Wellness Fitness Initiative - New York City, NY

Approach

As one of the original 10 cities selected to take part in the initial implementation of the IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness Initiative, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) continues to be committed to the health and safety of its members. Members participate in annual medical exams, which reflect almost 100 percent compliance throughout the ranks.

The Counseling Services Unit has increased its staff dramatically, offering members various behavioral therapy services. Smoking cessation and blood pressure lowering programs are the newest additions to the WFI program and have proven extremely beneficial. The FDNY is committed to continuing to support this initiative, with the intention of providing services that will improve wellness, fitness, safety and effectiveness to all members.

Medical

Facility	Wellness-Fitness Center at FDNY Headquarters
Physician	In house staff
Additional Staff	Wellness-Fitness Coordinator Nurses Technicians
Exam Frequency	Designed as annual but can only do 90 members/day
Exam Details	Complete, as per IAFF/IAFC WFI design

Fitness

IAFF/IAFC PFTs	50
Duties	Assist in annual medical administration Design fitness programs for members Maintain fitness equipment Instructors for Academy recruits Instructors for CPAT mentoring program
Exercise Time	Daily as schedule of duties allows
Exercise Program	Various aerobic training Circuit training (resistance)
Equipment	Every firehouse has a gym Equipment is either bought by members chipping in, donated from private individuals, health clubs, colleges, etc. Example - network with a local sports club; universities for liquidated equipment
Nutrition	Nutritional recommendations are made by PFTs; referred to nutritionist or R.D. if desired

Injury-Rehab

Method	Diagnosis, treatment, rehab, cleared to full duty
Modified/Light Duty	Yes, as per physicians determination
Injury Prevention Committee	Yes, Pass it on Program

Behavioral Health

Method	In house Counseling Services Unit (CSU)
EAP	Yes
Stress Management	CSU

Cost Justification

Method

Line of duty injury claims

Data Collection

Method	HRIS System (human resources information system)
Data Collected	All medical testing except x-rays

Implementation

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