Beyond the Turnouts


Book Description

Firefighting places a high amount of mental and physical stress on firefighters. Because these demands are so high, many fire recruit entering into a fire academy are often selected for their above-average physical fitness. Studies have shown that high levels of of cardiovascular training, resistance training, and flexibility will reduce the risks and allow firefighters to perform their skills in a safe and effective manner. This comprehensive manual is designed to cover all the risks associated with fire suppression. Everything from low back pain to nutrition to how to create a comprehensive health and wellness program is covered within this manual.




The Conscious Warrior


Book Description

Shannon McQuaide combines her personal experiences, interviews with firefighters and research on yoga and mindfulness in this new inspiring book. Growing up in a firefighter family, she understands the physical and emotional toll the job can have on firefighters and their families. From the science behind how these practices work to the beautiful illustrations and step-by-step instructions, this book will motivate both beginners and veteran practitioners alike. McQuaide’s FireFlex Yoga classes are specifically created for first responders to enhance their mental and physical health and improve their job performance while releasing their true inner warrior. WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: "This is more than 'yoga' training, this is well-rounded resiliency training. - CAL Fire Training Chief Rob Wheatley "I am going to bring mindfulness into SCBA drills and also the PT warm-up/cool-down drills." - CAL Fire Training Captain Daniel Cunningham FEATURES: --The most up-to-date benefits of yoga for first responders --More than 50 beautifully illustrated postures, with instructions and specific applications related to the physical duties of a firefighter --Simple, easy-to-do mindfulness techniques you can do anywhere







NFPA 1581


Book Description







The Fire Athlete Fitness Program: The Revolutionary Firefighter Workout Program Designed to Transform You Into a "Fire Athlete"


Book Description

Author and veteran firefighter Ryan Vacek understands the daily demands placed on firefighters. He has firsthand knowledge of what makes fire fighting among the most stressful--and dangerous--occupations in the world. Now, with "The Fire Athlete Fitness Program," Ryan Vacek aims to significantly reduce firefighter injury and help "fire athletes" achieve robust physical health and stamina. Vacek's program focuses on movements similar to those used while fighting fires, and it uses firefighting equipment, primarily a standard bundle of hose. He takes firefighters through easy-to-follow steps for each workout (enhanced with photographs) and indicates the intensity and duration of each exercise, including resting times and the particular strength that results from the exercises. Being in peak physical shape is imperative, not only for firefighters to work effectively but to safeguard their health and lives. With "The Fire Athlete Fitness Program," they can do just that.




Firefighter Functional Fitness


Book Description

Firefighter Functional Fitness is the essential guide to optimal firefighter performance and longevity. It provides all firefighters with the knowledge, mindset, and tools to:Maximize their fire ground performance Reduce their risk of injury and experiencing a line-of-duty deathLive a long, healthy career and retirementDesigned for firefighters by firefighters, this book shares the The 4 Pillars of Firefighter Functional Fitness: Physical FitnessRecovery and RestHydrationNutrition and LifestyleIt also reveals the The Big 8 concept, which includes over 100 photos and descriptions of functional exercises, movements, and stretches that are specifically designed to enhance firefighter performance. The Workout Programming chapter gives firefighters numerous options for putting The Big 8 into action, taking into account all levels of fitness. Additionally, each chapter provides practical action steps for both immediate improvement and long-term success.Must-read bonus chapters include:The Importance of Annual Medical EvaluationsAn Analysis of the Fire Service's Cardiovascular EpidemicFirefighter Physical Agility AssessmentsAddressing Organizational Barriers to FitnessFrequently Asked QuestionsAlarmingly, over the past 10 years, the fire service has suffered more than 1,000 line-of-duty deaths. Unfortunately, over 50% of these LODDs were attributed to heart attacks, strokes, and other medical causes. Firefighter Functional Fitness attacks these statistics by providing all firefighters with the tools needed to combat this epidemic.Firefighter Functional Fitness brings together the authors' combined 40+ years of fire service experience and decades of utilizing functional fitness principles. The result is an invaluable resource with the vital tools and knowledge that firefighters desperately need to not only enjoy a healthy and productive career, but also benefit with a healthy retirement.




Mental Health Intervention and Treatment of First Responders and Emergency Workers


Book Description

The stress that comes with being a first responder has been known to lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. However, few clinicians are informed about these health concerns and how to adequately treat them in this population. Therefore, there is an urgent need for practitioners to understand the latest information regarding treatments that will be useful to this specific population. Mental Health Intervention and Treatment of First Responders and Emergency Workers is an essential reference source that focuses on the latest research for diagnosing and treating mental health issues experienced by emergency personnel and seeks to generate awareness and inform clinicians about the unique circumstances encountered by these professionals. While highlighting topics including anxiety disorders and stress management, this book is ideally designed for clinicians, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, practitioners, medical professionals, EMTs, law enforcement, fire departments, military, academicians, researchers, policymakers, and students seeking current research on psychological therapy methods regarding first responders.







Air Management for the Fire Service


Book Description

The expert instructors at the Seattle Fire Department offer a comprehensive explanation of how to develop and implement an effective air management program for departments of any size. This handbook includes examples from international departments, the newest technology breakthroughs, and more.