Update AFAC Medical Guidelines
The Need
The role of the firefighter has changed significantly since the AFAC Medical Guidelines were first developed in the early 1990’s. Firefighters in many agencies are now the first responders in medical emergencies and attend more motor vehicle accidents, among other changes.The AFAC Health and Fitness Guidelines are used by most member agencies to identify medical conditions which need referencing when applying for a role as a firefighter. The terms of reference for the guidelines, being the essential firefighting functions, are very broad and generic and therefore require review to more accurately reflect the true nature of the firefighter’s role.
While the guidelines were reviewed in 2002, this review only considered changes in the medical conditions and a framework for fitness assessments. It did not consider fundamental changes in firefighters’ roles or the need for the guidelines to be able to cater for paid and volunteer fire agency firefighters, as well as firefighters in land management agencies.
A further review of the guidelines was drafted in 2006, however this review was never finalized and agencies continue to use the 2002 guidelines.
Benefits and Strategic Alignment
This work benefits members as most currently use the medical guidelines as a resource to aide decisions relating to conditions which may exclude a potential firefighter candidate. The guidelines also provide a resource to ensure evidence based decision making in the recruitment process.Proposal
Updated Medical Guidelines will be produced for use by all agencies. It is expected draft guidelines will be available for endorsement at the April 2010 Council Meeting.Consultation
There has been significant consultation to date, predominantly among the Occupational Health and Safety Sub Group. A medical professional has been engaged to review the guidelines. Draft guidelines will be circulated to agencies for review by their own medical officers before going to the AFAC Council.Governance
The project has been endorsed by the Workforce Management Group, while the Occupational Health and Safety Sub Group will manage this project. Compliance with legislation ensuring there are no inherently discriminatory practices will be required. This shall occur at the agency level.
For more information on this project contact Judy Gouldbourn, AFAC Manager, Workforce Management.
