PROACTIVE PHYSICAL EXAMS, SCREENINGS TO BEGIN IN SPRING FOR CITY OF BRENHAM FIREFIGHTERS

  

City of Brenham firefighters will soon begin undergoing annual, comprehensive physical exams and screenings.

According to a release from the City of Brenham, firefighters will begin taking part in the exams this spring.  City officials state that, while firefighters do wear personal protective equipment that assist in combating the harsh environments they encounter, this type of program will offer early detection of possible problems.

Examinations will be performed by SiteMed, a physician-owned company founded in 2005 that performs wellness physicals for fire departments and industry throughout the Southeast.

Any specific medical concerns found during medical screenings will be referred to personal physicians for appropriate follow-up.

Brenham Fire Chief Ricky Boeker said the health and safety of Brenham firefighters is “a major concern” for him, adding firefighters “face unique occupational health risks due to the demands of the job”.

Boeker stated firefighters regularly operate in harsh work environments due to heat, smoke, toxic chemicals, physical challenges, and emotionally charged situations.  He said the fire department has “come a long way over the last couple of decades to ensure the health and wellness of our firefighters.”