We focus on four key areas to achieve this goal:
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.