| IAFF Local | Narragansett Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1589 |
| District | 3 |
| Department | Narragansett Fire Department |
| Members | 35 All Career |
| Contact Information | Joe Volpe [email protected] |
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 ime 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 morale, 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
| Method | Tracking of on-duty injuries and rehabilitation time by Safety Committee and department PFT Wellness Program Saves City Money |
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.