Prevention.....better than suppression!

It took nearly a year but our new logo'd fire wear has incorporated Prevention along with Fire & Rescue.

Slowly, prevention is coming part of our daily culture.

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning came with a call at 7am with “visible flames, unknown occupants”. A thoughtful neighbor saw flames within a home across her backyard so she dialed 911. Christmas morning, just as many of the kids are awaking new gifts, a dozen or so EPFD were paged. We dashed through the morning snow to hop our fire engines in tow….Engine 41, Tower 21, Engine 12 and Engine 31. Chief 2 arrived on scene to determine the call was due to a Yule log…burning brightly through a 42” Plasma TV. Yes, our thoughtful neighbor was witnessing the television channel of the holiday Yule Log.

I am not sure what is worse, the nosy neighbor looking through her windows or the family watching a fire on TV?

Another Mutual Aid

The page went off shortly after 1am this morning for an engine to a house fire in Edina. I've been up ever since (currently 12:15pm sitting at Dunn's having a cup of coffee). E41 ended up being the 3rd engine to go into service after a second alarm call. We went directly to Edina station 1 to cover the city.
Kare 11 coverage can be seen here

Temps dropped well below zero for during this effort. Everyone said we were better off covering the city from the comforts of station 1 vs. being on scene....maybe, at least I know that whether we are on scene or at the station we are serving a purpose.

OSHA

Last night was three hours of OSHA training. At least it was a bit interactive as the class took the form of a game of jeopardy
Categories included:
PPE
Back problems
Roadway safety
Lock out/tag out
Blood born pathogens





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Busy Sunday

Today was a day that turned out to be relatively quiet even though I spent the majority of the day at the station. A mutual aid call came in around noon from SLP requesting a special unit from EP. Kare11 reported it as:


As we waited out the call at Station 1 ended up going to a church Halloween party with E12....just as we opened the engine for kids we received a page for a kitchen fire. Fortunately, it was small put out relatively quickly....but it did give me the chance to drive e12 code 3 across the city.

Warehouse Fire

Last night we had a call for an industrial fire. A piece of machinery caught on fire.
This size up had visible flames, heavy smoke, building evacuated. We were second engine in and the fire was out. Turned out to be a very isolated piece of equipment but it generated a ton of smoke. We spent the next two hours working ventilation.

AMA Announces new CPR

The AMA released new guidlines this week on first arriving 'help' for a cardiac victim.
Instead of A, B, Then C (Airway, Breathing and Compressions it is now CAB....Compressions, Airway, Breathing.

Basically, they want bystanders who normally would not feel comfortable giving mouth to mouth to assist with compressions. Easier. Safer. And as it turns out more beneficial for the victim. Read the release below.....

Oct. 18, 2010 -- New guidelines released today by the American Heart Association recommend that the three steps of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) be rearranged.

The new first step is doing chest compressions instead of first establishing the airway and then doing mouth to mouth. The new guidelines apply to adults, children, and infants but exclude newborns.

The old way was A-B-C -- for airway, breathing and compressions.

The new way is C-A-B -- for compressions, airway, and breathing.

Sunday House Fire.

Just got back from a ‘fully involved’ house fire. I was not expecting one on a Sunday morning, but then again, I guess I am never expecting one these days. We were third vehicle in but were given the address. LT12 and I took to the basket as command decided this was a defensive attack. From the basket the entire C/D corner roof was gone clear view of the kitchen. The rest of the roof showed spots of flames and smoke. We supplied copious amounts of water/foam using the smooth-bore nozzle…..sometimes creating a new opening in the roof under the pressure.

Fire was knocked down relatively quickly. The scene was clear within 2 hours. Not bad for a fully involved call.

BWCA Fall Trip

This post has nothing to do about fire, ems or training.....but it does fall under the 'everything else' category.

