NEEDA - National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

Excellent air fares are available to dealers going to the huge Interchutz fire and emergency show in Augsburg Germany. The NEEDA trip -- which includes two days at the trade show and a fabulous English-language tour of beautiful Bavaria begins on June 20. Return is July 4 weekend. Cost of the entire trip is far lower than you would pay if you go by yourself. 3-1-00

NEEDA THOUGHTS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR DAY
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

"To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others, use your heart."

This and other thoughouts will help you have a successful day. 3-1-00

FIRE RESPONSE DRAINS TN TOWN’s WATER SUPPLY
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Elizabethtown TN virtually ran out of water as firefighters from seven tankers poured water on a North American Corp. rayon factory fire. Citizens were asked to stay inside due to toxic fumes but none were evacuated. 3-1-00

PARATECH PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER DIES
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Industry leader and company co-founder Howard Leibovitz passed away in February 2000 due to complications from recent surgery. 3-1-00

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME FIGURES PLEAD GUILTY, GO TO PRISON FOR DRUG TRAFFIC
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The US Federal program known as Section 1122, "Drug Interdiction" or Centralized Cooperative Purchasing for State and Local Governments did not play a role in the capture of these drug figures. Sectoin 1122 is managed by the US General Services Administration, which receives a commission for all state and local purchases made under 1122, and is substantially subsidized by the US Department of Justice which gives grants to states to help them go through GSA channels rather than through local dealers. 3-1-00

IT’S OFFICIAL: 99 WAS A BAD YEAR FOR AIRLINE DISASTERS
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The National Transportation Safety Board says fatalities and injuries were up over 1998 when there were no fatalities for U.S.-registered airlines and commuter aircraft. NEEDA has previously reported that on-ground accidents have been increasing as airports lag in responding to the number of vehicles and planes using airport facilities. 3-1-00

FIRE CHIEF HEADS TV TRAINING SERVICE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

FETN provides training, education and information to the fire service. Ron Coleman is an author and speaker with 38 years of fire service experience. He was chief deputy director for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the California State Fire Marshal. Coleman serves on the "America Burning" panel and is the board chairman for The Commission on Fire Accreditation and past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, as well as past president of the Committee on Fire, International. 3-1-00

ELECTRONIC STETHOSCOPE TO HELP EMTs WITH PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCIES AND ACCIDENTS
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

EMTs are being offered a new electronic stethoscope which obtains sound in noisy accident scenes requiring 40 inches of transmission distance. 3-1-00

GAINESVILLE FL FIRE REMINDS STATE OF HUGE WILDFIRE POTENTIAL
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

A 3,000-acre forest fire threatened a subdivision, growing rapidly enough to force people to leave the area. According to Alachua County Fire Rescue. The fire reminded may Floridians of the wildfire threats they faced in the 90s. 3-1-00

SUPREME COURT HEARS SEARCH AND SEIZURE CASES: POLICE DEPARTMENTS HAVE STAKE IN DECISIONS
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The US Supreme Court will decide by summer recess on whether to restrict or support the power of the police to search and seize in such cases as drug interdiction. In both cases, the police were challenged on technicalities after successfully producing evidence of a crime. 3-1-00

CHEMDEX FORMS VENTRO TO INCLUDE PROMEDIX
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

EMS business to business company makes corporate changes. 3-1-00

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROCUREMENT RELIES ON COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS BUT HAS CRITICS
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

DOD buys commercial products and works hard for low prices. The Defense Department paid $99.9 million for 831,000 costing $188.7 million at wholesale prices. The US Inspector General found DOD has purchased
a $48 ball bearing for $350, and a 57 cent screw for $76. DOD's Stan Soloway leads increased use of commercial products and reliance on the private sector. 3-1-00

FIREHOUSE.COM NOMINATED FOR AWARD
Originally Posted: February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Firehouse.com has been consistently recognized for its unparalleled commitment to firefighters and EMS professionals, says Cygnus chairman and CEO on learning of the nomination for his two year old web site. 3-1-00

ORLANDO FL INSTALLING GPS SYSTEM TO LOCATE 115 VEHICLES IN FIRE AND EMS EMERGENCIES
Originally Posted: February 22, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

115 vehicles for the Orlando FL Fire, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and Police will use a new Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate, manage, and assist in the dispatch of vehicles for enhanced fleet operations.

