Returning to operational duties>

[MIF]

Hi!
    Please can anyone help me? I suffered a Heart Attack in August of 2005, had a stent inserted & was discharged from hospital all within four days. Within eight weeks I satisfactofily completed a treadmill stress test at the hospital achieving 98% on the test. I undertook a physical fitness programme offered by the hospital & from there to a 3 times a week programme back in the community. I have also attended a two week therepy programme at Harcombe House in Devon, & returned with an excellent report from the therapy staff. My fitness levels are way above a 31 yr old (I am 48 & scored 42 on the chester step test) and yet I am unable to return to full operational duties. I have had a whole host of excuses given to me, the lataest being that I must be capable of overcoming heat stress ( Iam a watch commander). Is anyone else in a similar situation, or, can anyone offer me advice on how to overcome the blinkered mentality of my Brigades medical staff? I was discharged by the hospital that fitted my stent immediately following my treadmill stress test, & was discharged in February this year by the hospital that I was taken too following my heart attack. Both hospitals agree that I am more than capable of returning to my job in a full operational capacity as is my own GP. But, for some reason the Occ Health Dept. are now requesting that I undergo further tests.

      Further information , in case you may be asking yourself any questions, I eat a very healthy diet eat the right fats, the right foods, do a minimum of 4 x 2 hour (per week) sessions in the gym which includes a minimum of 1 hour cardio vascular training. Plus additional fitness outside, e.g. walking interval training etc. I drink very little, I don't smoke.

[Fireguy1230]

MIF

 Have you spoken to your Union Rep to find out if they can be of any assistance? (If you are in union)

 I have heard of a Firefighter from Worcestershire who is now back on the run after losing part of his leg in a motorcycle accident.

 With all the medical evidence in your favour, you must have a case to pursue the matter.

[kurnal]

The general picture these days is quite the opposite of your situation MIF!
But even those who want to go seem to face the same obstacles and  inconsistencies that you are facing.
There are a number of people still on the run following bypass surgery in several brigades. Why do the rules vary so much?
Physically the brigade would not let me go despite my inability  to cope with heat stress having been through the "Burn em to learn em " too many times in the past, and despite several runs to hospital under blue lights on courses. But I had the age and the years to go in any case so I was lucky to have the choice.
If you want a chat sometime give me a call- the numbers on the website.
Best of luck and hope it works out for you.
By the way I drink very little too. Very little and very often.

[MIF]

Fireguy 1230
                   I have spoken to the union who have dvised me to take a grievance against the Occ Health Dept. of the Brigade. I will do this but I am very frustrated at not being able to do the job I love so much due (in my opinion) to a power crazy quack who is overpaid and unwilling to make a decision, which of course is part of the reason he is paid so much.

                   
MIF

[MIF]

kurnel
           Thanks for the info, & I will contact you as soon as i am able.

MIF

[shaggy]

sounds like things vary from brigade to brigade.I had cancer in my neck back in 1995..Following 3 months on the sick and generally climbing the walls,i kept myself fit....passed the brigade medical(although i was questioned at length as to why i wanted to continue in the brigade by the doc )...maybe coz it bloody took me long enough to get in in the first place...Take it up with your union rep,as ive just read a piece about a lad that lost part of his leg in an accident,and is still operational.



Good Luck


Mutchy

[labrador]

Hi
There is now a lad who is back on operational duties, I think it is Lothian and borders who has a hip replacement so I would fight it all the way and I would look at discrimination if you can pass the same physical as a new recruit

[MIF]

I would like to thank those of you who gave me advice & opinions. It may sound naff but it is uplifting when people try to help, especially when you become disheartened, & depressed due to the solid brick wall placed in front of you. So once again THANKS VERY MUCH GUYS. For your information, & following a really tough time I can confirm that I am now back on full operational duties & am like a new recruit climbing the mountainside to fight the grass & forestry fires (not bad for a watch commander) & enjoying every minute. To this end I am extremely grateful to my Cardiac Consultant who played amajor role in my return to full ops. Also, I must mention the FSNBF at Harcombe in Devon, they were absolutely superb.

Thanks All
Tom Forbes
South Wales F & R Service

P.S. I am more than willing to help anyone who may find themselves in a similar situation.