The Cumbria Experience A Fitness Policy That Works for us.
-
date post
19-Dec-2015 -
Category
Documents
-
view
215 -
download
0
Transcript of The Cumbria Experience A Fitness Policy That Works for us.
The Cumbria Experience
A Fitness Policy That Works for us
The Logistics of Cumbria
1 Greater London2 Hertfordshire3 Bedfordshire4 Buckinghamshire5 Half of Oxfordshire6 Half of Berkshire7 Part of Hampshire8 Part of Surrey9 Parts of Kent & 10 Essex& 11 Cambridgeshire
Cumbria covers an area the size of:
• Medical/ Admin Staff
• Fitness Screening
• Workload
• Non attendance at medicals
• High levels of sickness absence and ill health retirements
Occupational Health where
we started
• There were no agreed fitness standards
• No ongoing training for PTIs
• Ageing Workforce
Reasons for Poor Fitness Levels within The Service
• Consultation
• PTA
• Step test
• Education
How we changed our approach to fitness
Course Contents• Exercise physiology• Cardiovascular and
Aerobic exercise• Different methods of
Aerobic fitness testing• Anaerobic exercise and
weight training
• Learning styles and Coaching techniques
• Exercise equipment familiarisation
• Diet and nutrition• Health and Safety
legislation
A new five day in house
course was introduced
• Ambassador• Assessing and
monitoring fitness• Advice and
guidance• Training• Health and fitness
promotion• Equipment
maintenance
The Role of the PTA
• Support PTAs
• Allocate Workload
• Liaise with Occupational Health and Training Depts
• Attend Steering Group Meetings
• Teach on PTA Training Courses
• Member of Fitness Working Group
The Coordinators Role
Cumbria Requirements regarding Health & Fitness
• All operational personnel will have a step test every 18 months
• A step test is valid for 6 months prior to your medical
• 45 is the minimum level required for entry
• There is a minimum fitness level all operational firefighters are expected to attain
PTA Support
Annual Refresher TrainingAccess to information via Intranet• Books & Lectures• Health & Fitness programmes• Client contact schedule• Policies & procedures• Forms
Access to physiotherapist
• Channelled voice to management
• Steering Group comprises PTA Coordinators, Occ Health , Group Manager Training, Human Resources, Group Manager Operational Support
• Momentum for change
• Ongoing assessment of day to day problems
Benefits of PTA Steering Group
Improvements in Fitness
Cumbria Fire & Rescue VO2 averages
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Aer
ob
ic c
apac
ity
• Step test scores increased
–Minimum scores–Maximum scores–Average scores
• Number of people step tested increased
ILL Health Retirements
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007
Year
Nu
mb
ers
of
ill h
ea
lth
re
tire
me
nts
2002-20032003-2004
2004-20052005-2006
2006-2007
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Sickness Absence - Average Number of Days
Cumbria
Average - Services inSame Group
Conclusion
• Top level management support• Robust dynamic scheme• Timetable of actions – health and fitness• Protocol for capability• Support of FBU and staff• Committed and dedicated team of PTA’s
led by Coordinators• Recognised by RoSPA & HMI
Hamburg Fire Brigade Chemical Incident
27 year old male
75kg / 178cm
Non - smoker
14% body fat
Aerobic Capacity 53
Water Loss in 50 mins 300gms
Fire-Fighters and Fire-Fighters and Heart DiseaseHeart Disease
Better image?
Hamburg Fire Brigade Chemical Incident
24 year old male
90kg / 180cm
Heavy Smoker
30% body Fat
Aerobic Capacity 29
Water loss in 50 minutes
900gm
Fire-Fighters and Fire-Fighters and Heart DiseaseHeart Disease