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Athletic Trainers are known for helping athletes stay healthy, but one Northern Arizona University professor is expanding that care to an entirely new population: first responders.
Megan Mulready, an Athletic Trainer and assistant clinical professor at Northern Arizona University, has spent the past year working with the Flagstaff Fire Department's Firefighter Recruit Academy to help reduce injuries before they happen.
Alongside several Athletic Training students, Mulready leads recruits through strength, balance, and flexibility exercises while teaching them how to recognize early signs of injury and dehydration.
Her approach is simple but effective: prevent and educate.
The results speak for themselves. During last summer's academy, firefighters experienced zero injuries.
Mulready said firefighters deserve the same level of care that collegiate athletes receive.
"I genuinely believe all people who put their lives on the line for our community deserve that type of access," she said.
The partnership also provides valuable hands-on experience for Athletic Training students. Sophomore Natalie Hess said the opportunity has allowed her to apply classroom concepts to real-world situations, while fellow student Alix Henning has learned how injury prevention strategies must adapt to unpredictable environments.
Beyond exercise programs, Mulready teaches recruits about hydration, electrolyte replacement, nutrition, and recovery strategies. Firefighters, she explained, face unique physical demands while working in extreme heat and wearing nearly 100 pounds of protective gear.
Looking ahead, Mulready hopes to expand the program to local police academies and additional first responder organizations throughout northern Arizona.
Her mission remains straightforward: provide physically demanding professions with the tools they need to stay healthy and perform at their best.
Whether on a football field or at an emergency scene, Mulready believes the principles of Athletic Training remain the same: prevent injuries before they happen and help people safely do the jobs they love. Read more of the story here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Athletic Trainers work with first responders?
Yes. Athletic Trainers can help firefighters, police officers, and other first responders with injury prevention, rehabilitation, movement assessments, and overall wellness.
Why are Athletic Trainers valuable for firefighters?
Firefighters perform physically demanding tasks that can lead to overuse injuries, strains, dehydration, and fatigue. Athletic Trainers help reduce injury risk and improve performance.
What types of injury prevention strategies do Athletic Trainers teach?
Athletic Trainers commonly teach strength training, balance exercises, flexibility, hydration, recovery methods, and proper movement mechanics.
Can Athletic Training students gain experience outside of traditional sports?
Yes. Many Athletic Training programs provide opportunities to work with first responders, performing artists, industrial workers, and other active populations.
Related Topics:
Athletic Trainers • First Responders • Firefighter Wellness • Injury Prevention • Athletic Training Education • Hydration • Community Health • Athlete Safety
About Healthy Roster
Healthy Roster is an all-in-one platform for Athletic Trainers that helps manage injury documentation, communication, concussion care, forms, and continuing education. Athletic Trainers across high schools, colleges, hospitals, and healthcare organizations use Healthy Roster to simplify athlete care.