RESTAURANT RAISES FUNDS FOR LAST ALARM CLUB IN MEMORY OF TWO FIREFIGHERS KILLED IN ROOF COLLAPSE
Originally Posted: February 22, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Fundruckers and its customers in Houston are showing the families of Kimberly Smith and Lewis Mayo that we have not lost sight of their sacrifices.

3D IMAGES OF EARTH WILL HELP EMERGENCY AND EMS RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: February 22, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Once complete, the map of Earth will have numerous emergency, EMS, scientific, commercial and military uses.

TRAINS RUNNING RED LIGHTS CAN BE STOPPED WITH 75 MPH AND 100 MPH CONTROL SYSTEMS: HUGE CRASHES CAN
Originally Posted: February 22, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Report says speed up the installation of a sytem that works with speeds up to 75 mph, but the better way to prevent accidents is the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system which works on trians travelling over 100 miles per hour. Is this protection available in hi speed us train corridors?

JONATHON BRIESE DIES, YOUTH LEADER AND SON OF IAFC1S GARRY BRIESE
Originally Posted: February 21, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Made volunteer contributions to a successful youth program at Fairfax High School under the Fairfax Partnership for Youth which is committed to reducing youth violence.

NEW CRIMINAL TRACKING SYSTEM BEING CONSIDERED IN MN
Originally Posted: February 21, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Sen. Jane Ranum, DFL-Minneapolis, introduced a bill asking for $15 million to begin creating an integrated system. In the House, Rep. Rich Stanek, R-Maple Grove, introduced a similar bill asking for funding. Their efforts have received overwhelming support from both Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature.

WHAT SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESS CEOS SEE AS PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS? DO YOU AGREE WITH THEIR VI
Originally Posted: February 21, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

NEEDA wants to know: do you as a small business owner, manager, principal agree with the findings of this survey? Do these views match your own. How about e-mailing NEEDA at kentonP1Q@aol.com to let us know your own outlook for the future, the problems and challenges you face.

NEEDA MEETINGS AT FDIC INDIANAPOLIS
Originally Posted: February 21, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Friday, March 3 at 7:30 AM for EMS Distributors and Saturday, March 4 at Noon for all emergency equipment, rescue, EMS and public safety dealers and distributors: important dealer/distributor meetings during one of the top fire, emergency, rescue EMS trade shows in the country.

FIRE HAZARD FACES PA ALONG FLOODED MONONGAHELA RIVER
Originally Posted: February 20, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is providing disaster emergency relief in Allegheny, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties in PA while warning flood ravaged communities of 30 fire hazards that result following floods. For a list of the 30 fire hazards, click here.

BRADLEYChr$(34);S LANDING GEAR PROBLEM GETS FIRE TRUCK PROTECTION
Originally Posted: February 20, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Former Senator Bill Bradley's campaign flight returned to St. Louis where fire apparatus was standing by unlike the cargo plane which returned to an airport near Sacramento where no fire crew was on duty.

DRAFT LETTER TO PRESIDENT CLINTON IN SUPPORT OF FIRE BILL IN US CONGRESS
Originally Posted: February 20, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The Fire Investment and Response Enhancement (F.I.R.E.) Act (H.R. 1168, S 1941 and S 1899) would authorize a new federal grant program
administered under FEMA. The program would be similar to grant programs available to local law enforcement agencies through the Department of Justice. Draft letter by Pat West National Fire Rescue Online: http://www.nfrmag.com/pascrell.htm

CARGO AIRPORTS NEED ON-SITE FIRE PROTECTION
Originally Posted: February 19, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Many cargo airports don't have manned firefighting apparatus at the airport. Airports that handle passengers do. NEEDA believes that every airport should have adequate vehicles and trained first responders to meet every crisis. These on-site emergency forces can be provided by local fire departments, but require new US rules and funding.

TOP HEALTH CARE EXECS ON FUTURE: WHOChr$(34);S WHO FOR EMS INDUSTRY
Originally Posted: February 18, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

60 extensive who's who interviews with CEOs from healthcare firms discussing the outlook for their firm and the Healthcare sector. NEEDA warning: some of what they say is entirely self-serving praise for their own orgs!

