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First Responder Evaluation Programs - Health and Exercise Science

First Responder Evaluation Programs Testing Packages Services at the Colorado State University Human Performance Clinical Research Laboratory

We currently have many additional available packages and services that complement our existing First Responder Testing Programs. Please contact Tiffany by phone at (970) 491-7035 or by email at tiffany.lipsey@colostate.edu for further information.

Please explore our Evaluation Options

We offer a variety of testing packages. To view more detail, simply select the package of interest. The Ram and Ram Plus packages include individual follow-up sessions. These follow-up sessions are what set us apart from other programs. It provides one-on-one conversation regarding the results and an opportunity for open dialogue about the responder’s health and wellness. Your first responders are your most valuable asset. Investing in them makes your department stronger on many levels. Our staff is always available to answer/address questions or concerns if you participate in one of our other packages.

Understanding your options

To help you navigate these new options, please refer to the table below the packages. As a reminder, many of the tests are cited as part of the NFPA 1582 (2022) and the Wellness Fitness Initiative (WFI), Fourth Edition (2018) from IAFF. The table includes the list of testing parameters with the corresponding reference citations for the NFPA 1582 (2022) and WFI 2018 for the packages that we offer.

Exploring in depth Testing Package Details

Ram Evaluation (formerly the Heart Disease Prevention Program – Full Evaluation)

This evaluation qualifies for partial reimbursement by the Colorado Firefighter Heart, Cancer and Behavioral Health Trust (CFHCBT). If you are a member of the Heart section of the CFHCBT, we will complete the required paperwork for reimbursement and provide it to you.

Please refer to the Testing Packages with Corresponding Occupational References section for the corresponding occupational references. Testing is performed at CSU HPCRL and includes:

  • Evaluation of health history
  • Evaluation of medical history
  • Muscular strength and endurance testing
    • Grip strength test
    • Leg strength test
    • Arm strength test
    • Push-up test
    • Plank test
  • Flexibility test
  • Pulmonary function testing (includes vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC)
  • Weight parameters
    • Body composition assessment using skinfold measurements
    • Sagittal diameter determination
    • Fat distribution (girth measurements)
  • Complete blood work and urinalysis (includes complete blood panel, lipid panel, C-reactive protein – high sensitivity, glucose, insulin, HbA1c, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), uric acid, and liver and kidney function)
  • Examination by a physician
  • Blood pressure in the standing, sitting, and supine positions
  • Maximal treadmill exercise test using 12-lead electrocardiography and blood pressure monitoring and exertion assessments
    • A physician monitors and evaluates the test results from the exercise test.
    • Estimation of aerobic capacity (VO2 max)
    • Attain maximal heart rate
  • Evaluation of psychosocial profile and sleep disturbance assessment
  • Compilation of each individual’s results in a booklet which includes:
    • Coronary risk profile (risk assessment with Cooper Risk Profile and ACC/AHA risk algorithm
    • Individualized strategies to improve fitness and wellness
    • Exercise prescription
    • Norms for the individual’s age group and sex/gender
    • Clear explanation of the results during an individual counseling session
    • Individualized exercise prescription
  • Individual follow-up sessions via phone or in-person
    • This follow-up session is what sets us apart from other programs. It provides one-on-one conversation regarding the results and an opportunity for open dialogue about the firefighter’s health and wellness.
    • Travel expenses apply if follow-ups are done at your site. See the Travel section for details.

Ram Plus Evaluation

This evaluation qualifies for partial reimbursement by the Colorado Firefighter Heart, Cancer and Behavioral Health Trust (CFHCBT). If you are a member of the Heart section of the CFHCBT, we will complete the required paperwork for reimbursement and provide it to you.

Testing is performed at CSU HPCRL and includes the Ram Evaluation (formerly the Full Evaluation) as displayed above as well as a Dual Emission X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan to determine body composition and fat distribution. DEXA is the gold standard for body composition assessment and provides a detailed description of the distribution of body fat and muscle throughout the body.

Gold Evaluation

Please refer to the Testing Packages with Corresponding Occupational References section for the corresponding occupational references. Testing is performed at CSU HPCRL and includes:

  • Evaluation of health history
  • Evaluation of medical history
  • Pulmonary function testing (includes vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC)
  • Complete blood work and urinalysis (includes complete blood panel, lipid panel, C-reactive protein – high sensitivity, glucose, insulin, HbA1c, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), uric acid, and liver and kidney function)
  • Examination by a physician
  • Blood pressure in the standing, sitting, and supine positions
  • Maximal treadmill exercise test using 12-lead electrocardiography and blood pressure monitoring and exertion assessments
    • A physician monitors and evaluates the test results from the exercise test.
    • Estimation of aerobic capacity (VO2 max)
    • Attain maximal heart rate

Green Evaluation

Please refer to the Testing Packages with Corresponding Occupational References section for the corresponding occupational references. Testing is performed at CSU HPCRL and includes:

  • Evaluation of health history
  • Evaluation of medical history
  • Complete blood work and urinalysis (includes complete blood panel, lipid panel, C-reactive protein – high sensitivity, glucose, insulin, HbA1c, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), uric acid and liver and kidney function)
  • Examination by a physician
  • Blood pressure in the standing, sitting, and supine positions
  • Maximal treadmill exercise test using 12-lead electrocardiography and blood pressure monitoring and exertion assessments
    • A physician monitors and evaluates the test results from the exercise test.
    • Estimation of aerobic capacity (VO2 max)
    • Attain maximal heart rate

