Rachel Engel

United States

Senior Editor at EMS1

Senior Editor at FireRescue1

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Articles

Stroke vs. hypoglycemia: How to spot the signs before it’s too late

1 week ago | ems1.com | Rachel Engel

Scenario: A 68-year-old man is found slumped over in a diner booth. He’s confused, slurring his words and can’t move his right arm. A bystander mentions he has diabetes. Is this a stroke? Or a diabetic emergency? Both hypoglycemia and stroke can cause sudden neurological symptoms like confusion, weakness or slurred speech. However, their underlying causes and treatments differ drastically. Misdiagnosing one as the other can delay critical intervention or even worsen outcomes.
A $500 fee and a 60% drop: How one department tackled its lift assist crisis

3 weeks ago | firerescue1.com | Rachel Engel

In 2014, the Decatur (Illinois) Fire Department responded to 430 calls for lift assist services. By 2023, the number had risen to more than 1,000. Even with the large Baby Boomer generation moving into their twilight years, city officials did not believe the increase in lift assist requests was related to the aging population.
A $500 fee and a 60% drop: How one department tackled its lift assist crisis

4 weeks ago | ems1.com | Rachel Engel

In 2014, the Decatur (Illinois) Fire Department responded to 430 calls for lift assist services. By 2023, the number had risen to more than 1,000. Even with the large Baby Boomer generation moving into their twilight years, city officials did not believe the increase in lift assist requests was related to the aging population.
The science of pets as mental health therapy: A guide for first responders

1 month ago | corrections1.com | Rachel Engel

Editor’s Note: Are you interested in implementing a therapy dog program in your organization? Check out this Lexipol on-demand webinar, “Getting Started with First Responder Therapy Dogs,” to learn how these initiatives benefit personnel, the different program models available and how to build executive-level support. Watch the on-demand webinar now. First responders — firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, police officers and dispatchers — are often exposed to intense, emotionally draining situations.
The science of pets as mental health therapy: A guide for first responders

1 month ago | police1.com | Rachel Engel

Editor’s Note: Are you interested in implementing a therapy dog program in your organization? Check out this Lexipol on-demand webinar, “Getting Started with First Responder Therapy Dogs,” to learn how these initiatives benefit personnel, the different program models available and how to build executive-level support. Watch the on-demand webinar now. First responders — firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, police officers and dispatchers — are often exposed to intense, emotionally draining situations.
Measles: What it is, how it spreads and what to do if you suspect it

2 months ago | ems1.com | Rachel Engel

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, is on the rise again in the United States. While measles was declared to be eradicated from the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks continue to occur, primarily due to declining immunization coverage in some communities. In this article, you’ll find an overview of the disease, symptoms and prevention strategies.
COVID-19 timeline: From the first U.S. case to the end of the pandemic declaration

2 months ago | firerescue1.com | Rachel Engel

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented crisis that reshaped public safety and emergency response worldwide. First responders, healthcare workers and emergency planners faced challenges never before encountered on such a global scale. From the initial outbreak and lockdowns, to the development of vaccines and evolving public health policies, the pandemic tested the resilience and the dedication of those on the front lines.
Sweat and savings: Which gyms offer first responder discounts?

2 months ago | police1.com | Rachel Engel

Physical fitness is a necessity for all, but especially first responders, as the nature of the work demands a body familiar with motion and exertion. But which fitness club should you join? The cost of a gym membership in 2025 can range from generally affordable to astronomical, depending on the club, amenities, facilities, perks and benefits package you choose.
BEACON: Redefining emergency alerts for a digital world

2 months ago | firerescue1.com | Rachel Engel

For decades, emergency alerts relied on traditional television and radio broadcasts to reach the public. As younger generations abandon traditional media sources, however, emergency officials have to get creative in how they message emergency communications. Futuri’s BEACON, the Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communications Operations Network, is harnessing artificial intelligence to transform how emergency managers analyze and disseminate life-saving information.
Quick Take: Tackling key questions about NERIS rollout and onboarding

2 months ago | firerescue1.com | Rachel Engel

In a live webinar hosted by UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) this week, officials shared the progress of the rollout of the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) that began in November 2024. NERIS is replacing the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), which is due to sunset at the end of 2025.