At Portage Fire Department, the health and well-being of our firefighters is a top priority. We take proactive measures to ensure that our brave first responders have access to essential health services and fitness resources without any cost to them. Our comprehensive health and wellness program encompasses various initiatives to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of our firefighting heroes.
Extensive Health Screenings: We understand the demanding nature of firefighting, and therefore, we provide our members with critical health screenings at no cost. Regular physicals, cardiac stress tests, hearing assessments, and vision evaluations are offered to ensure that our firefighters are in peak condition to tackle any emergency.
Focus on Physical Fitness: Physical fitness is essential for firefighters to perform their duties efficiently and safely. As a testament to our commitment, our union contract dedicates one hour per shift to working out and improving physical fitness. We believe that maintaining a high level of fitness not only enhances performance but also reduces the risk of injuries. Each fire station houses a dedicated fitness area, providing easy access to various exercise equipment. Our well-maintained free weights and kettlebells cater to strength training needs, allowing firefighters to build and maintain muscle strength. In addition, our modern cardio machines, including treadmills, stationary bikes, stair climber and ellipticals, offer effective cardiovascular workouts to enhance endurance and overall fitness levels
Crew Workouts for Team Building and Wellness: Teamwork and camaraderie are vital components of a successful firefighting unit. To foster these values, some shifts participate in crew workouts. These exercises not only promote team building but also contribute to overall wellness, keeping our firefighters connected and motivated.
Cancer awareness in our profession
Combatting Cancer Risk: Firefighters face an elevated risk of cancer due to exposure to hazardous substances during firefighting operations. Recognizing this, we have implemented a robust cancer prevention Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to safeguard our firefighters’ health.
Decontamination Protocols: Our SOP includes strict decontamination procedures to minimize the risk of cancer-causing agents. Following each response, firefighters undergo thorough decontamination to remove potentially harmful substances from their gear and bodies.
Bunker Gear Rotation: To further reduce cancer risks, every firefighter is issued with two sets of firefighter bunker gear. This enables them to swap out gear after a structure fire, allowing contaminated gear to be properly cleaned and decontaminated, preventing repeated exposure.
Post-Fire Showers: We emphasize the importance of immediate post-fire showers to cleanse the skin of any harmful substances. These showers are essential in reducing the absorption of toxic materials, thereby mitigating cancer risks.
At Portage Fire Department, we pride ourselves on the implementation of a comprehensive health and wellness program that leaves no stone unturned in protecting the well-being of our firefighters. By offering essential health screenings, promoting physical fitness, encouraging team-building exercises, and prioritizing cancer prevention, we are dedicated to ensuring that our brave firefighters can continue to serve the community with strength, resilience, and good health.