Approach
Portland Fire & Rescue (PFR) started
implementing components of IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness
Initiatiave (WFI) in 2000. It learned to
implement the WFI by attending IAFF Redmond
Symposiums, asking many questions of the
initial 10 cities, and the IAFF Health
and
Safety staff.
An
on-duty exercise program has been
developed to increase the ability of
each fire fighter to withstand the
stresses of rigorous fire fighting, to
reduce the incidence of bodily injury
and to improve the overall health of
personnel. Members are encouraged to
fully use the in-station exercise
equipment to improve their muscular
strength and endurance, flexibility and
aerobic capacity.
Medical
|
Facility |
No
department facility |
|
Physician |
Individual's Primary Care
Physician |
|
Additional Staff |
N/A |
|
Exam Frequency |
Health insurance provides
physical every two years |
|
Exam Details |
Physician determined |
Fitness
|
IAFF/IAFC PFTs |
30
certified PFTs |
|
Duties |
Provide exercise guidance
Remedial exercise programs
Rehabilitation exercise programs |
|
Exercise Time |
On
duty, one hour per shift |
|
Exercise Program |
|
|
Equipment |
In
each station
Three centralized facilities
Discounted gym memberships |
|
Nutrition |
Counseling available |
Core Muscle Strength Self Test
Fitness Assessment Program
Fit to Survive Summer 08
Health& Wellness Manual
Injury-Rehab
|
Method |
Provided by Pension and
Disability Fund
Fire Fighters see board MD then
can choose from many providers
in the community |
|
Modified/Light Duty |
Yes |
|
Injury Prevention Committee |
Yes, PFTs, EMS Program Manager,
and Safety Office |
Behavioral
Health
|
Method |
Extensive training upon hire and
as needed |
|
EAP |
Yes |
|
Stress
Management |
Yes |
Cost
Justification
|
Method |
Yes, use data from Oregon Health
Science University's PHLAME
study and Pension/Disability
Fund stats
Since implementing the WFI in
2000, decreased injuries by 46
percent |
The Economic Impact of the WFI by Dr.
Kerry Kuehl
Data
Collection
|
Method |
Variety of ways to track data |
|
Data Collected |
Fitness Data-MicoFit and Excel
spreadsheet
Immunizations-Stand alone
database
Medical Charts contain initial
medical exam, annual hearing,
mask fit, immunization and
exposure files |
Implementation
Physical Agility Test General Order
Physical Fitness Program "Fit to
Survive" General Order
Summary of Wellness Program
Miscellaneous
Wellness Coordinator's Meeting Notes
Wellness Program Update
