Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Torrential Rains Forecast - Are You Ready???
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide campaign highlighting the simple steps each of us can take to be prepared for emergencies.
With a motto that inspires us to 'Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.' National Preparedness Month 2010 will highlight ways for us to be prepared in our homes, businesses and communities.
The men and women, career and volunteer, of your Fire/EMS Department need your help in “Keeping you Safe” and ask that you remember to; “Stay Informed, Stay Prepared and Stay Safe.”
Is there any irony that a potentially major weather event is occurring on the last day of National Preparedness Month?? For additional information on preparedness and an Emergency Kit, Click Here
The National Weather Service has issued the following advisory for September 29th and 30th, 2010:
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT
THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING...
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR
* PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST MARYLAND...THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA...CENTRAL AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND THE EASTERN WEST
VIRGINIA PANHANDLE.
* FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING
* LIGHT RAIN OVERSPREADING THE AREA FROM THE SOUTHEAST THIS
AFTERNOON WILL INCREASE IN INTENSITY TONIGHT...BECOMING HEAVY AT
TIMES OVERNIGHT AND THURSDAY AS LOW PRESSURE TRACKS UP THE EAST
COAST. RAINFALL TOTALS OF TWO TO FOUR INCHES ARE EXPECTED...
WITH LOCALIZED AMOUNTS UP TO SIX INCHES POSSIBLE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
PEOPLE LIVING IN AREAS THAT ARE PRONE TO FLASH FLOODING SHOULD
MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD
FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
Flood Safety Tips...
• Never try to walk, swim, or drive through swift-moving floodwater. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Remember, 2 feet of water will float your vehicle and 6 inches of fast moving floodwater can knock you off your feet.
• If you come upon floodwaters, STOP, TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY!!
• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road.
• If your car stalls, leave it and seek higher ground, if you can do so safely.
• Stay informed about the storm and possible flooding by listening to your NOAA weather radio, commercial radio or television or the world wide web.
Did you know that floods kill more people every year than any other weather event??
Gas Leak Closes Roads and Community College
There were 35 firefighters, paramedics and hazardous material technicians working on the scene and deploying atmospheric monitors throughout the affected area. Taking all safety precautions into account; roads were closed and the Fire/EMS Department evacuated 8 buildings on campus. These building included Bladen Hall and others in the immediate vicinity. Largo High School was not evacuated, however, asked to curtail outdoor activities until the situation was mitigated.
PGCC officials took additional precautions and conducted an evacuation of the remaining buildings on campus including the day care center.
Washington Gas Company officials arrived and worked to stem the high pressure release of natural gas. At about 12:45 pm, an all clear was received when the gas was secured. Fire/EMS Department units cleared the scene and released all evacuated buildings back to PGCC officials. There were no injuries during the course of the incident.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Unit Citation for Technical Rescue Services
The Technical Rescue Team is comprised of a primary Technical Rescue Company and complemented by a minimum of two (2) strategically located satellite companies that respond to collapses, high-angles rescues, confined space rescues, water related incidents and other specialty related incidents.
The primary Technical Rescue Company is responsible for the ensuring administrative and technical compliance with federal, state, and local standards and is currently located at the Tuxedo-Cheverly Fire/EMS Station #822.
The satellite companies are trained to a technician level and will support the primary Technical Rescue Company. Satellite Stations include the Fort Washington Fire/EMS Station #847 and a recent addition is the Berwyn Heights Fire/EMS Station #814.
The skills, coordination and teamwork of Technical Rescue Services are commendable and worthy of a Unit Citation. Chief Jones presented the team with a Unit Citation on September 23, 2010 at the Fort Washington Fire/EMS Station. The following members have been recognized with a Unit Citation.
