Firefighters with Pacemakers

Hello! I am 22 years old and have had a Pacemaker since I was 11. I was diagnosed a partial block in my hearts electrical system. I am currently trying to become a firefighter and was wondering if there are going to be any problems getting a job even though I am NOT pacemaker dependent.....Thanks!

4 Comments

hopefully not

by cqmccann - 2008-11-24 12:11:55

Hi,

I have been a FF for 11 years and recently had a PM installed. The NFPA 1582 states that PM's are not allowed for entry into the fire service. Please see if the City or County you are applying for have adopted this standard. You may be able to get your City physician and your cardiologist together to discuss your individual case and see what can be done. The City i work for tried to scare me off by showing me the 1582 policy without telling me that it applied to entry level and not current FF's. I had to do a lot of research to figure things out. After much hoop jumping and testing-both medical and physical, they let me back. I wish you the best of luck-don't give up if this is your dream. Do your research first and find some doctors who will advocate for you. There are FF's across the US with pacers so it is obvious tht it does not impact our jobs. You can feel free to private message me if you want more info or ideas. Hang in there!
cqmccann

NFPA 1500 standard

by ltbull64 - 2008-11-25 10:11:13

Unfortunately, I don't think you have a great chance. I've been a firefighter for a North East city for over 20 years and had a pacemaker implanted November 08 for heart block while I sleep. It's clear in the standards, especially for entrance physicals, that an implanted device is not recommended. I am regretfully in the process of being pensioned off due to the pacemaker and understand the feelings behind the concerns of management and the Union.
Maybe a job in the EMS field would be similiarly rewarding for you, nowadays it's a large percent of duties for Fire Depts anyway.
good luck,
Lt Bull

Question

by Laugh929 - 2010-08-23 01:08:51

Why is it ok for a FF to return to duty after having a PM implanted, but someone who already has a PM cannot become a FF?
This all according to NFPA Standards right?
I am just not getting it

Hey

by daltongeorge7 - 2012-08-25 10:08:55

I was wondering if you ever found a sure fire answer to this question. I am 18 and a Volunteer firefighter, but want to go on to do it professionally. I hope you've been able to get on, and hope to hear back from you soon!

You know you're wired when...

You can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.

Member Quotes

It is just over 10 years since a dual lead device was implanted for complete heart block. It has worked perfectly and I have traveled well near two million miles internationally since then.