To identify risk factors, firefighters should what?

• A. Complete a physical agility course each course
• B. Submit a health survey to their supervisor each year
• C. Receive pre-employment and regular physical examinations
• D. Sign a tobacco free affidavit

Answer: (C)

Medical surveillance through pre-employment and regular physical examinations is how risk factors are identified in firefighters. Establishing a baseline before a person starts duty and monitoring health over time allows detection of conditions or changes that could compromise safety, endurance, or decision-making in the line of duty. This approach catches issues such as cardiovascular, respiratory, or other covert health risks early, enabling timely interventions and ensuring someone is fit for the demands of firefighting.

Physical agility testing focuses on current performance rather than underlying health risks, a health survey relies on self-reported information which may miss undetected problems, and a tobacco-free affidavit is a policy measure without evaluating actual health risk factors.