Although most COVID-19 patients recover after their initial infection, about 10% to 20% experience new, returning, or lingering symptoms for weeks or months. Over the past year this condition has been called many names, including “long COVID” and “chronic COVID-19 syndrome.” But until now, there was a lack of an official clinical definition that detailed the time of onset, duration, and types of symptoms.
- PUB DATE: 10/26/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Very Well Health

The community of Naches is mourning the loss of one of its newest volunteer firefighters. 35-year-old Blake Nelson passed away on Friday, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his family. Naches Fire Chief Alan Baird says Nelson has been with the department for about two years, and recently completed recruit class in the spring.
- PUB DATE: 10/26/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS/CW+ 29 Yakima

A federal judge in Spokane has denied a motion to halt Washington’s vaccine mandate for state workers and emergency responders. A group of state workers is suing Governor Jay Inslee, Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer, Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste and others. The workers say their civil rights are being violated.
- PUB DATE: 10/25/2021 3:46:22 PM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

Brighton (New Zealand) volunteer firefighters recently took delivery of a new fire truck, reports odt.co.nz.

The apparatus—housed at the department’s Cole Street station—will be used by the 18 volunteers to respond to medical alerts, vehicle incidents, search and rescue operations, and natural disasters, in addition to local fire and emergency calls.

It has a larger size and a more user-friendly layout than its predecessor, officials say.

Newman Lake (WA) Fire and Rescue added two new vehicles to its fleet—Squad 13-1 and Squad 13-2: smaller, lighter, and easier-to-maneuver-than-brush-trucks medic trucks, reports spokesman.com.

The heavy-duty, 4-wheel-drive apparatus are large but still a couple feet narrower than the brush trucks, officials say.

They’re designed to carry 500 gallons of water and fire hoses, and can carry more EMS equipment than the brush trucks, according to the report. Squad 13-1, based out of Station 1 on Starr Road, also carries the technical rescue equipment. Squad 13-2 is based at Station 2.

The new trucks also can carry five people, as opposed to the three a brush truck can fit. The brush trucks will still be used to respond to fire calls, officials say, but they’ll go on fewer runs.