Tax ID # 92-1271266
Tax ID # 92-1271266
Tax ID # 92-1271266
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the firefighting profession. Ideally, firefighters would receive the same level of care and rehabilitation as professional athletes, ensuring a swift and effective return to duty. However, firefighters in Wichita, like all city government employees, have access to the same resources as employees in IT, parks and recreation, transit, and administration. While these employees provide valuable services, the risks they face are far different from those of firefighters.
We recognize the financial constraints of city government and understand the difficult decisions that must be made. This is not a critique of the City of Wichita but rather a recognition of its challenges. *Beyond the Call* exists to relieve some of this burden, offering the additional services we believe are necessary to maintain the high standards the citizens of Wichita expect from their firefighters.
Preventative Care
The best way to address health issues is to prevent them from becoming serious. Through fitness programs, educational content, diet and lifestyle guidance, and partnerships for physical therapy, we aim to reduce the need for reactive medical interventions. Proactive maintenance is essential to keeping firefighters healthy and avoiding costly treatments.
Injury Rehabilitation
We are working to establish rehabilitation protocols that treat firefighters like professional athletes. Our community benefits when an injured firefighter returns to service as soon as possible and in peak condition. A culture that supports this level of care enhances the overall safety and effectiveness of our firefighting teams.
Health Screening and Testing
The physical demands of firefighting; stress, sleepless nights, and exposure to hazardous materials can take a toll on the body. Regular health screenings can catch issues early, before they become life-threatening. We have partnered with Via Christi to provide cancer screenings, as firefighters face a higher risk of cancer. We are also working on implementing hormonal blood tests, as endocrine disruptors like sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and exposure to carcinogens can impact hormone levels. Identifying and addressing these imbalances is critical to maintaining optimal performance.
Mental Health Support
Firefighters do far more than just fight fires. They respond to car accidents and handle many of the city's medical emergencies, which can be incredibly stressful. We are developing mental health programs to ensure Wichita’s firefighters remain mentally strong and resilient, safeguarding both their emotional well-being and the community they serve.
At Beyond the Call, our mission is to protect and support those who risk their lives for the safety of others. By prioritizing the health and wellness of Wichita's firefighters, we ensure they can continue serving our community at the highest level possible.
Wichita firefighters are an industrious, athletic, and hardworking group of men and women. How do we keep them that way?
Regular cancer screenings and baseline blood tests form the foundation of this program. These screenings allow us to establish a health baseline for each firefighter, enabling early intervention before issues worsen. By identifying potential medical problems early—particularly those resulting from the job’s physical and environmental demands—we can prevent minor issues from becoming major health concerns.
Wichita firefighters are passionate about their work, and when injuries occur, they are eager to return to duty as quickly as possible. To support this, we aim to implement a system rooted in sports science and performance enhancement. The goal is full recovery—not just a rapid one. This system will include programs such as massage therapy, IV therapy, stretch therapy, movement analysis, fitness programs, sleep studies, and hormone therapy. All of these elements work together to ensure that injured firefighters return to work stronger and more resilient.
The mental demands of firefighting are as intense as the physical. Unfortunately, suicide is currently the leading cause of death among firefighters. Stress and anxiety from the job can be overwhelming, and the existing mental health programs are inadequate. Beyond the Call intends to significantly enhance these services, ensuring firefighters receive the mental health care and support they need to manage the emotional toll of their work.
Firefighters often have Type-A personalities: impulsive, quick to react, and action-oriented—traits that are vital in emergency situations but can lead to poor financial decisions. Financial stress can distract from the focus needed on the job. To help alleviate these distractions, Beyond the Call will offer financial planning services, helping firefighters make sound financial choices and reduce the burden of financial uncertainty.
Currently, our partners provide care to firefighters through their individual businesses. Our goal is to create a centralized facility that meets all the needs of our members in one location. This facility would include access to doctors, physical therapists, sports scientists, dietitians, financial planners, hot and cold therapy options, fitness facilities, and a communal gathering place where members can connect and de-stress.
Beyond the Call serves as a proof of concept. Our immediate goal is to refine and perfect this program for Wichita firefighters. Once we’ve established a successful model, we plan to expand our reach, either by advising the development of similar organizations or directly growing the program to serve other firefighting communities.
The Wichita Fire Department already plays an active role in the community, and Beyond the Call seeks to build on that tradition. We plan to create programs and events that bring firefighters together with the public, offering opportunities for both children and adults to engage with their local fire department. After all, everyone loves firefighters!
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