An IAFF peer fitness trainer is a firefighter that has been certified by National Counsel on Strength and Fitness. They are certified to assess the fitness levels of firefighters and to offer training to colleagues. Peer fitness trainers can also help firefighters improve their performance and safety. These trainers are also members of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Personal trainers certified
IAFF and IAFC have joined forces to create the Peer Fitness Trainer certification program to aid firefighters in their work. Denver Fire Department currently has 10 certified peer fitness trainers. They have the training, knowledge and experience needed to help recruits improve both their health and fitness. HIPAA guidelines ensure that Peer Trainers can work with members.
Each participant will be asked to provide information. Participants will first need to measure their height, weight and body. This will enable them to calculate their Body Mass Index as well as their aerobic capacity. Next, they will have to have their blood pressure as well as pulse checked. If their blood pressure is high, they should contact their personal physician.
Assessment of Incumbent Readiness
The Incumbent Readiness Assessment, or IRA, is a process that assesses the fitness of current members of a fire service or agency. This non-competitive, non-punitive test is designed to assess a firefighter's physical condition and provides accurate information on his or her fitness level. This testing method can be used as part of a fitness program for firefighters who are already deconditioned.
NFPA fitness evaluation
Firefighters should undergo fitness evaluations on a regular basis to maintain their health and well-being. These tests are not intended to be punitive, but are designed to establish a baseline that an individual can work towards. In the fire service this means that firefighters are evaluated on their fitness levels once per year. The tests should be noninvasive and include five elements. These are aerobic capacity (body composition), muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and muscle strength. The assessment should also include the measurement of VO2 max, which is considered to be the best metric for aerobic power.
The NFPA1583 program has many components. There is an educational section on the benefits and guidelines to warm-up and cool down. Each person will receive an individual exercise prescription. The exercise prescription is created by a Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT), who is a certified professional in the field.