Transcript Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Firefighter Fitness Pilot Program

Miami-Dade
Fire Rescue
Wellness Fitness
Initiative
Objectives



Develop a culture where firefighter wellness and
physical fitness is embraced at all levels of the
organization.
Promote firefighter health and wellness through
physical conditioning, nutrition, annual medical
examinations and fitness evaluations.
Create a constructive, supportive, non-punitive
environment where firefighters can reach and
maintain their wellness-fitness goals throughout
their careers.
The Wellness
Fitness Initiative
is non-punitive
& will not
become an
instrument of
discipline.
Our Least Maintained Tool…You
Performance is dependent on physical ability.
Good equipment and training are important, but
they do not replace the need to stay in shape.
Our Least Maintained Tool…You
After the completion of recruit
training, physical fitness goals
and conditioning are no longer
emphasized.
Not surprisingly, the average
MDFR probationary firefighter
gains 28 lbs within the first
year after leaving the academy.
(2006)

47
Major Causes of Firefighter
Line of Duty Death 1994 - 2004
Firefighters have the
nation’s highest
occupational fatality
rates due to coronary
artery disease
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Firefighters
Police
EMS
44%
22%
11%
“Firefighters enter the workforce particularly
healthy, but they do not necessarily maintain that
attribute over time.
“There is ample evidence that firefighters are not
immune to the hazards of overeating and
inadequate regular exercise”
The New England Journal of Medicine
March 22nd 2007
An Inconvenient Truth
Nearly half of all firefighter
line of duty deaths and
many premature retirements
are the result of poor health.
“Firefighters who are medically or
physically unfit should be considered as
placing themselves in danger as well as
compromising the mission of the
organization and the safety of other
firefighters”
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
February 20th 2006
To avoid becoming a casualty of the fire
service, your commitment to wellness & fitness
must be lifelong.
Good Nutrition and Proper Exercise
Help Protect You
Metro-Dade Fire Fighters
Wellness Center

Nutrition Services Now Available
 Lily

Suazo RD, LD/N, Dietician
305-499-8900
Facilitating Fitness
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Our department’s present state of fitness has the
ability to improve as the younger guys coming on
make it a priority. That means YOU!!!
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Firefighters must become stakeholders and take
responsibility for actions which have contributed
to their de-conditioning.

Wellness fitness goals will not be achieved with
only nine on-duty workouts a month, but you can
increase your cardiac capacity!!!
Do It For Your Family