An EMS crew can learn a lot from a top-performing NFL quarterback.

For the last five weeks, my beloved Green Bay Packers have run off five straight wins, collectively outscoring opponents, 201-113. The entire team is playing at a high level, but what has really stood out is the superhuman performances turned in by Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Other than the sheer number of points he puts up, what stands out about Rodgers is how few mistakes he makes, especially when hurried and under pressure. Through 13 games this year, Rodgers has put up 35 touchdowns, tossed only three interceptions and has an insane quarterback rating of 119.0.

So what is the man's secret and what can we learn from it? One word: Discipline. In all facets of his life.

Rodgers is constantly looking to improve himself. But to do that, you have to respect how your mind and body work together, the importance of proper nutrition, hydration, sleep and exercise.

Rodgers forces himself to sleep at least eight hours a night. He's cut way back on the coffee. He takes vitamins, does herbal juice cleanses and stays away from the junk food and sweets that he so dearly loves. He drinks enough water every day to fill an aquarium and does hot yoga to stay flexible and enhance his mental acuity.

Hydration is particularly important when it comes to maintaining energy levels and mental focus. The amount one needs to drink to do this can seem daunting, if not drowning, at first: The average American adult male needs four quarts a day as a baseline and more for each hour of exercise.

Back in the day when I flew aerobatics, the resident flight surgeon told me to drink down at least two quarts of water in the two hours leading up to a 15-minute flight and to rehydrate as soon as possible after landing.

"If you're not urinating at least every two hours, you're not drinking enough," he advised. I thought this was overkill, but I tried it. My performance improved, and I felt better after flying. A lot better.

Hospitals can be temples of temptation for the EMS crews based there. Employees are always bringing in thoughtful baked goods, and the drug reps use confections as calling cards. Diet drinks, candy bars and way too much coffee are de rigueur. Stress all the time. Sleep? What's that?

It simply can't go on this way. Sleep deprivation and overall unfitness are subtexts in too many fatal NTSB accident reports in this industry.

EMS crews need to maintain a level of fitness on par with a professional athlete. Their lives and those of their patients depend on it.