Archive for June 6th, 2017

Cancer in the fire service

Excerpts from tucsonnews.com:

Firefighters are at an elevated risk of getting the deadly skin cancer, melanoma. In fact according to a recent study, they are three times more likely to get it than the general population. However, it is not just from sun exposure. With fires burning hotter and faster now as more homes are built with synthetic materials, chemicals are released and can seep through the cloth on their helmets.

The Derm Spectra machine may play a crucial role in early detection, especially for Arizona firefighters, as the state has the highest rate of skin cancer in the country.

“Melanoma is a very deadly type of skin cancer but if identified early, 98 percent of those cases are curable,” Well America Physician, Dr. Wayne Peate said.

After a series of photographs, every inch of skin is documented and put on a CD for the firefighter’s dermatologist. So at every check-up, doctors can monitor any changes.

“It eliminates the recall bias, did that look bigger last time or not?” Dr. Peate said.

The Greater Tucson Fire Foundation is helping to provide more than 1,800 southern Arizona firefighters with free skin cancer testing. The Foundation along with the Pima County Fire Chiefs Association each donated more than $11,000 to purchase the Derm Spectra. The machine cost $115,000.

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As seen around … Skokie

Josh Boyajian photographed some of the Skokie apparatus at Station 18 sporting their new colors

Skokie FD Ambulance 18

Skokie FD Ambulance 18 – 2015 IHC Terra Star/Horton Type I. Josh Boyajian photo

Skokie FD Engine 18

Skokie Engine 18 – 2004 Pierce Dash 1500/500. Josh Boyajian photo

Skokie FD Squad 18

Skokie Squad 18 – 2007 Pierce Dash 1500/500/30. Josh Boyajian photo

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New ambulance for Hillside

From the Foster Coach Sales Facebook page:

Brand new custom Horton conversion on a Ford E450 chassis

Hillside FD ambulance

New ambulance for Hillside. Foster Coach Sales photo

Hillside FD ambulance

Foster Coach Sales photo

Hillside FD ambulance

Foster Coach Sales photo

new ambulance delivery

Foster Coach Sales photo

chevron striping om rear of ambulance

Foster Coach Sales photo

new ambulance interior

Foster Coach Sales photo

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Elmhurst Fire Department news (more)

Here is a picture of the ALS Rapid Response vehicle that the Elmhurst Fire Department put into service this weekend. The vehicle, which is labeled “Rescue 1” is provided by & staffed by Metro Paramedic Services. Out of the three options the City of Elmhurst looked at (upgrading to ALS engines; running a 3rd ambulance; running an ALS rapid response vehicle), this is the one that was chosen.  

Elmhurst Fire Department Rescue 1

Elmhurst Fire Department Rescue 1

 

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