April 2, 2013
Association Position Statement on the Implementation of a Comprehensive Health and Fitness Program for Fire Departments in South Carolina
WHEREAS, the Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program (NFPA 1500), clearly outlines the necessity and mechanisms for establishing a departmental health and fitness program, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is committed to ensuring all Fire Departments operating in the State of South Carolina have available to them the minimum resources necessary to promote good health and fitness; and
WHEREAS, data has demonstrated that heart attacks and strokes are a leading cause of firefighter deaths and there is an alarming increase in the nature and extent of cancer cases directly linked to a firefighter’s exposure to hazardous environments; and WHEREAS, firefighter injuries and sudden cardiac deaths can be dramatically reduced with a comprehensive health and fitness program; and WHEREAS, the overall health and fitness of every firefighter is a critical component of a department’s operational capability; and WHEREAS, the measurable benefits of a proactive health and fitness program are cost effective for both the community and the fire department; and WHEREAS, the South Carolina Firefighters’ Association provides its member firefighters access to an annual Standard Firefighter Physical Examination Template, access to an employee counseling model, psychological support, and assist member departments in establishing wellness and nutritional programs; BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: The South Carolina Firefighters’ Association in conjunction with the South Carolina State Fire Academy is dedicated to educate, instruct, and develop programs to enhance our Firefighters' fitness-for-duty. The South Carolina Firefighters’ Association will work to ensure Health and Wellness Programs (i.e. Fitness Testing, Daily Fitness Routines, Agility Testing, Fitness Instructor Training/Certification, and Daily Dietary Health) are offered/made available to all member departments across our state. HEREBY, every Fire Chief is strongly encouraged to adopt and implement a comprehensive health and fitness program, to include annual medical evaluations and cancer screenings that meet the intent of NFPA 1582, to ensure the safety and well-being of every firefighter under his/her jurisdiction and personally pledge to participate in the same program, along with the firefighters, to demonstrate his/her commitment. Adopted by action of the Executive Committee on: March 11, 2012 <end> This statement has been posted on our website here
Back to Firewire
Next Post
South Carolina
Firefighters' Association
111 Westpark Boulevard
P.O. Box 211725
Columbia, South Carolina 29210
© Copyright South Carolina State Firefighters' Association 2021
Website by 37 Gears
Store