Indiana firefighters could get annual blood testing for exposure to synthetic PFAS chemicals through a proposed pilot program, according to a new bill introduced in the state house. First developed in the 1940s, PFAS is a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been extensively used in numerous applications including nonstick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, fast food wrappers and firefighting foam.
- PUB DATE: 1/19/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WVPE-FM 88.1 Michiana

Mooresville Fire-Rescue has new technology to help them arrive at a 911 call faster, when seconds count most. The new tech is called AVL (Auto Vehicle Locator) and it works in conjunction with CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) to ensure the closest firefighters and EMT's get to the call quickly. Mooresville already averages a fire truck arriving at a call within five minutes, 85 percent of the time, but AVL will help improve that number.
- PUB DATE: 1/19/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Mooresville Patch

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention breaks the opioid epidemic into three waves. The first wave began with the introduction of OxyContin—the highly addictive painkiller made by Purdue Pharma and introduced in 1996—and an increase in prescribing opioids. Spiked opioid addiction rates quickly followed.
- PUB DATE: 1/19/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KNDO-TV NBC 23 Yakima

The United States has not yet reached a national peak of the omicron variant, the nation’s top doctor said, urging caution even as the explosion of cases has started to plateau in some areas. “We shouldn’t expect a national peak in the next coming days — the next few weeks will be tough,” U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H.
- PUB DATE: 1/19/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Washington Post - Metered Site

VIDEO: Colleagues, friends and family paid respects to Clark County Fire District 6 firefighter Joe Killian, who passed away earlier this month at age 56 following a battle with cancer. Killian worked as a firefighter and paramedic for more than 25 years. According to friends, he had a larger than life spirit that could easily make your worries go away.
- PUB DATE: 1/19/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KGW-TV NBC 8 Portland