Just got back from a great trip up in the BWCA.
Entered at Mudro #23 and logged about 45 miles in three days.
This trip included a little hunting (duck and grouse); fishing and some great scenery.
This was also first trip of a home made canoe....which worked great. more great photos'

September is the new January.

At least when it comes to new beginnings. Besides school getting a fresh start it seems the fire department get its start in September. We picked up 10 new rookies this month….which gave me a chance to review my first post under this blog. Actually, station 4 picked up one rookie so now we are up to…..14 or 15?

Last few weeks have been very slow. I can’t think of the last call I was on where I actually ‘worked’ a scene. However, from the training perspective it has been busy and the preparation for the Oct 9th Open House.

This week is the physical agility test (annually)…..4:58 seconds is the goal.

Bi-annual photo

 

This past Thursday we had our quarterly business review. Beforehand we had 95 firefighters, all dressed in class-A get our department and station photo.

The business review meeting covered the retirement of CH4; a few promotions and a couple of 10 year service awards (plus a 25 service year award. Listening to the accomplishments of the department over 25 years, the bonds of family and friendship and the opportunity of servicing the community just validates the reason i joined the department two years ago. I wonderer what the deparment will look like in another 23 years?

Training Operations

Wednesday evening I participated in a multi ciy training event at the burn tower in Edina. Participating cities included Edina, Hopkins, Bloomington, Edina, Minnetonka and St. Louis Park. The scenario was to test, practice and learn how to manage and function in a large scale multi-jurisdiction call.

Our scenario was a multi-family, multi-story fire (7 storey apartment fire). We were the 3rd apparatus in and took T21 to ladder and ventilate. The problem was, it took us three tries before we could actually get our vehicle positioned to reach the part of the roof requiring ventilation. Embarrassing, problematic but a good learning experience. Fortunately i was not operating but felt the pain and learned the lesson.

In the end we got the job done. Overall this was a great training experience.

Year Three.....

Two years ago, September, is when I offiically joined EPFD as rookie. I remember hanging out at station 1 for the "quarterly business meeting" and group/station bi-annual photograph.

We have another set of rookies starting this month so the "probie" torch can finally be passed along.

WOrking out of station #4 has been great but the west side is definitly on the short end of the stick when it comes to call volume.

I picked up my "Apparatus Operator" badge/sticker this week which has it pro's and con's. I get to drive and operate (pro) and I get to drive and operate (con).....only a con when there is a working fire.

Garage fire

Okay. Here it is 1:30am and I have been sitting in E41 for two hours. We were the 4th engine in and I was the operator so I am stuck back here, a block from the action. Oh well, you do what you can to help.



But the worst part is I tripped running into the station and dropped my iPhone......let's just say I am writing this with a shattered screen on my phone. This will surly cost me.

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FAO Annual

I am sitting back seat after driving Tower 41 through the obstacle course.
1. Backing in to a loading dock
2. Serpentine course in forward, backward, left and right
3. Backing into an alley that narrows to the width of the tires

Then it is off to do the same stuff in the engine.

I am finally done with this training.... Just need the Chiefs Signature.


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A whole new perspective

Last night I had the privilege of sharing our fire engine at Camp Edenwood which is a great facility hidden in the woods of Eden Prairie that provides week long camping for children with special needs. Last night we had over 20 kids, each with their own special situation. Seeing their genuine excitement in learning about the trucks and what we do as fire fighters.

One boy was totally blind and took his time to feel the truck, the hose, water to explore. Another was mute and pointed to every button, switch and pedal wanting to know more about the truck. and my favorite was Sam, she was passionate about wearing the jacket and gear. When I went to ask for it she wrapped her arms around my neck as to say....I am coming with you.

I was really cool to see how happy and how much fun they had........definitely a great part to the job.

House Blessing

Last weekend T41 was asked to join a house party. It was actually a house blessing as this house was hit by lightening last year during an evening of wicked storms.

