The International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters have released the third edition of their Wellness-Fitness Initiative in a DVD format. This latest revision includes additional information to help chiefs overcome the most common obstacles in implementing the WFI. For example, in the latest edition is a cost-justification chapter that reviews the economic impact of the WFI on the 10 charter cities by calculating occupational claims and costs.

Anoter new chapter on implementation helps departments get started and offers a step-by-step approach to full implementation of the WFI. Fire chiefs can use this process to evaluate current wellness-fitness programs or design and implement a new one.

WFI fitness protocols also have been updated and now include a video demonstration for each. The appendix and accompanying video illustrate the proper methods and equipment for determining body composition, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. The Gerkin and FDNY protocols have been replaced with the new WFI Stepmill and WFI Treadmill protocols.

Copies of the WFI third edition DVD are available via the IAFC's website at www.iafc.org/publications. There also is a low-resolution version at the Wellness-Fitness Program webpage.