Fire fighters with the Orange County (California) Fire Authority (OCFA) subscribe to the theory that the best way to provide the highest level of service to the community they serve is to take care of their own health and safety. After all, a healthy and fit fire fighter can perform more efficiently and safely, thus increasing effectiveness and longevity.

That’s why the OCFA implemented the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF)/ International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Joint Labor-Management Wellness and Fitness Initiative (WFI) in 2003. This comprehensive program includes medical examinations, fitness evaluations, behavioral health evaluations, rehabilitation services and data collection.

Fire fighting is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. More than 100 fire fighters are killed in the line of duty each year, and an additional 100,000 suffer injuries. While technology has provided a much higher level of protection in the area of respiratory and thermal protection for fire fighters, it remains an arduous profession in which strength, agility, flexibility and endurance are necessary to safely and efficiently perform fire fighting tasks.

The members of Orange County, CA Local 3631 are given full medical and fitness exams on an annual basis. These exams, which are conducted in a confidential setting in which the IAFF member can consult with a physician, have proven a tremendous benefit to both the individual and the fire department. The early detection of any potential medical or physical ailment can increase the quality of life for the individual and reduce possible associated costs of fire fighter-specific injuries.

The OCFA has a dedicated wellness and fitness program manager, a wellness and fitness program coordinator and an exercise physiologist. The program manager is a dual function position performed by the fire department risk manager. The program coordinator is a fire captain who acts as the liaison between labor and management, designs and manages the medical examination process, supervises the exercise physiologist and coordinates any fitness equipment needs or resources with the exercise physiologist and facilitates outreach programs within the community.

One of the more noteworthy programs currently operating is “Fire Fit Kids,” taught by fire fighters to children in schools and designed to illustrate that a physical fitness lifestyle is fun and has tremendous benefits. For more information on Fire Fit Kids, visit: www.phoenix.gov/fire/fitkids.html; www.acefitness.org/ofk/default.aspx; or www.healthierus.gov/

For more information on the IAFF/IAFC Joint Labor-Management Wellness and Fitness Initiative visit www.iaff.org/safe/wellness2.html

For more information on the OCFA Wellness and Fitness Program visit: www.ocfa.org or contact the Orange County Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 3631 at www.ocpfa3631.org.

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