Wellness Fitness Initiative

Approach

In 1989 (approximately), the Mesa Fire Department started a wellness program which included fitness and medical screenings of members. In 1999, the Mesa Fire Department and Local 2260 implemented the IAFF/IAFC Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative in an effort to maximize the health and fitness of our members. As a result of our membership accepting the WFI, our members’ efficiency, effectiveness, and performance increased. Injuries and illnesses decreased as well, due to the overall improvement in our members’ wellness.

Mesa fire fighters are offered comprehensive medical and fitness exams annually. The exams are performed in a confidential setting where the member is examined by and given the opportunity for consultation with a physician. These exams have proven their worthiness time and time again by early detection of medical issues that could have gone undetected for years, been life threatening when found and costly for the member and the city.

Mesa Fire Department has and continues to understand the importance of this program and supports it through resources and funding. Currently this program is under the Operations Personnel and Wellness division and is managed by a Division Chief, Fire Captain, and two administrative assistants. The department's commitment to providing the appropriate equipment, space, accommodation of on-duty workout time, and access to Wellness team Peer Fitness Trainers has been instrumental in the improvement of our members’ health and the service we provide.

Medical

Facility	Contracted - Banner Occupational Health Clinic for Pre-hire and annual medical exams, industrial injuries, and industrial exposures
Physician	Occupational Health doctors who are familiar with fire fighters' job responsibilities, NFPA standards and OSHA requirements
Additional Staff	Clinic management, records and accounting staff, PAs, RN's, and techs
Exam Frequency	Annual as required by department SOPs
Exam Details	WFI exam see attached document

Medical Exam Requirements

Fitness

IAFF/IAFC PFT's	31 wellness team members with various certifications in wellness and fitness including 17 PFTs
Duties	Promotion of fitness, fitness evaluations, recruit physical training, CPAT administration, fire fighter one-on-one consults, and department wellness training
Exercise Time	Yes - minimum of one and a half hours per shift, on-duty
Exercise Program	Crossfit, Ultimate Frisbee, work hardening circuits, and standard cardiovascular and strength training
Equipment	All fire stations are equipped with aerobic equipment and various resistance and weight training equipment depending on station size and number of crew members. When a station’s fitness facility is not adequate for the crews assigned there the department will purchase gym memberships to a gym in the area that members can use on shift only.
Nutrition	Information provided through video presentations, wellness team interactions, training, medical exams, and our quarterly wellness newsletter

Injury-Rehab

Method	Banner Occupational Health, specialty doctors and physical therapy offices
Modified/Light Duty	Yes - coordinated by the Emergency Services Captain
Injury Prevention Committee	Each Captain is responsible for the safety of their crew. Each battalion has a Battalion Safety Office that reviews injuries and accidents for training opportunities.

Behavioral Health

Method	Department Chaplain, CISM team and Employee Assistance Program
EAP	Yes
Stress Management	Yes

Cost Justification

There are currently no links or files available for dissemination. For more information, see the contact listed above.

Data Collection

Method

Medical files are maintained electronically by the contracted medical provider. Fitness data is maintained by the department using our firehouse records program

Implementation

Wellness Program SOPs