As firefighters are more at risk everyday for the amount of exposures we are exposed to and the demand of our job on our mental and physical health, it became necessary to have all volunteer and career personnel undergo medical testing to ensure our people were fit for duty. This past Sunday and Monday, over 20 of our volunteer and career staff participated in medical health screenings and preventive exams to ensure our health is top priority.

Chief McWilliams was pleased to provide this benefit to our staff for the first time in the fire company's history. It was also nice to see that our people were very receptive of the exams and gave full participation showing how serious their health is to keep maintained. Testing included vision and hearing checks, blood tests, cancer screening, immunizations, cardiogram and pulmonary function.

These screenings were held in conjunction with the Sadsburyville Fire Company, between the two organizations over 45 personnel participated. Professional Health Services of Havertown, Pennsylvania provided the on site service with their mobile medical unit.

David Hartman of PHS ensured a schedule would work around our volunteers who have day jobs. PHS was very accommodating and conscientious to the needs of our people.

It's intended that through these screenings, awareness of someone's medical condition that they might not know about would come to light and treated before it was too late. Without our volunteers and staff we would not be able to provide our fire, rescue and EMS services, looking out for our health must be top priority.

Funding for our exams was provided by an Assistance to Firefighters Grant. In conjunction with the exams, funding for fitness equipment is also included. In the near future the equipment will be available on site for all of our personnel to use.