Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute set to fight mental, physical stressors

LAWRENCE – From May 26-29, first responders across the state of Kansas, representing multiple fire and emergency service agencies, will participate in a four-day mental and physical health, wellness and resilience training workshop.

The workshop, sponsored by Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute at the University of Kansas, will be run by O2X Human Performance, a training and education company founded by former Navy SEALs. As tactical athletes, first responders risk their lives daily to keep their communities safe. They endure physical and, more importantly, mental stress throughout their careers. As a result, it’s become critical that they train their bodies properly to stay healthy, but also maintain their mental health.

Beginning Thursday, May 26, both fire and EMS personnel take the first step in this program with a focus on their overall health and wellness based on a prepared curriculum provided by O2X certified professionals across a variety of fields germane to promoting physical and mental performance.

During the sessions, first responders will learn about nutrition, strength training, sleep science, stress management and resilience from the O2X team. The group will also be participating in physical training, yoga, practical activities and taking baseline performance assessments that will be used to track progress over their career.

O2X Human Performance works with thousands of first responders and designed programs for federal, state and local agencies nationwide. They provide state-of-the-art training and education aimed specifically at helping tactical athletes finish their careers as strong as they started.

“Being a firefighter involves a lot more than extinguishing fires and responding to emergency medical incidents,” said Kelly McCoy, director of the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute, part of the KU Lifelong & Professional Education unit. “We’re looking forward to partnering with O2X in offering firefighters and first responders in the state of Kansas an opportunity to learn how best to handle the mental and physical strains they may experience on the job. These are valuable lessons and habits that will help them prioritize their overall wellness throughout their careers.”

“We’re excited to bring the O2X curriculum to the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute,” said Paul McCullough, co-founder at O2X Human Performance. “This workshop will act as a foundation for these firefighters to keep their physical health and mental wellness a part of their daily lives in order to stay prepared for the demands of the job.”

The workshops will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kansas National Guard, Nickell Barracks Training Center, 2930 Scanlan Ave., Salina.