Our science-backed human performance programs are delivered through in-person training, virtual resources, assessments, and analysis. The newest initiative in providing O2X’s world class training involves the integration of a Human Performance Specialist at the core of a department or unit, implementing programming designed to improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of its members.
Check out what some of our On-site Specialists have been up to below, and check out https://www.o2x.com/approach/ to learn more about this unique O2X service.
Massachusetts National Guard (MANG)—
Devon Smith, On-site Specialist with Massachusetts National Guard:
Massachusetts National Guard (MANG):
This month at the MANG, the performance team made some changes so that we can have a greater impact on even more service members leading into the summer months. We have updated our training schedule to allow more training opportunities throughout the week, as well as open gym hours. In this updated schedule, we’ve also included weekly training sessions at the track on base to improve running mechanics and conditioning. Our registered dietitian has started hosting weekly virtual meetings for specific interest groups regarding nutrition. The intent is to create dialogue and introduce service members to best practices in hydration, performance nutrition, and other topics related to food quality, quantity, and timing. As a part of our continued engagement with the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) we ran incoming and returning recruits through a RA to get baseline or follow up data, respectively. The metrics gathered from our performance series with RSP have led to the performance team delivering EAT SWEAT THRIVE resources tailored to the needs of the recruits.
Washington D.C. Fire Department—
Ryan Glaize and Conner Freeland, On-site Specialists with DC Fire & EMS:
This month, the OSS team got a unique opportunity to work with the Special Operations Unit at the Wardman Marriott for an Air Consumption Drill. More than 45 members completed a modified version of Frederick Fire Department’s protocol, while operating with Drager’s BG4 closed-circuit breathing apparatus. Firefighters underwent strenuous activity for roughly 20 minutes prior to an extended search drill in the 1200 room hotel. We were able to obtain phenomenal data and will be presenting metrics to DCFD for review.
We also kicked off our second annual firefighter transformation challenge. This fitness initiative produced great results last year with more than 330 total pounds lost, an average body composition change of 9%, and average decrease in body fat of 2-3%. Weigh-Ins were completed recently and it was great to see what members had learned from the first challenge. Many had continued their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle and kept the weight off! In 8 weeks, we will see which members win 24 or 12 hours of Admin Leave!
Arlington County Fire Department—
Trevor Sheasley, On-site Specialist with Arlington County Fire Department:
April officially marks one year of Arlington County Fire Department’s partnership with O2X. Within the last year O2X On-Site Specialist Trevor Sheasley has helped implement critical improvements to ACFD’s Fire Training Academy physical training, Peer Fitness Trainer program, and mandatory referral process. Trevor has been working with the Health and Safety team to not only help those currently dealing with injury but to identify others who may be at risk and prevent them from experiencing an injury. Trevor has done this through leveraging the O2X readiness assessment and a static, movement and mobility assessment.
As of April 25th, Recruit Class 81 has begun their journey toward becoming the next group of highly trained professionals to serve the public of Arlington County. Lieutenant Jamie Jill and Trevor have worked hard to further develop the physical training program. They have collaborated on the creation of a new Physical Fitness Test, several benchmark tests, and an effective warm-up and cool-down procedure. As Class 81 progresses through their academy Trevor will be analyzing data retrieved from the O2X Readiness Assessment, PT test, benchmark tests, and injury data to develop the standards expected for future classes.
Frederick County Fire Department—
Kayla Schmit, On-site Specialist with Frederick Co. Fire Department:
April kept on-site specialist, Kayla Schmit, very busy as usual. Throughout the month, Kayla actively hosted virtual webinars each week on various topics related to health and human performance. In addition to those, she was also busy going to firehouses around the county to conduct fitness testing for all of the new probationary firefighters, freshly out of the academy, to make sure they were keeping up with their health and training. While in the firehouses, Kayla was able to consult with other members who were also seeking guidance on improving their fitness and overall health. This has led to more programs being developed for individual members, nutrition talks, and lessons on how to cook healthier in the firehouse. Recruit Class 32 finished phase 1 of the training program and will now move into phase 2. They continue to train five days a week, with one of those training days consisting of either a recovery day or an educational day in the classroom.
Frederick County Fire and Rescue also completed their annual Work Performance Evaluation testing in April. This is a mandatory training test for all career firefighters and Paramedics to ensure they are “fit for duty.” The on-site specialist, Kayla Schmit, tracks all of the data collected from this evaluation and creates a report for the department. This is a valuable tool to show both strengths and areas for improvement.
