Boston Fire Department

Boston, MA | 2015 - Present

Overview

In 2015, O2X began a partnership with the Boston Fire Department.  Working closely with the new commissioner, Joseph Finn, our mission was to help one of the nation’s first fire departments battle rapidly increasing rates of occupational cancer, on-duty injuries, and behavioral health issues, while better preparing their members for the demands of the job.  

Actions

Outcomes

Timeline

2014 - 2017

Comissioner Finn

Takes office. Boston Fire Health, Safety, and Wellness Division pioneers departmental changes including assessment of the force.

July 2014

Partnership

O2X beings partnership with BFD including workshops, health and facility assessments, resilience seminars, virtual support tools, and recruit training

May 2015

Cancer Prevention

Dr. Michael Hamrock and Comissioner Finn created the cancer prevention video series featuring O2X

See The SeriesApril 2016

Top Tier Equipment

BFD invests in state-of-the-art respiratory equipment, high capacity washer/dryers, bunker gear, functional exercise equipment, and rehab tools.

October 2017

Recognition

Comissioner Joseph Finn recognized as 2017 National Fire Chief of the Year

April 2017

First 3 Years

  • Completed workshops for nearly 900 fire fighters
  • Recruit and refresher training
  • Injury prevention screenings
  • Resilience Seminars
December 2017
2018 - 2019
2020 - Present

Testimonials

When I assumed the role of Fire Commissioner/ Chief of Department for the Boston Fire Department, my number one priority was improving the health and wellness of our firefighters. O2X came on board and expertly helped us tackle the most challenging problems in the fire service: cancer, cardiac disease, musculoskeletal injuries, and mental health. These issues were taking our firefighters off the job and in some cases taking their lives. The O2X workshops, training, and resources saved BFD members, saved the city money, and the men and women of the BFD loved it.
I truly recommend their programs for any fire department- you won't regret it.

Joseph E. Finn
Fire Commissioner/ Chief of Department (Retired)

In my experiences, first as a firefighter, and later as the department physician, I have developed a unique perspective of the many immediate and long-term serious health risks associated with firefighting. I am convinced that the O2X Human Performance Program is transforming the fire service into a much healthier, fitter, and safer force. This program will significantly curtail our very troubling cancer, cardiac, and orthopedic injury trends as well as ease the burden on taxpayers for these costs. Most importantly, the O2X Program will allow firefighters to operate more effectively and safely to hopefully reach, and enjoy, their retirement years with loved ones.
Dr. Michael Hamrock
Internal Medicine MD, Former BFD Firefighter

Members have consistently reported that "this is the best training that we have ever had." The O2X team also put on a Resilience Seminar with world class speakers who engaged the crowd from beginning to end. Difficult subjects such as depression, suicide, addiction, and PTSD were covered. It was an overwhelming success.
Greg Mackin
Deputy Chief, Boston Fire

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