Richmond, Indiana - March 2002
When Mike Allen became chief of the Richmond Fire Department in January of 1996, one of his goals was to steadily improve the level of medical testing his department was receiving. Over the years, testing for the department's 81 firefighters has progressed from a simple physical and pulmonary function test every other year, to currently providing thorough physicals annually. What's more, all of the exams were performed at their central fire station this year. "Centralizing the examinations made it very convenient for our personnel," states Allen. "We were able to do one shift per day (25 personnel) and it worked very smoothly." Having the firefighters in their own facility kept them available to respond to emergencies as well. The examinations included the respirator clearance process, a heart health questionnaire, vital signs, a tuberculosis and pulmonary function test, and a physical assessment.

Prevention is a Priority Chief Allen is no newcomer to firefighting, having served the Richmond Fire Department and his east central Indiana community for the past 33 years. Though, the only OSHA-mandated testing for firefighters includes respirator clearance with an annual questionnaire and pulmonary function testing, Chief Allen places a very high importance on the health and well-being of the department's firefighters. "A firefighter's job exposes him to people and situations where there are risks of contracting diseases. We want to provide all of the preventive ability we can and detect any disease in its earliest stages" says Allen. As a result, the chief added a prostate cancer blood test (PSA) for personnel aged 50 and up. He also evaluated the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccine, and tested for hepatitis C, HIV, and venereal diseases in his firefighters. Next year, he hopes to implement a physical fitness program and continue to expand his wellness services.

Richmond Chief Mike Allen

Firefighters Are Ultimate Winners
Chief Allen has been impressed by the response of his firefighters to the testing. There were a large amount of favorable comments regarding the thoroughness of the assessment. In the past, he hasn't been without his detractors, however. "Generally, there has been reluctance to having annual physicals" states Allen. "But, having it done is part of their obligation. Ultimately, it will pay off in regards to curtailing disease. A firefighter's demands are tremendous and they should be concerned about their well-being." Though the outcomes of the examinations are still being evaluated, Chief Allen believes that they "will ultimately be winners" in the battle for healthy lifestyles. As current president of the Indiana Fire Chief's Association, Chief Allen is devoted to helping other chiefs with the development of policy and other important matters of their departments.

For more information on the Richmond Fire Department, visit their Web site at www.ci.richmond.in.us/fire/rfd.

© 2006 Public Safety Medical Services