Firefighters partner with physical therapists

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) — Firefighters are working with physical therapists to help injured firefighters get back in shape and back on the job. 

The Carmel Fire Department is hoping to increase the speed in which they return after injury by showing the physical therapists what they need to be able to do for their job. 

One way they are doing that is having physical therapists participate in the annual work performance evaluation every firefighter goes through annually and in order to get back on the job after they are injured. 

That evaluation consists of a number of exercises, including climbing stairs while holding a fire hose, using machines that simulate breaking open a door and tearing down a ceiling. 

“They’re already experts in football, basketball, well as industrial athletes, we want them experts in what we do so when we’re injured, we can get back to the job faster,” said Carmel firefighter, Tim Griffin. 

Carmel firefighters are currently going through the testing.