The Impact of Human Performance Initiatives in Improving Physical Readiness and Resiliency in Firefighters

Physical readiness is essential for firefighters' operational success in emergent situations. There is a growing focus on integrating holistic health and fitness programs to enhance firefighters' physical fitness, as insufficient physical preparation can hinder performance and increase the risk of injury. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of an integrated human performance program within the Baltimore County Fire Department (BCoFD) by assessing archived data on firefighter recruits and the impact of periodized physical training on measures of physical readiness, resiliency, and injury history. A total of 34 firefighter recruits participated in a 29-week physical training program as part of their Fire Academy (FRA) training. Evaluations of physical fitness and readiness occurred at three key points: Pre-FRA (week 2), Mid-FRA (weeks 14-15), and Post-FRA (week 29) for the physical components of the O2X Readiness Assessment and the BCoFD Physical Fitness Assessment. Statistical significance was assessed using a 3x15 repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS, with a threshold set at p < .05. Additionally, a frequency distribution compared current and historical injury data among recruits, focusing on five categories: the presence of a human performance program, method of injury, location, preventability, and ambulance transport necessity. Results indicated significant improvements in body composition, muscular endurance, and both anaerobic and aerobic capacities. Injury data analysis showed a reduction in total injuries from 86 (2020-2023) to just five (2023-2024), with only one deemed preventable, underscoring the program's effectiveness. Future research should continue to examine the impact of a human performance program within BCoFD career members.