By Tammy Wells
First responders across more than two dozen York County municipal departments and within county government are receiving an accounting of their health through new diagnostic screenings.
The tests were made possible by a $311,000 award through the State Fire Marshal’s Office, under the Public Safety and Wellness Reimbursement Fund. In all, $2 million was available statewide for specialized cardiac and metabolic screenings. The screenings are designed to specifically address physical or mental health effects experienced by public safety employees, including cancer or other diseases prevalent among first responders at a higher rate than the civilian population, according to an outline of the program.
The screening program chosen in York County included a comprehensive diagnostic echocardiogram and testing of the thyroid, aorta, liver, gallbladder, spleen, bladder, kidneys, carotid artery, and testes or pelvis, advanced bloodwork, a stress echocardiogram and more. The testing was conducted by United Diagnostic Services LLC.
“This goes well beyond a regular physical exam,” said Wells Police Captain Kevin Chabot, who applied for the grant on behalf of the wider York County community. And, he and others pointed out, having a comprehensive baseline is good practice.
The screenings are designed to give first responders – law enforcement, firefighters, corrections officers, emergency medical service personnel and dispatchers – a look at where they stand medically, with a view to what they ought to keep an eye on going forward.
“It gives a first responder a snapshot of where their health is now and what they could be susceptible to in the future, or any underlying conditions they might not be aware of,” said York County Fire Administrator Roger Hooper.
Sanford firefighter Eric Cheney was among those undergoing the diagnostic testing at the York County Government Building on Monday, Nov. 10. At 44, he’s been a firefighter for 22 years.
“I felt it was a good idea to have the tests,” he said. He and the others who underwent screening will receive a full written report – and if anything is amiss, will receive a telephone call prior to receiving the report.
Chabot said 26 first responder departments in York County signed on to the invitation for screenings. Statewide, all but the York County award went to individual municipalities.
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