Candidates are advised to stay off these medications for at least four weeks prior to the test. High-dose corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, may interfere with the ability to perform aerobic-intensive tasks and could be disqualifying.Hypertension that is uncontrolled, poorly controlled, or requires medication is likely to interfere with the performance of duties. Anti-hypertensive agents: NFPA 1582 lists certain hypertension medications as disqualifying, including beta-blocking agents such as Metoprolol and Atenolol, and other medications like Clonidine, Furosemide, and Spironolactone.These include clonidine and Xanax/alprazolam. Sedatives and hypnotics: Medications for ADHD and other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder are prohibited by NFPA 1582.Seizure medication: Epilepsy medication may be disqualifying if it causes side effects.
Narcotics: Because they can conceal a pain issue, such as a spinal or skeletal condition or other disqualifying condition that prevents an individual from becoming a firefighter, narcotics are considered a disqualifying medication.Anticoagulation drugs: Blood thinning medication (any anticoagulant medication that prolongs prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin (PTT), or international normalized ration (INR), or beta-adrenergic blocking medication) is listed as a Category A medicine by NFPA 1582 meaning those who take it will be unable to serve as a firefighter.Medications that could lead to disqualification from duty include, but are not limited to: The department may also request that the firefighter’s health care professional complete an occupational health medical questionnaire, including information about prescription medications and the condition being treated.Ĭommon Types of Medications that Lead to Disqualification The medical history questionnaire also requires information about over-the-counter medication usage or discontinued medications in addition to any allergies, side effects, reactions, or intolerance experienced. During the review, the firefighter must also provide details about medication use, including: To determine this risk, at the time of hire and annually thereafter, a firefighter will undergo comprehensive medical history review and a physical examination. Each fire department determines what is considered an essential task. Note: NFPA does not enforce the 1582 standard and there is nothing to stop districts deviating from or setting their own requirements.ĭefining Medication Disqualifications According to NFPA 1582Ī medication disqualification may be arrived at if a candidate or incumbent regularly uses medication that may interfere with his/her ability to safely perform essential job tasks. The individual may also be moved to another position. It’s at the district’s discretion whether an accommodation can be made as opposed to imposing a blanket prohibition from performing that task(s). If the firefighter presents with a disqualifying condition or medication, the physician can recommend restricting that individual from performing tasks that cannot be safely performed given their medical condition. The goal of NFPA 1582 standards is to detect any physical or medical condition(s) that would preclude a new hire or incumbent firefighter from performing their duties without risk to the safety and health of themselves or others.Īfter individually evaluating an individual and their medical records, a licensed physician will state whether that person can or cannot perform their essential job tasks due to a specific condition.