WACKENHUT 99 REVENUE & NET UP 23%
Originally Posted: February 18, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Security-related services include physical security, alarms, cash-in-transit, cargo tracking, fire fighting and prevention, background checks and emergency protection.

CELL PHONE CALLS TO 911 WILL TRANSMIT CALL-BACK NUMBER & TRANSMITTER LOCATION
Originally Posted: February 18, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The business has grown 157% since this time last year. Over 100,000 wireless 911 calls are handled by Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) on a daily basis. Many people subscribe to wireless service for personal safety reasons, and dialing 911 is the most familiar way to find help in an emergency.

POLICE CHIEFS SUPPORT USING LONG DISTANCE FEES FOR 911 EXPANSION
Originally Posted: February 18, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

It is estimated that about $40 million could be gleaned annually from lowering these charges, with the first year's savings diverted to the upgrading 911 systems.

LA GANG POLICE UNDER CRITICISM
Originally Posted: February 18, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Public debate over police practices in Los Angeles features the Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums (CRASH) the anti-gang unit responsible for a 10 square-mile area near downtown LA.

FIREFIGHTERS FACE HUGE FIREBALL AND EXTENSIVE FIRE ZONE IN CA CARGO CRASH NEAR SACRAMENTO
Originally Posted: February 17, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Firefighters fought the fireball and intense flames for several hours after the crash. Over 200 cars, some with gasoline, burned as a result of the crash.

SPARTAN MOTORS: 99 SUCCESS HELPED BY FIRE TRUCK CHASSIS SALES, UP 29.2 PERCENT
Originally Posted: February 17, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Spartan Motors reported that its Emergency Vehicle Team (EVTeam), which consists of fire truck makers Luverne Fire Apparatus and Quality Manufacturing and ambulance manufacturer Road Rescue, contributed $0.04 per share to earnings in 1999, compared with $0.01 per share in 1998.

NORTH CAROLINA ABUSES 1122 DRUG INTERDICTION LAW; US GSA FAILS TO COMPLY WITH LETTER OF LAW
Originally Posted: February 17, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The "generally anything" is a legally unacceptable interpretation of the law, according to NEEDA President James "Pat" Griffin, American Fire Equipment, Woodbridge VA. NEEDA has objected vigorously to this abuse and to the US General Services Administration for allowing the program to operate with no restrictions or restraint.

SHOULD DEALERS BEGIN USING WINDOWS 2000?
Originally Posted: February 17, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

One key question to ask: Will the new system improve your ability to offer e-commerce, service, support, and communications for your customers while managing your inventory, database, and internal record keeping? Also, how many of your older software programs will you need to upgrade or abandon in order to adapt to the new operating system?

KEY IDEAS FOR WINNING DEALERS
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

To differentiate what you are offering vs. your competitors you want to write a good proposal.

Tom Sant, author of Persuasive Business Proposals

TROOPER UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR STOPPING McCAIN CAMPAIGN FOR PRESIDENT
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

State Trooper Michael O’Donnell is in trouble because he used his flashing lightbar to stop Sen. John McCain’s campaign vehicles near Charleston, South Carolina.

PROCUREMENT REFORM MAY BE COMING TO A STATE NEAR YOU
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

In 1999, NEEDA Executive Director, Kenton Pattie (703 280 4622) served on Governor Gilmore’s Procurement reform task force. The task force reviewed the way Virginia buys goods and services. Recommendations from the group are now before the Virginia General Assembly.

WILDFIRES AND TORNADOES MAKE HUGE JOB FOR FIRST RESPONDERS IN GEORGIA
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The tornadoes were the worst in 50 years. Locals described the scene as a war zone. 22 people were killed, 100 injured.

RICHMOND VA AMBULANCE AUTHORITY AWARDS $50 MILLION EMS SERVICE CONTRACT
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The new contract contains performance requirements - on emergency calls, ambulances must arrive at the scene in 8 minutes, 59 seconds at least 90% of the time. Fines can be assessed if this requirement is not met.

CRASHES HIT FIRST RESPONDERS HARD
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

A helicopter crash killing two in Utah and various well-publicized airplane crashes, unscheduled landings, and mechanical problems have all first responders at airports on alert.

