A. Introduction: The Ferron Fire Department has developed a Wellness program designed to assist members in achieving and maintaining good health and physical fitness. The Wellness Program participation will assure that each member is capable of meeting the physical demands of the job, reduce the risk of illness and injury, improve the health of and extend the health longevity of active and retired members. The program offers each member the opportunity and direction to improve his/her personal health and physical fitness to meet program standards. The program consists of an annual medical examination and an annual physical fitness evaluation. A health care provider will conduct the medical examination.
B. General Administration of Program:
1. The Ferron Fire Department and Wellness Program shall be governed by and administered through the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
2. All department members who are subject to the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) shall be required to submit to an annual medical examination.
3. All Fire Department members who are subject to the use of SCBA and who participate in Fire Suppression Operations shall be required to participate in the Wellness Program.
C. Confidentiality of Program:
1. It shall be the responsibility of the Ferron Fire Department and each individual member to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
2. Personal medical exam results will not be shared with any member of the Department including Administrative staff. The health care provider will forward individual medical exam results, including an explanation guide, directly to the member.
D. Physical Fitness Activity: Physical Fitness Activities should include exercises that are designed to maintain or improve a member's flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and anaerobic and aerobic capacity.
E. Safety: The Fire Chief is to:
1. Provide an orientation session.
2. Make sure the crew is familiar with the fitness equipment and training principles.
3. Assure appropriate clothing, including shoes are worn and in good repair.
4. Select an appropriate time to perform the activity.
5. Promote the use of sunscreen for outdoor activities.
6. Encourage hydration before, during, and after activity.
F. Annual Medical Examination:
1. The Ferron Fire Department shall encourage an annual medical examination for members as identified under the General Administration Program Section.
2. The medical examination will include a health risk appraisal, and a hands-on physical exam.
3. In the event the health care provider identifies a health problem or condition that requires further evaluation, but would not prevent the member from performing emergency operations, the provider will refer the member to his or her private licensed health care provider.
4. If the health care provider identifies a health condition that prevents the member from performing emergency operations safely, the member will immediately notify the Fire Chief. The medical condition will not be revealed to the Department.
5. Members shall have the above medical exam performed by their personal licensed health care provider.
a. The cost of the exam will be the responsibility of the member.
b. The exam must be identical or an approved alternative.
c. The exam must be completed with in thirty (30) days of the Department's scheduled exams.
G. Does Not Conform: Members, who fail to follow the advice provided may be subject to disciplinary action. (Res. 2012-4, 5-10-2012)