8-30-17 fdl fire and rescue to conduct baseline concussion tests

For the first time concussion baseline testing is now part of the Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue’s physical fitness assessments.   Assistant chief of training Jim Knowles says this time of year the 65 firefighters in the department are involved in their annual physical assessment which now includes a computer-based test and series of questionnaires.  “It sort of zeroes back to the potential for members working in hazardous environments and the possibility of receiving head injuries,  concussions,”  Knowles told WFDL news.    “It could lead up to cognitive functioning issues, decrease in attention span, loss of working  memory.”   Knowles says having a baseline test is kind of like insurance.  He says the computerized tests measure reaction time, memory capacity, speed of mental processing and brain function.   Knowles says knowing this information can assist in planning an effective rehabilitation program.