Saving Lives

MONROE, WA | Apartment Fire Cause Determined | 2

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SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wa. | Firefighters from Snohomish County Fire District #7 were dispatched just after 1900 hours PDT, to an apartment fire located in the 14600 block of 179th Ave SE in Monroe.

The Fire Investigator is on-scene and has determined the fire started in the kitchen.  The cause has not been determined at this time, but the FIU Investigator is currently investigating.

Resources on-scene were from Lake Stevens FD, Everett FD, Woodinville FD, Duvall Fire District #45 and Snohomish FD.  Monroe PD assisted with traffic control duties and the transported the injured kitty to a local vet after Firefighters brought it back to life.

A total of 19 residents have been displaced by the impacted by the fire.  The American Red Cross is currently assisting the families.

#SCFD7Fire #MonroeFire #FireSeason2019

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – 4/2/2019 @ 2025 hours PDT

MONROE, WA | Firefighters Revive One Furry Life

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SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wa. | Firefighters from Snohomish County Fire District #7 were dispatched just after 1900 hours PDT, to an apartment fire located in the 14600 block of 179th Ave SE in Monroe.

Quickly egressing upon the fire, firefighters were able to put the fire out within a short amount of time.  After the fire was tapped, they immediately checked for any hot spots or extensions.

Photo Credit | SCFD7

The fire broke out in the evening on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.

After conducting primary and secondary searches of the apartment unit, they found no humans home but their four-legged family member was found.  Firefighters extricated the unresponsive feline and began giving it oxygen and ultimately saving its life.

All-in-all, there were a total of eight apartment units affected by the fire.

Resources on-scene and assisting with firefighting and containment efforts are from the Lake Stevens FD, Everett FD, Woodinville FD, Duvall Fire District #45 and Snohomish FD.  Monroe PD was also on-scene for traffic control and one of their Officers transported the injured kitty to a local vet in the area.

Photo Credit | SCFD7

It was a well-coordinated effort by all whom responded to this apartment fire.

#SCFD7Fire #MonroeFire #FireSeason2019

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – 4/2/2019 @ 1955 hours PDT

October 1st is National Fire Pup Day

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INTRO

When you first think of this National Holiday you probably think of the black and white spotted dog best known as the Dalmatian that hangs out with the firefighters at the Station House.  There are so many breeds making great strides in saving lives, as well as making a difference in their communities we would like to recognize that includes  Fire and SAR dogs.

FIRE PUP FACTS

Dalmatians started out their careers in the role of aiding horse-drawn carriages (firefighting apparatus) by running in front of them to clear the pathway leading both firefighters and horses to fires.  Some references even say that when they ran in front of the apparatus, they barked as if they were “sounding the alarm” notifying people a fire response was coming down their streets.

Because of the Dalmatians breed traits, dogs were easily able to jump from the horse-drawn era to fire trucks with strengths in guarding apparatus and later becoming firehouse mascots.  They were said to be easily trained and were heavily relied upon due to their biggest trait of being great guard dogs and watching over apparatus at fires.

Today, Dalmatians are still the same iconic breed of firehouses everywhere but there are other breeds in the Fire Service that have committed Heroic actions that we are including on this Special Day.

STORIES ABOUT FIRE DOGS

We have gleaned information from various sources about dogs saving lives and here is a small compilation:

Jake, Fire Pup Rescued Twice

Hanahan Fire Department (SC) Firefighter Lindler saw smoke coming from a neighbor’s yard and just did what was natural  in responding to the scene with equipment. Seeing that a shed was on fire, the dog’s owners screamed out their 3-week old pup was inside the building.  Firefighter Lindler rescued the pup from the burning shed and could see this poor fella had  burns over 75-percent of his body.

He was taken to a vet for immediate care but would be later given up by his owners because they were unable to pay the vet bills. The Firefighter who would follow-up at a later point on the pup’s condition would learn about this terrible news. His heart sank but it seemed only natural to adopt him and naming him Jake.  He had been rescued twice in his short life.