FIRE ASSOCIATION IN COALITION TO SUPPORT $5 BILLION FOR NATION’S FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

. . . help them when they contact their congressional legislators to support fire service bill like the F.I.R.E Bill (H.R. 1168) that will put $1 Billion dollars each year towards the fire serve efforts.

ONTARIO TAKES OVER RURAL/METRO SERVICE CAUSING LOSS FOR COMPANY
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The latest financial report shows major cutbacks and reductions to meet bank line of credit requirements.

UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL) CLAIMS BIG ROLE IN ISO REGISTRATIONS
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the largest US-based registrar, tells NEEDA it has registered more than 3200 companies to ISO 9000, QS-9000 and ISO 14000.

CHEMDEX ACQUIRES PROMEDIX
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Promedix has spun off its existing specialty medical product distribution business, which is not part of the acquisition.

AMERICAN HEART PRAISES DEFBRILLATION EQUIPMENT
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The American Heart Association estimates that for every minute without defibrillation, a person's chance of survival decreases by 7-10 percent.

LAIDLAW SUBSIDIARY SELLS SOFTWARE LICENSE TO VIRTUALSELLERS.COM
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

AMR, the largest provider of emergent and non-emergent ambulance services in North America, is a subsidiary of Laidlaw Inc.

COALITION ADVOCATES 911 SUPPORT
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The goal is to use an estimated $40 million one-time savings from lower long distance access fees to buy improvements to emergency systems in the more than 140 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in Wisconsin, sparing the property taxpayer the burden.

WIRELESS PHONES HELP REDUCE VIOLENCE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Thanks to these donated wireless phones, abusers on college campuses have been arrested and prosecuted.

FIRE RETARDANT PAINT TESTED IN VIRGINIA
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The fire retardant qualities of Firefree 88, a non-toxic, water-based coating, developed by International Fire Resistant Systems, Inc. in CA, was demonstrated in two test burns in Virginia.

TULSA HAS NEW SYSTEM WHICH HELPS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The city's police department relies on customized, network-driven imaging software for department-wide access to and sharing of fingerprints, mug shots and criminal records data. Tulsa's fire department uses the network's multimedia capabilities to deliver jitter-free training videos of the latest fire-fighting procedures to the city's 30 fire stations.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LEASING US SPACE TO PRIVATE FIRMS
Originally Posted: February 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Established by an Act of Congress in 1993 and managed by the U.S. Army Industrial Operations Command, the ARMS program is a public-private initiative designed to encourage facility contractors at government-owned, contractor-operated ammunition plants to use and market idle capacity for other government and commercial work.

EMS LEADER HELPS NEEDA DEALERS FOCUS ON LATEST MARKET DEVEOPMENTS
Originally Posted: February 9, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

James O. Page, publisher of JEMS magazine and former fire and EMS responder, told the annual convention of the National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA) that the fire service will be increasingly called on to offer paramedic response including emergency transportation.

NYER MEDICAL GROUP GETTING INFUSION OF FUNDS
Originally Posted: February 8, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Nyer Medical Group, getting new funding is a holding company with operations in the medical products distribution and services businesses, retail pharmacy business, emergency equipment and supplies. . .

BILL TERRY LEAVES FBI LEADERSHIP IN COORDINATION OF RESPONSE TO URBAN TERRORISM
Originally Posted: February 8, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Bill Terry, Fire/EMS Liaison, the Federal government's sole state and local liaison in the effort to provide central coordination to the nation's response to urban terrorism is leaving this position

POLICE WANT FEDERAL PAYMENT TO COVER COST OF PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS OVER GOVERNMENT MATTERS
Originally Posted: February 8, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

DC police want Congress to OK millions of dollars to provide public safety during Washington demonstrations. The police chief said the New Year's Eve celebration, 50th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and a nazi rally which fizzled forced the DC police force to provide hundreds of extra cops.

PA BUDGET FEATURES FUNDING FOR FIRE AND POLICE
Originally Posted: February 8, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The budget has $1.9 million for bulletproof vests and other protective gear and equipment that will increase safety for State Police troopers, and $335,000 to expand efforts at the State Police crime labs.

WHO DO YOU CALL: 911 OR INSURANCE 800?
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn continued her war against the insurance industry by urging people to call 9ll first rather than their health insurance 800 number.

