Firefighter Health Record Software
Firefighters should keep health records to prioritize their physical and mental well-being in their high-risk profession. Maintaining a health journal allows firefighters to track symptoms related to their job, such as respiratory issues from exposure to smoke and toxins, musculoskeletal discomfort from heavy lifting and strenuous activities, or stress-related symptoms from traumatic events. Recording potential triggers, such as specific firefighting tasks or exposures during emergency responses, can help identify factors that may contribute to their health concerns.
Additionally, measuring vital signs, such as lung function tests and heart rate, can provide insights into their overall health and fitness levels. Firefighters should also document any lab tests related to occupational health, such as blood tests for chemical exposure, to monitor potential health risks. They can track any prescribed medications for work-related health issues and document any procedures or safety measures undertaken during emergency responses to improve their safety and health outcomes.
Sample health journal entries that can be entered into Goopatient*:
Date: July 28, 2023
During the response, I wore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), but will discuss further protection measures with the occupational health physician. #work
Today, after extinguishing a structural fire, I experienced shortness of breath and #coughing, which lasted for about an hour. During the response, I also strained my #lower_back while carrying heavy equipment.
The symptoms might have been triggered by exposure to #smoke and chemicals during the firefighting operation.
I used a prescribed inhaler for my respiratory symptoms, and I took an over-the-counter pain reliever for my #lower_back pain.
I measured my #heart_rate 124 after the response, and it was slightly elevated but returned to normal after resting.
I have scheduled a visit with the occupational health physician #Dr.Brown to discuss my respiratory symptoms and back strain.
*These health records are not real, but compiled by Dr. Mike Stanton of the UCLA Health Center. The data that you put in Goopatient is totally private and stored only on your computer.
