Keeping London Southend Airport firefighters ‘fit for duty’
News
Firefighters from London Southend Airport have successfully completed their ‘Fitness Training’ qualifications, taught by fitness education course provider, Study Active.
The decision to pursue this training was informed by the need for all firefighters to meet certain fitness standards in order to be deemed fit to undertake the role of a firefighter.
To ensure that these high standards of fitness are achieved and maintained, Firefighter Adam Hickey highlighted the need to introduce a policy of fitness testing and training for all operation staff. Adam used his experience as a Firefighter to design and implement the required tools to implement this activity – one of which involved staffing available on-site to deliver the policy.
Adam decided that rather than sourcing a third-party Personal Trainer or Strength Coach, a far more sustainable suggestion was for himself and three colleagues, Zach Brittain, Mike Edwards and Joe Ferrant, to achieve the necessary qualification themselves. Once successful, the four would be in a position to effectively teach the Southend Airport Firefighter Fitness Policy to their extended team.
The Firefighters undertook months of intensive training, studied via a mix of online learning and tutor contact in order to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies.
They learned about anatomy, physiology, nutrition, health screening, fitness assessments and, importantly, the design and delivery of physical training sessions.
A thorough assessment followed which saw the delegates completing coursework and case studies along with “real world” evidence with regards to consultation records and training plans.
Theory exams in Anatomy, Physiology & Nutrition followed before a final assessment demonstrating competence in the understanding and application of advanced exercise techniques to help clients towards fitness goals.
Study Active Managing Director, James Luscombe, was full of compliments for Adam and his team, who passed all assessments with flying colours.
He said: “It was an absolute pleasure to have the Southend Airport Firefighters study their fitness training qualifications with us. Our team was impressed from the start with the professionalism, determination and skill that was displayed throughout. We are really pleased that Adam, Zach, Mike and Joe are now qualified and in a position to make an impact to ensure Southend Airport Firefighters can improve and maintain their fitness levels”.
Adam was equally as pleased with the success of this project. He said: ”It was always of the utmost importance that we chose a provider who could give us the flexibility to qualify as fitness professionals, fitting this in around our busy shift patterns.
“When you consider that firefighters regularly have to exert themselves whilst exposed to extreme conditions, it’s understandable that we would want the best training possible to keep us fit in the role.
“It’s been a long yet rewarding road and we are so pleased to have achieved our qualifications and are really looking forward to putting our new skills into practice.”
The Firefighters will now be working with their colleagues and the wider workforce to ensure that the London Southend Firefighter Fitness Policy is implemented and that the Firefighters remain fit for duty.
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