Brandywine Crash Critically Injures 1-year-old
St. Baranbas Road Fire Contained to Unit of Origin
Firefighters arrived to find a fire in a top floor unit and were able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire. Thirty firefighters had the fire extinguished within 10 minutes of their arrival. No injuries were reported and fire loss was limited to the unit of origin. The adult female occupant will be displaced as a result of the damage; however, the remaining ten families will not require any assistance.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
PGFD Stations Support Take-Back Day - Prescriptions Meds Can Only be Accepted at Police Agencies
On September 25, 2010, The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will coordinate a collaborative effort with state and local law enforcement agencies to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from our nation’s medicine cabinets. Collection activities will take place from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. at sites established throughout the country. The National Take-Back Day provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications for destruction. These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.
This one-day effort is intended to bring national focus to the issue of increasing pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse.
• The program is anonymous.
• Prescription and over the counter solid dosage medications, i.e. tablets and capsules accepted.
• Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and needles will not be accepted.
• Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative.
While some Fire/EMS Stations in the National Capital Region are participating in this effort, Fire/EMS Stations in Prince George’s County are not authorized to accept prescription medications. It is illegal for anyone other then a Law Enforcement official or authorized agency to accept surrendered prescription medications. The Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department fully supports this effort as the end result will ultimately have a positive impact on services we provide.
Citizens and residents wishing to participate in this program should visit one of the law enforcement agencies listed below to turn in their medications.
National Take Back Initiative Collection(s) Site Search Result
September 25, 2010
PARTICIPANTS NAME COLLECTION SITE ADDRESS CITY STATE, ZIP ~DISTANCE
If you do not find a collection site near you, please check back frequently, sites are added every day.
BOWIE PD BOWIE SENIOR CENTER 14900 HEALTH CENTER DRIVE BOWIE MD, 20716 4 mi. Map
BOWIE PD BOWIE CITY HALL 2614 KENHILL DRIVE BOWIE MD, 20715 8 mi. Map
INSPECTOR BRIAN BRAY SIXTH POLICE DISTRICT 100 42ND STREET, NE WASHINGTON DC, 20019 10 mi. Map
BLANDENSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT TOWN OF BLADENSURG
TOWN HALL 4229 EDMONSTON RD BLADENSBURG MD, 20710 10 mi. Map
ANNE ARUNDEL CO WESTERN DISTRICT 8273 TELEGRAPH ROAD ODENTON MD, 21113 12 mi. Map
HYATTSVILLE POLICE HYATTSVILLE POLICE
POC: CHRIS PURVIS CITY OF HYATTSVILLE MUNICIPAL BUILDING 4310 GALLATIN STREET HYATTSVILLE MD, 20781 11 mi. Map
RIVERDALE PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER 5600 TAYLOR ROAD RIVERDALE MD, 20737 10 mi. Map
INSPECTOR BRIAN BRAY FIFTH POLICE DISTRICT 1805 BLADENSBURG ROAD, NE WASHINGTON DC, 20002 12 mi. Map
INSPECTOR BRIAN BRAY FIRST DISTRICT SUBSTATION 500 E STREET,, SE WASHINGTON DC, 20003 13 mi. Map
INSPECTOR BRIAN BRAY SEVENTH POLICE DISTRICT 2455 ALABAMA AVENUE, SE WASHINGTON DC, 20020 12 mi. Map
MOUNT RAINER POLICE DEPARTMENT MOUNT RAINER POLICE DEPARTMENT
POC: PFC T. S. CARPENTER #131 FRONT LOBBY 3249 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE MOUNT RAINIER MD, 20712 12 mi. Map
ANNE ARUNDEL CO SOUTHERN DISTRICT 35 STEPNEY'S LANE EDGEWATER MD, 21037 13 mi. Map
