To reduce firefighter deaths and injuries, the department should:

• A. Provide hypertension medications at no cost
• B. Mandate a body mass index less than 25
• C. Implement a physical fitness program
• D. Require yearly candidate ability physical test

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that a department-wide physical fitness program best reduces firefighter deaths and injuries because it directly improves the physical readiness needed for every task, from carrying gear and climbing stairs to advancing into burning structures. A comprehensive program builds cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and recovery, which lowers the likelihood of overexertion, strains, heat-related illness, and other on-duty injuries while boosting performance and decision-making under stress. It also promotes a safety culture and teamwork, since personnel train together, monitor progress, and stay prepared for demanding calls.

Other options don’t have the same broad impact. Providing hypertension medications at no cost helps individuals with a medical condition but doesn’t systematically reduce risk across the entire department. Mandating a body mass index below 25 relies on a metric that doesn’t reliably reflect fitness or job capability and can unfairly exclude capable firefighters. Requiring a yearly candidate ability physical test screens new hires but doesn’t address the ongoing risk to current personnel or drive long-term improvements in fitness.