John Reubi, a fire marshal in Ross, Pennsylvania, hears one question more often than not when recruiting new volunteer firefighters: “What’s in it for me?”

In 1974 Pennsylvania had 300,000 volunteer firefighters compared to only 72,000 in 2005. With the number of volunteer firefighters falling drastically some lawmakers are hoping to raise tax credits available to them to boost recruiting.

Although two similar bills have failed, U.S. Rep Jason Altmire (D-McCandless) hopes to get one passed that will provide an annual federal $1000 tax credit to active volunteer firefighters and emergency workers who serve for at least one year.

What tax credits are available in your state? Are you reimbursed for any medical equipment bags and cases? How about EMS clothing and accessories? Take this week’s poll on tax credits and post a comment on the EMP Emergency Services Blog about how your US State Government ranks.

Source
Associated Press/pennlive.com

Share This

Yakima City Council, in Washington, hosted a public hearing last night to vote on whether an increase in the current EMS levy should be put on November’s ballot. If the proposed increase of $3.43 per month for the average home-owner passes in November the city would have $1,300,000 more to spend on emergency medical services. Included in these services are new equipment, enabling firefighters to responder faster, as well as putting a paramedic on each fire truck, and adding another dispatcher.

Deputy Fire Marshall Ron Melcher commented, “This would increase the survivability for anyone cause now you’ve got a paramedics and now advanced skills can be performed on you sooner.”

While one would hope this vote passed favorably with flying colors it unfortunately did not. While many community members gladly supported the proposal the business community had a number of questions and didn’t want to rush into something so permanent.

How do you think your community would vote if this was proposed in your city? When a victim’s life is at risk and the paramedics have not made the scene yet what does your fire department do? Take this week’s poll and share your thoughts on the issue.

Article Sources
KNDO/KNDU
Yakimaherald.com

Share This

Who do you think will make a better president when it comes to supporting the EMS field? Whether you’re an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or know someone in the field let your peers know who you’re voting for and while you’re at it leave a comment and tell us why. Take the Emergency Services Blog poll and tell EMP who you plan on voting for.

Share This

Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, located in Kentucky, is recalling Lean Pockets Spinach Artichoke Chicken sandwiches that may contain pieces of plastic the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Monday. The Class I Recall products were produced on May 23, 2008 and distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

Consumers should look for the following information on the side of 9-ounce boxes of Lean Pockets Spinach Artichoke Chicken Sandwiches:

• “Best Before” date of “Nov 2009″ followed by a package code beginning “8144 544616”
• Establishment number “P7721A”

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Nestlé Consumer Services Center at (800) 350-5016.

Airway Obstruction Manikins and Trainers

Share This

Emergency Medical Products (EMP) will be exhibiting at the Firehouse Expo July 22-27, 2008 in Baltimore, Maryland. EMP hopes to meet all you fire, rescue, and EMS professionals at the Baltimore Convention Center. Stop by the EMP booth (#2505) and pick up your free first aid kit!

Share This

The Emergency Services Blog by Emergency Medical Products is now featuring a poll. Take a minute to see what the burning question is and who’s thinking what. It only takes a few seconds and you’ll see results immediately. Our first poll – Who are you voting for this fall? John McCain? Barack Obama? Rock the Vote!

Share This

You’ve most likely been warned but now the time has come. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a public health advisory that if you’re still using a Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Asthma Inhaler it’s time to get with your doctor to make a change.

The production and sale of the ozone damaging CFC propelled albuterol inhalers will not be available after December 31, 2008. CFCs harm the Earth’s ozone layer which protects us from ultraviolet radiation. Healthcare professionals are urged to transition patients to the hydrofluoralkane (HFA) propelled albuterol inhalers now.

The FDA noted HFA propelled albuterol inhalers may taste and feel different (softer) than the CFC propelled albuterol inhalers. The FDA also stressed the importance of priming and cleaning in order to prevent any blockage of the medicine reaching the lungs.

There are currently three approved HFA propelled albuterol inhalers: Proair HFA Inhalation Aerosol, Proventil HFA Inhalation Aerosol, and Ventolin HFA Inhalation Aerosol. In addition, an HFA propelled inhaler containing levalbuterol, a medicine similar to albuterol, is available as Xopenex HFA Inhalation Aerosol. All of the above HFA propelled inhalers are safe and effective replacements for CFC propelled albuterol inhalers.

FAQ
More Info

Share This

On November 24 2008, a new federal regulation (23 CFR 634) goes into effect mandating that anyone working in the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway must be wearing high-visibility clothing that meets the requirements of ANSI / ISEA 107; 2004 edition class 2 or 3. This requirement will apply to all emergency responders.

Emergency Medical Products currently carries the Gerber Thriller X Reversible Duty Jacket. The Duty jacket is available in Black, Navy, or Brown reversing to a Lime-Yellow ANSI 107 Class 3 garment. This garment meets the highest level of the ANSI high visibility standard for protection, and comes with a removable liner for extra warmth.

Emergency Medical Products is an official Gerber Outerwear distributor. Please contact our customer service department at 800.558.6270 if interested in any Gerber High Visibility Garments or Gerber Outerwear Products. If you need it, we can get it.

Share This

July 4th is right around the corner and you know what that means…fireworks. Check out these safety tips from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Although this didn’t make the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s list remember that alcohol and fireworks do not mix, have a designated shooter. Also be sure to obey the law and find out what fireworks are legal in your city, county, and state, as ordinances and regulations vary from place to place.

On this 232nd birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence let’s thank our military for their countless dedication and determination. Let’s also thank those who will find themselves working and volunteering this holiday – Police Officers, EMS Providers, Fire/Rescue Workers, Hospital Employees – doing their best to protect and serve the American people to ensure a safe and happy Fourth of July Celebration.

Share This