When first responders – police officers, fire fighters, EMTs – arrive at a scene, they are trained to look for indications of possible harmful chemicals. At any sign of potential exposure, proper protocol is immediately taken, which usually includes evacuating everyone from the area and having trained individuals reenter with protective gear. Even if it ends up being a false indicator and being completely safe, responders are cautious.
This hasn’t always been the case. For years, these responders were exposed to harmful chemicals, often unaware they were in danger. In Utah, methamphetamine use has been a problem for many years, with many officers responding to homes with meth labs. Because of this, dozens (if not more) of these first responders could potentially be suffering effects from that exposure.
The Utah Meth Cops Project has been working to remedy that since 2007. The program provides an extensive detoxification program to counteract those effects, with amazing results. Over seventy individuals have been helped and are no longer suffering from headaches, anxiety, acid reflux, insomnia, blurred vision, constant chemical taste, and more.
In January, the program was expanded to the Heroes Health Project, which provides similar help to soldiers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Because of massive burn pits used to dispose of trash, plastics, and other materials, soldiers have potentially been exposed to the harmful chemicals released in these fires.
To encourage this program and help those who serve, Professional Marketing International just as the Heroes Health Project was getting underway. It’s a worthwhile program and anyone interested can make a donation as well.
