Announcement paired with survey results of first responder health impacts in East Palestine
Fire Equipment Grants
Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal announced the recipients of the 2023 Fire Department Equipment Grants. These grants have been awarded to 154 fire departments in 70 counties throughout the state totaling nearly 1.4 million dollars for protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus, communications, and other life-saving equipment. In Columbiana County, three volunteer fire departments were recipients of this funding: East Palestine, Leetonia and Highlandtown.
In Hardin County, awardees are:
Ada-Liberty Township Fire Department - Miscellaneous - $10,000.00
Northern Hardin Co Fire District - Miscellaneous, Personal Protective Equipment $10,000.00
Surveying First Responders
Beginning on March 5, the health department began surveying those who were first responders to the Norfolk Southern train derailment. The department held a roll-out meeting with various organizations to provide information and answer questions about the survey, and is reaching out through emails and flyers, as well, to encourage participation.
In the ACE (after chemical exposure) surveys, first responders are asked several different questions, such as how many shifts they worked, as well as what PPE they may have worn.
Of 205 respondents, the top five symptoms first responders reported were:
Stuffy nose/sinus congestion – 26.8%.
Runny nose – 25.4%.
Increased congestion/phlegm – 22.0%.
Burning nose or throat – 20.5%.
Hoarseness – 15.1%.
