Shoulder to Shoulder: North American Firefighters’ Perspectives on Navigating Interventions and Healthcare Choices for Work-Related Shoulder Disorders

Joy MacDermid, Dorala Berinyuy, Kenneth Faber, Temitope Osifeso, Pulak Parikh
Purpose:

To explore the: 1) management strategies that FFs employ after WSDs; 2) needs and preferences of FFs with WSDs in relation to their occupational health and recovery.

Methods:

Using an interpretive descriptive methodology, we interviewed 14 firefighters (males, n = 9; females, n = 5) with an average age of 47 years who experienced WSDs in their careers. A semi-structured one-on-one virtual interview was conducted using online video conference software, which was transcribed verbatim.  Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. 

Results:

Four themes emerged by firefighters as management strategies following WSDs: 1) Appropriate diagnostic precision and tailored management; 2) The critical role of early medical intervention; 3) Comprehensive social support systems; 4) Adaptive coping mechanisms. Two themes also emerged as needs and preferences in relation to their occupational health and recovery: 1) Formal and targeted training exercise programs; 2) Mandatory health and wellness monitoring programs

Conclusion(s):

The unique occupational demands of firefighting necessitate a multifaceted and holistic approach to shoulder injury management and prevention. This approach encourages the development of tailored intervention programs that address the specific challenges and perceived needs of firefighters with WSDs.

Implications:

There is a clear indication that firefighting organizations need to integrate specialized physical training programs, regular health assessments, and robust support systems into their standard operational protocols. Implementing these strategies can lead to better health outcomes, reduced incidence of WSDs, and potentially lower healthcare costs associated with occupational injuries.Furthermore, the legislative integration of these strategies could improve the overall well-being and operational readiness of firefighters universally. This might ultimately enhance their ability to meet the demands of their critical roles in emergency response and may help to inform better policies for firefighter health and wellness initiatives. 

Funding acknowledgements:
This research was funded by Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), Code: 202211FBD-493857-92798 or application number #493857
Keywords:
Occupational Health
Firefighters
Shoulder Injuries
Primary topic:
Musculoskeletal: upper limb
Second topic:
Occupational health and ergonomics
Third topic:
Disability and rehabilitation
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
Our study was approved by the Western Research Ethics Board (HSREB)
Provide the ethics approval number:
Project ID#122676
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
Yes

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