Orange Evaluation

Please refer to the Testing Packages with Corresponding Occupational References section for the corresponding occupational references. Testing is performed at CSU HPCRL and includes:

  • Evaluation of health history
  • Evaluation of medical history
  • Muscular strength and endurance testing
    • Grip strength test
    • Leg strength test
    • Arm strength test
    • Push-up test
    • Plank test
  • Flexibility test
  • Weight parameters
    • Body composition assessment using skinfold measurements
    • Sagittal diameter determination
    • Fat distribution (girth measurements)
  • Examination by a physician
  • Blood pressure in the standing, sitting, and supine positions
  • Maximal treadmill exercise test using 12-lead electrocardiography and blood pressure monitoring and exertion assessments
    • A physician monitors and evaluates the test results from the exercise test.
    • Estimation of aerobic capacity (VO2 max)
    • Attain maximal heart rate

Aggie Evaluation (Formerly Annual Evaluation)

Please refer to the Testing Packages with Corresponding Occupational References section for the corresponding occupational references. Testing is performed at CSU HPCRL or at your site and includes:

  • Grip strength test
  • Leg strength test
  • Arm strength test
  • Push-up test
  • Curl up test and/or plank test
  • Flexibility test
  • Body composition assessment using skinfold measurements
  • Submaximal cardiovascular fitness test on a treadmill using a heart rate monitor to assess response
  • Individualized feedback

We must have a minimum of ten people for testing to make a trip to your site. If you do not have ten individuals, we will still charge for ten evaluations. We also provide this service at the CSU HPCRL without the travel fee.

  • The fee includes the transport of equipment to the site and the compilation of data.
  • Travel expenses apply if the testing is performed at your site. See the Travel Expenses section for details.

Travel Expenses

Please contact us for an estimate of travel expenses.

Additional Testing Available

Some optional testing is available upon request

  • Hearing testing
  • Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
  • Red blood cell cholinesterase (RBCC) – required for HazMat personnel and US&R personnel
  • Heavy metals – required for HazMat personnel and US&R personnel
  • Lipoprotein a
  • Homocysteine
  • Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
  • Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3)
  • Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9)
  • Cancer antigen-125 (CA-125)
  • Alpha-1-fetoprotein (AFP)
  • Amylase
  • Lipase
  • TB Quantiferon
  • Dual Emission X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) for more detailed body composition assessment
Testing Packages with Corresponding Occupational References

Keywords

ASCVD = AtheroSclerotic CardioVascular Disease

NFPA = National Fire Protection Agency

WFI = Wellness Fitness Initiative from the International Association of Firefighters

^ Eligible for partial reimbursement by the Colorado Firefighter Heart, Cancer and Behavioral Health Trust
Testing parameter NFPA WFI Ram^ Ram Plus^ Gold Green Orange Aggie
Evaluation of health and medical history NFPA 1582 7.5, 7.5.1, 7.5.2, 7.5.3 X X X X X
Muscular strength & endurance testing NFPA 1582 8.2.2.2 WFI Appendix A page 21-23 X X X X
Flexibility testing NFPA 1582 8.2.2.2 X X X X
Pulmonary function testing (spirometry) includes vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC NFPA 1582 7.7.4, 7.7.4.1, 7.7.4.2, 7.7.4.3 WFI Appendix B page 2 X X X
Body composition using skin folds and girths NFPA 1582 8.1, 8.1.1, 8.1.2 (1, 3) WFI Appendix A page 17-20 and Appendix B page 1 X X X X
Body composition using DEXA X
Complete blood work and urinalysis - Includes bladder and blood cancer screenings NFPA 1582 7.7.1 (1-6), 7.7.2 (1-2), 7.7.18 WFI Appendix B page 1-2 and Appendix B page 3 X X X X
Examination by a physician X X X X X
Blood pressure (supine, sitting, and standing) X X X X X
Blood pressure (sitting only) X
Maximal treadmill testing (with 12 lead ECG) NFPA 1582 7.7.6, 7.7.6.1, 7.7.6.2, 7.7.6.3 stress ECG only without imaging, 1582 8.2.2.1.1 WFI Appendix B page 2 X X X X X
Submaximal treadmill testing NFPA 1582 8.2.2.1.1 WFI Appendix B page 2 X
Evaluation of psychosocial profile (specifically resiliency and stress management) X X
Sleep disturbance assessment NFPA 1582 7.7.22 WFI Appendix B page 3 X X
Coronary risk profile assessment including 2-, 10- and/or 30-year ASCVD risk as appropriate NFPA 1582 7.7.7.1, 7.7.7.3 WFI Appendix B page 2 X X
Individualized strategies to improve fitness and wellness WFI Appendix B page 3 X X
Written results X X X X X X
Individualized exercise prescription X X
One-on-one counseling session to review results and provide lifestyle counseling X X
Testing parameter NFPA WFI Ram^ Ram Plus^ Gold Green Orange Aggie

Mobile Evaluations

Cardiac One Risk Evaluation

Colorado State Statute 14-172, outlines the importance of ensuring our firefighters are equipped with health benefits to specifically address understanding and maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. Our CORE program ensures our firefighters have access to critical testing outlined by statute 14-172.

Aggie Evaluations

Please see our Aggie Evaluations offerings on our Testing Package Details drop down menu for more details