High-Performance Programs for First Responders: Considerations and Potential Benefits of Implementation

ABSTRACT In recent years, tactical personnel, especially within the military, have integrated sports science–related practices into their training. This effort has been less pronounced with first responders (police, firefighters, emergency services), despite the structured academy training typically completed by recruits, challenging job tasks and long-term health, fitness, and wellness concerns. One example of how sports science practices could be applied for first responders is through high-performance programs. High-performance programs are commonplace within elite sport and can help set roadmaps for success. Numerous factors contribute to an effective program, much of which relates to the resources provided to personnel. This can include a multidisciplinary team (e.g., strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers/medical staff, psychologists, nutritionists, researchers) and appropriate resources (e.g., gyms, facilities, testing and training equipment). This review will discuss whether high-performance programs, or at least components of these programs, could be adopted in first-responder populations. The authors will discuss literature to demonstrate how and why high-performance programs could be implemented for first responders and whether these programs are aspirational, attainable, or objectionable. Finally, the authors will provide actionable high-performance program-related information for the strength and conditioning coach and tactical scientist working with first responders.