Approach
In 1995, the Austin Fire
Department (AFD) began providing full medical
exams to all new hires, all members
promoted to a higher rank and all special
operation team members. Once in the
rotation, individuals continued to receive
annual medical exams, building each year
on the number of exams given. These
initial exams were outsourced to an
occupational medical group.
In 1996
the AFD began developing and
administering its first
department-wide fitness assessments
usiing a contracted Wellness-Fitness
Coordinator. The position was approved
as a full-time employee of the AFD in 1997.
By a provision introduced into the labor
contract by the union, the Wellness and
Fitness program would be directed by a
civilian subject matter expert. The Wellness-Fitness Coordinator
performed fitness assessments, developed exercise
programs and offered nutrition counseling.
During the first year, assessments were
delivered in the station while members
were on duty. By the second year, the AFD
began placing the units out of service
as members were brought to a central
site for the annual assessment.
In 2004, the AFD received an Assistance
to Firefighters (AFG)
grant, which it used to establish the AFD medical clinic. The AFD now
operates a full-time clinic with a staff
of seven, including a physician, an
rR/administrator, two exercise
physiologists, one exercise
physiologist/sports medicine specialist,
a records clerk and an administrative
assistant.
Medical
|
Facility |
In-house |
|
Physician |
In-house |
|
Additional Staff |
RN/Administrator
Exercise
Physiologist (2)
Exercise
Physiologist/Sports Medicine
Specialist
Records Clerk
Administrative
Assistant |
|
Exam Frequency |
Annual
<40 submaximal
treadmill test
40+ maximal treadmill test
with ECG |
|
Exam Details |
Full WFI Exam
See attached document |
Medical Exams Fitness Program
Annual Medical Physicals Announcement
Fitness
|
IAFF/IAFC PFT's |
+/- 20 |
|
Duties |
Physical fitness for
recruits
CPAT orientation and
proctor |
|
Exercise Time |
On duty |
|
Exercise Program |
Fitness consultation
Personal training
CrossFit training
Yoga training
Kettlebell training |
|
Equipment |
Treadmills, bikes and
weights at each station |
|
Nutrition |
Counseling by appointment |
Exercise Equipment Specifications
Fitness Policy
Functional Movement Screenings Bulletin
Wellness Center Information
WFI Standard Operating Guidelines
Injury-Rehab
|
Method |
Injury rehabilitation post
medical discharge through
wellness clinic as needed and
injury prevention
program via department-wide
functional movement screenings |
|
Modified/Light Duty |
Yes |
Behavioral
Health
|
Method |
In-house Psychologist |
|
EAP |
Yes |
|
Stress
Management |
Yes |
Cost
Justification
|
Method |
Track worker's comp claims
cost/savings and lost time of
work hours through Worker's Comp
and Safety Office |
Workers' Compensation Memo
Data
Collection
|
Method |
None, but have commitment from the
fire chief to purchase
Track by hand as needed; medical
files maintained by civilians |
Implementation
There are
currently no links or files available
for dissemination. For
more information, see the contact listed
above.
