As part of his unit's commitment to fostering a healthy community, Milton Fire CARES’ own registered nurse will offer free wellness checks for anyone who comes by open clinics on select upcoming days.

Clinics will be conducted by Derek Hofmann -- a Milton firefighter, paramedic, and Fire CARES team member. Citizens can have their blood pressure and glucose levels checked, or get electrocardiograms (EKGs) measuring their heart rate. Knowing where you stand on these kinds of tests can be life-changing, and potentially life-saving, for people of any age.

These community wellness checks align with the Milton Fire-Rescue Department’s efforts to do what it can to promote preventative medicine that can lessen the likelihood of people having to call 911, go to the hospital, or even make doctor’s visits that they might otherwise have been able to avoid.

The wellness clinics will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – so convenient even for those on a lunch break – starting this Wednesday. The dates and locations are:

• JANUARY 15 at Community Place (2006 Heritage Walk, right next to City Hall)

• JANUARY 29 at Fire Station 43 (750 Hickory Flat Road, with parking in the front or back of the building)

• FEBRUARY 5 at Community Place

• FEBRUARY 19 at Community Place

• FEBRUARY 26 at Fire Station 43

• MARCH 5 at Community Place

• MARCH 19 at Community Place

• MARCH 26 at Fire Station 43

No appointments are needed; still, given that nothing is scheduled, waits are possible.

Hofmann recently worked to become an RN (or registered nurse) to further diversify and expand what services he – and, in turn, Milton Fire CARES – can provide to citizens. Even before then, this mobile integrated health program offered an array of services.

For example, it’s M410 Advanced Life Support unit responds rapidly to 911 medical emergencies; it’s already significantly cut down the number of calls that ambulances and other personnel must respond to, saving taxpayers while providing needed care. Fire CARES also works with patients (as well as their medical providers) on transitions from hospitals to home environments.

In addition, the CARES team regularly leads CPR, Stop the Bleed, and other classes to better equip citizens with lifesaving knowledge. Members also do free in-home visits (at which they offer various services) for those registered through its wellness program.

To learn more about these and other Fire CARES offerings, visit www.miltonga.gov/FireCARES.