RES 713 Draft 01 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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If we look within our department, there were 2 documented heart attacks in members under 40 years old and two cancer cases just within the past year. If a FF does suffer a medical emergency, the highest level of care on most of our island Is Level 3. Most major procedures require transport to another island 250 miles away. Clearly, keeping out of the medical system is the best approach. PROJECT DESCRIPTION After careful consideration and research, the HFD has decided to address the above concerns by implementing, over the rourse of the next 18 months, a formal Wellness/Fitness program. Our Chief and Union have committed to making this program a reality, which will ensure that we can overcome the roadblocks that other deparments have faced to establish a successful long-term program. We are requesting funding for training 25 members to became certified Peer Fitness Trainers, medical screening for all uniformed personnel, a basic fitness equipment set for each of our stations; and 1 assessment center for each side of Hawaii island. - 25 Peer Fitness Trainers $16,875 - 387 Medical Screenings $252,351 - 21 Fitness Equipment $147,651 - 2 Assessment Centers $49,686 - 387 Immunizations $25,173 - Exdse tax and shipping costs for equipment $39,487 HFD will train 25 PFTs because that is the maximum number of members that can be certified for the base price. Having such a large number of PFTs will also enable us to ronduct the majority of assessments while on duty to further reduce costs. To determine our equipment list, equipment was purchased and evaluated by several recruit Basses and incumbents. The fitness equipment was selected based first on effectiveness and frequency of use, then on space consklerations, durability and price. Most of our stations are old and have little space available to house large bulky pieces of equipment. 2 assessment centers will be positbned one on each side of the island to minimize travel costs. These will serve as centralized facilities to conduct fitness evaluations. They will also have the same equipment as in the stations so the PFT can not only create a personalized workout for members, but train them In the proper techniques to do the entire workout on the same equipment that they have at the station. There will also be additional equipment for members who need assistance in rehabilitation so they may return to work. A software program will enable members and trainers to monitor their progress through their entire career while maintaining strict confidentiality. The medical screening is taibred to provide as comprehensive testing as possible for a fair price. Members who are older or have speofic dsk factors will receive additional testing that Is not necessary for the majority of the department. HFD will contract out medical screening for physical exams, blood workups, urinalyses, and exercise stress tests compliant with NFPA 1582 recommendations. The HFD and County administration recognize the need to ba aggressivey proactive in our members' health and wellbeing. For example, we are working towards training medical professionals about the specific demands that are placed upon firefighters so that our members can be more accurately evaluated for duty. FINANCIAL NEED 82.2°h of HFD's $32,854,361 annual budget is allocated to salaries and wages. Of the remainder, 12.4% is allotted for operating supplies and equipment maintenance, and 5.4% for fire vehlde replacement, leaving no discretionary funds at all. As our population continues to grow, HFD's budgetary needs simultaneously Increase to attempt meeting the County of Hawaii's needs. Population growttr Is straining tire island's infrastructure, causing the County of Hawaii's revenues to be spread thin across its departments. Reallocating monies within HFD's budget is not an option for a department that Is committed to meeting the service demands of its growing communities.