Calling all firefighters

Hi,

I am a 39 yo Firefighter/Paramedic and got my pacemaker about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Recovery is going well and I am hoping to get off light duty and back to work by September. Are any of our members active Firefighters? My questions are about throwing ladders, pulling ceiling, lifting heavy patients and forcible entry. Have you had any problems physically with the site hurting or mechanical problems like a lead breaking with such physical work. One more question, does the intense heat we are exposed to affect the PM? Thanks for any input you have.
Carolyn

6 Comments

firefighter question

by Gonzi - 2008-04-28 01:04:16

Hey Carolyn
I'm a Combat Fitness Leader in the Army, so we do alot of aggression training, some similar to you. Was your pacemaker a sub muscular implantation? if so, the risk of damage or wire pulling is hugely decreased and you should be able to complete even the most physical activities. having said that, you must let the muscle around the site have time to heal properly, unlike what i did, which landed me back in hospital and the stern words of my specialist. I'm afraid i don't know much re heat exposure, but I've spoken to a friend who's a sapper and he thinks any electrical devise may be affected extreme heat, but you'll have to doubel check that one. good luck!
Gonzi

GREAT HAZARD

by peter - 2008-04-28 02:04:55

It is unlikely your pacemaker has been implanted submuscularly. It seems obvious to me that you should not be at the sharp end of firefighting. You will be a hazard to yourself, your workmates and anyone trapped in a fire. As a firefighter you are subject to heavy bruses and bashes. You should not play rugby or heavy contact sports if you have a pacemaker. Your employer should be wise to all this. Somebody will disagree with me im sure. Take care. Cheers Peter

Why Risk It!

by cybercop - 2008-04-28 11:04:39

I, too had a pacemaker implanted two years ago. I had been a policeman for 26 years. After submitting the paperwork, I was granted a partial on-duty disability pension. I would have rather not had the pacemaker and continued to work, but as Dirty Harry put it, "a man's got to know his limitations". I gave up teaching self-defense, and the rigors of police work. The hazards of having a lead dislodged and the possible repercussions convinced me that life is more than a job.

Peter is right here.
Mark

Temperature and PM

by Vai - 2008-04-28 12:04:09

PM devices have a acceptable temperature operating range. This is a typical statement extracted from manufacturers manual "Device may reset at temperatures below -18 C. Device longevity may decrease and performance may be affected at temperatures above + 55 C". I don't know the temperature firefighters encounter in fire fighting but if the temperature is anywhere near this upper limit, it is obvious it is not proper to be in the front lines.

Pacemaker and physical contact

by Peker28 - 2008-11-24 12:11:36

I have had a pacemaker since I was 11 years old. I have played Hockey since I could walk all the way through college, I have done Mixed Martial Arts, and am a regular in the weight room. Depending on your condition, you should not have a problem with firefighting.

been a while

by WJBond - 2009-01-24 03:01:15

I know it been awhile since i been on here but if any firefighter would like to contact me here is my email.
williambond@comcast.net just put firefighter with pacer in the subject. so i dont overlook it.

You know you're wired when...

You have a maintenance schedule just like your car.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!