Friday, February 27, 2015

Weekly Update for Friday, February 27, 2015

Ethics.  Sometimes I'm puzzled as to why we need things like a Code of Ethics. Then, things happen that make me wonder if we do enough ethics training. We operate in the confidence of public trust. If we break that trust, we fail. Miserably! Public trust is extremely fragile. Each of us has a responsibility to ensure that trust remains strong. Not only within our own organization, but in the fire service at-large. Throughout the Firefighter Nation, so-to-speak. As Firefighters, we are held to a higher standard. When one of us does something unethical, on or off duty, it effects ALL of us.  If you memorize one element of the National Firefighter Code of Ethics it should be this; "Always conduct myself, on and off duty, in a manner that reflects positively on myself, my department and the fire service in general."


Call  Volume:  We've run 145 calls, year to date. We're averaging 2.5 calls per day! We're 52 calls ahead of this time last year.  Higher call volume puts more of a burden on each of us. We need to share the work. As I look over call attendance, there seems to be a good mix of responders. Thanks!

Engine 83:  The truck is in fabrication. We should start seeing pictures soon. Our "ready for pick-up" or RFP date is April 20. That's the day the truck is completed. We'll be heading out to the factory around April 27th for the final inspection.

Fire Operations in Snow: Keep in  mind, snow is going to be a hindrance (to say the least) to  us when stretching lines, gaining access to buildings, setting ground ladders, cutting vent holes (and any other roof operations), setting to hydrants may required 2 lengths of  suction hose. These are all going to have an effect on firefighter safety most of all.  This link Woolwich Fire is an article where WFD couldn't get to structure fire, because of snow. Last week we responded to an alarm sounding at a Shore Road address on Kennebunk Pond, we would have had similar difficulties there too. Last Friday evening we responded to a Poor Farm Road address for a chimney fire were we had to hike in with equipment, including a ground ladder, because of snow.  Be flexible.

MSFI Director's Bi-weekly Updatehttp://www.MaineFSI.org/directors-bi-weekly-update-february-20-2015/

Thank you Girl Scout Troop 2282!  The Girl Scouts, Brownies and Daisies of Dayton, Arundel and Biddeford made several blankets for us to keep on the ambulances. Three blankets for each. The blankets are specifically designed and sized for kids.

Awards:  If you haven't yet, please go onto our website an nominate someone deserving for an award.

From  The Secret List .........
NEW REPORT FROM USFA-HOW WE GET HURT
This newest report looks at firefighter injuries sustained at, responding to or returning from a fire incident, using data reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).
Each year, tens of thousands of firefighters are injured while fighting fires, rescuing people, responding to emergency medical and hazardous material incidents, or training for their job. While the majority of injuries are minor, a significant number are debilitating and career-ending. Such injuries exact a great toll on the fabric of the fire service.
Report findings: An estimated 70,450 firefighter injuries occurred annually. Of these injuries, --31,550 occurred on the fireground, and 4,150 occurred while responding to or returning from an incident.
-The majority of fire-related firefighter injuries (87 percent) occurred in structure fires. In addition, on average, structure fires had more injuries per fire than nonstructure fires.
-Injuries resulted in lost work time for 42 percent of firefighters with reported fire-related injuries.
-Fires resulting in firefighter injuries were more prevalent in July at 12 percent and peaked between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m.
-Overexertion/Strain was the cause of 27 percent of reported fire-related firefighter injuries.
Download the free report from the U.S. Fire Administration's website:
www.usfa.fema.gov/data/statistics/reports.html.

ACLS Class in Westbrook. WFD will be hosting an ACLS Refresher program on March 4, 2015 from 9a-4p. The cost of the program is $135 which includes the ACLS provider text.
If anyone has interest in attending please contact Chief Turcotte at 207-854-0644 ext 2306 or via email at aturcotte@westbrook.me.us

Child Safety Seats: Kennebunk Fire will be hosting a Child Passenger Safety Certification Course, April 27-30, at the Wesk K station. A flyer is on the bulletin board.

Basic Pump Operator Course: Buxton FD will be hosting a BPOC class. Dates are 3/18, 3/21 and 4/8. Anyone interested should submit a training request for to the Training Officer ASAP.

Basic Firefighter Course: Kennebunk is planning a BLS class this spring. Instructors are needed. If you're interested in attending as a student or an instructor, please let me know.

Events Next week:  Tuesday: GMFRA at 1900.  Thursday: C Co. Officers w/ Chief at 1730.

Duty Officer: Friday and Saturday: Capt Duross. Sunday: Chief Hooper.


Have a safe weekend,
Chief


--
Roger S. Hooper, Fire Chief
Goodwins Mills Fire-Rescue
481 Goodwins Mills Road
Lyman, ME 04002
Office: 207-499-7878
Station: 207-499-2362
Fax: 207-499-2893
www.gmfd.org