IAFF LocalPortland Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 678
District9
DepartmentPortland Fire & Rescue
Members678 All Career
Contact InformationJanet Woodside
[email protected]

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

FacilityNo department facility
PhysicianIndividual’s Primary Care Physician
Additional StaffN/A
Exam FrequencyHealth insurance provides physical every two years
Exam DetailsPhysician determined

Fitness

IAFF/IAFC PFTs30 certified PFTs
DutiesProvide exercise guidance
Remedial exercise programs
Rehabilitation exercise programs
Exercise Time

On duty, one hour per shift

Exercise Program
EquipmentIn each station
Three centralized facilities
Discounted gym memberships
NutritionCounseling available

Core Muscle Strength Self Test
Fitness Assessment Program
Fit to Survive Summer 08
Health& Wellness Manual


Injury-Rehab

MethodProvided by Pension and Disability Fund
Fire Fighters see board MD then can choose from many providers in the community
Modified/Light DutyYes
Injury Prevention CommitteeYes, PFTs, EMS Program Manager, and Safety Office

Behavioral Health

MethodExtensive training upon hire and as needed
EAPYes
Stress Management

Yes


Cost Justification

MethodYes, 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

MethodVariety of ways to track data
Data CollectedFitness 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