Jake quickly recovered when he was brought to the fire house and was loved on by his new adopted family.  He has turned from rescued pup to Fire Prevention Dog.  His owner is thinking he would make a great Arson Detection Dog.  He has been featured in a recent Humane Society calendar and has his own Facebook Page.

Learn more below.

Read about how Jake is helping kids and may even get a shot at becoming an Arson Detection Dog.  He is amazing and you will love his story as much as we have.

Jake is now a “Public Figure” as listed on his Facebook page here –> > https://www.facebook.com/JaketheFirePibble/.

Read his full story and see pictures (warning: may be disturbing to some)  Woman’s Day (UK news) > http://www.womansworld.com/posts/this-little-pup-was-rescued-from-a-fire-but-it-s-what-he-does-today-that-will-really-melt-your-heart-93651

Bretagne, the last surviving Fire SAR Dog of 9/11

Bretagne, a Golden Retriever was age two when she was deployed for her first mission as a newly certified FEMA SAR Dog to the 9/11 WTC disaster looking for survivors then remains. For 10 days, she worked tirelessly with her handler, Denise Corliss.  She also logged in hours at Hurricane Katrina, Rita and Ivan. Bretagne had many great  years of service. She passed away in 2016 just shy of her 17th birthday. She received a highly decorated memorial by those who loved her.

Read her story here –> https://www.rt.com/usa/345736-911-rescue-dog-dies/

Tilley, Rescue Pup turns Firehouse Pup

A Fire Station sticking with tradition of having a dog presence at their Fire Station changed it up one day when two firefighters from the Cass County Fire District No. 1/New Waverly Fire Department went across the street to pick up a new dog.  Firefighter Kyle Anderson and their Department’s Fire Chief, Rex Danely (a self-proclaimed K9 lover) rescued a pup from the Humane Society and brought the dog back.  His primary duties are to offer a calm presence, accept treats and lots of petting from kids who come to see him regularly.  The Chief felt they needed a “canine” presence.  They have never looked back and Tilley has helped many along the way returning the favor many times over.

Check out their story here –> http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-department-management/articles/124516018-Firehouse-dog-Mans-best-friend-finds-home-at-station/

The London Dogs

Sherlock, Murphy and Rosco (retired) are trained by the best in the London Fire Brigade (UK) as arson detection dogs.  Their keen sense of smell is what helps them find fire causes.

Check out their stories here –> http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/meet-london-fire-brigades-firefighting-10318441

FIRE PUPS DOING AMAZING THINGS

Fire Pups are trained in many aspects of helping others.  Here are some of the amazing these dogs do in the Fire Service.

  • Search and Rescue (Disaster)
  • Arson Detection
  • Fire Prevention
  • Calm Presence during Fire Incident
  • Firehouse Presence

This post is dedicated to all Fire and SAR Dogs everywhere.  We Salute You!

HAPPY NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY!

#NationalFirePupDay

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

SHORELINE FIRE Help Save Lives by Giving Away Free Window Guards

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Shoreline, Washington

More and more calls come through 9-1-1 Dispatch centers across the Nation in kids pushing the screen out or being curious of windows in their homes, causing them to fall down below.  Some have received serious injuries, while a few have died.

The Safe Kids Worldwide say that in 2011 alone, there were 2.876,929 fall-related injuries that required ER treatment.  In 2010, there were 127 children that died from their fall-related injuries.  Kids younger than five years old falling out of windows U.S.-wide annually is 3,300.

Folks, we don’t know about you but to us that’s way too many kids getting hurt from PREVENTABLE injuries.  These “accidents” can be so prevented, if parents, caregivers, grandparents, friends, daycare, neighbors and the list goes on that can protect these innocent lives.  No one wants to see a child hurt or watch as they fall out of a window.

With this being said, Shoreline Fire Department is giving away FREE Window Guards starting TODAY.  You can pick these up from their Headquarters located at 17525 Aurora Avenue N in Shoreline Washington.

Sponsored by | SafeKidsWashington and the Regional Trauma Council.

For more information, you can click this link for details | http://www.stopat4.com/if-kids-could-float.

