| IAFF Local | Austin Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 975 |
| District | 11 |
| Department | Austin Fire Department |
| Members | 1,150 All Career |
| Contact Information | Jill Craig [email protected] |
Approach
In 1995, the Austin Fire Department (AFD) began providing full medical exams to all new hires, all members promoted to a higher rank and all special operation team members. Once in the rotation, individuals continued to receive annual medical exams, building each year on the number of exams given. These initial exams were outsourced to an occupational medical group.
In 1996 the AFD began developing and administering its first department-wide fitness assessments usiing a contracted Wellness-Fitness Coordinator. The position was approved as a full-time employee of the AFD in 1997. By a provision introduced into the labor contract by the union, the Wellness and Fitness program would be directed by a civilian subject matter expert. The Wellness-Fitness Coordinator performed fitness assessments, developed exercise programs and offered nutrition counseling. During the first year, assessments were delivered in the station while members were on duty. By the second year, the AFD began placing the units out of service as members were brought to a central site for the annual assessment.
In 2004, the AFD received an Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant, which it used to establish the AFD medical clinic. The AFD now operates a full-time clinic with a staff of seven, including a physician, an RN/administrator, two exercise physiologists, one exercise physiologist/sports medicine specialist, a records clerk and an administrative assistant.
Medical
| Facility | In-house |
| Physician | In-house |
| Additional Staff | RN/Administrator Exercise Physiologist (2) Exercise Physiologist/Sports Medicine Specialist Records Clerk Administrative Assistant |
| Exam Frequency | Annual <40 submaximal treadmill test 40+ maximal treadmill test with ECG |
| Exam Details | Full WFI Exam See attached document |
Medical Exams Fitness Program
Annual Medical Physicals Announcement
Fitness
| IAFF/IAFC PFT’s | +/- 20 |
| Duties | Physical fitness for recruits CPAT orientation and proctor |
| Exercise Time | On duty |
| Exercise Program | Fitness consultation Personal training CrossFit training Yoga training Kettlebell training |
| Equipment | Treadmills, bikes and weights at each station |
| Nutrition | Counseling by appointment |
Exercise Equipment Specifications
Fitness Policy
Functional Movement Screenings Bulletin
Wellness Center Information
WFI Standard Operating Guidelines
Injury-Rehab
| Method | Injury rehabilitation post medical discharge through wellness clinic as needed and injury prevention program via department-wide functional movement screenings |
| Modified/Light Duty | Yes |
Behavioral Health
| Method | In-house Psychologist |
| EAP | Yes |
| Stress Management | Yes |
Cost Justification
| Method | Track worker’s comp claims cost/savings and lost time of work hours through Worker’s Comp and Safety Office Workers’ Compensation Memo |
Data Collection
| Method | None, but have commitment from the fire chief to purchase Track by hand as needed; medical files maintained by civilians |