International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down 2007 FIREFIGHTER FITNESS / WELLNESS

International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down 2007

FIREFIGHTER FIREFIGHTER FITNESS / WELLNESSFITNESS / WELLNESS


Fire Service Joint Labor and Management Wellness-Fitness (WEFIT) Initiative

Cooperative Effort by the IAFF and IAFC

Components Include:

• Medical Examinations• Fitness Evaluations and Programs• Disease Screening and Immunizations• Medical/ Fitness/ Injury Rehabilitation• Data Gathering and Reporting


Benefits of Fitness / Wellness Program

Increased Physical Performance and Stamina

Improved Mental Health

Reduced Line of Duty Deaths, Injuries and Disabilities

Early Detection of Potential Disease

Reduced Medical Costs, Workers’ Comp Claims, and Time Missed From Duty

Improved Quality of Life


Cardiovascular Fitness• Risk of death during fire suppression activities is

10-100 times higher than when performing non-emergency activities. (The New England Journal of Medicine- 2007)

• Exposure to smoke & other toxic products of combustion combined with extreme heat, stress, and going from rest to strenuous physical activity in a short period of time, all combine to increase the risk of heart attacks.

• Cardiovascular screening and Stress EKGs can identify potential problems before tissue damage occurs.

• A cardiovascular fitness program can increase aerobic capacity and reduce the risk of heart disease.


Strength Training

Increases Work Capacity

Reduces Body Fat

Strengthens Core and Aids in Balance

Reduces Spinal and Muscular Injuries

(See NFPA 1583 Standard on Health Related Fitness Programs for Fire Fighters for additional information).


Regular Physical ExamsEarly detection can identify risk factors early to minimize risk of cardiac disease, cancer, and stroke.Standards for comprehensive medical evaluations can be found in NFPA 1582.Physicals are required in OSHA Respiratory Standards Act for all persons wearing respirators.


““AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION”AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION”NATIONAL FIREFIGHTER NEAR MISS REPORTING SYSTEM

Report Number: 06-0000255 Report Date: 04/26/2006

Event DescriptionWhile participating in an annual physical exam, a positive colon cancer was detected. This positive test was confirmed by an outside source. This case is but one of four or five that have surfaced in the past three years.

Lesson LearnedExtensive annual physical examinations for all fire/rescue personnel are a must. In fact, an intense Wellness-Fitness Program should be an integral part of every department. The annual physical exam is, in part, a discovery phase. Other components of the Wellness-Fitness Program may help reduce the chance of developing this disease or at the very least promote early detection.



Event Description

I participated in the Department’s annual medical physical. A 12- lead EKG indicated a non diagnostic, abnormal EKG. The physician recommended a stress test. The first stress test led to a cardio light stress test. The results showed blockages and the recommended course of action was a cardio cath with the intent to perform angioplasty or stenting. The cardio cath showed total blockages in two arteries and partial in a third resulting in bypass surgery. I had participated in my own annual physical 6 months prior to the Department physical and the EKG at that time showed no indications of any problems. I never experienced chest pain and was asymptomatic. The required annual Department physical was key in identifying the issue. My surgery was February 1st and I returned to work on a part time basis April 3. I expect to be released to full duty in mid June.



Lesson LearnedOur organization implemented annual physicals three years ago. It is imperative that departments have a medical physical program that identifies potentially fatal diseases such as cancer or coronary artery disease. It is our intent to expand our program to include further coronary screening as well as providing presentations regarding lifestyle changes, i.e. diet and exercise, which will help improve the physical well-being of our employees.


MENTAL HEALTH

Critical Incident Stress must be addressed to promote mental well-being.

EAP programs can anonymously assist employees struggling with job stress, family problems, and various addictions.

Learning to effectively manage stress can reduce its negative physical manifestations.


Nutritional Counseling

A proper diet is essential for optimum health.

Teaching our members to eat right can have positive long-term effects.

A healthy diet can result in lower risk of cancer and cardiac disease.


Conclusion

An effective Fitness/ Wellness program can have lasting long-term benefits to the employee and the organization.NFPA 1582 and 1583 can be referenced, along with the IAFF / IAFC Wellness / Fitness initiative if you need ideas to begin a program.

Documents

International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down 2007 FIREFIGHTER FITNESS / WELLNESS