VOLUNTEER FIRE FORCES DECLINE AND AGE; EMERGENCY CALLS RISE
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns the nation's volunteer force dropped 13 percent from 1983 to 1991, to 771,800 firefighters. The latest figures shows there were 804,200 volunteers in1998.

OSHKOSH EXPANDS TRUCK PRODUCTION FACILITIES
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Thanks to a demand for more military trucks, Oshkosh Truck Corporation plans to invest $8 million to expand production facilities and capacity at its headquarters in Oshkosh, WI.

BANKRUPTCY REFORM ADVANCES IN CONGRESS; WHITE HOUSE UNCOMMITTED
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

People who could get away with paying nothing on unpaid debts, may be required to pay back over time what they owe if they have enough assets to pay 25% of their debt. The White House has not agreed to support either the House or Senate version.

YOUR EMPLOYEE CANDIDATE SITES SHOULD INCLUDE JobDirect.com
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The leading student-oriented job search web site on the Internet is www.jobdirect.com, according to a recently released survey by PC Data Online.

LOOKING FOR FREE INTRANET PROVIDER?
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

If you are a small organization and want to explore the benefits of an Intranet system, one of the best places to start is with http://www.intranet.com, a free intranet provider

RELM TWO-WAY WIRELESS EXPANDS
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The company is expapnding its two-way wireless communications business and is working on transactions with Hitachi/Denshi, Midland and Uniden to broaden its product lines and customer base."

FIRE CLEANUP COMPANY GOING E-COMMERCE
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Steamatic Inc. is using e-commerce to offer a 24-hour, seven- day-a-week web-based appointment scheduling for clients of its 300 franchises.

OKLAHOMA HOSPITAL DONATES AMBULANCE TO RETURN HEAD INJURY PATIENT TO NORTH CAROLINA
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The hospital offered the ambulance when the family said they could not afford to pay for Howard's 21-hour trip to High Point.

ORANGE COUNTY FL BUYS DEFIBRILLATORS USING LEASE-PURCHASE: DELIVER NOW AND PAY OVER FIVE YEARS
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Orange County FL's Fire Rescue (OCFR) has purchased via lease-purchase 75 LIFEPAK(R) 12 biphasic defibrillator/monitors, manufactured by Medtronic Physio-Control of Redmond, Wash.

FREE HELP AVAILABLE TO PROTECT YOUR PC FROM VIRUSES AND HACKERS
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

You can register to receive two new free -mail newsletters to help protect against virus attacks. "Help Alert! warns users when a major new virus strikes and Help Update helps you check and update your computer systems each month.

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP PAYS DIVIDEND; SERVES THE HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY MARKETS
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Superior Uniform Group, Inc. manufacturer of uniforms, career apparel and accessories will pay a quarterly dividend of $.135 per share on February 25, 2000.

GOLD MINERS LACKED GAS DETECTORS PRIOR TO 1999 GOLD MINE EXPLOSION
Originally Posted: February 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The violent explosion of flammable gas in the Mponeng gold mine July 29, 1999, the worst mine disaster in two years, killed miners who didn't have required gas detectors.

IT WILL TAKE CONGRESS 10-15 YEARS TO COME INTO COMPLIANCE WITH FIRE AND SAFETY CODES, IGNORED FOR CE
Originally Posted: February 3, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

At a Congressional hearing, Rep. Stenny Hoyer (D-MD) and a leader of the Congressional Fire Service Caucus asked if the Capitol buildings would be closed down due to fire code violations. The reply:
``We probably would be closed down.''

CA AND WV CONSIDERING OK FOR EMTs TO RECEIVE ABANDONED BABIES
Originally Posted: February 3, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

EMS distributors would provide the supplies needed by EMTs in caring for abandoned infants a few hours or few days old.

RUNWAY DISASTERS ALSO SERIOUS THREAT AS NATION MOURNS ALASKA AIR TRAGEDY
Originally Posted: February 1, 2000 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Going from gate to runway, taking off and landing accidents in the past five years have increased 60 percent to 327 last year. But, the Clinton Administration maintains there have been fewer runway problems in recent months. The US House Aviation Subcommittee's March 22 hearing will ask the Federal Aviation Administration to call a technical conference of all experts to solve this problem.