BERWYN HEIGHTS PD BERWYN HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICE HQ 5411 BERWYN ROAD BERWYN HEIGHTS MD, 20740 12 mi. Map
UNIVERSITY OF MD POLICE DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY UNIVERSITY OF MD POLICE DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
POC: SGT. AUGUST D. KENNER #162 POLICE HEADQUARTERS BLDG #003 US ROUTE 1 @ ROSSBOROUGH LANE COLLEGE PARK MD, 20742 13 mi. Map
INSPECTOR BRIAN BRAY FIRST POLICE DISTRICT 101 M STREET, SW WASHINGTON DC, 20024 16 mi. Map
INSPECTOR BRIAN BRAY THIRD POLICE DISTRIST 1620 V STREET, NW WASHINGTON DC, 20009 16 mi. Map
INSPECTOR BRIAN BRAY THIRD DISTRICT SUBSTATION 750 PARK ROAD, N.W. WASHINGTON DC, 20010 16 mi. Map
INSPECTOR BRIAN BRAY FOURTH POLICE DISTRICT 6001 GEORGIA AVENUE, NW WASHINGTON DC, 20011 16 mi. Map
DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION 600-700 ARMY NAVY DRIVE ARLINGTON VA, 22202 17 mi. Map
LAUREL POLICE DEPARTMENT LAUREL POLICE DEPARTMENT
POC: DEPUTY CHIEF RICHARD MCLAUGHLIN 811 FIFTH STREET LAUREL MD, 20707 17 mi. Map
ANNAPOLIS POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNAPOLIS POLICE DEPARTMENT 199 TAYLOR AVENUE ANNAPOLIS MD, 21401 15 mi. Map
DGS/MARYLAND CAPITOL POLICE DGS/MARYLAND CAPITOL POLICE 29 SAINT JOHN STREET ANNAPOLIS MD, 21401 15 mi. Map
HOWARD CO POLICE NORTHERN DISTRICT HOWARD CO POLICE SOUTHERN DISTRICT 11226 SCAGGSVILLE ROAD LAUREL MD, 20723 20 mi. Map
CAPTAIN BRIAN BERKE ARLINGTON FIRE STATIONS #9 1900 S. WALTER REED DRIVE ARLINGTON VA, 22204 20 mi. Map
JODY DONALDSON GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC MEMORIAL 101 CALLAHAN DRIVE ALEXANDRIA VA, 22301 18 mi. Map
INSPECTOR BRIAN BRAY SECOND POLICE DISTRICT 3320 IDAHO AVENUE, NW WASHINGTON DC, 20016 20 mi. Map
CAPTAIN BRIAN BERKE ARLINGTON FIRE STATIONS #8 4845 LEE HIGHWAY ARLINGTON VA, 22207 21 mi. Map
CAPTAIN BRIAN BERKE ARLINGTON FIRE STATIONS #1 500 S. GLEBE ROAD ARLINGTON VA, 22207 21 mi. Map
JODY DONALDSON PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER 2003MILL ROAD ALEXANDRIA VA, 22314 18 mi. Map
CHARLES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CHARLES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WALDORF STATION 3670 LEONARDTOWN ROAD WALDORF MD, 20601 22 mi. Map
HOWARD CO POLICE NORTHERN DISTRICT HOWARD CO POLICE NORTHERN DISTRICT
POC: LT. GLENN CASE 3410 COURTHOUSE DRIVE ELLICOTT CITY MD, 21043 28 mi. Map
CALVERT COUNTY MARYLAND SHERIFF OFFICE MT. HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER 104 PUSHAW STATION ROAD SUNDERLAND MD, 20689 20 mi. Map
CITY OF FALLS CHURCH CITY OF FALLS CHURCH
FIRE STATION #6 REAR PARKING (LITTLE FALLS SIDE) 6950 LITTLE FALLS ROAD FALLS CHURCH VA, 22046 24 mi. Map
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PD MONTGOMERY COUNTY POLICE 2ND DISTRICT 7359 WISCONSIN AVENUE BETHESDA MD, 20814 22 mi. Map
CALVERT COUNTY MARYLAND SHERIFF OFFICE NORTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTER 4075 GORDON STINNETT AVENUE CHESAPEAKE BEACH MD, 20732 22 mi. Map
BALTIMORE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT PRECINCT 2 WOODLAWN 6424 WINDSOR MILL ROAD WOODLAWN MD, 21207 33 mi. Map
ANNE ARUNDEL CO EASTERN DISTRICT 3700 MOUNTAIN ROAD PASADENA MD, 21122 23 mi. Map
ANNE ARUNDEL CO NORTHERN DISTRICT 939 HAMMONDS LANE BALTIMORE MD, 21225 27 mi. Map
MPO BILL MURRAY VIENNA POLICE HEADQUARTERS 215 CENTER STREET, SOUTH VIENNA VA, 22180 29 mi. Map
Friday, September 24, 2010
Tokyo Chief Visits Allentown Road
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Three Injured in Beltsville Crash on Powder Mill Road
The driver of the second vehicle, adult male/20ish years of age, sustained less serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
Powder Mill Road was closed down for about an hour to allow first responders an opportunity to work safely while they tended to the victims and County Police to document the scene.
