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Public safety director seeks piggyback contract for NFPA 1582 firefighter physicals; county staff say program budgeted
Summary
Hardee County public safety director presented a piggyback agreement with LifeScan Wellness for NFPA 1582 annual firefighter physicals, described the scope of tests, and cited an annual estimated cost; commissioners discussed insurance, coverage and mandatory participation under the collective bargaining agreement.
At the May 1 workshop, Public Safety Director Casey Dasher presented a piggyback agreement with LifeScan Wellness to provide NFPA 1582–level medical physicals for Hardee County firefighters. Dasher explained that NFPA 1582 physicals are more comprehensive than routine exams and include ultrasound screening of organs, carotid and aortic checks, vision and hearing tests, spirometry, treadmill stress testing with EKG monitoring, and fitness assessments tailored by age and gender.
Dasher told commissioners the county has historically required NFPA 1582 physicals for new hires and that the proposed annual program would expand comprehensive, on-duty physicals for current firefighters in an effort described as prevention and a culture shift toward wellness. He said the program is carried out in-house—LifeScan brings equipment to county facilities—and that the service is in many southeastern departments.
Dasher presented an estimated annual cost of $23,850, or about $515 per firefighter, and said the county budget includes the line item. Commissioners asked whether participation is mandatory; Dasher said that because the county is paying and the program is in the collective-bargaining agreement it is mandatory for covered firefighters. Commissioners discussed whether a scaled-down version could be offered to other county employees or whether insurance might cover some preventive elements; Dasher said LifeScan offers a less extensive exam for general employees and that staff will continue to explore options with the county’s insurance and AdventHealth.
No formal vote on the piggyback agreement was recorded in the workshop transcript; Dasher said procurement documentation was in order and that costs were budgeted for the current fiscal year.
