New Rehabilitation Clinic for First Responders Opens in West Chester

A new rehabilitation clinic dedicated to first responders officially opened its doors on March 15, 2024, at the Fame Fire Company in West Goshen. The facility, operated by ProTeam Tactical Performance (PTP), aims to provide specialized care for firefighters, police officers, and emergency service personnel recovering from job-related injuries.

Approximately 50 members of the local fire, police, and emergency medical services gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant milestone for the community. The clinic, located on the second floor of the firehouse, uniquely partners with local first responders to cater to their specific health needs.

State-of-the-Art Facility for Specialized Care

The West Chester clinic is committed to addressing injuries commonly sustained in high-stress professions. With a team of qualified physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists, PTP focuses on accelerating recovery times, reducing time away from work, and promoting long-term health among first responders.

The facility is equipped with advanced rehabilitation technology and offers personalized treatment programs tailored to the unique physical demands faced by public safety professionals. Treatments will encompass various muscular and skeletal injuries, including strains, sprains, and other common ailments affecting the ankles, knees, and backs.

At the opening, Jim Sorgi, co-founder and co-CEO of ProTeam Tactical Performance, emphasized the importance of this resource for first responders. “They put their lives on the line every day for the safety of their communities,” Sorgi stated. “Our mission is to ensure they receive the same level of specialized care and recovery resources that professional athletes do.”

Community Impact and Support

The clinic aims to restore confidence and prevent future injuries among first responders. For instance, firefighters will practice ceiling pulls, while police officers will train with their equipment belts to prepare for re-entering the workforce with assurance and reduced hesitancy.

Joey Vandever, a former professional baseball player with the St. Louis Cardinals, highlighted the motivation of first responders. “They want to work and serve their community,” he noted. “Our job is to treat them at a high level so they can continue doing what they love to do.”

Vandever assured that first responders in Chester County would receive the same elite care he experienced as an athlete. He mentioned that a dedicated trainer would spend an entire hour focused on each individual, ensuring personalized attention.

The initiative has garnered support from local law enforcement. West Goshen Police Department Chief Michael Carroll played a crucial role in bringing PTP to the area. He pointed out that Officer Justin DiMedio was instrumental in establishing the partnership, which is expected to expedite recovery for officers and improve their home lives.

Jordan Morris, a licensed physical therapist at PTP, expressed excitement about the clinic’s opening. “It’s a one-of-a-kind clinic and the first of its kind on the East Coast,” he stated.

Local leaders recognize the significance of having such specialized care available. Chief Carroll remarked, “The demands of law enforcement and firefighting are unlike any other profession. Having ProTeam Tactical Performance right here in West Chester means our officers and firefighters will get specialized care that keeps them healthier, safer, and able to serve the community at their best.”

Mark Scanlon, Chief of the West Chester Fire Department, echoed these sentiments, expressing enthusiasm about the partnership. He believes the clinic will not only benefit firefighters but will also enhance collaboration among police, fire, and EMS professionals, ultimately improving outcomes for the communities they serve.

For more information about ProTeam Tactical Performance and its services, visit www.proteamtactical.com.