The County Police are investigating the crash.
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Firefighters had to cut the door and roof off of the vehicle to remove the teen-aged male driver. |
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Firefighters, paremedics and police officers work the scene on Powder Mill Road. |
Monday, September 20, 2010
Forestville Apartment Fire Quickly Extinguished
At about 6:30 pm, Monday, September 20, 2010, Fire/EMS units were alerted to an apartment on fire at 3233 Walters Lane. Firefighters arrived at the 3-story apartment building to find fire coming from a terrace level unit with fire extending up the exterior of the building. An aggressive interior attack was mounted and the entire building was searched.
A precautionary Second Alarm was sounded, however, were never utilized as first arriving firefighters knocked down and contained the fire to the apartment of origin. Residents had escaped safely prior to the fire departments arrival. Twenty-five firefighters had the fire extinguished in 20 minutes.
No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire appears to have started in a bedroom of the terrace level apartment.
Due to the fact that utilities to the building were cut off by first responders there will be 11 apartments that will suffer short term displacement. Fire loss is still being estimated.
These photos are courtesy of Michael White, Volunteer Chief, Morningside Volunteer Fire Department
After the fire was extinguished, evidence of the intense heat can be seen on the exterior wall. |
Is Your Emergency Kit Ready???
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide campaign highlighting the simple steps each of us can take to be prepared for emergencies.
With a motto that inspires us to 'Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.' National Preparedness Month 2010 will highlight ways for us to be prepared in our homes, businesses and communities.
The men and women, career and volunteer, of your Fire/EMS Department need your help in “Keeping you Safe” and ask that you remember to; “Stay Informed, Stay Prepared and Stay Safe.”
HAVE AN EMERGENCY KIT READY!!!
You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the EFFAK Emergency Financial First Aid Kit - PDF, 277Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting: http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/
Friday, September 17, 2010
September is National Preparedness Month - BE READY!!!
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide campaign highlighting the simple steps each of us can take to be prepared for emergencies.
With a motto that inspires us to 'Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.' National Preparedness Month 2010 will highlight ways for us to be prepared in our homes, businesses and communities.
The men and women, career and volunteer, of your Fire/EMS Department need your help in “Keeping you Safe” and ask that you remember to; “Stay Informed, Stay Prepared and Stay Safe.”
To help our citizens and residents the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department will publish tips during the month of September to help everyone to stay prepared.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Departmental Crash Involving Ambulance and Civilian Vehicle
Ambulance 826 had just departed the Fire/EMS Station and was traveling west on Marlboro Pike en route to a overdose call on Tanow Place. Initial reports indicate that a GMC Suburban SUV was travelling east-bound in the west-bound lanes at a high rate of speed. The ambulance, with emergency lights on and siren sounding, had to swerve to avoid a head-up collision. The SUV side-swiped the ambulance and then hit a brick wall and utlity pole before coming to rest on it's roof about 120 feet from where it first struck the ambulance.
The three occupants of the SUV, adult males, were pronounced deceased on the scene. Two Firefighter/Medics were transported to a Trauma Center for evaluation but did not appear to have suffered any injuries.
The ambulance sustained major damage from the crash in which the entire right side of the patient compartment was torn off.
The Prince George's County Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team are conducting the investigation.
http://www.wusa9.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=610294061001#/WUSA%2DNews/Deadly+Crash%3A++SUV+Vs.+Ambulance/46371336001/45927990001/610294061001
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Two Separate Home Fires Occur Minutes Apart
At 1:52 pm, firefighters from Riverdale Heights and surrounding communities were alerted to a report of smoke in a house. Firefighters from Riverdale Fire/EMS Station #807 were the first to arrive and saw no evidence of smoke or fire, however, upon further investigation announced a working fire in the basement. Once located, the fire was quickly extinguished and contained to the area of origin. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported. The family will be able to remain in the residence.
