REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BILLY ALCORN, Interim Fire Chief
Fire Department
SUBJECT
title
Approve a Consultant Services Contract with Gaetke Medical Corporation and 1582, LLC for Annual Fitness/Wellness Evaluations (Annual Physicals) for the Fresno Fire Department sworn personnel in the amount not to exceed $261,000
body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve a Consultant Services Contract with Gaetke Medical Corporation and 1582, LLC for Annual Fitness/Wellness Evaluations (Annual Physicals) for the Fresno Fire Department sworn personnel.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
It is recommended that Council approve a Consultant Services Contract with Gaetke Medical Corporation and 1582, LLC for Annual Fitness/Wellness Evaluations (Annual Physicals) for the Fresno Fire Department sworn personnel in the amount not to exceed $261,000. In January 2022, the Fire Department submitted a grant application with AFG in the amount of $260,250 (City Match $23,659) to provide funding for NFPA 1582 physicals with enhanced screening for cancer and heart disease. With repeated exposure to smoke and hazardous materials, it is the goal of the Fire Department to afford its members with a quality of life both during and after their careers. Early detection is key to preventing members from being victims of cancer and heart disease. This grant will greatly help with this goal. Acceptance of this grant was approved by Council on September 29, 2022.
BACKGROUND
NFPA 1582 sets forth a comprehensive medical evaluation that matches the workloads of firefighters and the ability of a firefighter to medically and safely perform those duties. The standard was introduced in 1992 and has undergone several revisions; the latest revision was in 2022.
While pre-employment physicals are completed in accordance with standards set by NFPA 1582 and NFPA 1583, little to no follow-up is conducted once an employee passes the pre-employment physical exam. Although the Department has provided physicals in the past, there is no ongoing program that would advise of health issues unless specifically noted by a physician, with the exception of Hazardous Materials Response Team members who receive biannual physicals with baseline blood tests due to the nature of their work.
The objective for the grant application, and subsequent request for proposal, is to provide all members with a comprehensive NFPA 1582 integrated physical with enhanced screening for cancer and heart disease. This diagnostic exam includes a Cancer Screening Program which meets NFPA 1582. The exam screens for cancers that are prevalent in the fire service and will benefit our members by providing a reliable means for early detection of life-threatening disease. The inherent nature of the profession exposes firefighters to carcinogens each time they respond to a fire related incident. With all our efforts, we realize we cannot prevent all work-related illnesses. Knowing this, we feel a responsibility to provide a means for early detection of long-term health risks including cancer and heart disease.
On August 19, 2022, the Fresno Fire Department was awarded a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant and accepted by Council on September 29, 2022. This awarded grant amount is $236,590.90 with a local match of $23,659.10.
On February 22, 2023, a Notice Inviting Proposals was published in the Business Journal and the Request for Proposals was posted on Planet Bids with links available on the City of Fresno’s website. Two firms responded. The two proposals were reviewed and Gaetke Medical Corporation was selected based on cost per member being the lowest.
The RFP sought to include:
Occupational Health Testing
• Audiogram - Occupational Hearing Exam
• Biometric Screening
• Spirometry (Pulmonary Function Test)
• Vision Screening
• Resting EKG
• Blood Pressure Monitoring
• Vital Signs
Physical Exam - NFPA 1582
• Physical Examination as outlined in NFPA 1582
• Medical History Review
• Skin Cancer Assessment
• Cardiac Risk Stratification
• Sleep Disturbance Apnea Assessment
• Health Promotion Counseling - Review
• OSHA Respirator Questionnaire
• Firefighter Medical Clearance - 1582 TIERS
Laboratory Blood / Urine Testing
• Complete Blood Count with Differential
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
• Fasting Lipid Panel
• Urinalysis
• Diabetes Screening - Fasting Glucose - A1C Hemoglobin
• C-Reactive Protein
• Prostate Specific Antigen
• Hemoccult Test
• CA-125 (female only)
• Thyroid Panel
• Hepatitis Profile Screening
Cardiac and Pulmonary Assessment
• Stress EKG, WFI Protocol
• Aerobic Capacity
• Treadmill Stress EKG
• Ultrasound Screening - Carotid and Aortic Aneurysm Screening
• Chest X-Ray - Two View (PA and LAT) with Radiologic Review*
*NFPA 1582 is very clear Chest X-Ray should only be done when medically indicated
Cancer and Disease Assessment
• Ultrasound Screening - Thyroid
• Ultrasound Screening - Pancreas, Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen and Kidney
• Ultrasound Screening - External Pelvic (Female Only)
• Ultrasound Screening - Prostate and Testicular (Male Only)
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a project pursuant to CEQA guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was implemented, but the selected vendor had the lowest bid.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the annual physicals will be funded through a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
Attachment: Consulting Services Agreement