1. The Cumbria Experience A Fitness Policy That Works for us

2. The Logistics of Cumbria

3. 1Greater London 2Hertfordshire 3Bedfordshire 4Buckinghamshire 5Half of Oxfordshire 6Half of Berkshire 7Part of Hampshire 8Part of Surrey 9Parts of Kent & 10 Essex &11 Cambridgeshire Cumbria covers an area the size of:

4. Medical/ Admin Staff Fitness Screening Workload Non attendance at medicals High levels of sickness absence and ill health retirements Occupational Health where we started

5. There were no agreed fitness standards No ongoing training for PTIs Ageing Workforce Reasons for Poor Fitness Levels within The Service

6. Consultation PTA Step test Education How we changed our approach to fitness

7. Course Contents Exercise physiology Cardiovascular and Aerobic exercise Different methods of Aerobic fitness testing Anaerobic exercise and weight training Learning styles and Coaching techniques Exercise equipment familiarisation Diet and nutrition Health and Safety legislation A new five day in house course was introduced

8. Ambassador Assessing and monitoring fitness Advice and guidance Training Health and fitness promotion Equipment maintenance The Role of the PTA

9. Support PTAs Allocate Workload Liaise with Occupational Health and Training Depts Attend Steering Group Meetings Teach on PTA Training Courses Member of Fitness Working Group The Coordinators Role

10. Cumbria Requirements regarding Health & Fitness All operational personnel will have a step test every 18 months A step test is valid for 6 months prior to your medical 45 is the minimum level required for entry There is a minimum fitness level all operational firefighters are expected to attain

12. PTA Support Annual Refresher Training Access to information via Intranet Books & Lectures Health & Fitness programmes Client contact schedule Policies & procedures Forms Access to physiotherapist

13. Channelled voice to management Steering Group comprises PTA Coordinators, Occ Health, Group Manager Training, Human Resources, Group Manager Operational Support Momentum for change Ongoing assessment of day to day problems Benefits of PTA Steering Group

14. Improvements in Fitness Step test scores increased –Minimum scores –Maximum scores –Average scores Number of people step tested increased

15. ILL Health Retirements

17. Conclusion Top level management support Robust dynamic scheme Timetable of actions – health and fitness Protocol for capability Support of FBU and staff Committed and dedicated team of PTA’s led by Coordinators Recognised by RoSPA & HMI

19. Hamburg Fire Brigade Chemical Incident 27 year old male 75kg / 178cm Non - smoker 14% body fat Aerobic Capacity 53 Water Loss in 50 mins 300gms Fire-Fighters and Heart Disease Better image?

20. Hamburg Fire Brigade Chemical Incident 24 year old male 90kg / 180cm Heavy Smoker 30% body Fat Aerobic Capacity 29 Water loss in 50 minutes 900gm Fire-Fighters and Heart Disease