LATEST LEGAL UPDATES


The New York State Legislature recently passed a series of legislation that directly affects volunteer firefighters. The following have all been signed by Gov. Patterson:

SOURCE PATIENT TESTING

Provides appropriate information to medical personnel in situations where a volunteer has been involved in a significant exposure creating risk of contracting HIV infection. This will allow medical personnel to make decisions regarding post-exposure medical treatment for the responder.

CANCER IMPAIRMENT

Legislation exists that provides for a presumption that volunteer firefighter lung disabilities can be attributed to volunteer firefighting activity. This legislation has been extended for another 5 years. The presumption is still subject to scrutiny through the workers compensation claims process, but allows for other contributing factors to be considered (e.g., proliferation of synthetic chemicals and resulting fumes at fire scenes).

HEART BILL

Extends for another 5 years existing legislation that provides for a presumption that volunteer firefighter heart-related disabilities can be attributed to volunteer firefighting activity. Like the one above, this presumption is also subject to scrutiny through the workers compensation claims process but helps to establish a system of benefits for volunteers that die or become injured in the line of duty.


MRSA TRAINING

This is an online training opportunity through the University of Arizona on infection control.

 Go to http://www.ghi.arizona.edu/

On the right of the page click on “New User Registration (you will create a log on and password)

Go to http://www.ghi.arizona.edu/

On the right of the page go to User Log in and enter your “User Name and Password”

On the right click on “Learning Center”

At the bottom middle of the page click on E-Training, then click on the MRSA training.

You will be prompted to enter an enrollment key. For this course, the enrollment key is: MRSA101.

 

 

HAT AND SHIRT ORDERS

If you have not received your Department training t-shirt, winter skullcap or summer ballcap, please see Paul Murphy.

ROOM USAGE

Room rental/usage will follow prior rules. The reservation form is in the Communications Center, and must be filled out and approved prior to room usage. The dispatcher will keep a record of room reservations.

FIRE FIGHTER LINKS OF INTEREST

Check out these links:

http://www.compassionandsupport.org/index.php/for_professionals/molst_training_center/ems_molst_training
Link to the MOLST site that includes the on-line test. EMTs, please remember to take the test, print out your certificate afterwards, and submit a copy to the Chief's office for your records. Remember, this must be completed by December 31, 2008.

http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/media/2008/mar2/player.html
A great site that reminds us of traffic safety.

http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/media/2008/mar1/player.html
Wonder why we get physicals and why you should make it your goal to be physically fit? Here's the answer.

http://savesambulance.com/index.php?module=training
EMT-B protocol clarification, as well as new EMS class info