The Loveland-Symmes Fire Department Health & Wellness Center, 227 E Loveland Ave., is focused entirely on the physical and behavioral/mental health of our firefighter paramedics. A grand opening will be held Wednesday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Not unlike ensuring that our vehicles and equipment are fully ready to function at their peak when needed, our personnel is the most critical aspect of any emergency that our members respond to. We have an obligation to our community to ensure that every aspect of their fire department is "ready" when needed. We cannot be successful without our continued, and now highly advanced, focus on our people being the #1 priority.
Sound Minds & Bodies ... When We Are the Most Needed
BODIES: The physicals (that will exceed national standards) are provided by Frontline Mobile Health, a company that specializes in public safety professionals’ health care. Frontline Mobile Medical provides service to numerous fire departments across the country and has extensive experience in the field. They were chosen utilizing the federal government procurement process of open bidding.
MINDS: Behavioral health screenings will be provided by Dr. Alana Brunacini, the fire department's behavioral health physician. She has been on board with the department over the past three years conducting training and evaluating our members.
Firefighters will experience a battery of thorough tests — cancer screenings and blood tests to identify health problems — that will review their overall health conditions and look for problems lying in wait. As part of the evaluations, the emotional and behavioral aspects of our members will be evaluated to include on-duty experiences as well as off-duty and family challenges. In addition to the unique high-stress challenges that firefighter paramedics experience on the job, we understand the critical role that their spouses, partners, and family members play as well. In both areas, the medical professionals will guide our members toward the solutions as needed and proactive prevention for all.
"Firefighters are expected to perform at peak ability at a moment’s notice, not unlike professional athletes" stated LSFD Chief Ott Huber. "The difference is that firefighters cannot afford to 'lose' when the public counts on us most. Affirming the importance of physical and mental acuity cannot be overstated."