[c] 2015 The NW Fire Blog

BELLEVUE FIRE: New State-of-Art Defibrillators Being Used

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Fire Department staff have completed the process of deploying 29 new state-of-the-art automatic defibrillators to the city’s trucks and medic units. The new defibrillators already have been used six times for victims of cardiac arrest in recent weeks.

The new equipment is expected to boost Bellevue’s cardiac arrest save rate, which at 57 percent is well above the national average, estimated in the 10 percent range.

Bellevue’s automatic defibrillators were several years old and nearing the end of their useful life. The new Phillips Heart Start FR-3s are smaller, lighter and have improved software that can be customized by fire department staff as protocols change. The total replacement cost was approximately $115,000.

The FR-3 identifies life threatening rhythms, prepares to shock and delivers the needed energy quicker and more efficiently. It has been redesigned to provide better feedback to firefighters about the rate, depth and quality of CPR being performed.

Other improvements include the ability to defibrillate children with the same pads as adults, and blue tooth capability that allows data to be transferred wirelessly for event review and data collection.

2014 The NW Fire Blog

King County EMS Levy Saves Lives

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King County Medic One/EMS Firefighters and Medics save lives every day, including mine.  Here is my story and how I am thankful that I live in King County.

“Approximately three-and-a-half years ago, I nearly lost my life, but thankful while at work, someone called 9-1-1 because I was unable to do it for myself.  Chest pains, shortness of breath, unable to walk.  It was deemed as if I was having a potential heart attack and treated as such. 

However, firefighters took immediate action by taking vitals, implementing the protocol for someone having a heart attack, they were calming and reassuring I was going to be okay.  I knew already I was in good hands, being cared for by the best firefighters and Medics because I am live, work and play in King County.

With a fire station nearby, medics and firefighters rushed to my aid, arriving, treating and transporting me to Overlake Hospital.  

Arriving at the hospital, I was still being treated as if I was having a heart attack.  After initial evaulations and later tests confirming the diagnosis, it was found that I had a pulmonary emboylis with serious blood clots on both sides of my lungs, initially pushing up against my heart imitating a heart attack. 

If life-saving measures didn’t reach me within the next few minutes after this serious onset – I would have easily died on the way to the hospital.  They literally saved my life in the field and at the hospital.

Without King County’s highly skilled and specially trained firefighters and Medics, I don’t think I could be here telling you my story.  I am truly blessed and thankful that the men and women in the Bellevue Fire Department and at Overlake Hospital saved my life on that day back in January 2010.  I would not be here today to be able to share my story or the fact that the best place to survive any type of cardiac arrest or heart event is here in King County.” – Lisa Swenson

***

King County’s website states the following:

“Our Medic One/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system provides essential life saving services to the people in Seattle and King County. With an international reputation for innovation and excellence, the King County Medic One/EMS system offers uniform medical care regardless of location, incident circumstances, day of the week, or time of day. It has the highest reported survival rates in the treatment of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients across the nation.

The Medic One/EMS system is funded with a 6-year EMS levy. The current levy rate of $.30 per $1,000 of Assessed Value (AV) was approved by voters of King County in November 2007 and began collection in January 2008. This 30-cent levy rate means that a family of a $400,000 home pays $120 a year for Medic One services.

The current EMS levy expires on December 31, 2013. Therefore, a reauthorization of the EMS levy is necessary to provide a seamless transition into the new levy period. Under state law, the levy can be reauthorized for 6 years, 10 years, or for an indefinite amount of time, at a maximum rate of $.50 per $1,000 AV. Historically, King County has never exceeded $.30 per $1,000 AV, and the average length of each levy has been 6 years.

Prior to being placed on the ballot for voter approval, the Medic One/EMS 2014-2019 Strategic Plan and recommended EMS levy rate must be approved by the councils of all cities over 50,000 in population and the King County Council. There are nine cities over 50,000, including Auburn, Bellevue, Federal Way, Kent, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Seattle, and Shoreline. Representatives from each of the nine cities are serving on the EMS Advisory Task Force.