At about 2:10 pm, Fire/EMS units from the Largo area responded to a 911 report of a basement fire in a 2-story, split-foyer, single family home. The first arriving engine from Largo Fire/EMS Station #846 advised of “smoke showing” and encountered a working fire in the basement. The fire had minimal extension up to the first floor while 30 firefighters operated for nearly 50 minutes before knocking the fire down. A thorough search of the house was conducted as hose lines were stretched into the basement to attack the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation and preliminary fire loss is estimated at $60,000. No one was home and no injuries were reported.
The damage is enough to cause temporary displacement of the family. The Fire/EMS Departments Citizen Services Unit is on location assiting the family.
Pictures and video are of the Bannington Drive Fire
Monday, September 13, 2010
TEAMWORK and SAVING JIMMY LOOR
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L to R; Fire Fighter/Medic Technician James R. Porter, Fire Fighter/Medic Michael S. Williams, Fire Captain Ricardo L. Summers, Fire Fighter/Medic Christine J. Wrzesinski, Jimmy Loor and the Staff from AAMC. MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperon, 240-508-7930, MEBrady@co.pg.md.us |
On Thursday, August 19, 2010, a recently retired civilian employee of the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department suffered a medical emergency similar to those that he dealt with countless times during his 34-year career. Jim Loor, 56 years-of-age; had officially retired from the Fire/EMS Department on July 1, 2010, having spent the majority of his career working in the Bureau of Fire/Rescue Communications where he filled numerous roles, one of which to answer incoming 911 calls for help; just like the one his son placed when Jimmy knew he needed help.
Jim Loor is also a long-time volunteer firefighter and during his tenure with the Fire/EMS Department worked in the Logistics and Supply Office as well as Apparatus Maintenance and knew just about all the firefighters and medics employed by the Department, including the ones that helped save his life.
Firefighter/Medics from Pointer Ridge Fire/EMS Station #843; Fire Fighter/Medic Technician James R. Porter and Fire Captain Ricardo L. Summers, and Paramedic Ambulance #816 from the Northview Community Fire/EMS Station with a crew of Fire Fighter/Medic Michael S. Williams and Fire Fighter/Medic Christine J. Wrzesinski were quick to respond to Loor’s Bowie home. Upon arrival, medics performed a patient assessment and documented vital signs. Loor was placed on a 12-lead EKG where paramedics detected the tell-tale signs in his heart rhythm that he was suffering from a myocardial infarction – a heart attack. Paramedics started two IV’s, placed him on oxygen and had a medic consultation with physicians at the Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) in Annapolis. Paramedics conveyed their interpretation of the EKG over the phone as medic units had not yet received the technology to transmit EKG’s to a hospital. Fire Fighter/Medic Michael Williams provided a thorough consult and accurate interpretation and conveyance of the EKG to the ER staff at AAMC. Because of the accuracy of the medical consult and despite not having an EKG in hand – emergency room physicians alerted the Cardiac Cath Team while the patient was en route, saving valuable time. While en route to the hospital, at Route 50 and Route 301, Loor went unconscious and medics quickly assessed his heart went into a ventricular fibrillation. Medics worked feverishly to restore a normal rhythm and successfully defibrillated the patient while administering medication per Maryland Protocol and physician consultation.
Upon arrival at the AAMC Emergency Department the patient made a brief stop before being swiftly taken to the cath lab. Valuable time was saved by paramedic’s initiating a second IV and early recognition and notification to the hospital thorough consult and accurate interpretation and conveyance of the EKG. The patient went on to the cardiac cath lab where he had a stent placed for a completely block coronary artery. Due to the excellent teamwork of medics and staff at the AAMC the “door to balloon” time in this case was 30 minutes, compared to a national standard time of 90-minutes. Time is critical in these cases as heart muscles will sustain additional damage the longer the time it takes to receive treatment in a Cath Lab. Loor was released from the hospital on Sunday, August 22, 2010.
