Conference Agenda

This session will examine the importance of physical fitness across the emergency services and its impact on operational performance, health, safety, and workforce resilience. Drawing on evidence from occupational physiology research and emergency service practice, the presentation will review the evidence linking lower fitness levels with increased injury risk, poorer cardiovascular health, reduced operational capability, and greater physiological strain during emergency incidents. Alongside the presentation, the panel discussion will also discuss the practical challenges of implementing effective physical fitness strategies across emergency service organisations, including organisational culture, fitness standards, training provision, and long-term workforce health. The discussion will consider how emergency services can adopt evidence-based best practice to improve physical fitness, enhance operational readiness, and support the health, safety, and wellbeing of personnel.