Fire & EMS Programs

Working in the fire services can be physically demanding. Whether lifting heavy patients during EMS operations multiple times per shift, or standing
for prolonged periods in heavy turn out gear, the physical stress can take its toll on the body over time. True Fit Physical Therapy has designed injury prevention programs tailored to suit the needs of the fire industry. We cover the full spectrum: ergonomics solutions, biomechanics training at the firefighter/EMT level, command staff training, individualized risk evaluations and more. True Fit makes injury prevention part of the workplace psychology, for optimum wellness and health.

True Fit can fully implement NFPA 1583: Standard on Health-Related Fitness Programs for Fire Department Members.

Program Outline

On-Site Evaluation
This is the first step in the injury prevention process and allows the consultant to fully understand the scope and depth of the injury issues within the department. Historical injury data are reviewed for the past several years to determine significant trends. Equipment on hand is reviewed and appropriate recommendations are made. Gym & workout areas are inspected with equipment suggestions which allow personnel to follow through on the core stability exercises learned in the program. Workout equipment recommendations are almost always a minimal expense and should not significantly affect a department's budget.

Command Staff Training
No ergonomics program can succeed without the buy-in and support of the management team. That is why this training is conducted prior to the employee Back School training. This 90 minute classroom session explores what is causing the injury problem in your department, and teaches the command staff and union leadership the elements of a successful injury prevention program. We will discuss line of duty injury costs, and the specific drivers which run up those costs. Command staff training also includes a look at attitudes, workplace politics, and policies which may be increasing overall costs per injury.

Firefighter & EMS Training
This is a 2 hour session involving lecture and practical exercise and is heavily weighted toward the prevention of back injury. In order to prevent back injury, workers must have a good understanding of how their spine is made up, ages, and breaks down mechanically. We discuss basic biomechanics, lifting techniques,and preventive exercises to promote a healthy spine. Practical exercises include finding and maintaining the neutral spine, stretcher lift, and lateral patient transfers.

* This class is approved for 2 hours of EMS continuing education credits in Region 5, Massachusetts EMS system. Arrangements can be made to accredit the course in your area prior to scheduling.

Functional Movement Screen & Y-Balance Baseline Testing
This is where we make it personal to each individual at your department. In the fields of rehabilitation and exercise science, the Functional Movement Screen is widely regarded as an excellent tool for predicting the risk of injury. The purpose of the screen is to identify faulty movement patterns before they become medical problems. Each firefighter or staff member is individually tested, and corrective exercise progressions are given to address the deficient areas.

The Y-Balance test is an optional component of the firefighter & EMS injury prevention program. This test measures across all domains of movement, including range of motion, strength, core stability, and proprioception. The Y-Balance test challenges the service member at the limits of stability, making it an excellent tool for determining neuromuscular control at the demanding levels often experienced by firefighters. This test is an excellent choice for those departments who wish to conduct annual or semi-annual trainings with True Fit Physical Therapy, as the test can be repeated during subsequent training sessions to mark the progress of the department's physical fitness program

Additional Services
In addition to the core ergonomics assessment and training program listed above, the following services are available on an intermittent or as needed basis:

Attendance at Safety Council Meetings - Get expert advice on fitness/wellness, ergonomic equipment purchases, and risk analysis of upcoming training events.

SOP & Policy Analysis/Development - When someone gets injured, make sure that your department policies & procedures encourage aggressive medical care and rehabilitation.

Peer Review - Do you question whether your injured personnel are receiving the right treatment? Inadequate therapies can unnecessarily extend lost time and drive up costs. Even worse, it could set the employee up for re-injury. We can work with your department's case manager to ensure that injured staff are receiving the right treatments that will allow them to return to work. We perform a detailed medical record review and analysis, and speak directly to the health care providers as needed.

Health and Fitness Coordinator (HFC) - True Fit can work with your Health & Fitness Coordinator and Peer Fitness Trainers to guide them through the process of developing and implementing exercise programs, conducting annual fitness evaluations, or guiding a fellow firefighter back to full duty after an injury. In the absence of a qualified HFC, True Fit can serve as your outside agent qualified to perform this duty as outlined in NFPA 1583: Standard on Health-Related Fitness Programs for Fire Department Members.