The Cumbria Experience

A Fitness Policy That Works for us

The Logistics of Cumbria

1 Greater London2 Hertfordshire3 Bedfordshire4 Buckinghamshire5 Half of Oxfordshire6 Half of Berkshire7 Part of Hampshire8 Part of Surrey9 Parts of Kent & 10 Essex& 11 Cambridgeshire

Cumbria covers an area the size of:

• Medical/ Admin Staff

• Fitness Screening

• Workload

• Non attendance at medicals

• High levels of sickness absence and ill health retirements

Occupational Health where

we started

• There were no agreed fitness standards

• No ongoing training for PTIs

• Ageing Workforce

Reasons for Poor Fitness Levels within The Service

• Consultation

• PTA

• Step test

• Education

How we changed our approach to fitness

Course Contents• Exercise physiology• Cardiovascular and

Aerobic exercise• Different methods of

Aerobic fitness testing• Anaerobic exercise and

weight training

• Learning styles and Coaching techniques

• Exercise equipment familiarisation

• Diet and nutrition• Health and Safety

legislation

A new five day in house

course was introduced

• Ambassador• Assessing and

monitoring fitness• Advice and

guidance• Training• Health and fitness

promotion• Equipment

maintenance

The Role of the PTA

• Support PTAs

• Allocate Workload

• Liaise with Occupational Health and Training Depts

• Attend Steering Group Meetings

• Teach on PTA Training Courses

• Member of Fitness Working Group

The Coordinators Role

Cumbria Requirements regarding Health & Fitness

• All operational personnel will have a step test every 18 months

• A step test is valid for 6 months prior to your medical

• 45 is the minimum level required for entry

• There is a minimum fitness level all operational firefighters are expected to attain

PTA Support

Annual Refresher TrainingAccess to information via Intranet• Books & Lectures• Health & Fitness programmes• Client contact schedule• Policies & procedures• Forms

Access to physiotherapist

• Channelled voice to management

• Steering Group comprises PTA Coordinators, Occ Health , Group Manager Training, Human Resources, Group Manager Operational Support

• Momentum for change

• Ongoing assessment of day to day problems

Benefits of PTA Steering Group

Improvements in Fitness

Cumbria Fire & Rescue VO2 averages

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Aer

ob

ic c

apac

ity

• Step test scores increased

–Minimum scores–Maximum scores–Average scores

• Number of people step tested increased

ILL Health Retirements

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007

Year

Nu

mb

ers

of

ill h

ea

lth

re

tire

me

nts

2002-20032003-2004

2004-20052005-2006

2006-2007

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Sickness Absence - Average Number of Days

Cumbria

Average - Services inSame Group

Conclusion

• Top level management support• Robust dynamic scheme• Timetable of actions – health and fitness• Protocol for capability• Support of FBU and staff• Committed and dedicated team of PTA’s

led by Coordinators• Recognised by RoSPA & HMI

Hamburg Fire Brigade Chemical Incident

27 year old male

75kg / 178cm

Non - smoker

14% body fat

Aerobic Capacity 53

Water Loss in 50 mins 300gms

Fire-Fighters and Fire-Fighters and Heart DiseaseHeart Disease

Better image?

Hamburg Fire Brigade Chemical Incident

24 year old male

90kg / 180cm

Heavy Smoker

30% body Fat

Aerobic Capacity 29

Water loss in 50 minutes

900gm

Fire-Fighters and Fire-Fighters and Heart DiseaseHeart Disease