While the rest of Hollister sleeps through the nights, danger
often wakes members of the Hollister Fire Department to a tune
worthy of 100 ear-blistering alarm clocks.
Firefighters and their cold, relaxed muscles jump from beds.
They slip into their
”
turnouts
”
– boots, helmets and coats – and they’re en route within 90
seconds.
While the rest of Hollister sleeps through the nights, danger often wakes members of the Hollister Fire Department to a tune worthy of 100 ear-blistering alarm clocks.
Firefighters and their cold, relaxed muscles jump from beds. They slip into their “turnouts” – boots, helmets and coats – and they’re en route within 90 seconds.
The duties that follow often require constant jerking and strenuous hoisting of hoses and massive tarps – some half the weight of an average person. Sometimes they even rush to carry victims from burning homes.
And these adrenaline-zapped firefighters don’t have the luxury to stretch or warm their muscles for such constant physical torment.
“It’s like trying to run a marathon without warming up,” Fire Chief Bill Garringer said.
That’s why the HFD – to prevent injuries and improve the health of its firefighters – has implemented a revolutionary physical wellness program. The cost is estimated at $53,000, including one year’s service from a contracted physical therapist.
“The point of the program is for a reduction in workers compensation claims,” Garringer said.
Included in the wellness program are individual evaluations and a personalized fitness program for the 27 firefighters at the HFD, along with remodeling of the exercise facility and the purchase of new equipment.
The room’s current stockpile includes a couple of weight benches, curl bars and a Stairmaster – the only machine the HFD plans to retain. After the Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989, Rovella’s Gym donated most of the now-antiquated equipment, which Garringer kindly called “not great.”
The cramped enclosure at the station is actually hindered by outside weather conditions. Wind often pushes rain and cold through its wall that is half-opened to the outside.
“Wet rainstorms the other day were coming through vertically,” firefighter John Parnello said.
And even though the firefighters’ contract mandates one hour of exercise per day, Garringer said weather conditions often don’t allow for it. Not out there.
The ambience of the often-chilled room is dingy at best – equipment rusted, floors marked by cracks running like tributaries. Stacked against the faded yellow walls stands an array of stored rummage.
“It’s a combination exercise room, barbecue room and cabinet room,” Garringer sarcastically said, referring to a grill and several miscellaneous items mingled throughout.
Garringer said the changes are long due and should be in place by the end of February. Blueprints for the second fire station, which was approved for construction last year, include a state-of-the-art workout facility.
The new program will undoubtedly prove valuable, Garringer said, both in department-wide health and prevention of workers compensation claims previously caused by injuries.
Four HFD firefighters are currently collecting workers compensation for injuries suffered on the job. Two of them await back surgery.
Before joining the HFD in 2000, Garringer worked for the San Jose Fire Department, which ran a similar wellness program.
“In San Jose the program more than paid for itself (by reduction in workers compensation claims),” he said.
Hollister’s program should do the same, according to John Ceglia, the physical therapist from TCH Sports Medicine hired by the city to spearhead the plan. Ceglia previously orchestrated a similar yet much larger program for the San Jose Police Department, which he called “very successful.” His services for the year will cost $12,420.
Ceglia plans to specially design the exercises to simulate the most common bodily motions used in the field by firefighters.
“They’re pulling that stuff (hoses, tarps, etc.) … in places that aren’t conducive to body mechanics,” Ceglia said. “And 99 percent of the time they’re cold when they’re doing it.”
After an initial physical evaluation for each member of the staff – including Garringer – Ceglia’s contract includes a follow-up evaluation for each, along with twice-weekly workout supervision at the station.
“Sometimes it may just be (poor) technique when lifting,” Garringer said.
While the HFD plans to bring in some weight machines, Ceglia’s training philosophy for firefighters demands a higher priority on endurance training and flexibility. The HFD plans to buy several cardiovascular machines, including a treadmill. And if Ceglia gets his wish, the shopping list will include a multi-station Nautilus machine.
Garringer and other firefighters agree with Ceglia’s theory. Parnello – even with his sharply carved, rock-built frame – said he doesn’t lift heavy weights at the station, only light ones with high repetitions.
“If you work out heavy and go fight a fire, it can get pretty exhausting…” Parnello said. “A lot of this job is built on endurance. Cardio is where it’s at.”
Parnello and his 26 companions will soon experience a new era of physical wellness at the HFD. It’s a security for the next instance a firefighter is faced with slicing through a crumpled car – using a 70-pound “jaws of life” saw – with a periled child waiting for rescue.
