Shouldering the Burden: Exploring the Challenges and Impact of Work-Related Shoulder Disorders on North American Firefighters: An Interpretive Description

What is the problem?

Firefighters perform some of the most physically demanding work and their shoulders are one of the most injured regions. This study explored how work-related shoulder injuries affect firefighters’ daily lives, their ability to do their job, and their experiences trying to recover and return to work.

How did the team study the problem?

The research team interviewed 14 firefighters (9 men and 5 women) between the ages of 26 and 63 who were dealing with shoulder injuries. These firefighters were selected from different locations to get a range of perspectives. Each firefighter participated in a one-on-one video interview where they shared their personal experiences. The researchers carefully analyzed these conversations to identify common themes and patterns in what firefighters reported.

What did the team find?

Firefighters described how shoulder pain affected their ability to lift, reach, or carry out important emergency duties. The combination of pain-related sleep problems and irregular shift schedules worsened their pain and slowed recovery which further affected their job performance. Many also reported how their shoulder injuries disrupted fitness routines, family life, and mental well-being. Female firefighters and those with smaller builds faced additional risks because of poorly fitting protective gear and equipment, increasing their chances of shoulder re-injury. Participants also noted that healthcare services and treatment programs were not always tailored to help them safely return to their specific job requirements, leaving many without adequate or timely support.

How can this research be used?

These findings can help fire departments, occupational health specialists, and policymakers take practical steps to reduce the burden of shoulder injuries among firefighters. Specifically, they can consider better equipment design that considers gender and body-size differences; implement targeted rehabilitation and prevention programs that reflect the demands of firefighting; provide psychosocial and organizational support to help injured firefighters recover without stigma or career setbacks. Lastly, this research can be used to improve healthcare pathways that connect firefighters to appropriate care sooner.

Cautions

The findings are based on firefighters’ personal accounts and perspectives within North America which provide valuable insights but represent limited viewpoints. More research with larger groups of firefighters from diverse regions would help confirm and expand these findings. However, the insights from our study provide a strong foundation for improving how we prevent and manage shoulder injuries in this high-risk profession.