The amount of gratitude from the family and friends for our efforts was really nice. For me, I love being able to help but to be honest it is the challenge, the risk and rush..... But to see the benefits first hand puts on a whole new perspective.



Ironically, we were pages out during the blessing for a weather standby.
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Sewing Machine

You never know what you'll come across during a response. Last night we had a call for a parking lot fire. We thought maybe a biffy fire..... But upon arrival it was a sewing machine. Turns out it was inside a plastic dumpster so there was a pool of molten plastic.

Ironically, we had a second fire pm the east of the park too.


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A lot to catch up.

I have a lot of catch up to do as it relates to the fire department. Let's see, last week:
Wednesday - Finished my FAO training & test. Thanks to LT 10, I was able to squeeze my testing on Engine 41 & Tower 41 around a PI.
Wednesday - PI on 212 just east of station. 4. Took my first right seat role and we ended up providing some patient care on three patients involved in two different cars (See photo).
Spent the weekend up at the cabin and came back to help support Eden Prairie during the annual 4th of July celebration.
Sunday: Spent a few hours in the afternoon helping kids shoot a fire hose at the "Squirt House" and a few more hours educating kids (and parents) in the "Safety Trailer".
Sunday: In between shifts I joined station 1 on car fire. Was able to be on the nozzel for the suppression.
Sunday: Came back and spent the evening on Enine 12. Ended up assisting with a medical heat exhaustion and then cardiac following the fire works.

Busy day(s).

Hopkins standby

Tonight a few EPFD's are covering The city of Hopkins while the have their annual party. Our shift us from 4pm to 1am.
Basically we will eat, watch a movie and eat..... Repeat in that order.


Perhaps we will get a call or two?


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FAO Training....Almost done

Today I completed all the pre-requests for FAO training. 5 hours of Engine Driving, 5 Hours of Tower Driving, 5 Hours of Enging Pumping, 5 Hours of Tower Operations, an hour of hydraulics. Thanks to all the Officers and FAO's who helped and put in the time.

Next up is a set of three scenario tests and then three supervised code 3's

EPFD Open House

From OPen House

EPFD has locked in the date and time for the 2010 Open House….October 9, 11-2pm. The open house is a time for EPFD so show-case its equipment, personnel and most importantly the all important message around safety and fire prevention. In 2009, there was a fire reported every 34 minutes across the state of MN. Fire Departments responded to some type of emergency every 2 minutes. The most common causes of fire in MN continue to be cooking, smoking and candles/matches……all that are 100 percent preventable.

The current plans for this years Open House will include the following:
Car Fire & Extrication
Safety Lab staffed with EMT’s
Fire Engine Tours
Squirt House
Fire Safety Trailer
And much more.

Last night mutual aid

Last night we responded to a mutual aid call to support Chanhassen for a house fire. By the time we were called to the deck the fire was out but we had a lot overhaul to perform. Exposing the joists between basement ceiling and first floor from the outside was interesting.

At least we got out and played a little.


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Auto Extrication

Last night’s weekly training was all about auto-extrication. We had two engines crews working on one vehicle. The goal was to see how quickly (safely and efficiently) we could extricate a trapped victim. We were required to use a number of different methods of gaining access including Noah’s Ark (cutting the front & rear doors and the top allowing doors to drop down like a draw-bridge); 5th Door (not sure but we basically peeled the rear door open, remove the windshield, remove the trunk and gain access from the back, roll the roof off the entire car and finally role the dashboard upwards. All in all we completed all tasks in 38 minutes.

Tomorrow is off to do some “advanced search & rescue” in the training tower. Thank god for training programs otherwise I don’t think I would see the inside of a fire truck lately.

