PEORIA, Ill. – A unique partnership between Bradley University and the Peoria Fire Department is giving students real-world experience, while helping firefighters stay in peak physical condition.
Second-year students in Bradley’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program have been working with local firefighters, guiding them through exercises and assessments to improve their fitness.
(25 News)
The collaboration, which has been going on for several years, brings firefighters to Bradley to work one-on-one with students.
On Monday, many firefighters participated in hands-on sessions with DPT students, while others shared their experiences with the program. The goal was to provide valuable clinical experience for future physical therapists and promote wellness and injury prevention.
“Looking long term, you know as a career you want to be able to be successful and to help the citizens of the city and do that to the best of your ability for a long time, you know twenty, thirty years so it is really important to take care of ourselves now.” Josh Hunt, a firefighter with the City of Peoria, told 25 News.
Leaders of the program said the partnership between Bradley University and the fire department has been a win-win. Students get a better understanding of how to tailor therapy plans to working professionals, and firefighters receive personalized guidance to help reduce injuries on the job.
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