Czechia

The work of police officers, fire fighters and other members of public safety organisations is physically and mentally demanding. The Optima project, implemented by the service facility for the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, raises awareness of the importance of caring for one’s health. It offers training on stress management techniques and other means of increasing physical and mental resilience. The project targets the 70,000 members and employees, of all ages, of the Czech Republic’s public safety organisations. The Optima project began to operate roughly 3 years ago. Its methodical implementation is ongoing, in the form of practical training programmes, 2-week residential rehabilitation courses and support for lifelong education. In addition to increasing members’ interest in improving their health, fitness and mental stability, the educational activities focus on effective training procedures in the areas of: • correct movement habits to reduce the risk of injury and stress and increase performance; • relaxation; • comprehensive fitness training; • stress management; • physical exercise to prevent back, shoulder, neck, knee 
and hip pain; • prevention of injuries and support for the immune 
system; • functional performance and resilience in real-world 
situations; • better quality sleep; • improved ability to concentrate; • nutrition; and • stress management in extreme situations. 
 In cooperation with the health insurance company of the Ministry of the Interior and the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport of Charles University, an educational DVD was produced, entitled Recovery and Compensatory Exercises for Members of Public Safety Organisations. At present, other videos and methodological materials are being prepared. 
A key tool is the Optima test, which assesses physical condition, stress levels and motor skills by measuring heart rate variability and the electrical activity of the brain using the latest technology. This adds value to the training process using bio-feedback. 
The success of the project has led to the decision to include the methodology in the basic training of all security forces of the Ministry of the Interior. • A change in strategy with regard to the issue of health, fitness and mental resilience in a department of the Ministry of the Interior. • Implementation of more than 100 educational programmes with more than 1,500 trained participants; excellent feedback has been received from members. • A demonstrable increase in members’ interest in the issue of caring for their own health, fitness and mental resilience. • The pilot Optima test has shown very positive preliminary results. • An instructional DVD, entitled Recovery and Compensatory Exercises for Members of Public Safety Organisations, has been distributed.

Level of Education: Continuing vocational education and training

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