***

The EMS Advisory Task Force has a crucial job to and must review all pertinent information related to the EMS Levy prior to bringing it to King County voters on the November ballot.  This Task Force will be reviewing information for the 2014-2019 levy.  It is a voter-approved EMS Levy according to the RCW (Revised Code of Washington State) 84.52.069.

***

Did you know that in 2010, Firefighters responded to more than 163,000 calls and Medics treated more than 47,000 Advanced Life Support (ALS) patients in all of King County?

And,

Did you know that residents living in the King County boundaries are more likely to survive a cardiac arrest event four-to-five times higher than any other any place else?

***

Here are some more amazing facts and statistics:

Medical personnel serve over 1.9 Million people in King County and respond every three minutes to medical emergencies and that 1 out of 10 have used the Medic One/EMS system before.

The Medic One/EMS Levy is very vital to our EMS Communities and in order to continue their excellent and life-saving patient care services, they must have this EMS Levy reauthorized by voters.  This Levy was originally created in 2006.

***

If you are likely to have a heart attack or any other serious medical event in King County, this is the best place to be and here are the reasons why:

[1]  Community based programs.  The Medic One/EMS Levy has injury prevention programs such as: safe usage of car seats for infants, prevention of falls among the elderly, teaching county-wide Citizen CPR/AED and education to distracted drivers with a special emphasis on drivers under the age of 20-years old.

[2]  Regional Medical Control.  Oversees all  medical care and hold all to an accountable system, writing and approving medical protocols, approving initial EMT and continuing EMS medical education, undertaking new and on-going medical quality improvement activities, initiating disciplinary actions when indicated and working closely with the  Central Regional  Trauma Council.

[3]  Medical Quality Improvement.  This is a programmatic, scientific and case-base evaluation to assure excellent patient care for all in King County.

The Levy Funds the following Programs:

[1]  Dispatch Centers.

[2]  Center for the Evaluation of Emergency Medical Services.

[3]  Administration.

[4]  Basic Life Support Training (BLS).

Who are the Levy’s Partners?

EMS Agencies (Fire Departments Within the County) :

Bellevue FD / Bothell FD / Eastside Fire and Rescue / Enumclaw FD / Kent Fire Life & Safety / King County Fire Districts #2 (Burien), #20, #27 (Fall City), #44 (Mountainview), #45 (Duvall), #50 (Skykomish) and #51 (Snoqualmie Pass) / King County Medic One (ALS) / Kirkland FD / Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety / Mercer Island FD / North Highline Fire District #11 / Northshore FD #16 / Redmond FD / Seatac City FD / Seattle Fire / Shoreline Fire / Snohomish County Fire District #26 / Snoqualmie Fire & Rescue / Tukwila Fire / Valley Regional Fire Authority / Vashon Island Fire & Rescue / Woodinville Fire and Life Safety.

Who are the Dispatch Centers within King County?

Enumclaw Police Department / NORCOM / Seattle First Alarm Center (Seattle FAC) / Port of Seattle / ValleyComm.

What Hospitals Are Within the Borders inside King County?

Auburn General Hospital / Children’s Hospital / Enumclaw Community Hospital / Evergreen Hospital / Group Health Eastside / Harborview Medical  Center / Highline Medical Center / Kindred Hospital / Northwest Hospital / Overlake Hospital Medical Center / Snoqualmie  Valley Hospital / St. Francis Community Hospital / Swedish Medical Center – Ballard & First Hill / Swedish – Issaquah & Providence / University of Washington Medical Center / Valley Medical Center / Veteran’s Administration Medical Center (VA Hospital) / Virginia Mason Medical Center.

***

For more information regarding this

2014 – 2019

Medic One / EMS Levy

Reauthorization Process

***

Helen Chatalas / EMS

401 5th Avenue #1200, Seattle 98104

or

helen.chatalas@kingcounty.gov

206-263-8560 ph / 206-296-4866 fx

OR

Read the “Overview of the Medic One / EMS System for EMS Advisory Task Force by clicking on the link at www.kingcounty.gov.

***

Tweets about this Story:

Seattle Fire Chief Dean says, “King County EMS Levy and its accomplishments comes first before anything else.”

(c) 2013 The NW Fire Blog

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Source:  King County.gov