeing outside of work is essential — and exercise is a great way to accomplish this. Physical fitness helps keep civilians safe, minimize liabilities, and maintain EMS professionals’ wellbeing, so the next time you’re marketing insurance to EMS personnel, remind them to stay fit and stay safe even in the midst of the pandemic.
About Provident Insurance Programs
With roots dating back to 1902, Provident Insurance Programs is a program administrator that serves paid and volunteer firefighters in addition to emergency medical responders with numerous custom-tailored insurance programs. We’ve also extended our expertise and experience to offer benefit plans and coverages to participant groups as well as Transportation Benefits. We are committed to continuing to provide superior customer service, and would be happy to speak with you to provide further information. Give us a call today at (855) 201-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.