FAO Big Rig Driving

This was the last week of FAO class. Final exam on Tuesday and then an evening at Dakota County for some technical driving. Engine 21 & 32 made the trip. The night started out with some serpentine driving. 24-28MPH through some tightly placed cones.....carrying nearly 8000 lbs of water and gear make all maneuvers a little interesting. Second task was the skid pad...a flooded parking lot. 40 MPH and the lock em up...on a straight away and while turning. Third task was backing up through the serpentine...slow and steady. Fourth....was the decision course. Drive 26MPH straight into wall of cones.....with a last second light to direct you left or right without slowing down.

FAO Tower Operations

FAO class is almost over. Classroom headed outdoors about 6 weeks ago. I am not knocking class but there is only so much 24 students can actually do with one or two engines to run scenarios. A lot of waiting……and a lot of water flow. Tonight was flowing water from the ladder truck and a blitz fire. Next week is our last night of scenario’s before we take the final. It’ll be good to get Tuesday nights back.

Weekend House Fire

This weekend we had a house fire. The following email was sent out by EP Lacross Team:
While driving home last Saturday night, two members of the EPLA Junior Gold lacrosse team, Andrew Bailey and Ryan Ellsworth, noticed a fire that had started on the roof of an Eden Prairie home. Acting quickly, the duo rushed to the home and awoke the sleeping family. Because of their efforts the family was able to get out of the home safely. The fire department commented that the roof was about ready to collapse at the time the family escaped. We're proud of how Andrew and Ryan demostrated maturity and calmness in what could have been a terrible situation. Great to hear about our players representing Eden Prairie on and off the field.

E41 arrived third engine in. We tagged the hydrant to supply water and then went interior to check for extension. Then we moved to the exterior and helped do some overhaul on the roof.

Scott scba

It has been quiet around the station since we for our new high pressure 45 min Scott SCBA's. I have not been on air yet so I decided to run some stairs this morning in full turn out while on air. I got in in 11 flights in just over 15 minutes before my tank starting buZzing.

At least now I have a benchmark for future training.


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A good week.

What a 24 hr period. Inside the of Eden Prairie, we had plane crash, apartment fire and a deep seated fire in some woods. I did not make the plane crash but our city did an excellent job at managing the situation and extracting the two victims who survived. Then early this morning (3am) we got a full page for a deck fire on a second story apartment that started to extend. A careless situation that was 100% avoidable. This scene we arrived in time to manage overhaul of the primary apartment & deck. It’s amazing how well insulation can hide the embers.

And then later this afternoon we had a call for smoke coming from a nature park. Look likes a bon-fire gone bad from the previous night.

Scott SCBA

Last night all 100+ EPFD fire fighters and 20+ vehicles performed a swift change is SCBA from MSI to Scott.






The new system will provide us with high pressure bottles and safer technology.





In addition, this set up is going to be the same for many of our neighboring cities. This will insure we are all compatable to again, provide a safer situation for all.


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Started Driving

This is the week that I officially begin driving……the big rigs…. So watch out. The reality is driving these big vehicle actually is so intimidating that it really makes you more aware of your surroundings and others. It is not enough to just pay attention but you when you are driving a rig that weighs around 30,000 lbs it gives you a different perspective. Yesterday we took Engine 41 out for an hour drive spending time between highway and side streets. I need 3 more hours of engine, four hours of tower driving and 9 hours of pumping.

Polar plunge

A live post from EP polar plunge at round lake. 300+ jumpers. Nearly double from last year.


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American Heart Assoc Climb

Last week? Two weeks ago seven of us from the EPFD supported the American Heart Association by climbing 32 flights of stairs. I think we pushed ourselves, at least I know I did...but there was definitley a little left in the tank. The seven of us finished within 60 seconds of each other (between 8 & 9 minutes).

between the 7 of us we raised over $700 dollars.
Next up is the polar plunge for the special olympics.

Late night crash

Last night was the second late night page of the week. A rarity for station #4. Car slid off the road on one of the few remaining dirt roads in Eden prairie.
E41 provided blocking, light and help literally digging part of the car out of the embankment.


