Approach
In 2005, under the Department
of Homeland Security’s Office of
Domestic Preparedness, the Narragansett
Fire Department was awarded funding via
the Assistance to Firefighters Grant
Program. In 2006, the Narragansett Fire
Department embarked on the exciting
challenge of developing it’s first ever
Wellness/Fitness program (WFP). The
grant provided for much needed safety
and fitness equipment and the tools
necessary to begin the process. In order
to implement the WFP, the NFD appropriated space
for equipment, accommodated on duty
time, and trained one member to serve as
a certified Peer Fitness Trainer. These
efforts have been instrumental in
developing the department’s wellness
philosophy: a holistic approach
encompassing fitness, injury
rehabilitation, behavioral health, and
education. As part of the department’s
efforts to stay current with the latest
exercise science and wellness trends, it
has developed partnerships with various
local fitness and medical professionals
using both outsourced and in-house
fitness and rehabilitation programs.
The WFP has changed
the exercise, nutrition, and behavioral
patterns of all of the participating
members. The increased level of
efficiency and stamina of fire fighters
has led to a reduction in on duty
injuries and shortened rehabilitation
time when an injury has occurred.
This is especially valuable for small
departments where man power issues can
leave personnel even further strained.
An added benefit of the WFP has been
increased moral, increased socialization
of members of the department, and
increased fundraising for many local
charities in our community. While
physical and mental wellness of our fire
fighters is a worthwhile cause, the
participants are also having fun while
accomplishing this goal, further
contributing to the program's success.
www.narragansettfirefighters.com/fitness.htm
Medical
|
Facility |
South
County Hospital |
|
Physician |
Department physician |
|
Additional Staff |
1
assistant to the PFT
(uncertified) |
|
Exam Frequency |
Annually |
|
Exam Details |
Medical Exam Survey |
Fitness
|
IAFF/IAFC PFT's |
1
|
|
Duties |
Oversee all fitness and
rehabilitation programs
Collect fitness data for all
individuals participating in the
program
Coordinate behavioral health
consultations
Facilitate all wellness and
nutritional education
Organize all
fitness/fundraising events and
competitions for the department |
|
Exercise Time |
On
duty (1 hour daily when
possible) and off duty time
allocated; minimum 3-4 days per
week |
|
Exercise Program |
Cardiovascular, muscular endurance
and strength training programs
such as Cross Fit and Kettle
bell programs
Many cardiovascular exercises
such as swimming, cycling,
running, rowing and stair
climbing encouraged |
|
Equipment |
Full Smith machine, Kettlebells,
Bosu balls, medicine balls, free
weights, treadmills, exercise
bikes, rowing machines |
|
Nutrition |
Outsourced educational programs
through Muni Blue (Blue Cross);
diabetes education through Muni
Blue |
Injury-Rehab
|
Method |
In-house programs designed by
Peer Fitness Trainer
Outsourced programs such as
South County Hospital
Cardiopulmonary rehab |
|
Modified/Light Duty |
N/A |
|
Injury Prevention Committee |
Town Safety Committee meets
monthly |
Behavioral
Health
|
Method |
Member access to CISD, EAP |
|
EAP |
EAP available through the town
of Narragansett |
|
Stress
Management |
See above |
Cost
Justification
Data
Collection
|
Method |
Individual fitness data
collected by PFT
Chart form and Excel program |
Implementation
There are
currently no links or files available
for dissemination. For
more information, see the contact listed
above.
