Chief Fire Officer Association Paul Hancock, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Update on National Aerobic Fitness Standards Fire Brigade Union John McGhee, FBU National Officer FireFit Steering Group Paul Wilsher & Rich Stevenson
FireFit Steering group Key summary findings of FRS fitness policies and practices survey Paul Wilsher
Key areas Fitness policy Fitness testing of operational personnel Aerobic standards – gender, age, role adjustments Testing frequency and protocols used Supervision & Qualifications Watch PTI courses
Respondents Questionnaire sent to 62 CFOs UK & Channel Islands in March Responses (69%) received between April – June did not respond
Policy 30 FRSs (70%) have a fitness policy 9 have a policy in development 4 do not have a policy
Dedicated Fitness Adviser 7 FRSs employ a part-time or dual role fitness adviser
Fitness adviser Qualifications 13 FRSs stated that their fitness adviser held a Sports Science based Degree Other typical qualifications were diverse: – NVQ level 3 – HND, HNC – REPS level 3 personal trainer Need for a person specification for role?
Fitness Assessments 35 FRSs (81%) carry out fitness testing
Fitness Testing Frequency
Aerobic Fitness Standard 18 apply VO 2 standard of 42mlO 2 /kg/min 9 apply modified standard for age 7 apply modified standard for age and gender Some operate a role related policy 28 FRSs (65%) remove from operational duties (range <22 - <38mlO 2 /kg/min)
Primary Protocols 15 FRSs use gas analysis to underpin primary protocol
Watch PTIs 19 FRSs stated that they had watch PTIs – Trained predominantly ‘in-house’ – Training ranges from 1-10 days 8 FRSs deliver externally accredited courses e.g. Level 2 gym instructor – YMCA, ActiveIQ
Summary Majority of FRSs have fitness policies – Fitness issues now taken seriously Disparity of policy, direction and standard Survey results – Further debate – Sharing best practice Target to result in more uniform approach to fire fighter health and fitness
Thank you to all respondents Full details & report will be available at