Hoffman Estates Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines PDF

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: ADMINISTRATIVE – 007 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Titl...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: ADMINISTRATIVE – 007 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Title: Physical Conditioning Revision: 3 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2024 Fire Chief 3 PURPOSE The purpose of the Physical Conditioning Program is to promote the health and safety of Fire Department personnel, to increase their operational efficiency in protecting our citizens, our environment and the property of our community. The goals of the program are: A. To achieve and maintain sufficient physical conditioning to reduce the probability and severity of occupational injuries and illnesses. B. To reduce the negative effects of the environmental and physiological stressors prevalently encountered in firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical occupations. C. To achieve and maintain cardiovascular efficiency. D. To achieve and maintain stamina, flexibility, agility and strength. E. To improve the overall level of fitness departmentally. DEFINITIONS POLICY The physical fitness program will be comprised of three (3) components: Annual Medical Examinations when funded, On-duty conditioning, and Education. PROCEDURE A. ANNUAL MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS: These medical evaluations, when funded, will include the following: 1. Complete Medical History - This includes past medical history of all 1  previous diseases, operations, injuries, review of health history for past and current symptoms of undiagnosed diseases, family histories, allergies, social history, and occupational history. 2. Complete Physical Examination - A complete medical examination will be conducted by a licensed occupational health physician, selected by the Department. Based on the age of the employee, the examination will include the following and generally meet or exceed NFPA 1582 medical requirements for firefighters, most current edition. *Specialty team members may be required to complete additional tests as outlined in NFPA 1582. The physician will retain all medical files. The Department will receive a form signed by the attending physician that states the person is capable of performing full duty and able to participate in the physical fitness program and is respirator certified. No detailed medical information will be disclosed to the Department. 3. Fitness for Duty If a medical reason is found by the Departmental physician that finds the person should not be participating as a line firefighter, the Chief will immediately be notified and informed of the problem, and the physician will recommend a course of action. a. If the firefighter concurs with the finding, an agreement will be developed between the employee and Chief outlining any rehabilitation needed: time frames, goals and expectations, and light duty assignments. b. If the firefighter does not concur, the firefighter may seek a second medical opinion at his/her expense. B. ON-DUTY CONDITIONING: It is the Fire Department’s expectation that all on-duty personnel shall complete physical fitness during the shift. Personnel should complete a minimum of sixty (60) minutes of fitness training. At the discretion of the Company Officer, fitness may be completed by personnel at any time during the shift. Personnel are encouraged to complete physical fitness in the following areas:  Flexibility  Cardiovascular (Aerobic)  Strength In the case of an unusually heavy work load, or a schedule of events that does not 2  permit time to complete one’s workout, Company Officers shall have the authority to excuse personnel from completing physical fitness. Injuries of firefighters participating in the Physical Conditioning Program will be covered as duty related injuries. Injuries of firefighters that participate in elective activities such as basketball, volleyball or other team sports will not be considered as duty related injuries. C. EDUCATION: Part of a comprehensive wellness program will include classes given by Health and Human Services on such topics as nutrition, stress, substance abuse, and other topics that may come up and are recommended by firefighting personnel. These classes are on going and will be scheduled when available. D. OFF-DUTY WORKOUT: Members of the Fire Department are given the privilege of using the exercise facilities while off-duty with no compensation. Personnel completing exercise off- duty must obtain permission from the officer in charge. Personnel must wear the approved exercise apparel. Personnel must not exceed the manufacturer's recommendation on the proper use of exercise equipment. All activities regarding the use of the exercise facility and the personnel who utilize the facilities must be logged in the company daily notes. Injury when participating off-duty will not be considered duty related. EXCEPTIONS REFERENCES End of Document 3