Integration of Athletic Training Services on a Smokejumper Base: A Descriptive Study

Area of Science:

• Wilderness Medicine
• Sports Medicine
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Smokejumpers are elite wildland firefighters requiring specialized physical conditioning and injury prevention.
• The role of athletic trainers (ATs) in supporting the health and performance of Smokejumpers during fire season is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utilization of an athletic trainer (AT) at a Smokejumper base during the fire season.
• To document Smokejumper satisfaction with the athletic trainer services provided.

Main Methods:

• An athletic trainer documented patient encounters throughout the fire season.
• Smokejumpers completed a movement and mobility assessment (MMS) and received consultations.
• A satisfaction survey (ATSS) was administered to Smokejumpers at the end of the season.

Main Results:

• 192 patient encounters were documented, with key reasons including exercise prescription (31%), MMS (30%), injury consultation (27%), and patient education (12%).
• Smokejumper satisfaction survey scores ranged from 4.67 to 4.92 out of 5, indicating high approval.

Conclusions:

• Smokejumpers demonstrated significant interest in direct access to athletic trainer services.
• While research into Smokejumper injuries continues, the findings support the integration of ATs within Smokejumper operations.