Injury Reduction

Firefit: A Cost-Effective Injury Reduction Program
For Public Safety Personnel

Objective: To examine the effect of a comprehensive fitness program on the incidence and severity of firefighter injuries, workers’ compensation claims, and medical costs.

Methods: After the implementation of a comprehensive fitness program in a suburban Washington, D.C. fire department, 40 male firefighters were tracked for a period of eight years (1990-1998). At the end of each six-month training period subjects were retested to measure levels of fitness. Data pertaining to the subjects’ on-duty injuries, medical costs, and lost work days were evaluated annually.

Results: From 1990 to 1998 fitness levels of the subjects increased significantly. With this increase in fitness there was a similar significant decrease in lost worktime injuries and workers’ compensation claims. The most significant injury reduction has been in the area of muscular strains, especially the lower back.

Conclusion: The implementation of an on-going comprehensive fitness program for public safety personnel has the potential to save municipalities substantial amounts of money while providing their employees a better quality of life.

*See the enclosed results from the study

Important Documents Click on Excel logo to download
Document	Excel File
Bench Press
Body Fat
Pull-Ups
Resting Heart Rate
Run
Sit & Reach
Sit-Ups
Weight
Back & Total Injuries