Good to Go

In May 2011, 79 Seattle Fire Department members participated in a "Good to Go" (G2G) pilot training program. G2G is a job-related, incentive-based work-hardening program developed for firefighters by Dr. Paul Davis:

• A world-renowned authority on firefighter fitness
• Co-author of Hard Work: Defining Physical Work Performance Requirements
• Creator of the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge
• For a complete description of Dr. Davis' credentials: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01467526468422745403​

The Need… An objective, job-related method of determining firefighter "Combat Readiness."

In a profession where brainpower must be coupled with brawn, it is essential that the workforce be prepared for a host of eventualities. Firefighters are "Industrial Athletes" in every sense of the word. Fitness for duty does not occur by accident but must be planned for.

The Solution

A non-punitive, incentive-based, scientifically validated, diagnostic work hardening and fitness assessment program.

The Mechanics

A brief classroom session is an overview of the Firefighter's Survival Manual, examining medical research and the importance of lifestyle and risk factors for reducing the leading causes of Line of Duty Deaths (LODDs) and what firefighters can do to enhance their survival beyond the career and into retirement. Hands-on training focuses on the biomechanics of five essential functions of structural fire suppression. Students rotate through the Climb/Hoist, Forcible Entry, and Lift/ Drag stations.

The Essential Functions Test (EFT: the engine of G2G) is based upon a university-based, federally-funded occupational health research study of the physical demands of structural fire suppression. Wearing full bunker gear and an Air Pak, participants walk through the five sequentially linked tasks. Successful completion in a time of 6:00 or fewer results in the award of the G2G tee and a certificate suitable for framing.

The Rational

You may claim that your Department has a physical fitness program, but absent objective (measurable) criteria, you really don't know if you're "good to go." Listen to what these firefighters had to say:

• "This is the gut check that every firefighter needs. The G2G evaluation gives you the confidence needed to work safely in the stressful environment of today's fire suppression."
• "Why aren't we all doing this?"
• "The G2G program should be a part of every department's preventive maintenance program."

The 2011 Seattle G2G Pilot Program

• Presented by Dr. Paul Davis
• On May 12-13, 2011, 79 SFD members (~8% of SFD) participated in the 1-day program at the JTF.
• The participant group included 4 females. The age of the participants ranged from 23 to 61 years. Participant median seniority: 13 years. By every measure, this group represented a cross-section of the SFD.
• 76/79 (96%) successfully completed the EFT on the first attempt (6-minute qualifying time).
• The remaining members have all indicated a desire to re-attempt.
• The Scott Air-Pak NxG7 was used by all participants.
• A follow-up survey was conducted. The survey group was expanded to include all 79 participants and also all SFD members who have completed the Firefighter Combat Challenge Individual Event. A total of 105 SFD members were invited to participate in the survey. 81 members participated in the survey (~8% of SFD).
• Survey participants indicated a strong desire for this program to be available on a continuing basis to all SFD members.