CC_Minutes_2017_1016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, October 16, 2017 Page 4 Fire Chief O'Neill responded that approximately two years ago, the department had put in place a Health and Wellness Committee to deal with those very issues. Chief O'Neill advised that there were three tiers in place: a minimum annual OSHA examination, pulmonary exams (full blood screens/draws and chest x- rays), and a full stress test. Due to the cancer awareness issues in particular, Chief O'Neill advised that a lot of internal standards had thus changed (e.g. two sets of turnout gear for each firefighter), decontamination supplies for medical calls (e.g. sanitary wipes)to ensure equipment was sanitized. Also, Chief O'Neill noted the research indicating longer periods of time after a fire to keep firefighters at the station to get them showered and get the smoke off them. As part of that, Chief O'Neill advised that the department may be seeking a sauna in the future, not for enjoyment, but based on research available for ways to detoxify bodies after fires. Chief O'Neill suggested a stationary bike in the sauna could provide a twenty-minute sauna and exercise after exposure to chemicals, shown to reduce all toxins by triple the normal process. Chief O'Neill noted that, when responding to a structure fire, it was typical for that lingering smoke odor to remain on firefighters for several days after, as at- tested to by families of firefighters. Chief O'Neill noted that the department con- tinued to address the proven fact that firefighters are twice as likely to get cancer, thus part of the department's focus to address this serious issue. To-date, Chief O'Neill reported that most of these changes had been accomplished through the department's operations budget as they represented small expenses (e.g. physical exams). Chief O'Neill noted that many of these health and safety issues had been unknown for years, but the goal of the department in catching things early on now was to make future generations of firefighters safer and healthier. Mayor Roe expressed his appreciation to the department for getting ahead of the curve within their industry; noting that the legislature was also aware of the is- sues, but had yet to catch up to the industry. Mayor Roe suggested any related legislative issues be included in the upcoming legislative agenda discussion by the City Council. Chief O'Neill advised that firefighters were working on legislation, with the goal to protect firefighters and their exposure to ensure it was addressed as well as pos- sible. Following up on the Chief s comments regarding raising money for a sauna, Councilmember McGehee suggested working with local sauna firms for their as- sistance. Councilmember McGehee noted the need to be aware of home building products and the toxicity they bring into play for the safety of residents and fire- fighters.