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:
June was a busy month for the Warrior FIT performance team. We were able to get out in the field with Soldiers utilizing workshops, unit training sessions, soldier task observations, presentations, and one-on-one consultations. We held PT sessions for the 3-126th Aviation and 972 Military Police in addition to three individual workshops for MANG service members. This month we paid another visit to the Regional Training Institute to work with combat medics on building resilience at a professional development course. A similar presentation was delivered virtually to the Medical Command (MEDCOM) headquarters command. This presentation covered acute and chronic management of stress using EAT SWEAT THRIVE principles and 1% solutions. Our performance team hosted an injury prevention seminar for SMs of the 51st Troop Command led by our DPT, Joe Cavallaro. During all of our sessions, the performance specialists communicated program resources and were available for guidance and questions. Two of the workshops hosted this month were 1-day workshops tailored to certain major sub commands requests. The 211th MP BN and the JFHQ HHC both received education on nutrition and personal resilience with the 211th adding an injury prevention session and JFHQ participating in yoga/iRest. The third seminar we held was the foundational 2-day workshop, which was the first of three for this first cohort of Soldiers. SMs in attendance underwent education on EST topics and tore up the turf with a baseline ACFT. Soldiers will undergo another follow up ACFT on the final workshop weekend to put all of their progress to work. Additionally, we were able to observe SMs performing Unit training exercises, undergoing testing for range accuracy and decision making under stress, and even got to spend time in HAZMAT suits to better understand physical demands on Soldiers.
Washington D.C. Fire Department—
Ryan Glaize and Conner Freeland, On-site Specialists with DC Fire & EMS:
We’ve place a huge emphasis this month on teaching future firefighters how to increase recovery after exercise. Each class has focused on mobility, trigger point, stabilization, hydrotherapy, and nutrition to accomplish goals. The recruits have been eager to learn how to properly take care of themselves through the EAT SWEAT THRIVE principles. These three pillars have been an essential part in changing DCFEMS culture. Watching each recruit class change their thinking and routine when it comes to recovery shows how O2X will be impacting injury prevention for years to come.
Another major project we began this month was tracking weight loss during burn days. We used this data to provide some insight to the recruits and other firefighters on how much water they lose being in full gear on training days. We followed up by providing a hydration class so they can develop strategies to maintain optimal levels of performance on hot summer days. In the future, we plan to implement this class into all recruit classes and supervisor I & II classes.
Arlington County Fire Department—
Trevor Sheasley, On-site Specialist with Arlington County Fire Department:
Throughout the month of June, Arlington County Firefighters went through their annual Duty Fit testing. The test consists of eight job-specific tasks that require each member to perform in succession without breaks. The members had several uniform options to choose from. In the coming years ACFD will work toward members completing this self assessment in full gear and breathing air from their SCBA.
The Duty Fit testing was headed by LT Joel Falinsky who organized the Peer Fitness Team.
Frederick County Fire Department—
Kayla Schmit, On-site Specialist with Frederick Co. Fire Department:
Expanding outreach remains a main focus for the program. Returning to in-person firehouse visits and training this quarter has shown to be highly effective in increasing member participation in the program. Kayla has been able to set up and facilitate firehouse workouts and educational firehouse table talks. With positive feedback from the members, Kayla continues to reach out to various shifts and firehouses to set up training sessions. While facilitating firehouse visits, Kayla was able to have more one-on-one consultations with members to create training programs and discuss individual goals. Programs that are created are pushed out through the O2X app, where the members have access to both the program and also the recovery sessions and nutrition guidance.
Recruit training continues to progress as they finish up phase 2 and begin phase 3 of the performance program. The recruits have been introduced to more recovery exercises and techniques. This includes mobility drills, yoga, box breathing, and dynamic stretching. RC 32 completes a recovery session each week with the goal to reduce the risk for injuries due to overuse. The mid-term Physical Fitness Assessment was completed in June. Every recruit showed progress in each test completed.
Berkeley Public Safety—
Gary Heron and Jacqueline Martinez, On-site Specialists
June represented the first month where our two on-site specialists, Gary Heron, strength and conditioning coach, and Jacqueline Martinez, athletic trainer, have been on-board in the city of Berkeley. The month kicked off with a series of “Intro to O2X” workshops with the Berkeley Fire Department. Members were presented with information on the mission and objectives of the O2X program and then taken through the O2X readiness assessment. The assessments gave a glimpse of where members are currently and was a great starting point for consults and programs with Gary and Jacqueline.
Gary has been busy with consults on fitness and nutrition programs. He has been meeting with members from both police and fire departments helping to define their goals and provide detailed programs to support them in their pursuits.
Jacqueline has gotten off to a hot start with the creation of an injury tracking database to help identify trends of injuries within the respective departments. She has also been busy coordinating treatment plans for aches and pains that have lingered with members and has taken many folks through comprehensive injury assessments.
Moving ahead there will be kickoff workshops for the Police department, as well as continuing outreach to get more and more members involved in the program through individual programs, nutritional support ,and injury treatment and prevention.
