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:
May has been a month of education and preparing for training and workshop opportunities over the summer. The team presented on EAT SWEAT THRIVE principles to Medical Command (MEDCOM) staff during a virtual drill. We received several inquiries for consultations following the session which shows the Soldiers are taking charge of their own readiness and making 1% changes. In our continued support of the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) our team provided leadership and recruits with actionable recommendations regarding their Readiness Assessment results. Our Register Dietitian has been uploading awesome content and tools to our dashboard on the o2x Tactical Performance app this month. This content includes information on creatine as a performance supplement, fueling around the ACFT, a quick reference for building healthy snacks, and a “Nutrition Card Deck” which has 52 cards with questions to spark discussion around proper nutrition for tactical professionals.
As we wrap up the month of May, we are preparing for our workshop series to begin at the end of June. Our calendar are packed with Unit PT, presentations, and workshop dates so the team is excited to kick off the summer.
Washington D.C. Fire Department—
Ryan Glaize and Conner Freeland, On-site Specialists with DC Fire & EMS:
May was a huge month for the return to work program. FF Melissa Warfield suffered from Covid-19 Long Haulers disease and was getting put through the disability retirement process. Melissa was on limited duty for 16 months before working with Steve Taylor and decided to try O2X. At first she was able to perform very little activity and her symptoms would increase, but after working awhile she was able to push through these symptoms or learn when to pull back. Her stamina, strength, and confidence improved over time and progress was seen after every session. Each workout was based on her current symptoms and the external stressors were applied in a healthy and specific way. After only eight weeks she was able to pass the “fit for duty physical” and her retirement case was dismissed. She was not only able to return to work but also got her life back and her overall quality of life also improved.
FF Andre McManus suffered an ulnar nerve entrapment injury and had surgery to repair it on 9/12/2020. The surgery didn’t go as planned and Andre was in and out of physical therapy for over a year. On 8/16/21, another surgery was performed. Unfortunately, the results were the same and no improvement was made. After another year of trying physical therapy with little success a retirement hearing was set for June 1, 2022. Andre, a 35 year old FF with over 10 years on the job was facing it all being taken away.
As a last ditch effort, Andre was referred to O2X. With only 12 weeks to work with him before his hearing we got to work right away. Andre reported having little strength in his left arm. Moreover, his whole left side had substantial muscular atrophy. We decided to use grip strength as our KPI to measure progress. His first initial testing showed a grip strength of 72 pounds. After 12 weeks, his final grip strength test was 130 pounds. Andre was subsequently cleared by his surgeon and the clinic to return to work!
The transformation challenge is well underway and we continue to receive check-ins every week from participants! With just about 4 weeks left in the competition the race is getting closer and closer! Every battalion in the department is represented and most importantly, the competition includes members of the Executive Staff and Local 36. We are expecting even more weight lost than last year! Stay tuned for more pictures of food that firefighters have cooked with exclusive recipes from the app.
Arlington County Fire Department—
Trevor Sheasley, On-site Specialist with Arlington County Fire Department:
Trevor has been busy at work with the Fire Training Academy throughout the month of May. Recruit Class 81 has been introduced to their non-IDLH gear which is now being incorporated into their PT sessions once per week. The intent is to help them become accustomed to the equipment, how it modifies movement, and act as a sort of acclimatization to the increased body temperature felt while in the gear. With the Academy slated to enter fire school in the middle of summer, the past month has been vital in preparing the recruits for what is to come.
The Peer Fitness Team has also been busy preparing for the department’s work performance test named Duty Fit. This test will give members the opportunity to proceed through a firefighter specific course and self evaluate their performance. Trevor helped create a digital tracking sheet for the department so they can better understand where the department is as a whole. Trevor will be helping the Peer Fitness Team by running warm ups prior to testing, and assisting with any on course needs.
Frederick County Fire Department—
Kayla Schmit, On-site Specialist with Frederick Co. Fire Department:
O2X On-site specialist Kayla has continued to stay busy here in Frederick County MD. With a never ending list of things to do and accomplish, Kayla remains actively involved with not only recruit training, but also working with all the career members of Frederick County Fire and Rescue. When Kayla isn’t working with Recruit Class 32, you can find her either in the newly remodeled gym at the academy offering strength training sessions for career members who are off-duty, or you can find her bouncing around to various firehouses across the county offering training sessions, nutrition demos, or going over recovery strategies and exercises.
Now that we are getting into the warmer months of the year, we continue to promote proper hydration and nutrition to avoid heat related injury and illness. Teaching our members ways to add in appropriate amounts of fluids into their daily training and work schedules is a crucial part of our nutrition education here in Frederick.
