Governor DeSantis signs bill aimed at improving Florida firefighter safety
The Brief
A new Florida law is aimed at looking out for the health and safety of Florida's firefighters.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 929 in Palm Beach Gardens on Thursday.
The law takes effect July 1.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - A bill that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed on Thursday aims to strengthen and support the physical and mental health of firefighters in Florida.
The governor signed HB 929 at the 81st Annual Convention of the Florida Professional Firefighters in Palm Beach Gardens.
What they're saying
DeSantis said the legislation enhances Florida's commitment to the health and safety of firefighters, and updates the Florida Firefighters Occupational Safety and Health Act to reflect the full scope of harm firefighters face.
"We, of course, ask our firefighters to face danger at a moment's notice," DeSantis said. "You have to run into the fire. You have to respond to emergencies, and you obviously are exposed to a lot of really significant trauma and that takes a toll not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. This bill ensures we recognize and respond to those realities."
READ: DeSantis praises Florida's university improvement at Education Commissioner's Summit
The bill requires the State Fire Marshal's office to monitor mental health impacts like suicide risks, and create prevention protocols to mitigate mental health risks and exposure to toxic substances.
It also requires fire departments to buy gear without hazardous chemicals once it's available, and employers have to tell firefighters if their current gear has toxic substances.
The legislation limits firefighters' shifts to 42 hours per week, as well, to reduce burnout.
What's next
The Florida House and the Senate passed the bill unanimously. It goes into effect July 1.
The Source
This article was written using information from the office of Governor Ron DeSantis.
Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android
Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
Download the SkyTower Radar app
Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Apple Watch 圈圈真的準？美國有研究指 Apple Watch 部份運動數據追蹤表現準度不足
Yahoo購物節，6月2至13日正式舉行！集合全球精選著數的網上大型購物節：波鞋低至36折、手袋低至4折、自助餐半價、旅遊產品買一送一等，更有獨家優惠為您而設，把握限時兩星期優惠，1Click買盡全世界！ 早前消委會就發表智能手錶評測報告，強調智能手錶、手環的運動數據都是估算，只適宜作參考之用。其實智能手錶在追蹤不同數據時準度的確存在著誤差。最近美國就有研究指 Apple Watch 於運動時記錄燃燒了多少卡路里的數據，準度並不是想像中的高。 美國密西西比大學的研究人員做了一個關於 Apple Watch 的研究，分析了 56 數據得出一個整合分析，並以 Apple Watch 每一項的表現都與標準的醫療級工具進行了比較。結果顯示 Apple Watch 於測量心率及步數方面極大部份情況下是準確的。研究人員指，測心率與步數的平均絕對百分比誤差（即衡量準確度的標準指標）分別為 4.43% 與 8.17%，然而估算燃燒了卡路里數據表現就達 27.96%。對於一般大眾買到的穿戴式裝置而言，低於 10% 的誤差值表現已被視為「十分優秀」，但研究團隊測試 Apple Watch 在走路、跑步、混合強度訓練和踩單車等多種活動中計算用戶燃燒了多少卡路里的數據時，卻發現其估算值大幅超出可接受範圍。 不過研究人員同時指出，這個數據本身就相當難以估算，因為涉及許多變數如體重及運動方式等等。因此，不要把每個數字都當作 100% 準確，而是可當成其中一種鼓勵的工具，達至恆常運動、保持追蹤習慣並維持動力。團隊還指出，目前 Apple Watch 的準確度已提高了不少，顯示蘋果在硬體及演算法方面都在逐步改進，而指出弱點可幫助開發者獲得更真實的回應建議，協助他們進一步研究，以製出更好的感應器或演算法，提升智能手錶追蹤健康數據的表現。 更多內容： 9to5mac 消委會試智能手錶運動偵測，Garmin 最貴最高分，一款千元級高評分！Apple、Samsung、華為各有高低 智能手錶推薦 2025 | Apple、三星、Garmin 如何選？三鐵、跑山、單車各有不同，睇清楚點揀！ 緊貼最新科技資訊、網購優惠，追隨 Yahoo Tech 各大社交平台！ 🎉📱 Tech Facebook： 🎉📱 Tech Instagram： 🎉📱 Tech WhatsApp 社群： 🎉📱 Tech WhatsApp 頻道： 🎉📱 Tech Telegram 頻道：
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tampa Police get 300 new lifesaving choking devices from New York-based company
The Brief A company based in New York donated choking rescue devices to the Tampa Police Department. The devices, which are called LifeVac, create a one-way suction to remove lodged food or objects from a choking victim. These devices will be distributed to officers soon. TAMPA, Fla. - A New York-based company donated 300 choking rescue devices to the Tampa Police Department. These devices, called LifeVac, create a one-way suction to remove lodged food or objects from a choking victim. "This is just another tool for us, especially for our youth, to be out there and provide another opportunity to save a life," Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said of the donation. The backstory Last month,a Tampa police officer used back blows to help save a toddler who was choking on a tomato. "That's the reason that we're getting this donation," Bercaw said Friday of the bodycam video. "[LifeVac inventor] Mr. Lih saw that video and said, 'I've got to get that product down here in a generous donation.'" "I knew as a parent, I'd be freaking out. I would be very distressed. So I tried to come up with something really simple. You push it, pull it, and that suction pulls it out," LifeVac President and Creator Arthur Lih said. These devices will be distributed to officers soon. Bercaw told FOX 13 the devices will be placed in patrol cars and will be used in schools and at Police Athletic League youth activities. Dig deeper As shown in LifeVac's online instructional video, the New York-based company said people should first follow choking protocols established by the American Red Cross. That means doing back blows and abdominal thrusts first. And if those actions don't work – or if those actions cannot be completed for whatever reason – then a LifeVac device can come into play. