Participants at the training: Front row Jason Branscombe, Marie-Eve Rochette, Leigh-Ann Darling, Carol-Lynn Ross , Ginel Stephenson, Caitlin Salisbury, Katherine Riddle, Evelyn Keller, Howie Woodruff. Centre row Col Wauthier, Ryan Abrams, Krista Nicole Grant, Kelly Mackenzie-Rife, Selena Neily, Marcel Roy, Shelly Osmond, Heather Ash, Natacha Tremblay, Mr Randy Helgason CPSP, Capt Daniel Crumback. Back row Stacey Soule, Janelle Boyd, Phillip Young, Sara Smiley, Aprill Denney, Cheryl Bamford, Katherine Eddy, Duane Farrell, Carolynn Derkson, Steve Mitchell.Missing Neala Emerson.

The 2004 Health and Lifestyle Information Survey reported that injuries and physical inactivity were amongst the primary factors limiting deployability in the CF. In order to address these important issues, and as part of the CF Health and Fitness Strategy, 33 Personal Support Programs (PSP) Physical Exercise Specialists (PES) were hired on Bases and Wings across the CF.

The PES positions were created with the primary intent of providing a specialized PSP staff member within the continuum of care that will work with other health and wellness professionals in the delivery of physical reconditioning programmes for CF members with functional limitations or disabilities.

The inaugural PES Indoctrination course was held at CFB Borden from the 16^th to the 27^th of March 2009 and delivered by a multidisciplinary team of PSP and CF Health professionals. “The success of the PES is largely dependent on the support of medical and physiotherapy staff. Having, health services staff as well as PSP staff work together and take such an active role in the development and delivery of this inaugural training bodes well for the success of these positions in the long term”, says Daryl Allard, Directorate of Fitness, Senior Fitness Manager.

The training was offered in two separate modules. The first being an Indoctrination module for PES’ new to the defence team while the second module focused on the primary PES mandate of working with CF personnel who are injured and/or have special medical conditions. In total 22 PES attended the inaugural training.

“I believe this is amongst the most important training that the PSP Training Centre has facilitated” says Howie Woodruff PSP Training Centre Chief Instructor. “‘the PES’ will go a long way in helping our dedicated soldiers, sailors and air personnel return to functional active duty.”

A second training is tentatively schedule for the fall 2009. “We are awaiting the after-action report and based on its recommendations will be able to put together a revised PES Indoctrination course that will build on the successes of this one”, says Daryl Allard.

For more information regarding the PES on your Base or Wing, please contact your local PSP Fitness Coordinator or Daniel Bourgoin, National Physical Fitness Coordinator via email at Daniel.Bourgoin@forces.gc.ca.

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MW Team Updates • Director General Personnel & Family Support Services
July 2009 • Serving Those Who Serve • www.cfpsa.com