Fire Department Fitness and Wellness Program Implementation

Fire Department Fitness and Wellness Program Implementation PDF Author: Ryan Devine
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 153

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Book Description
Health promotion programs are becoming increasingly popular throughout the private sector. The return on investment averages between $3 - $6 for every dollar spent on program costs. Despite this, implementation has lagged among career fire departments. This study examines the barriers that exist in implementing fire department fitness and wellness programs. This quantitative research project utilizes a survey conducted on a major, career department located in the Northeastern US. The goal of the survey is to better understand/predict firefighter motivations and willingness in order to promote fitness and wellness programs. The survey focuses on barriers towards cooperation and how impacts of demographics (age groups/time on job/current health perception) affects responses. Finally, the survey concludes with a list of incentives that increase in value/cost in order to determine willingness of accepting a program if it were voluntary, non-punitive, with age-based fitness goals. Variables include three main groups; older and younger firefighters, those with more/less years on the job and those with higher and lower fitness levels. The survey examines fitness motivation in fourteen distinct categories and an exercise causality index (determining how individuals are orientated to exercise). The survey concludes with incentives and program offerings to determine preferences by department, by groups or individuals. This research determined that younger firefighters and those with fewer years on the job are more willing to accept health promotion programs than older members. Motivation levels decrease in nearly every category for older members. Those with lower fitness scores are also less willing to accept a comprehensive program. Despite this, nearly all ages and demographics understand the importance of firefighters maintaining a high level of fitness and wellness. This survey has proved to be helpful in understanding the demographics of a particular department, understanding likes/dislikes, strengths and weaknesses in order to design and implement a program that has the best chance of being accepted by the majority and that has the best chance of lasting long term.

Fire Department Fitness and Wellness Program Implementation

Fire Department Fitness and Wellness Program Implementation PDF Author: Ryan Devine
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 153

Get Book Here

Book Description
Health promotion programs are becoming increasingly popular throughout the private sector. The return on investment averages between $3 - $6 for every dollar spent on program costs. Despite this, implementation has lagged among career fire departments. This study examines the barriers that exist in implementing fire department fitness and wellness programs. This quantitative research project utilizes a survey conducted on a major, career department located in the Northeastern US. The goal of the survey is to better understand/predict firefighter motivations and willingness in order to promote fitness and wellness programs. The survey focuses on barriers towards cooperation and how impacts of demographics (age groups/time on job/current health perception) affects responses. Finally, the survey concludes with a list of incentives that increase in value/cost in order to determine willingness of accepting a program if it were voluntary, non-punitive, with age-based fitness goals. Variables include three main groups; older and younger firefighters, those with more/less years on the job and those with higher and lower fitness levels. The survey examines fitness motivation in fourteen distinct categories and an exercise causality index (determining how individuals are orientated to exercise). The survey concludes with incentives and program offerings to determine preferences by department, by groups or individuals. This research determined that younger firefighters and those with fewer years on the job are more willing to accept health promotion programs than older members. Motivation levels decrease in nearly every category for older members. Those with lower fitness scores are also less willing to accept a comprehensive program. Despite this, nearly all ages and demographics understand the importance of firefighters maintaining a high level of fitness and wellness. This survey has proved to be helpful in understanding the demographics of a particular department, understanding likes/dislikes, strengths and weaknesses in order to design and implement a program that has the best chance of being accepted by the majority and that has the best chance of lasting long term.

Barriers to Implementation of Workplace Wellness Programs in Career Fire Service Organizations

Barriers to Implementation of Workplace Wellness Programs in Career Fire Service Organizations PDF Author: Jillian Harrington
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 143

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Book Description
Firefighter wellness has become a concern across the country, in large part because a combination of poor fitness levels, excess weight, and a high-intensity work environment contributes to chronic illness as well as line-of-duty deaths. Workplace wellness programs are effective in career fire service organizations, but nationwide implementation rates are low. This exploratory qualitative study examined the barriers to implementation in small to midsized/large career fire service organizations in the United States to develop a set of best practice recommendations for organizations to use in overcoming those barriers. Using a semistructured interview format, 18 fire service leaders from eight different organizations across the United States were interviewed. Results revealed themes involving barriers in the categories of buy-in, financial matters, leadership support, and labor management, suggesting the need for best practices in program planning, program choice, buy-in, finance, leadership, and labor management. Understanding the barriers of wellness program implementation in fire stations could empower fire department leadership to overcome these impediments and implement or maintain an effective wellness program. Future research should focus on analysis of implementation barriers in larger departments, studying firefighters’ perceptions of barriers to implementation, or examining the use of specific implementation tactics in a single department.

Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Fire Service

Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Fire Service PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fire fighters
Languages : en
Pages : 104

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Book Description
From Book's Introduction: Firefighting continues to be one of the nation's most dangerous and hazardous jobs with heart attacks, high physical stress levels, and sprains and strains all too common. In the past five years, the fire service has focused its attention on overcoming these issues by working to change the service's culture. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has spent much time redeveloping and revamping their health and wellness standards, while career departments have been working with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) on a wellness initiative that began in 1997. Volunteer personnel also face similar risks when it comes to health and wellness. The nature of member time constraints and tight departmental budgets in the volunteer service often inhibits the creation of comprehensive health and wellness programs. Implementing a comprehensive health and wellness program could overwhelm the resources of many volunteer departments. Time, lack of program leadership, and insufficient funding pose serious challenges to most departments, which often struggle to deliver basic fire suppression capabilities. This guide provides the rationale and suggestions for successfully implementing a health and wellness program volunteer service. It also addresses many common roadblocks.

Implementation of Wellness Programs in Combination Departments

Implementation of Wellness Programs in Combination Departments PDF Author: Frank G. Benak
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 26

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Book Description
The purpose of this applied research project was to identify the factors that will improve the wellness and physical fitness of its personnel as well as to develop a mechanism to implement these factors within the Western Springs Department of Fire and EMS.

Development and Implementation of a Departmental Wellness Program

Development and Implementation of a Departmental Wellness Program PDF Author: Robert Barker
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 11

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Book Description
Titusville Fire Rescue experienced an increase in documented health problems of its employees that were related to the lack of overall fitness. Although health physicals were administered annually, no program or procedures had been established that would help alleviate any health problems uncovered by said physicals. In an effort to respond positively to its employees health concerns, Titusville Fire Rescue joined a pilot wellness program developed by the University of Miami School of Medicine specifically targeting firefighting personnel. The program was comprehensive in nature, dealing with general health, nutrition, and exercise in an effort to improve the overall fitness of each employee. Preliminary indications are that the program has been successful in measurable increases in strength and endurance of a certain percentage of employees, changes in nutritional habits, and improvements of the overall health of the employees.

Components of a Firefighter Fitness/wellness Program for the Marshfield Fire & Rescue Department

Components of a Firefighter Fitness/wellness Program for the Marshfield Fire & Rescue Department PDF Author: Timothy J. Kluck
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 34

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Book Description
It is the opinion of the author that if fire departments are serious about this issue, they must be willing to recommend the following: a commitment from a financial, tactical and political standpoint, create a pro-active environment versus reactive, be willing to make modifications if needed to their program, and be willing to design, develop and implement such a program. They must also be willing to look to alternative sources for guidance and help in making this a reality.

Firefighter Fitness

Firefighter Fitness PDF Author: Lori P. Stoney
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 65

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Book Description
Physical fitness is a critical component of a health and wellness program in today's fire service. The problem was that the Homewood Fire & Rescue Service did not have a physical fitness component of its overall health and wellness program. The research questions were: 1) What are the national recommendations for firefighter physical fitness training? 2) What processes exist for establishing a physical fitness training program in the fire service? 3) What programs do other fire departments have in place to address the issue of firefighter fitness? and 4) How do the physical demands of our job indicate a need for regular physical fitness training? The data was gathered through an extensive literature review, online survey and focus groups. The results clearly indicate the need for a fitness program and appropriate options were recommended to Fire Administration for consideration and implementation.

Development of a Wellness Program for the Omaha Fire Department

Development of a Wellness Program for the Omaha Fire Department PDF Author: Paul R. Wagner
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 29

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Book Description
The results of the survey are similar to the results of Assistant Chief Graeve's study on fitness. 1. The department should have a wellness program directed by a qualified physician, that would fit the specific needs of each employee based on health history. 2. The program should be mandatory. 3. This program should provide annual physical fitness testing. 4. The program should be comprehensive as a wellness program, not just deal with fitness. 5. Wellness awareness is necessary and must be clearly defined to be understood. 6. Management must be proactive in the program if it is to be successful.

A Qualitative Exploration of Firefighter Participation in Wellness Programs Within a Career Fire Department in Northern Ohio

A Qualitative Exploration of Firefighter Participation in Wellness Programs Within a Career Fire Department in Northern Ohio PDF Author: Conner Terrance O'Halloran
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 54

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Book Description
The focus of this research is to explore reasons why these highly recommended wellness programs are not established. Successful establishment of a wellness program requires understanding why this fire department is hesitant or unsuccessful in implementing and maintaining a wellness program.

Beyond the Turnouts

Beyond the Turnouts PDF Author: John Hofman, Jr.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781478178965
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Firefighting places a high amount of mental and physical stress on firefighters. Because these demands are so high, many fire recruit entering into a fire academy are often selected for their above-average physical fitness. Studies have shown that high levels of of cardiovascular training, resistance training, and flexibility will reduce the risks and allow firefighters to perform their skills in a safe and effective manner. This comprehensive manual is designed to cover all the risks associated with fire suppression. Everything from low back pain to nutrition to how to create a comprehensive health and wellness program is covered within this manual.