New research by Cassandra Kwon, a research assistant professor at NC State’s Textile Protection and Comfort Center, and former Ph.D. student Meredith McQuerry, who is currently an associate professor at Florida State University, suggests that many women firefighters may struggle with poorly fitting gear that is designed with the male form in mind.
- PUB DATE: 11/24/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Technician Online

Researchers at Columbia Engineering have teamed up with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) to upgrade the FDNY's ambulance Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response operations and optimize hospital capacity balancing so that hospitals aren’t overwhelmed in the future by an unprecedented patient surge like the one that occurred in the early months of the pandemic.
- PUB DATE: 11/24/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Newswise

Thursday marks the second Thanksgiving during the coronavirus pandemic. Many grandparents are excitedly planning to see their grandchildren. Friends are dressing their dining tables for turkey and loved ones. Some people have flights booked or road trips scheduled. But in the background, COVID-19 case numbers are inching upward across the United States and millions of Americans remain unvaccinated -- leaving some people worried about the possible COVID-19 risks that could come with their Thanksgiving plans.
- PUB DATE: 11/24/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: CNN Health

Five City of Spokane firefighters with COVID vaccine exemptions are returning to work. New accommodations have been found for these five people in the dispatch center and a sixth is possible, according to City Spokesman Brian Coddington. All firefighters were required to get vaccinated by October 18 per the state’s employee vaccine mandate.
- PUB DATE: 11/24/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

Opioid overdoses have increased by 200% between 2019 and 2020 in Clark County, and health officials say the spike may be linked to fentanyl. In 2019 there were 13 deaths from opioid overdoses, while in 2020 there were 39 deaths. Many of the overdoses happened between November 15-21 and involved people ages 18 to 44, according to Washington’s Department of Health.
- PUB DATE: 11/24/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOIN-TV NBC 6 Portland