Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Launches Fitness Program for Staff

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) is set to introduce a new fitness program aimed at addressing the specific physical demands faced by its firefighters and paramedics. This initiative seeks to enhance workplace safety and prevent injuries among staff.

The WFPS is currently in the process of selecting a contractor to create and implement a tailored fitness and wellness program. According to WFPS Deputy Chief Scott Wilkinson, the initiative responds to a noticeable gap in resources related to functional fitness that aligns with the unique challenges of their work environment. “We’ve found there’s a bit of a gap in providing information, support, and resources to our staff, specifically related to functional fitness,” he stated.

The program will involve a comprehensive analysis of the physical job requirements for various roles within the WFPS, including 911 operators, firefighters, and paramedics. The contractor will develop exercise programs tailored to these demands, conduct physical assessments, and provide education on nutrition, sleep, and flexibility.

Wilkinson elaborated on the physical challenges faced by staff, noting that firefighters must handle significant physical loads while performing their duties. “Firefighters have a huge range of physical demands, from overhead work in fires, like opening up walls and ceilings, to lifting patients, to moving gear and the sheer fact that they’re moving around with 60 to 65 pounds of equipment on their backs,” he explained.

Emergency Medical Services personnel also face unique challenges, with many spending extended periods in seated positions while managing stressful situations. The city is allocating $60,000 for this contract, which is expected to supplement existing fitness resources. This initiative follows a notable increase in claims to the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) and soaring overtime costs, which have contributed to WFPS anticipating a budget shortfall of $3 million this fiscal year.

While the primary aim of the program is to enhance physical health, Wilkinson acknowledged that improved fitness could indirectly lead to fewer injuries and a reduction in absenteeism. “By keeping people healthier, more fit, and prepared for the functional demands of their work, there would be a side benefit. We would anticipate fewer injuries for sure,” he remarked.

City councillor Jeff Browaty, chairman of the finance committee, emphasized the importance of the program for both staff welfare and community safety. “Obviously, the health and safety and well-being of our employees is key… And Winnipeggers benefit, hopefully, from a reduction of the WCB claims,” he stated.

Councillor Vivian Santos, chairwoman of the community services committee, highlighted the need for a program that addresses the strenuous nature of emergency work. “There are a lot of work injuries that do come with fire paramedics work just because of the amount of exertion that they have to do,” she noted.

The initiative has received support from unions representing firefighters and paramedics. Nick Kasper, president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, described the program as a positive step toward injury prevention. “It’s a very hazardous profession… Any physical fitness and preparedness that relates to the job can assist our members in avoiding injuries that result in time loss,” he said.

Nonetheless, Kasper pointed out that the underlying staffing shortages must also be addressed. “We’re not going to exercise our way out of the overtime crisis,” he cautioned, suggesting that WFPS needs to hire an additional 80 firefighters to meet service demands, with even more required to align with Winnipeg’s population growth and increasing emergency call volumes.

Similarly, Kyle Ross, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union, echoed the need for tailored fitness advice but highlighted that many paramedics might struggle to find time to participate. “We have positions that are vacant… I would really like to see a focus on filling those positions with qualified, trained members,” he stated. As of January 1, 47 paramedic positions were unfilled, with a total of 323 working in Winnipeg.

Wilkinson confirmed that the WFPS is open to hiring additional staff as part of ongoing budget processes. “We’re always open to improving staffing resources, but that will come through budget processes,” he said.

This new fitness initiative represents a proactive step by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service to enhance the well-being of its personnel while addressing broader operational challenges. By prioritizing fitness and wellness, WFPS aims to foster a healthier work environment that ultimately benefits both employees and the community they serve.