Approach
Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVF&R) implemented the IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness Initiative
(WFI) in 1998 to maximize the health and fitness of all
personnel. As a result, occupational
efficiency, effectiveness and
performance was anticipated to increase, time off for
personal injury and illness to decrease, and personnel
to benefit
from an overall improvement in physical
and mental wellness.
TVF&R
initiated a memorandum of understanding
between Local 1660 and the Fire
District that suspended the incumbent
physical ability test and replaced it
with a comprehensive medical-fitness
program to be funded by the
District’s general fund. Annual funding
covers three wellness program
coordinators, an RN and a program assistant,
full medical exams, fitness assessments,
fitness and medical equipment, training
and program supplies. The TVF&R also
developed Standard Operating
Guidelines that outline the department’s policies and procedures.
Medical
|
Facility |
Contracted - Cascade
Occupational Medicine for
physical exams and return to
work evaluations
http://www.cascadeoccmed.com |
|
Physician |
Physician and support staff are
utilized on a contract basis |
|
Additional Staff |
Wellness Program Coordinator
RN
Program Assistant |
|
Exam Frequency |
Annual |
|
Exam Details |
Examination process designed to
help identify health problems
affecting the individual, as
well as problems common to the
District.
Conduct all pre-physical exams
in-house
Dedicated space and equipment to
conduct evaluations (vitals,
vision, cholesterol, blood work,
spirometry, hearing, EKG,
urinalysis) |
Fit for Duty Memorandum
Return to Work Checklist
Return to Work Evaluation
Return to Work Medical Release Form
SOG Fit for Duty
Fitness
|
IAFF/IAFC PFTs |
13 |
|
Duties |
Assist Wellness Program
Coordinator in completing annual
fitness assessments
Assist HR in administration of
CPAT; all PFTs are trained CPAT
Proctors
Attend and participate in
Wellness Committee meetings
Develop injury prevention and
health promotion programs that
are disseminated via station
presentation, web or video
Develop personalized exercise
prescription to staff when
requested
|
|
Exercise Time |
On-duty - 90 minutes per shift
for career fire fighters |
|
Exercise Program |
Monthly newsletters
Activity specific exercise
programs
In-house wellness presentations |
|
Equipment |
Full compliment |
|
Nutrition |
Individual appointments,
newsletter |
2009 Flexibility Fit Challenge
Dynamic Flexibility
Golf Warm-up
SOG Wellness Program
Wellness Newsletter
Injury-Rehab
|
Method |
Occupational Health and Wellness
Services serve as the treatment coordinator(s), and oversee the
implementation of treatment,
rehabilitation, and other
elements as prescribed to the
employee by the District
physician |
|
Modified/Light Duty |
Yes - return to work program
includes light duty program and
an occupational return to work
evaluation (fit for duty and
return to work forms listed in
medical section above) |
|
Injury Prevention Committee |
Yes - Safety Committee reviews
all district injuries and
develops strategies to combat
negative trends in injuries |
Behavioral
Health
|
Method |
(see attached Behavioral Health
Overview) |
|
EAP |
EAP program managed by Reliant
Behavioral Health |
|
Stress
Management |
The Behavioral Health Specialist
is well-versed in critical
incident stress
management/debriefing
Chaplain program |
Cost
Justification
|
Method |
Worker's comp claims cost/savings
tracked by our worker's
compensation providers and
reviewed by the Districts safety
committee
Conduct pre-physical exams
in-house vs. outside contractor;
District estimates that
approximately $30,000 annually
saved in contractor fees |
Data
Collection
|
Method |
Charts
In-house database |
|
Data Collected |
Medical data (charts held at
contractor's office)
Wellness report (in-house) -
annual fitness assessment,
wellness questionnaire and
cholesterol data compiled
Fitness assessment data
(in-house)
Injury information tracked by
contract insurance provider,
SAIF |
Implementation
There
are currently no links or files
available for dissemination. For
more information, see the contact listed
above.
Miscellaneous
Target Calorie Intake Handout
