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Editor’s Note: As part of our coverage for National Firefighter Health Week, which runs Aug. 17-21, Chief Greg Bulanow, of the North Charleston, SC, Fire Department, talks about how it recently partnered with a local medical practice to improve the department’s physical fitness program and reduce firefighters’ risks of heart attacks. For more resources on firefighter health, visit our Health and Wellness section and the NVFC’s special Health Week page.
By Chief Greg Bulanow
North Charleston, SC, Fire Department
Things began earlier this year with a series of department meetings in which doctors from University Family Medicine presented recommendations on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. The recommendations included:
- Regular exercise
- Eating five or more fruits and vegetables daily
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Not smoking
Following the meetings, the department implemented a new policy requiring all on-duty personnel to participate in cardiovascular exercise every shift at fixed times.
All NCFD firefighters pass a full medical evaluation and a rigorous physical fitness test every year to ensure they can perform the physical demands of firefighting. Previously the department has encouraged regular exercise and has provided some exercise equipment in each of its 11 stations.
However, an internal survey showed that fewer than 30 percent of NCFD personnel received 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise four or more times a week. The rates were even lower among more experienced personnel and officers.
This was consistent with findings in a 2007 study in The New England Journal of Medicine that found that cardiovascular risk factors compounded over the course of career tenure as more than 70 percent of fire departments lacked programs to promote fitness and health.
NCFD crews are now required to exercise every shift between 9-10 a.m. at designated locations, either schools or parks, within their response districts so that response times are not compromised during the exercise periods. Crew members are allowed to exercise at their own pace and may run or walk and take breaks as needed. They are required to exercise for at least 30 continuous minutes, as recommended for maximum cardiovascular benefit. This program includes all 220 NCFD personnel including all chief officers, administrative staff and the inspection division.
Firefighters will receive follow up evaluations in six months to assess the program’s effectiveness. The department will then critique the program and make any changes needed to continue to support NCFD personnel in maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.