VITALExam

08/08/2025

We brought Sandy and Rick by Daphne Fire Department, then over to Baldwin County 9-1-1 for the Southwest Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs’ monthly meeting to deliver some more training and educational resources from DetecTogether and NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s National Firefighter Registry for Cancer.

Marshal also got to check out Daphne’s new puppy hydration station!

08/04/2025

We recently paused from administering our VITALExams at Mobile Fire-Rescue to attend their quarterly training, where Sandy from DetecTogether traveled from Massachusetts to present their 3 Steps Detect program and distribute educational materials from their Response Time Matters campaign — all aimed at helping firefighters recognize early warning signs of serious illness and take timely action.

Rick from NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s National Firefighter Registry for Cancer made the trip from Indiana to speak about the critical importance of enrolling in the NFR to help advance cancer research in the fire service. He also provided attendees with copies of CRACKYL Magazine’s special cancer edition to further support awareness and prevention.

Thank you both for taking the time to come down and educate our firefighters!

https://responsetimematters.org
https://nfr.cdc.gov

07/25/2025

It’s hard to put into words how proud we are of Captain Saraceno—not just for his strength in facing cancer, but for his courage in sharing his story publicly.

In this video, filmed in May 2024 less than a month after surgery, Captain Saraceno stood before the City of Daphne, Alabama - "The Jubilee City" council to personally thank them for bringing VITALExam’s NFPA exams and cancer screenings to their department—and to share how that decision may have saved his life.

He explains how what he thought would be a routine checkup in February 2024 turned into something far more serious when an ultrasound revealed multiple thyroid lesions, including one that appeared particularly suspicious. Just weeks later, he underwent a complete thyroidectomy at just 37 years old. Pathology confirmed multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma.

He had no warning signs—just the fatigue many first responders chalk up to the job.

"I didn't expect the worst possible outcome," he told the council. "But had we not caught it in time, without a doubt, it would have taken my life."

One week ago, Captain Saraceno received his “all clear.” He is now officially cancer-free and continues to advocate for early detection and firefighter wellness.

We’re incredibly grateful to him for sharing his journey and to Chief Tacon and Daphne Fire Department for their commitment to protecting the health of their team. This is exactly why we do what we do.

07/04/2025

Enjoy this great advice from our chiefs at Gulf Shores Fire Rescue and Gulf Shores Police Department! Have a safe and happy 4th!

07/02/2025

Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Alabama provides free support to firefighters newly diagnosed with cancer. Right now, there is only one mentor for the entire state of Alabama, with a second one on the way — on top of their daily jobs and responsibilities. As more cancers are found in firefighters throughout the state, they’re becoming overburdened.

If you’re a current or retired firefighter and a cancer survivor, in remission, or experienced the impact through a loved one or coworker, contact FCSN and consider becoming a mentor. They have a toolkit with a bunch of great resources to help those diagnosed with cancer to help them along the way.

We deliver valuable post-diagnosis resources followed by unique badge to badge, one-on-one mentorship from one of our 120 fire-service mentors who have firs...

06/30/2025

It’s awesome watching a Chief complete this course! These guys did great on the tandem challenge!

06/29/2025

We enjoyed watching Huntsville Fire and Rescue participate in the Honor Guard competition today! You guys looked sharp and represented your agency well!

06/29/2025

🚨 We’re offering a limited number of FREE ultrasound screenings for Alabama firefighters on Monday and Tuesday at The BJCC. No strings, no catch — just our way of giving back to our local First Responder athletes at the 2025 World Police & Fire Games.

✅ Fast, painless, and potentially life-saving
✅ Performed by licensed medical professionals
✅ Includes thyroid, carotid arteries, and abdomen

Spots are limited, so don’t wait! If you’re an Alabama firefighter (career or volunteer) in the Birmingham area or participating in the games, send us a message!

Alabama Fire College
Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs
Central Alabama Fire Chiefs Association
Birmingham Firefighters Association, Local 117
Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department

06/28/2025

Marshal got to meet First Responders from all over the world yesterday — but this group from the UK might’ve been his favorite so far! 🇺🇸 🇬🇧

06/26/2025

Come visit us at the 2025 World Police & Fire Games in Birmingham!

VITALExam will be offering 𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 and 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘀 in the 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲 of the The BJCC North Exhibit Hall 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟯𝟬𝘁𝗵 through 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝗻𝗱!

These screenings are 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, with custom panels and protocols tailored to their unique health risks—and they’re being offered at 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 during this event.

For more information or to sign up, visit: https://wpfg.vitalexam.com — spaces are limited!

06/25/2025

Helping heroes feel their best, physically and emotionally.

Marshal may be small, but he plays a big role in bringing comfort and calm during our visit to Bay Minette Fire Department. 🐾🔥

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