Members of the Alberta Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association pose for a photo during the Spring Convention held in Medicine Hat at Medalta. Premier Danielle Smith spoke to members Wednesday.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Members of the Alberta Professional Fire Figthers and Paramedic Association from across the province gathered in Medicine Hat for an annual spring convention, highlighting the importance of health and safety in the workplace and providing updates on mental health support for first responders.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Medicine Hat’s membership with the International Association of Fire Fighters, which advocates for first responders by meeting with elected officials and convey issues its members face while responding to emergencies.
The convention ran Monday to Wednesday at Medatla and featured government officials as well as representatives from the IAFF.
Deputy Premier Mike Eliis provided members a welcome message and Health Minister Adriana LeGrange provided members an update on new health and safety initiatives the province is working on with EMS and how they may affect firefighters.
Premier Smith also attended the convention Wednesday and spoke about the upcoming wildfire season and provided members an update on presumptive legislation that promises more support for firefighters who contract cancer while serving.
“It’s always great to have her here and have a conversation with her,” said Steve Thompson, IAFF Local 263. “We were really honoured to have her come down and kind of finish this convention off.”
Over social media Smith posted her appreciation for the work first responders do in communities across the province.
“Your tireless efforts in combating fires is nothing short of heroic. Thank you for working on the front lines, serving our local communities and keeping the public safe. I am immensely grateful for everything you do.”
Several representatives from the IAFF also attended the convention to speak about safety at the workplace and provided members updates on how to find support to deal with mental health issues.
The association also spoke about its continued work to support firefighters who are exposed to harmful chemicals released from burning household items and providing retroactive compensation to members who have contracted cancer on the job.
“There’s a lot of unseen risks as a modern firefighter with construction materials and building materials and furnishings in our homes,” explains Thompson. “It makes these fires more deadly. They burn quicker, they burn hotter and they give off more carcinogenic substances, you know, that are in turn, inhaled or absorbed through our skin.”
As well, a representative with Muscular Dystrophy Canada attended the convention to provide members an update on their continued support being the largest charity the firefighters association supports.
[…] Members of the Alberta Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association pose for a photo during their spring conference in Medicine Hat, Medarda. Premier Daniel Smith told members on Wednesday. -Submitted photo bmiller@medicinehatnews.com Members of the Alberta Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association from across the province gathered in Medicine Hat for its annual spring conference, highlighting the importance of health and safety in the workplace for first responders We provide the latest information on mental health support for people. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Medicine's hat being affiliated with the International Association of Firefighters. The International Association of Firefighters educates first responders by meeting with elected officials to inform them of the issues members face when responding to emergencies. The conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Medatola and was attended by government officials and IAFF representatives. Deputy Premier Mike Ellis delivered a welcome message to members, and Health Minister Adriana LeGrange gave members an update on the new health and safety initiatives the province is undertaking with EMS and how it will impact firefighters. provided to. Premier Smith also attended Wednesday's convention to talk about the upcoming bushfire season and provide MPs with an update on putative legislation that promises more support for firefighters who contract cancer on the job. “It's always great to have her here and have a conversation with her,” said Steve Thompson of IAFF Local 263. “It was a real honor to have her here and to close out this convention.” Ta. Smith took to social media to thank first responders for the work they do in communities across the state. “Your tireless efforts in fighting the fires are nothing short of heroic. Thank you for working on the front lines, serving your communities, and keeping the public safe. We are so grateful for all you do. ” Several IAFF representatives also attended the conference to speak about workplace safety and update members on how to find support to deal with mental health issues. The association also spoke about its ongoing efforts to support firefighters who are exposed to harmful chemicals released from burning household property, and its efforts to provide retroactive compensation to members who contract cancer while on the job. Ta. “There are many hidden risks when modern firefighters work with building materials, construction materials, and furniture in our homes,” Thompson explains. “That makes these fires more dangerous. They burn faster, burn hotter, and release more carcinogens that can be inhaled or absorbed through our skin.” Similarly, Representatives from Muscular Dystrophy Canada were also in attendance at the convention to update members on the ongoing support of the Firefighters Association, the largest charity supported by the association. 14 -13 Source link […]
[…] Members of the Alberta Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association pose for a photo during their spring conference in Medicine Hat, Medarda. Premier Daniel Smith told members on Wednesday. -Submitted photo bmiller@medicinehatnews.com Members of the Alberta Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association from across the province gathered in Medicine Hat for its annual spring conference, highlighting the importance of health and safety in the workplace for first responders We provide the latest information on mental health support for people. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Medicine's hat being affiliated with the International Association of Firefighters. The International Association of Firefighters educates first responders by meeting with elected officials to inform them of the issues members face when responding to emergencies. The conference was held from Monday to Wednesday in Medatola and was attended by government officials and IAFF representatives. Deputy Premier Mike Ellis delivered a welcome message to members, and Health Minister Adriana LeGrange gave members an update on the new health and safety initiatives the province is undertaking with EMS and how it will impact firefighters. provided to. Premier Smith also attended Wednesday's convention to talk about the upcoming bushfire season and provide MPs with an update on putative legislation that promises more support for firefighters who contract cancer on the job. “It's always great to have her here and have a conversation with her,” said Steve Thompson of IAFF Local 263. “It was a real honor to have her here and to close out this convention.” Ta. Smith took to social media to thank first responders for the work they do in communities across the state. “Your tireless efforts in fighting the fires are nothing short of heroic. Thank you for working on the front lines, serving your communities, and keeping the public safe. We are so grateful for all you do. ” Several IAFF representatives also attended the conference to speak about workplace safety and update members on how to find support to deal with mental health issues. The association also spoke about its ongoing efforts to support firefighters who are exposed to harmful chemicals released from burning household property, and its efforts to provide retroactive compensation to members who contract cancer while on the job. Ta. “There are many hidden risks when modern firefighters work with building materials, construction materials, and furniture in our homes,” Thompson explains. “That makes these fires more dangerous. They burn faster, burn hotter, and release more carcinogens that can be inhaled or absorbed through our skin.” Similarly, Representatives from Muscular Dystrophy Canada were also in attendance at the convention to update members on the ongoing support of the Firefighters Association, the largest charity supported by the association. 14 -13 Source link […]