THE SITUATION

Firefighters take on the responsibility of saving and protecting the community in emergency situations every day. Due to the demands of this profession, it’s vital that they are healthy to perform at the highest level of excellence each day. Main health concerns of the Fire Department include:

Musculoskeletal Disorders

53% of all injuries reported by firefighters were musculoskeletal disorders (NFPA, 2016)
44% of injuries result in lost work time

Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is higher for firefighters than in other professions
In 2016, 42% of deaths were caused by cardiac arrest (NFPA, 2016)

THE SOLUTION

FireFlex Yoga delivers a functional-movement-based-yoga-program designed specifically for firefighters. Our customized programs help firefighters live the best life possible in the workplace and at home.

Functional Movement Screenings

Determines current level of movement and repetitive fitness testing
Programming is geared specifically to the results of testing
Firefighters receive a custom program to improve movement baselines and/or participate in FireFlex Yoga

Mind and Body Screenings

Determines current level of interoceptive body awareness
Indicates the impact of psychological stress on the mind and body

FireFlex Yoga

An effective, affordable, easy-to-implement functional movement program specifically targeting firefighters’ needs
Includes best practices in yoga and other mind-body therapies with Functional Movement Screens
Classes work to strengthen proper functional movement and correct ingrained patterns of inefficient movement
Yoga practices also increase vagal tone which has been linked to lowering blood pressure and heart rate

CONCLUSION

Active Wellness has had the opportunity to deliver programming at four Fire Departments in the San Francisco Bay Area. Helping firefighters meet the physical and mental demands of the job safely, effectively, and routinely has always been the priority. Other benefits include:

46% of firemen who have participated in our FireFlex Program increased their Functional Movement Screen scores by 3.25 points

An overall reduction in costs of workers’ compensation also occurred

Within 4 years, one location saw $2.52 million in savings due to the reduction in workers’ compensation claims

Learn how FireFlex and FlexYoga can support your fire department or municipalities team.

or visit www.fireflexyoga.com

46% of firefighters who have participated in our Fire Flex Program increased their Functional Movement Screen scores by 3.25 points

An overall reduction in costs of workers’ compensation also occurred

Within 4 years, one location saw $2.52 million in savings due to the reduction in workers’ compensation claims

"The biggest benefit I am getting from yoga is with my flexibility. I can feel an improvement with my recovery and prevention of injury due to a stronger core."

FireFlex Yoga Participant

"When it’s been a busy day at the firehouse and I’m in bed for the night (hopefully), I find myself thinking savasana. My shoulders relax, my neck is less tense, and my whole body relaxes. Through remembering how we end each yoga session, helps me truly relax and go to sleep."