CFJ Vol. 32.3 (Winter 2018)

National Stop The Bleed Day

Accidents and trauma are the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. 
 
The top cause of preventable death in trauma is bleeding. 20% of people who have died from traumatic injuries could have survived with rapid control of bleeding.
National Stop The Bleed Day brings Bleeding Control (B-CON) Instructors and students together for a day of training. Free of charge.

Relevant Tags: HAZMAT 2018: SIXTY ONE DELTA ONE

There’s No Place Like Foam

When it comes to hazardous materials, the one class that you will come in contact with more than any other is DOT Hazard Class 3, Flammable Liquids. Flammable liquids include materials such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and a host of others. All of the flammable liquids will burn. 

Relevant Tags: HAZMAT

Social Media Outreach Becomes Christmas Miracle

Social Media has a negative connotation for some. I’m sure you’ve seen and heard nightmare stories about how it has ruined reputations, careers, business, etc. I agree; it can absolutely have a negative impact on your reputation and your brand IF it’s not managed appropriately. There is even a term out there coined by a former reporter, turned public safety blogger and media expert, Dave Statter. He calls it “Social Media Assisted Career Suicide Syndrome” or SMCASS for short, and there are plenty of examples out there to support this term and syndrome.

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The Building Blocks of a Winning Team

As America’s fire service witnesses the retirements of the baby boomers, it is critical that leadership continues to build solid winning teams. It is important that we drill into the heart of what it takes to create a winning team in an evolving fire service. The foundation of the future modern fire service will be based on the creation and communication of a vision and setting goals that focus on the many new talents of the younger members of this great profession and utilizing their diverse knowledge, skills and abilities.

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Fire Station Construction Should Be a Team Sport

Like fighting a fire, to deliver a successful construction project takes the work of many people to achieve your goal. I’m not a fireman and have never been on a fire call, but I assume that fighting a fire is better with a team, especially a team that has trained and worked on many calls together. Construction operates the same way, and it is better when approached as a team sport.

Relevant Tags: THE STATION HOUSE

Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention Week has been around so long nearly every living American likely has heard one of its fire safety messages. For the past 92 years, during the first week of October, the President of the United States encourages everyone to emphasize fire safety in their lives. Several jurisdictions stretch out the nation’s longest-running public health observance for a month.

Relevant Tags: From South Carolina State Fire Marshall Office

Determining Required Fire Flow

(This is part two of a two-part series.)

Last issue, retired Phoenix Fire Chief Alan Brunacini’s characterization of fundamental fire attack opened the discussion of “fire flow” — the amount of water volume and pressure needed to control and extinguish a fire.

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Engine Company Operations — Fireground Flow

In the last two editions of the CFRJ we discussed the importance of the first and second hoselines. A critical element for success of these hoselines is the hose and nozzle combination.  The hose and nozzle combination in many instances are misunderstood. Fireground flow is simple: overwhelm the fire with water. A lot of firefighters, both volunteer and career, seem to overlook the capabilities of their department when it comes to what their hose and nozzle package will flow on the fireground. What is the target flow for your department? Is that flow being achieved on the fireground? Can the staffing level adequately manage the hose with the desired flow? It is imperative that all fire departments flow test their hose and nozzle packages to ensure the desired flow is being reached on the fireground. 

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What is a System of Care and Why Are They Important?

This article marks one year of providing information from the Bureau to the Carolinas and as this edition goes to press we are gearing up for another amazing South Carolina EMS Symposium in March at the wonderful Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach. There are a large number of renowned speakers covering a plethora of topics attending this year’s symposium. On top of hundreds of hours of continuing education, the annual paramedic competition will be held and annual awards will be presented on Saturday night at the annual closing dinner. If you don’t go, you’re truly missing out! Nearly the entire Bureau of EMS will be onsite the entire week attending meetings, providing training, and staffing our booth in the PACKED exhibit hall. We hope to see you there. Come up and introduce yourself, tell us where you’re from, and how we can make things better for you and for EMS in South Carolina; we will listen!

Relevant Tags: NEWS FROM THE SC BUREAU OF EMS

Williamston Fire/Rescue/EMS

Department Name: Williamston Fire/Rescue/EMS

County: Martin

Type Department: Combination

Structure: Municipal Tax District

ISO: Class 4 (Town District)/Class 5 (County District)

Relevant Tags: FIRE STATION PROFILE - North Carolina

‘Old School’ Rescue Techniques Still Work Today

Rescue training has changed greatly in the last 40 years, what with the advent of newer rescue equipment and the skills required to apply and utilize that equipment effectively and safely. There are more varieties and types of equipment to perform various rescues than ever before. The “general rescuer,” and even the rescue specialist, have more tools available now than ever. 

Relevant Tags: RESCUE A-Z

The Importance of Spousal Support and Understanding

Through my time of using alcohol as a coping tool to get through my PTSD, when I didn’t have an understanding of mental health, my wife, parents, children, God and a few close friends is what got me through the hell, and the hell I was putting them through.  At the time, my wife and I were just dating and I believe that God sent her to me just when I needed her the most. She is one who doesn’t sugar coat things or beat around the bush. She tells it as it is. At the same time, she is compassionate and understanding —  however will not enable. Both of us grew up in the emergency services, with her finding a career in nursing. Having a spouse who doesn’t enable is so important. I am sure those that enable feel as though they are helping their loved one cope with the devastation they have experienced, however it is causing more damage along the way.

Relevant Tags: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Industry News

Interested in expanding your skills and knowledge?

The SOARescue Tactical Medical Practitioner Course is designed for the advanced provider who is interested in expanding their clinical knowledge and capability. There are several upcoming TMP courses.

The flagship TMP course is approved through the International Board of Specialty Certification and Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification as a preparation and refresher course for TP-C and FP-C.

Date: 22-26 Jan 2018

Location: Charlotte, NC

Relevant Tags: Industry News