Development and Implementation of a Critical Care Transport Physical Ability Test: An Administrative Case Report

Emergency medical service and critical care transport teams are considered tactical athletes due to the significant physical demands of their job. Injury rates are high in these populations. A lack of proper physical fitness puts individuals and their team members at risk of injury and may create risk of inadequate care in emergency situations. The University of Wisconsin (UW) Med Flight team identified the need to implement physical testing as a condition of employment and annual compliance. The purpose of this case report was to develop and implement a physical ability test for a med flight team. # Methods Members of the University of Wisconsin Health (UW Health) Sports Rehab department collaborated with the UW Med Flight team. The coordinator of the Sports Rehab Tactical Athlete Specialty Clinic performed an onsite assessment to evaluate the distances and heights traveled, size and weight of equipment managed, and duties of providers who are part of the critical care transport team. Analysis of other institutions' testing procedures was performed via online searches and professional communication. Pilot practice sessions of the assessment were performed. Practice sessions and town hall meetings were offered to the staff. The new health assessment referenced as the Med Flight Physical Ability Test (MFPAT) commenced in January 2023.

Sixty-nine of 71 team members passed the MFPAT. One team member did not pass due to a known knee condition that limited her physical abilities. An incoming med flight physician fellow failed to pass the test due to a recent hand injury.

While other critical care transport physical ability tests exist, there is an overall lack of industry wide testing procedures, nor have these tests been widely published. Without this standard, a critical care transport team lacks accountability of crew members to maintain adequate fitness levels needed for their positions. Therefore, the MFPAT was developed to establish a physical assessment for a specific med flight team. The development and application of such a test could set a precedent for other institutions.

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