Friday, April 15, 2016

Weekly Update for Friday, April 15, 2016

OPEN SHIFTS: APRIL: Saturday 4/23rd 0700-1900.  JUNE: 6/24 1900-0700 - must be EMT.  6/25 0700-1900. MONDAY 6/27 1900-0700 must be EMT. 6/28 0700-1900 must be EMT. JULY:  Saturday 7/2 0700-1900 must be EMT.  SUNDAY 7/3 0700-1900 need 2. One must be EMT.  Wednesday 7/6 0700-1900, Thursday 7/7 0700-1900.
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For the second day in a row........as I'm writing this...we have crews working a multi-alarm grass fire in Old Orchard. Several news articles on-line. On our Facebook page is a good picture of Portland Engine 6 and our Engine 83 at the fire. Don't see that very often! I want to thank the crew that went with E83 to the scene, the crew on Rescue 86 covering Saco Central and the crew who remained in town to cover our station. Thanks!
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Sunday Night's Code:  This past Sunday we responded to a call for an unresponsive male. Great job by all involved. We had a good turnout and the right skills on scene quickly. Despite our best efforts, the outcome wasn't what we desired. When I arrived the scene was well organized and operating professionally. Lt Daniels had things well at hand.   Every code is hard. No matter the age of the patient or the out come. If you're having any difficulties with this, you owe it to yourself to talk with someone you trust.
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Fire Danger:  Spring is definitely here. Today was the first "red flag" of the summer season. Started off with a grass fire in Old Orchard Beach yesterday.  One OOB FF was taken to SMHC for exhaustion.   Appropriate PPE is necessary.  Turnout gear isn't the correct PPE for wildland fires. Long pants, leather boots, and a nomex fire shirt is best.
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Banquet:  Tomorrow. Social hour starts at 1700.  Kennebunk and Waterboro will be covering our station starting at 1600.
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Radio Call Signs: I've posted GN 16-1375 which updates radio numbers. The biggest changes are adding Chief 8-3 and moving the captain's up by one number. For the time being Lieutenant radio numbers will remain the same.  Fire Police will start using "890" series of numbers.
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Organization and Officer Promotions:  Early next week, I'll send out the updated organization chart. There is currently one Lieutenant's position that is vacant. Lt Steiner is filling that role on an "acting" basis. One Engineer's position is also vacant. Early next week I'll be sending out a notice asking for applications to fill those positions permanently.
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 Next Chiefs Call: I'm holding a Chief's Call on Tuesday, 4/26 at 1900.
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Car Fire Training: We've been asked to send Engine 83 to support the YCCA Firefighter I/II Academy for car fire training. We need an EVO2. Please contact Captain Duross if interested.
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Wild Land Fire Training: The SRTC program and the YCCA Firefighter I/II Academy will be doing the wild land fire class on April 30th.  We've been asked to provide Squad 87 to support this training. So....I need a crew for the Squad.  If interested please send me an e-mail.
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This e-mail was forwarded to me this morning by Steve Willis:
"Mr Willis:
I would like to thank you very much for setting up my tours of some of your area firehouses involved in the live in program. Everyone was so welcoming from the chiefs to the students. By taking the time to go visit those involved, it gave me a much better understanding of the program and selection process. I am very grateful and look forward to being a member of the fire science program at SMCC. Please pass on my thanks to Scarborough, Gray, Falmouth, Goodwins Mills, and Wyndham for taking the time with me and my family. My parents and I thank them for their hospitality. I hope I see you when I come up for my interview in May.
Thank you again
Brian Grimm"
For those of you who met with Brian, and gave him and his parents the station tour, THANKS!
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Patient Appreciation:  This morning I received a visit from one of our recent patients. He was very complimentary of the courtesy and professionalism of the crew that rescued and treated him. He was most impressed by how quickly we arrived.  
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The EMR-ISAC InfoGram for April 14, 2016 contains the following articles:
1. Duo of Support Websites for First Responders
2. Cyber Investigative Training for Law Enforcement
3. FEMA Requests Feedback on NIMS Refresh
