It’s not a matter of merely being overweight. You can be overweight and in shape. It’s being in shape that is important to handle the strenuous work required.

Well, I myself have been trained in CPR and other emergency medical proceedures, only at the age of fourteen, many of which I have had to perform in emergency situations, at school, anywhere really.

I’m also over weight, but does that stop me? LOL no. Might I add, these casualties all survived with the exception of one, who looked like a gonner in the first place, he was announced dead on scene.

Which is beside the point, no?
This is an entirely different argument all together.

Staff fitness would not be as much of an issue if they were not required to sprint back to their units.

Not once did I say that obese rescue workers do nothing but stand around eating donuts.

Rick

Hmmm…

The fact that staff on break would still be responsible for patient care on their unit is a bit more worrisome to me than the weight of my health care provider.

welcome to the real world of lack of nursing staff

Having suffered from being overweight and out of shape in the past (and I weighed more than you did), I am glad for my sake, and for my children’s sake that I took my health under control and did what needed to be done to get in good shape and good health. As I said, weight doesn’t need to be an issue if the person is in shape, but in a physically demanding field, it’s important to do the best one can. I am a Nutritional Consultant, and being in this field, decided I needed to practice what I preach. It’s not a matter of what they look like, it’s a matter of being able to do the job that is required and taking care of MY health.

I myself have been a volunteer EMS operator and I am currently a volunteer Firefighter. Oh, by the way, did I
mention I also weigh about 270lbs and I am out of shape. That does not stop me from risking my health and life from at least trying to help someone in need. Anyone who puts someone else before themselves is a step above anyone who would complain about what the person helping them looks like or thier physical condition. I hope someone you love dies needlessly while a “FAT” paramedic or a “OBESE” firefighter stands by and has a doughnut…….breathing heavily!

The fact that staff on break would still be responsible for patient care on their unit is a bit more worrisome to me than the weight of my health care provider.