The FirstFit method for paramedics helps with physically demanding work

Finnish Institute of Occupational Health media release, 27 March 2025

The FirstFit method, developed jointly by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and parties in the emergency care sector, aims to help and motivate paramedics to take care of their most important tool: the functional capacity of their own body.

The FirstFit method assesses the current state of the paramedic’s physical functional capacity and compares it with the sector-specific, reference values backed by research.

"Feedback on the test provides a better understanding of one’s own physical functional capacity. In addition, the paramedic receives an exercise programme that is tailored specifically for them and which supports the development of physical functional capacity that promotes work ability and the achievement of training goals. As the method spreads nationwide, it will allow paramedics to monitor their own functional capacity and its development from their studies all the way to retirement," says Anne Punakallio, Chief Researcher at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

The FirstFit exercises for paramedics are tailored to the needs of the profession because work ability is most effectively promoted with exercise that is planned in accordance with the stress factors of the work. The different areas of the programme are general endurance, muscular strength and endurance and mobility and co-ordination.

The method also aims to prevent accidents and thereby reduce sickness absences.

"The exercises emphasise correct technique and movement patterns that are also correct relevant to the work. The aim is to help those who train less in getting started with physical activity. At the same time, the training will result in improved functional capacity, which will help to prevent accidents and the resulting injuries, symptoms and their costs," says Janne Halonen, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

”Integrated into the occupational health examination process”

The first version of the FirstFit method was released already in 2021.  Improvements to the first version include occupation-specific reference values and detailed training instructions. The FirstFit method has been piloted or implemented by 11 emergency services departments, seven paramedic occupational health services and some paramedic educational institutions. In 2022, the FirstFit method was implemented at the Eastern Uusimaa Emergency Services Department.

"The reception and experiences have been positive for us, and we have already been able to carry out assessments of functional capacity repeatedly for some paramedics. With repeated assessments, we have been able to encourage the maintenance and development of functional capacity. Our aim now is to integrate the FirstFit method into the occupational health examination process and thus support paramedics throughout their careers in maintaining and promoting operational capability in a preventive manner," says Functional Capacity Coordinator Arttu Tennberg from the Eastern Uusimaa Emergency Services Department.

The FirstFit method has been developed for paramedics, but it is also well suited for supporting work ability in other sectors that involve physical stress specifically related to lifting and carrying.
 

The FirstFit study

• Development of the FirstFit method began in 2019, upon initiative of parties in the emergency care sector. The development of the research-based method continues, and the aim is to create a nationally uniform method. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has highlighted the FirstFit method as an example of a good practice for managing the risks of musculoskeletal disorders in the social welfare and healthcare sector.
• Partners in the most recent study on the development of FirstFit test instructions, test feedback and training instructions (2023—2025), included emergency services departments that provide paramedic services, the North Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county (OYS Ensihoito) and the Southwest Finland wellbeing services county of (TYKS Akuutti). In addition to the partners, the project was funded by the Finnish Work Environment Fund.
• Final report of the project in Julkari (in Finnish): https://URN.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-391-206-9
• Project website: Developing physical capacity test instructions, test feedback and training instructions for the FirstFit method 
  
  

Further information

• Annu Punakallio, Chief Researcher, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, anne.punakallio@ttl.fi, tel. +358 30 474 2648
• Janne Halonen, Senior Specialist, The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, janne.halonen@ttl.fi, tel. +358 30 474 2598
• Arttu Tennberg, Functional Capacity Coordinator, Eastern Uusimaa Emergency Services Department, arttu.tennberg@pelastustoimi.fi,  tel. +358 40 480 9991
• Vesa Jyrkkänen, Service Manager, Southwest Finland wellbeing services county, Emergency Care Services, vesa.jyrkkanen@varha.fi, tel. +358 40 1882351