What can I expect at my annual physical?????

The physical exam is the hands-on portion of the physical. The exam meets OSHA and NFPA requirements to detect early medical problems and promote wellness.

During the exam the Physician or Physician's Assistant (P.A.) will assess your general state of health. He will then start a head-to-toe evaluation while asking you questions about your medical history, medications, health habits, injuries, operations, and possible health problems.

As the Doctor/PA is performing this evaluation, he is looking for tell-tale signs of a possible problem that can be treated early and cures. Simple things like a lump, a sore spot or a continuing pain may alert the staff to a particular diagnosis. You will also be asked about any recent exposures of injuries that may be the cause of a problem now or later in your career.

Labs and Other Medical Tests

In addition to the physical examination, other tests will be performed like an audiometry (hearing test), urinalysis, an X-ray of your chest, a pulmonary function test, and an electrocardiogram, which will be discussed later under the treadmill section of this page.

All of these tests evaluate how your body is holding up under the stresses of firefighting and the aging process.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are an essential part of the overall annual physical. There are a number of ranges to fall into to be normal.

From a complete blood count (CBC), to liver tests such as ALT and AST, to Cholesterol, to Glucose. They are all tools which can give a hint or sign of toxic exposure, organ damage, disease or many other problems.

A CBC can detect anemia and leukemia. ALT and AST can detect hepatitis and effects of liver toxins including alcohol. Cholesterol can determine a risk of heart disease. Glucose can detect early signs of diabetes.

Treadmill

AS the medical community and the Fire Service evolves, so do the methods we use to medically evaluate our firefighters and their health. The method for the treadmill has changed over the years to more accurately monitor a firefighter's cardiac performance and uncover early signs of heart problems.

Currently, the Fire Department uses the Sub-Max protocol for treadmills. The firefighter only performs the treadmill until they hit 85% of their maximum heart rate, according to their age, and not the previous 100% that was used. At 85%, the Doctor can still detect any possible heart problems.

For example, a 35 year old firefighter would have a target 85% heart rate of 160. This does not differ from male to female.

Summary of Services

A comprehensive physical exam includes the following:

• A resting EKG or Submax treadmill
• Laboratory blood work including Cholesterol, HDL, CBC, Chem 20, Urinalysis, Hepatitis C and PSA (if you are over 50)
• Vision screening
• A hearing evaluation
• A pulmonary function test
• A chest X-ray (if needed)
• Skin folds to determine body fat
• A full physical exam by a physician or physician assistant and a personal interview to review your behavioral, nutritional, and health issues.

Immunizations as required such as MMR (if born after 1957), Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, and Diphtheria.

Fitness Evaluation

The Fitness Evaluation is designed to give you, the Firefighter, a valuable insight into your current level of fitness as well as identify potential trends that may prove detrimental to your quality of life. The evaluation is conducted in a non-judgmental, non-punitive environment. The evaluation has been sanctioned by by the the International Association of Firefighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

What do the results mean??

After all of the tests are completed, the Doctor will go over the results and discuss any possible areas of concern. He will suggest a game plan to resolve those concerns whether it be more tests, something you can do yourself or a visit to a specialist.

What happens now??

Your annual physical examination is private. The findings are between you and the Doctor and no one else, unless you approve the information to be released.

This information is filed and maintained throughout your entire career and into your retirement. This gives the medical staff your complete medical history for future reference.

The Tempe Fire Department will always use any resource available to assist the firefighter with the management and/or cure of the problem.

If you still have any unanswered questions, call the Health Center at 602-495-5797