Fire Service College 180A bespoke emergency service fitness and lifestyle qualification has been launched by the Fire Service College and Lifetime Training.

The course has been developed to ensure responders are equipped to maintain the standards of fitness required to perform their physically demanding role safely and effectively.

The responder undergoing the training will take on the role of ‘lifestyle ambassador’, alongside their existing work, coaching, training and advising colleagues in all aspects of fitness, lifestyle and wellbeing, including stress management.

Commenting on the new course, Director of Training at the College CFO Jon Hall said: "It is crucial that all emergency services responders keep themselves fit and healthy so they can continue to operate effectively.

"The College supports the work of the Chief Fire Officers Association and its FireFit Steering Group in their drive to place Fire and Rescue Services’ approach to fitness and health on a more structured and professional footing. By working closely with Lifetime to develop the qualification so that it incorporates fitness testing requirements specifically for the emergency service, we can provice some valuable tools to support responders into the future."

The Fitness and Lifestyle Certificate has been developed by Lifetime Training in partnership with the Fire Service College. It provides comprehensive training so personnel from the Emergency Service can carry out advanced fitness testing on site, ensuring this provision is proactive rather than reactive. The lifestyle ambassadors can monitor staff fitness levels, and wellbeing in-house, as well as coaching staff members to help prevent injuries saving the Services both time and money.

The course content has been especially created for the emergency service. It incorporates specific equipment to make it wholly functional and appropriate for the Services needs. Key topics include advanced fitness testing, advanced core stability, bootcamp and circuit training, delivering a fitness session, principles of exercise and fitness, anatomy and physiology and nutrition. The certificate also focuses on recognising stress in the workplace and the provision of coping strategies.

A blend of online support materials, interactive tutorials and workbooks in combination with one to one knowledge reviews and five days of face to face tutorials and practical assessments is provided, in addition to access to an online support community for the new qualification being launched in July.

Mike Jones, Commercial Director at Lifetime Training, said: "In these life saving roles it is crucial that all emergency service team members sustain an appropriate level of physical fitness as well as fostering a healthy lifestyle. This new bespoke qualification offers service personnel the opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications to assist their team members."

To find out more or to book onto this Level 2 Certificate in Fitness and Health for the Emergency Services, contact sales@fireservicecollege.ac.uk.