O2X Human Performance provides comprehensive, science-backed programs to hundreds of public safety departments, federal agencies, and the military. O2X works with clients to elevate culture, improve mental and physical wellbeing, support healthy lifestyles, and reduce healthcare costs associated with injuries and illnesses. Driven by results and cutting edge research, O2X programs are designed and delivered by a team of Special Operations veterans, high level athletes, and hundreds of leading experts in their respective fields of human performance.
For more information, contact Conner Freeland conner@02x.com
Human Performance Program
Firefighting and delivery of EMS is an inherently demanding and strenuous job, both mentally and physically. Firefighters must have the mentality of a Tactical Athlete when approaching all aspects of their well-being. The Department Human Performance Program, provided by O2X, is fundamental to all aspects of the Department, from the academy to the firehouses. The team of On-Site Specialists utilize their education and professional experience as well as the greater resources of the entire O2X Human Performance network to design and implement training and education, return to work programs, injury prevention and management, and nutritional guidance that prepares the Department’s tactical athletes for the rigors of their profession. These experts incorporate elements of strength & conditioning, injury prevention, nutrition, fatigue management and sleep science, stress mitigation, sports psychology, and resilience into training all department personnel.
The Department program shall follow a comprehensive approach to performance, providing members with access to experts and resources to support their mental and physical performance. Through the partnership with O2X, this is deployed utilizing the O2X EAT SWEAT THRIVE™ model. Firefighters and EMS providers will receive training, education, coaching, and have access to resources in nutrition, physical conditioning, injury recovery/risk-reduction, sleep, and mental performance. Members can access these tools directly via the human performance team or remotely utilizing a mobile application.
Firefighters and EMS providers shall ensure the fuel they are placing in their bodies supports the demands placed upon them throughout the course of a day at work. Members can utilize the O2X app for additional information on healthy eating and can also contact the department’s dietitian with O2X for additional assistance.
The physical training portion of the program pertains to the workout the tactical athlete should do. Members should be reminded that while working out on duty is a way of achieving this, the best way would be to work out consistently throughout the month, this means on the member’s day off as well. The O2X app is full of workout options and may be utilized to remotely contact the O2X team. Members shall also ensure they participate in a healthy cardiovascular exercise program. These workouts are available on the O2X app as well.
The mental performance portions of the program are available through in-person consultations with O2X staff, remotely via the Ask an Expert feature on the O2X app, and through tools and resources also found on the app. This portion of the program will assist firefighters in practicing better sleep habits, provide stress reduction techniques, and support a high-performance mind-body connection.
Physical Training time should be included in the daily schedule by the company commander or office supervisor, on an “as practical” basis (this does not mean out of service time but shall provide flexibility for a company OIC to determine an appropriate time for their company to work out on duty). Specific workouts can be found on the O2X application or by contacting the O2X team. Peer fitness trainers are also available to come to each station and visit with employees as a crew or as individuals and assist with setting up a customized workout plan to meet the goals of each employee. Personnel should utilize the results of their individual physical, to determine their individual physical fitness requirements and areas of focus. Overall, cardiovascular health should be a primary focus, as this s a top firefighter fatality cause.
Adequate hydration, stretching and technique are the basis for all workouts.
Additional Information on Healthy Eating can be obtained by contacting O2X directly.
The O2X coordinator shall also be known as the Department’s Health and Fitness Coordinator in accordance with NFPA 1500 11.3.4 and shall work in conjunction with the department physician with regard to member’s physical fitness.