Ian Hammett BSc (Hons) Service Fitness Advisor Bedfordshire and Luton Fire & Rescue Service Implementing the Standard in Bedfordshire FireFit Annual Conference County Durham 2009 County Durham 2009 Safer People, Safer Places.

What we used to do 1.Original Fitness Policy implemented in This was based upon the ‘Fit for duty’ document 3.Annual Fitness testing conducted by Watch Physical Training Instructors ’s 4.Chester Step Test and Multistage Shuttle Run Test were used 5.Testing conducted between Oct – Dec 6.Results fed back to OHA/SFA

What we used to do Operational Personnel were asked to achieve an average standard as a minimum, but a good rating was desirable

What we used to do Operational Personnel who scored below average or poor were kept on the run but placed on a remedial program. FAIL ANNUAL FITNESS TEST

What we used to do Typical Annual Results were 99% pass rate, 77% achieved a good or excellent rating and only 1% failure rate. 99% 77% 1% 99% 77% 1%

Why Change?? I Joined the Steering group in July 2007 just as they were pushing their document. Standards, Protocols and Policy. I had been looking to raise the standard since I joined in 2005 due to my impression that it was very low. There seemed to be little motivation for individuals to improve their health, fitness and wellbeing. No consequence of how and individual did.

The New Standard The Fitness Policy was reviewed and updated in Jan 2008 to include the following standard: Score of 42mls 02/kg/min-1 Pass annual fitness test Score below 42mls 02/kg/min-1 but above 35mls 02/kg/min-1 Stay on the run Given exercise program – re-tested every 6 weeks until reaching pass standard Score below 35mls 02/kg/min-1 Come off the run Given exercise advice and program, tested every six weeks Once back to 35mls 02/kg/min-1 go back on run Continue to receive advice and testing until reaching 42mls 02/kg/min-1

The New Standard 1.The New Policy was released following consultation in April The New Policy included an amnesty period on fitness testing until April Previous data from indicated that 22%(103) of workforce would fail to meet standard and be on remedial programs Data also indicated that we would have to take an additional 9% (42) off the run. 3.Presentations were provided by SFA to all 33 watches on the new policy, fitness training was heavily encouraged as was health promotion. 4.Fitness Testing would be conducted solely by the Service Fitness Advisor.The Chester Treadmill Walk Test and COVOX Gas analysis test are the primary methods of testing used. Chester Step Test is used as and when required.

April - July 2009 Fitness Testing Results 1.90% (413 of 455) operational personnel were tested. 2.92% (379 of 413) operational personnel achieved the 42mls 3.8% (34 of 413) operational personnel failed to achieve the 42mls 4.34 members of personnel on remedial programs* 5.8 members of personnel passed on initial retest after 4 weeks. 6.1 member of operational personnel taken off the run. *Currently we have 25 individuals on the run who are receiving remedial advice awaiting their retests and 1 member of personnel who is off the run and receiving remedial advice before returning to operational duties.

April - July 2009 Fitness Testing Results 1.20 – 29yr olds (72) – 99% passed first time, 1% failed 2.30 – 39yr olds (136) – 96% passed first time, 4% failed 3.40 – 49yr olds (147) – 92% passed first time, 8% failed 4.50 – 59yr olds (39) – 78% passed first time, 22% failed (1) - 100% passed first time

Around the Country! 17 Fire Services that we know of currently use the 42mls standard Information from 3 FRS using 42mls: Service 1 (yet to implement) 331 operational personnel would be tested 69% (230) would pass 24% (80) would be on remedial advice 7% (21) would be off the run.

Around the Country! Service 2 (tested between May 2008 – March 2009) 253 operational FF tested 51% (128) recorded levels equal to or above 42mls 17% (43) recorded levels below 34mls Service 3 (testing on voluntary basis until July 2009) 183 operational personnel tested so far 61% (113) passed 33% (60) would be on remedial advice 6% (10) would be off the run

Conclusions 1.The testing has been well received by operational personnel 2.Personnel perceptions of fitness testing have changed to become more positive. 3.We test for 42mls from the CFO down, to include all members of operational staff with the exception of control staff. 4.Many have been motivated to work on their fitness far more than they ever have previously and hence have become fitter than ever. 5.Now with a robust policy on fitness testing Ff’s actually see a consequence for those who don’t maintain a good standard of operational fitness. 6.More robust testing including Blood Pressure, BMI, and Heart Rate measurements ensure that Health can be tracked each year, rather than at 3 yearly medical. 7.Certainly without doubt improved the fitness of operational personnel within Bedfordshire.

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