Department physician outlines COVID toll, testing and new wellness efforts for SFFD

Doctor Jennifer Brokaw, the San Francisco Fire Department’s supervising physician, briefed the commission on the physician’s office role, the department’s COVID experience and wellness initiatives.

Broader role: Brokaw said the physician’s office conducts new‑hire medical screens, fitness‑for‑duty and modified‑duty assessments, coordinates workers’ compensation claims and works on wellness and OSHA compliance. She described a newsletter and webinars intended to counter misinformation and provide clear health guidance to field personnel.

COVID impact and testing: Brokaw reported "about 229 cases of COVID in our department" with "I think the number is 6 hospitalizations." She said at one point 51 members were quarantined in August and the department implemented rapid antigen testing at stations with two or more cases in a week to quickly identify asymptomatic cases and help keep negative staff at work.

Wellness and screenings: The physician’s 'Know Your Numbers' cardiovascular screening has screened over 100 firefighters to assess ten‑year cardiovascular risk and to guide potential pilot programs. Brokaw said the department will roll out mobile TB and hearing screenings and expand mental‑health services, including a first‑responder‑focused therapist network available free through the employee assistance program starting in January.

Brokaw emphasized prevention and education, said vaccination counseling has been a major part of her work and that the department is aiming to improve long‑term health outcomes through screenings, hearing protections and mental‑health support.