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Friction Loss = CQ2L

I think I am almost half way through operator class…..which is a good thing. If there was ever an example or separation of ‘book smart’ and ‘street smart’ this class is it. It is not that the classroom is difficult but boring. You can only read so much about how to drive and operate before you need to just do it. Every truck is different. Drives different, operates different so the real teaching will come during the hands on training at the department.

But I do have to say the pumping/hydraulics section is interesting. Calculating friction loss through the hose, elevation, appliances and then determining the right pressure to ensure the front line crew as enough GPM.
Friction Loss = CQ2L (co-efficient x flow rate squared x length of hose) And then you can calculate the Pump Discharge Pressure as = NP + FL + AFL + EL

AED in the OFFICE

It is not often that I am able to apply my EMT/Fire Skills during my day job but today I just took possession of four HeartSine AED for our company. We have a physically large footprint for an office building with attached warehouse. And until now all we had was a small medicine cabinet located in a few spots for headaches and bandages.

But starting in a few weeks we’ll have 10 full trained first-aid and CPR responders; four AED’s with Oxygen and Medical ERT bag. I think our safety committee is planning on surviving some catastrophic event……because now we can perform just about any triage/emergency outside of open heart surgery.

Training in the light of experience:

Right Seat Training: The last two weeks have been all about preparing the non-officers on how to manage an incident for the first few minutes (first on scene) in order to keep a squad safe and make the right decisions which typically impact the way an incident will be handled. It is amazing how few incidents we have which makes our training that much more important.

I am also in the midst of FAO (Fire Apparatus Operator) training which means I’ll be driving the big red truck pretty soon. Driving is one thing……Operating the water pumps, flowing water and making sure everyone on the end of the hose has enough water…..this one will take a number of months of practice, driving and more practice.

And last month I took the Fire & Life Safety Educator class which….well gave me some great insight into the effort, progress and infrastructure behind training and prevention. So, since we don’t see a lot of action I am taking advantage of all the training and practice I can get. ….but I’d still prefer a big ripper someday soon.

Waterous

Just finished a tour of the Waterous pump company. Although I am not a motorhead it was very impressive to see the innerworkings of a water pump..... And how they are manufactured.


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Fire / Rescue & Prevention

Just spent the weekend up in St Cloud MN attending the FITOAM (Fire Instructors & Training Officers Association of Minnesota. I was able to get my Fire & Life Safety Educator State Certification I.

This has been interesting for me as I have a whopping a 18 months of Fire experience under my belt and the average attendee at this conference was at least 18 years (mostly suppression)....but that is okay. The whole goal behind prevention is prevent the (negative) experience. There are enough examples out there of what not to do….our job is to make sure people are aware of those (negative) experiences to prevent them from happening again.

Plus, the better we do the less actual suppression experience we get….which for a fire fighter can be a bummer but I hope we’d all agree that our adrenaline rush is not the right reason to stop prevention.

So I had an epiphany this weekend….see 100’s of fire fighters all walking around with their Fire / Rescue sweatshirts at an education conference….why not add “prevention” to our identity?

FIRE / RESCUE
PREVENTION

Battle of the Badges

Finally some healthy competition between cities. Eden Prairie Fire is going head to head agains Bloomington Fire to see who can 'donate' the most blood (aka, Battle of the Badges.

I have no idea what the 'awards' are but we going for the most pints and most Fire Fighters as a percent of the total. Friends and Family are welcome (just be sure to mention Eden Prairie Fire when you do donate.

My donation took place earlier this morning.......This is the first time I have donated blood.....it was pretty simple and realatively fast.

A new start 2010

Last night was the only evening when the EPFD is totally out of commission.  Thanks to our neighboring cities (Chanhassen and Hopkins Fire to cover our city) we were able to the evening off and celebrate our 2009 Holiday Party.

Station 4 hosted this year event at Olympic Hills Country Club.   a great turn out with 150 or so current and past FF’s.