| IAFF Local | Tualatin Valley Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1660 |
| District | 9 |
| Department | Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue |
| Members | 317 career (combination department) |
| Contact Information | Michael Severson [email protected] |
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 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 |
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.