Using CPET as a Preventative & Diagnostic Tool in First Responders & Tactical Athletes

In this episode, Andy Simonson is joined by Alex Jesko of Frontline Mobile Health to dive deep into the clinical and preventative power of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET).With over a decade of hands‑on CPET experience and tens of thousands of tests performed, Alex explains how CPET is used as a frontline tool for risk stratification, annual medical evaluations, and long‑term health monitoring in fire and police departments.They discuss why CPET is the most data‑rich physiological assessment available, how year‑over‑year trending improves diagnostic clarity, and why departments with mandated fitness standards consistently see better outcomes than those without them. Alex also shares career advice for aspiring exercise physiologists looking to make a real clinical impact.Key Topics Covered:What makes CPET different from traditional exercise testingCPET as an integrative cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic assessmentLongitudinal CPET data in firefighters and law enforcementMandated fitness standards vs. voluntary programsRisk stratification and preventative medicine in tactical populationsCareer advice for exercise physiology students and early professionalsResources Mentioned: Clinical Exercise Testing and Interpretation – Karlman Wasserman et al.Guest Bio: Alex Jesko, Director of Cardiovascular Testing, has over 15 years of experience using CPET in clinical settings. As the CPET Program Manager at Frontline Mobile Health, he oversees cardiopulmonary testing for fire and police departments, leveraging longitudinal data to improve health outcomes and reduce risk in tactical athletes.Connect with Frontline Mobile Health: Frontline Mobile Health offers shadowing opportunities, internships, and career paths for professionals passionate about applied exercise physiology. Contact information available in the show notes.LinkedIn: Alex Jesko LinkedIn