In early August, Stockland Fire Chief, Dave Morgeson, reached out to Iroquois Memorial Hospital’s Director of Outreach, Mary Kay Lavicka. He was inquiring about Iroquois Memorial Hospital assisting their fire department with Medical Clearance OSHA requirements for the protection of his firefighters.

This sparked a movement to assist all local fire departments on this same mission. The ultimate goal was to help meet the health and safety needs of the local firefighters, while making the process as easy as possible. Through much organization, it was arranged that a team of IMH staff, which consisted of Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, and Respiratory Therapists, would go on-site to local fire departments in the evening hours. This team performed physical examinations, a respiratory medical evaluation questionnaire, and a pulmonary function screening.

Over the course of the last few weeks, Iroquois Memorial Hospital has assisted Woodland, Milford, Stockland, Wellington, Crescent City, Onarga, Loda and Watseka. Stockland Fire Chief, Dave Morgeson stated, “I’m happy we chose Iroquois Memorial Hospital to help us meet OSHA’s physical requirements. Everything was convenient, ran very smoothly, and the staff was amazing!” IMH feels it’s important to assist and support our local fire departments. Mary Kay Lavicka states, “Firefighter wellness is essential and IMH wanted to take a more active role in helping them better manage the many health risks they face as firefighters.”

If you’re in need of further information on how Iroquois Memorial Hospital can assist you with the health and safety of your employees, contact Mary Kay Lavicka at 815.432.7960.