Firefighters with pacemakers

I have recently had a pacemaker implanted and have been out of work going on 2 1/2 months now. I am trying to find out the NFPA's definition of (pacemaker dependant) I have a call in to them presently to try and get an answer, if I can get one I will post it. I was sent for a second opinion from work after my cardiologist released me for full duty. I have been a paid FF for 27 years, I was diagnoised with Hodgkin's disease 22 years ago and have had no problems at work. If & when I can get an answer I will post it.

5 Comments

Hi

by OIMAPRINCESS2477 - 2008-07-17 09:07:56

Hey I just wanted to say good luck. I bet you just itching to get back to work. My brother is a firefighter and he just loves it. Hope you get to go back soon...
Britt<3

dependent on pacer?

by ElectricFrank - 2008-07-18 01:07:10

As Mimi mentioned the more common meaning of pacemaker dependent is that you are pacing 100% of the time. A more practical meaning is that whether the pacemaker is pacing or not, you require it to be fully functional. As an example you could have pacemaker that is rarely active, but if under the stress of fighting a fire your heart started misfiring the outcome wouldn't be good.
It only takes a few seconds without an effective heart beat to lose consciousness.

On the other hand the modern pacemaker is very reliable. Mine paces 100%, but I don't concern myself with it quiting. There are plenty of folks out there who will suddenly become pacemaker dependent, but don't have one implanted as yet.

Likely your main issue is going to be legal/political as to what sort of duties you can resume.

frank

frank

pacemaker dependant

by Mimi - 2008-07-18 12:07:46

My input on being pacemaker dependant is that you pace 100% of the time. I have no escape route so I am in that catorgory. Going back to work should be fine. Your heart is probably better than most that do not have a pacer. Good Luck.

~Mimi~

I'm in the same boat!

by cqmccann - 2008-07-25 02:07:34

Hey,

It is so great to have another FF on this site dealing with the same issue as me. I have been on line for 10 years and got my PM in April 08. I was fully cleared by my cardiologist, with no restrictions, but the FD and the City I work for are deciding what to do with me. Not a great place to be in. We haven't adopted NFPA 1582 but they are still using it as a guideline. I know that a guy in Virginia went back to full duty so it can be done. Mine is a workers Comp issue as well so it is a little bit sticky-they are of course denying it. Best of luck to you and please post any info you find out.
Hang in there and don't give up!
cqmccann

Pacemaker dependent

by Peker28 - 2008-11-28 12:11:29

I rarley use my pacemaker, which leads me to believe that is not dependent on a pacemaker. i have had the same pacemaker for 10 years! I know its going to be hard to get a job regardless, but does anybody think that I will be cleared of code 1582?

You know you're wired when...

The mortgage on your device is more than your house.

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.