Just two days after its discovery on Nov. 24, the WHO classified the Omicron variant as one of concern On Nov. 24, the World Health Organization was made aware of a new COVID-19 variant that was discovered and reported by scientists in South Africa, though new evidence suggests the strain was already present in Europe prior […]
Evaluating COVID‑19’s Long-Term Impacts on First Responders
The STOP‑COVID Center, in partnership with the Columbus (Ohio) Division of Fire, is studying the impact of COVID‑19 on EMS workers and their families United States Fire Administration As the country moves into its second year of the COVID‑19 pandemic, many researchers are studying its impacts on first responders, a unique population because of their […]
Firefighter Training Paradigm Shift from COVID-19: Traditional vs. Online Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all of our lives, both personally and professionally. Some of us have been affected by the disease, and most know someone who has had it. The United States just recently marked 500,000 deaths and counting from COVID-19. Needless to say, we acknowledge the seriousness our nation and the world have […]
31st MA Firefighter of the Year Awards highlight Rescues, Virus Response
STOW, Mass. — Firefighters from Hanover, Hanson, and Rockland were honored Monday during the 31st annual Firefighter of the Year awards, which was held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Public Safety and Security Secretary Thomas Turco, and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey announced the awards, which honor Massachusetts fire departments whose acts of bravery and public […]
NHTSA OEMS lists training Resources to help EMS Providers Administer COVID-19 Vaccine
WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of EMS (OEMS) has compiled a list of training resources to help prepare EMS providers to administer the COVID-19 vaccines. The “Just in Time Training” resources include descriptions of the required skills to administer the vaccines and how to properly teach and evaluate them, a downloadable skills […]
Can Public Safety Employers require Employees to get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Two COVID-19 vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, have been granted FDA Emergency Use Authorization. Healthcare workers across the country are receiving these vaccinations. Healthcare employers have to make a choice. Do they require their employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, or do they leave that choice up to individual employees? This choice is even more critical […]
