Seven new substances have been listed in the recently released The Report on Carcinogens, 14th Edition, prepared by the National Toxicology Program (NTP). NTP is a federal, interagency program headquartered at the U.S. Department of Health’s National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS). The new elements include chemical trichloroethylene (TCE); cobalt and cobalt compounds; and the viruses Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma- associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV).
The congressionally mandated report is available at https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/roc/index-1.html.
CMS bolsters preparedness in Medicare and Medicaid
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has acted to rectify conditions that have put at risk the health and safety of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and the public-at-large during natural and man-made disasters during the past several years. CMS cited especially the state of Louisiana.
“… [I]n the event of an emergency, the first priority of health care providers and suppliers (P&S) is to protect the health and safety of their patients,” says CMS Deputy Administrator and Chief Medical Officer Patrick Conway, M.D., MSc. “Preparation, planning, and one comprehensive approach for emergency preparedness [are] key ….”
Certain participating P&S will be required to plan for disasters and coordinate with federal, state tribal, regional, and local emergency preparedness systems to ensure that facilities are adequately prepared to meet patients’ needs during disasters and emergency situations.
The final rule requires that Medicareand Medicaid-participating P&S meet the following common and well-known industry best practice standards:
- Based on a risk assessment, develop an emergency plan using an all-hazards approach focusing on capacities and capabilities critical to preparedness for a full spectrum of emergencies or disasters specific to the location of a provider or supplier.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures based on the plan and risk assessment.
- Develop and maintain a communication plan that complies with federal and state law. Patient care must be well-coordinated within the facility, across health care providers, and with state and local public health departments and emergency systems.
- Develop and maintain training and testing programs, including initial and annual trainings, and conduct drills and exercises or participate in an actual incident that tests the plan.
Additional information is at https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertEmergPrep/index.html.
IAFC guide addresses gap in physicals
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) recently released A Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Physicals (available at http://www.fstaresearch.org/resource/?FstarId=11591) to assist health care providers in evaluating and treating the health and wellness of firefighters and firefighters in managing their healthcare.
The guide features a systems approach to firefighter physical examination that addresses cardiovascular health and fitness, cancer, musculoskeletal injuries, behavioral health, lung disease, sleep disorders, and infectious diseases.
Chief John Sinclair, IAFC president and chairman of the board, explains: “Firefighters need healthcare tailored to the inherent risks of their dangerous jobs.”
The guide provides doctors and firefighters with clear information about the clinical care needed to address these risks. The IAFC encourages all firefighters to be strong advocates for their own health and wellness by making sure their doctor examines them for the many health risks they face. This guide explains the job of firefighting to health care providers and addresses the physiological demands, hazards, exposures, diseases, illnesses, and injuries firefighters are most prone to suffer.
The guide was made possible through the IAFC’s FSTAR initiative, http://www.fstaresearch.org, funded by a Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant/Fire Prevention and Safety Grant award.
LINE-OF-DUTY DEATHS
OCTOBER 29. Firefighter/Paramedic Jermaine Frye, 31, Cimarron Hills Fire Department, Colorado Springs, CO: injury sustained in yet-to-be-determined medical condition suffered on October 25.
OCTOBER 31. Firefighter Joseph Bichler, 66, Evesham Fire-Rescue District #1), Marlton, NJ: cause of death not confirmed.
OCTOBER 31. Firefighter John C. Brocker, 65, Town of Oneida (WI) Volunteer Fire Department: cause of death not confirmed.
OCTOBER 31. Firefighter Adam Long, 44, Defense Supply Center Columbus (OH) Fire and Emergency Services: cause of death not confirmed.
NOVEMBER 6. Firefighter Alfred A. Stewart 79, West Milford (NJ) Volunteer Fire Company #6: unknown.
Source: USFA Firefighters Memorial Database
Fire Engineering Archives
