Brookfield Renewable U.S. recently donated $8,000 to the Fulton Fire Department toward the purchase of a rapid deployment rescue boat and additional rescue equipment, said Fulton Fire Chief Adam Howard, OswegoCountyNewsNow.com reported.

According to the company’s website, Brookfield Renewable U.S. is a leading owner, operator and developer of renewable power, delivering innovative, renewable power solutions that accelerate the world towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.

A rapid deployment craft, or RDC, allows a rescuer or rescue team to quickly reach a victim and safely retrieve them from open or ice-covered water, the chief said.

In addition to the RDC, the donation helped purchase ropes, life vests, helmets, swiftwater rescue suits and more, the report said.

Dorchester County is spending millions to improve its firefighting infrastructure, which includes opening two fire stations this year, postandcourier.com reported.

The Ladson Fire and EMS Station on Ladson Road is being rebuilt after the old building was demolished in March 2022, the report said. The old Ladson Fire and EMS Station’s entrance didn’t face the road, but the new one will, a fire official said.

The $3.3 million project will hold up to 12 employees, including EMS, nine vehicles and other various equipment, according to the report.

The department hopes to move into the Ladson station in April or May.

The county recently finished working on a new volunteer fire station on Sandridge Road, near St. George, the report said. It will offer a level of service that didn’t exist before in the area, a fire official said. 

A state House bill, HB 1341, wouldn’t allow Indiana fire departments to purchase gear unless it has a label stating whether or not it contains PFAS, wfyi.com reported. The harmful chemicals are used in firefighters’ clothing and other equipment to keep them dry.

Among other things, exposure to PFAS has been linked to kidney cancer, problems with the immune system and developmental issues in children, the report said.

An official with the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana said there are only a handful of companies that sell firefighting gear and all of them use PFAS. That’s why the national firefighters’ union is working to pass this kind of legislation in multiple states, the report said. To put pressure on the federal government to do some research and development and get these textile companies to start making PFAS-free gear, the official said, according to the report.

• Firefighter Health and Wellness
• Out of My Mind: Health and Wellness
• Presentation on Health and Wellness in the Fire Service
• Six Ways to Optimize Firefighter Health and Wellness

Chief Concerns Richard Marinucci

As I travel and interact with firefighters, either in classes or informally during discussions about the job, I will often ask them what they consider the most valuable resource of their fire department. The answer is always, “Our people.” I agree and then ask them for some proof. I will prod a bit to generate discussion.

 

What do you wash first after a fire? Your most valuable resource? Does your organization invest in the health of its firefighters with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, compliant physicals? Does everyone have two sets of turnout gear? I can go on, but you probably get the picture. In many cases, the actions of departments and individuals don’t match their statements about most valuable resources.

It is a bit of a trick question, but it is intended to get individuals and organizations to begin to truly evaluate their efforts to improve firefighter safety, health, and wellness. There must be a wholistic approach that looks at activities on emergency responses and all the other times. It will consider mental and physical well-being. The efforts begin with the hiring of the firefighters and continue until the individuals end their employment with the goal of a long and healthy retirement. Helping with this is the ongoing and ever-expanding research that provides valid reasons to take action.

• Out of My Mind: Health and Wellness
• Presentation on Health and Wellness in the Fire Service
• Six Ways to Optimize Firefighter Health and Wellness

Everyone should know the major threats to firefighters resulting from the work they are asked to perform. Annually, the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) listed by the United States Fire Administration is cardiac-related. This is only true because cancer-related deaths are only beginning to be counted as a cause. When added in, the LODD may include up to 80% related to occupational cancer. This information must drive decision making in fire departments and change operations to address these known threats.

There are things that can be done to help in these areas. Most of the actions that can be taken are preincident. Promotion of fitness/wellness programs will have a positive impact on reducing cardiac-related events. Annual NFPA 1982 physicals can identify risks and catch potential concerns early so corrective measures can be taken.

Turning to the emergency scene, solid rehab policies will improve outcomes. Simple things like rotation of personnel, hydration, and fuel replacement must become standard practices. Monitoring personnel and any deviation from normal expectations must be recognized by all personnel, especially officers. Pay attention to actions and what is being said. If an individual openly states that he doesn’t feel well, don’t leave him alone. Begin a medical assessment. Regarding things that can be done for cancer prevention and exposure, mandate gross decontamination on the scene, use some approved type of wipe to remove contaminants as soon as possible, have personnel shower within an hour of an event, and implement other simple yet cost-effec