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First Responder Safety Network; https://learning.respondersafety.com/  The Emergency Responder Safety Institute of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association provides the Responder Safety Learning Network as part of its mission to improve the safety of the nation’s emergency responders by: Engaging in and promoting activities that include developing educational material to support responder safety training. Promoting the National Unified Goal (NUG) for Traffic Incident Management (TIM) including responder safety; safe, quick clearance; and interoperable communicationsEncouraging the development of TIM TeamsPromoting collaboration, communication and cooperation among the nation’s emergency responders Keeping emergency responders up to date on national rules, regulations and trends related to safe roadway incident operations. The content on the Responder Safety Learning Network is developed in cooperation with and vetted by recognized consulting experts in the many aspects of traffic incident management.The consultants for each training module are listed under the “Consultants” tab of the module’s navigation bar.The members of the CVVFA Emergency Responder Safety Institute are listed here. The Responder Safety Learning Network delivers training modules and downloadable resources in various aspects of safety related to traffic incident response.These modules and resources proceed from the basis provided by the National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management, which promotes coordinated and consistent response protocols across all agencies with jurisdiction of traffic incidents.Content is also in alignment with any associated standards and requirements that apply to an individual module or resource topic.The testing and documentation available for module completion assists emergency responders in keeping a training record that can assist with meeting continuing education requirements.
Primary funding for the Responder Safety Learning Network is provided by the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for Fire Prevention & Safety. Other support is provided by the United States Fire Administration, the US Department of Justice, the Federal Highway Administration and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
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Communication & Mentoring for Company Officers: There is a new module from the NFFF, Fire Hero Learning Network! Login and see the new module. Communication is critical and takes place in many ways – between the officer and his/her crew, between officers, and between the officer and his/her superior. Knowing how to effectively communicate priorities, understand and respond to problems, and handle difficult or awkward situations at all these levels is key to being an effective officer. In the fire service, with its strong tradition of brotherhood, mentoring is another important aspect of communication and is especially critical to career and personal growth. This program touches on these many aspects of communication and mentoring through the eyes of seasoned company officers. This Self-Paced Program is designed to be taken in tandem with the program "Company Officer's Health & Safety Responsibilities."  Click Here to sign in and begin the new module!     Check out other on-line training courses at Fire Hero Learning Network.
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Maine Fire Service Institute: Please visit our website for the latest news in Maine Fire Training.
http://www.mainefsi.org/maine-fire-service-institute-e-newsletter-april-may-fire-training-update/
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National Fire Academy: NFA Application Period Opens April 15:  The NFA is a fantastic opportunity for world-class Fire Service training for FREE!  Your travel to/from Emitsburg, tuition and your lodging are covered by the USFA. The department will cover the cost of your meal ticket. NFA classes are all accredited by ACE. The Volunteer Incentive Program is tailored to volunteer firefighters. The application period for the first semester of National Fire Academy resident classes will open April 15, 2016.  The application period closes June 15, 2016.  The first semester includes those classes scheduled from October 1, 2016 – March 31, 2017. All students are required to register for a Student Identification Number (SID).  This number is used in place of the Social Security Number on the General Admissions Application form.  Register for a SID here:  https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid
All information about courses, applications and suggestions for successful completion of the application can be found at the following sites: Course Catalog and schedules: http://apps.usfa.fema.gov/nfacourses/
Please review the ‘How to Apply for NFA Courses’ information at: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/admissions/apply.html
This page also includes the required FEMA Form 119-25-1 General Admissions Application form.
Completed applications for resident course must be sent to the following address:
NETC Admissions Office
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD  21727-8998
Applications may also be faxed to (301) 447-1441 or emailed to netc-admissions@fema.dhs.gov
For more information, please call the Admissions Office at (800) 238-3358, ext. 1035 or (301) 447-1035.
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Events Next Week:  Tuesday 4/19; Lyman Employee recognition as Cousens School 1530 to 1930. EMS Respiratory training at 1830. Tuesday 4/21 at 1830 Fire Commission. Friday 4/22, 0900 EMS Respiratory Training, 1800 Horton Ambulance Demo.
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Be Safe,
Chief






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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