By Joyce McKenzie
The Northeast News & Tribune

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. — To Fire Chief Keith Chapman, their value was obvious.

Having experienced first-hand the life-saving potential of ultrasound machines when he worked several years ago in Tampa General Hospital's emergency room, he dreamed of possessing similar transportable tools for the city's 45-member team of firefighter-paramedics.

His vision recently turned into reality when his department received three such interior body scan machines, each valued at $18,000. They were funded through a state Emergency Medical Services grant and the county's Community Investment Tax.

Full story: Cutting-edge technology allows paramedics to do on-the-spot patient diagnoses