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages people to follow established choking rescue protocols by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. In an April 2024 update, the FDA said these protocols do not include anti-choking devices: "The safety and effectiveness of anti-choking devices that are being sold over-the-counter have not been established; they are not FDA approved or cleared." Success Stories Just this week, a Georgia police officer used a LifeVac device to save a driver choking on a water bottle cap. Years ago, LifeVac devices were placed in every school in Sarasota County. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Ariel Plasencia.
Fox News
13 hours ago
- Fox News
Help dad prioritize recovery this Father's Day with these wellness gadgets
You can help your dad prioritize wellness and recovery with some easy-to-use, high-tech gear. Whether it's a pair of Normatec compression boots to help dad recover faster and smash his goals, smart scales for a clearer health picture, or a Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair for post-workout recovery. A smartwatch that tracks dad's cardiovascular health or a smart ring he can wear while he sleeps can give dad good insight into sleep habits. All of these gadgets can help make a difference in his well-being. Original price: $429 The Series 10 Apple Watch has a large display that makes it easy to manage calls, texts and apps. The battery charges 80% in just 30 minutes. On top of these features, you get advanced health insights like the ability to take an ECG, and reproductive health insights. You can track the intensity of your workouts and get advanced metrics for a wide range of different workouts. Original price: $299 This Oura Horizon ring unlocks the power of health knowledge, tracking a variety of metrics, including sleep stages, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, body temperature, and activity. It also monitors blood oxygen levels (SpO2). The ring is designed to be comfortable enough to wear while you sleep, but you must have an active Oura membership to access the full range of features and data. You can also buy the Oura Horizon ring on Amazon. Original price: $7,499 The Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair with Heating gives a full-body recovery. The chair uses shiatsu massage techniques and heating therapy to encourage muscle recovery. Its zero-gravity feel relieves pressure on the spine and encourages circulation. Relaxe offers a 365-day return policy if you decide it's not for you. Help Dad with his post-workout recovery with a Theragun Therabody Prime. The recovery helps increase blood flow by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. It also reduces muscle soreness and stiffness by targeting tight knots and areas of tension. The Prime model is quieter and easier to hold, and can connect via Bluetooth to the Therabody app. You can get your items delivered on time with an Amazon Prime membership. The benefits include fast, free delivery, access to invite-only deals and the option to Buy With Prime. Join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Normatec Compression Boots use dynamic air pressure to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle soreness. They feature five zones that the compression moves through, and seven levels of compression. Unlike some boots, which needs to be strapped around each part of your leg, these simply zip up. They are also available through Hyperice and come in short, standard and tall sizes. Picture the recovery power of compression boots, but on the go. These Hyperice compression boots by Nike have the same air compression and heat therapy as the Normatec boots, but in a shoe. There are three levels of heat and compression, and the battery lasts up to 1.5 hours while on the max settings. Hyperice X will be a game-changer when it comes to achy knees. This smart recovery device utilizes contrast therapy, providing a way to manage pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery through consistent temperature control or alternating hot and cold cycles on a preset program. Level up Dad's skincare routine with the TheraFace Mask. This high-tech, full-coverage LED mask uses red, blue and infrared light therapy to target fine lines, acne and signs of aging. The mask also has a face and head massager, which helps ease tension and promote relaxation. For more deals, visit Gift Dad a deeper insight into his overall health with a smart scale. The Withings Body Scan will give Dad detailed insights into his body mass index (BMI), heart rate and nerve health. This smart scale utilizes advanced technology to measure weight, fat and muscle mass, bone mass and water percentage. It can also do an ECG, allowing users to monitor their heart rhythm for potential abnormalities.
