firefighting career over?

I have recently been blessed with a shiny new pacemaker and recovering at home and feeling fine. I've spent the past 20 years enjoying my career as a paid firefighter in a small coastal community in New England. My preliminary investigations report that having a pacemaker is a fatal wound regarding my career as a "full duty" firefighter. Unfortunately, small fire departments usually don't have permanent "desk jobs", which would mean early retirement for anyone not fit for structural firefighting duties.
Is anyone out there working full fire duty with a pacemaker? I would be grateful if you could share any information you may have regarding your situation and status.
thanks, Bill

3 Comments

Hi,

by Gellia2 - 2008-11-13 07:11:51

I can't really say about a firefighter, but my doctor often told me about one of his other patients that is a foot patrol policeman in Newark, NJ and has a pacemaker. He had been stabbed in the line of duty twice, too,....He is still on foot patrol and around 58 y/o now. His doctor fully supported his back to work decision and wrote letters in his support.
I agree with Cabg Patch, and maybe you can also get a letter forom your doctor saying you are fit to work.
Best to you.
Gellia

Firefighter

by rt60 - 2008-11-16 12:11:00

I am a Firefighter with a pm. I have had it for two years. I came back to work with no problems. I am much better than before. please e-mail me.
Randy
rt60@msn.com

Return to work

by Trunkmonkey - 2021-02-05 02:05:19

I am back to work a year now. I have an ICD and have had no issues. In order to return to work I needed to provide letters from my doctors and have the City questions answered by my cardiac specialist. 

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Yesterday I moved to a new place in my mind and realized how bad I felt 'before' and the difference my pacemaker has made.