The Loveland-Symmes Fire Department has opened a new health and wellness center focused on the physical and mental health of firefighter paramedics.
The center is funded by federal and state grants, Captain Bruce Hawk told WKRZ, and kicked off with a grand opening this week and physicals and behavioral health screenings for more than 100 firefighters.
The physicals (that will exceed national standards) are being provided by Frontline Mobile Health, a company that specializes in public safety professionals’ health care. Frontline Mobile Medical provides service to numerous fire departments across the country and has extensive experience in the field. They were chosen utilizing the federal government procurement process of open bidding.
Behavioral health screenings are being provided by Dr. Alana Brunacini, the fire department behavioral health physician. She has been on board with the department over the past three years conducting training and evaluating our members.
Firefighters will experience a battery of thorough tests that will review their overall health conditions and look for problems lying in wait – things like cancer screenings and blood tests with results that can identify health problems. As part of the evaluations, the emotional and behavioral aspects of our members will be evaluated as well to include on-duty experiences as well as off-duty and family challenges. In addition to the unique high-stress challenges that firefighter paramedics experience on the job, we understand the critical role that their spouses, partners, and family members play as well. In both areas, the medical professionals will guide our members toward the solutions as needed and proactive prevention for all.
“Firefighters are expected to perform at peak ability at a moment’s notice, not unlike professional athletes” stated LSFD Chief Ott Huber. “The difference is that firefighters cannot afford to “lose” when the public counts on us most. affirming the importance of physical and mental acuity, which cannot be overstated.”