On Tuesday, September 7, 2010, Jim Loor and wife, Marlene, met the team of paramedics and hospital staff that saved his life. Jim and Marlene greeted and thanked each member of the team that saved his life. While still under doctor’s care, Jimmy Loor stated that he feels great and is still getting accustomed to his new way of life.
A week after this incident, paramedic units were equipped with the Blue Tooth Technology that allows them to transmit EKG’s directly to the hospital. This technology was the result of a grant from the Southern Maryland Hospital Center.
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Fire Fighter/Medic Christine J. Wrzesinski gives Jimmy Loor a hug as Fire Fighter/Medic Williams and Lieutenat Ross Crampton look on. |
Off-Duty Fire Captain Credited with Saving 2 Occupants from House Fire
An off-duty member of the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department is being credited with preventing injuries and, perhaps, saving lives, over the weekend in Woodstock, Va. Acting Fire Fighter/Medic Captain James Jiron entered a burning home, alerted and removed 2 occupants unaware that their home was on fire. The Press Release from the Shenandoah County VA Department of Fire and Rescue reads:
WOODSTOCK, VA – An off-duty firefighter from Maryland alerted two men to a fire in their duplex apartment on Saturday, Sept. 11, in Woodstock, Va. Both men escaped unhurt.
Captain James Jiron, of Prince Georges County Fire/EMS, was at a family celebration across the street from 214 Dingledine Street when he stepped outside and noticed black smoke near the back of an apartment building. He yelled to family members to call 911 and then he and his father-in-law began looking for a hose.
Jiron went in the front door of the apartment, yelling that he was with the fire department. He found one man asleep on a couch on the first floor. A second man was upstairs, and Jiron warned him of the fire as well. Both men escaped without injuries. As the fire continued to burn, Jiron turned a table on its end and moved it against a doorway to slow the fire’s spread.
Meanwhile, Jiron’s father-in-law sprayed a fire extinguisher on the flames. A brush fire truck from the Virginia Department of Forestry was in the area, and its water supply kept the fire getting worse until the Woodstock Fire Department arrived.
“Jiron’s attentiveness, training and quick action prevented serious injuries and possibly saved lives today,” said John Collins, public information officer for Shenandoah County Department of Fire and Rescue.
While the building did have smoke detectors, they were not working.
“Of course, we always want to remind people to have smoke detectors on every level of their house, in their bedrooms and hallways,” Collins said. “And if you have smoke detectors, be sure that they’re working and that they have fresh batteries.”
A total of six people reside at the address. The Red Cross is assisting them with temporary housing.
The Shenandoah County fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
Responding to the 3:15 p.m. call were Woodstock Fire Department, Toms Brook Volunteer Fire Department, Edinburg Volunteer Fire Company, Woodstock Volunteer Rescue Squad, and Shenandoah County Department of Fire and Rescue.
CONTACT:
John Collins, Public Information Officer
Cell: 864-313-8686
Fire Fighter/Medic Captain Jiron, 34 years of age, is a resident of Gaithersburg and a 11-year member of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department. He is currently assigned to the Beltsville Fire/EMS Station #831.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Off-Duty PGFD Fire Captain Removes 2 Occupants of Burning Home
Fire Captain Jiron was attending a family function in Woodstock, VA when he stepped outside the church and saw smoke coming from the rear of a 2-story duplex. He immediately went to investigate and found an attached shed well involved with fire and smoke starting to extend inside.
Jiron went around to the front and kicked in the front door and started shouting "fire department, is anyone here?"
With smoke banking halfway down on the first floor and without personal protective gear or breathing apparatus Jiron searched the first floor and located an adult male sleeping on a couch. He awakened the male and removed him to the exterior. A teen-aged male was also asleep upstairs and was awakened by Jirons announcement of a fire. Jiron escorted this teen to safety as well.
By this time the Woodstock Fire Department was arriving and extinguished the fire.
Woodstock officials are still investigating the cause of the fire ,d credit James Jiron with notification to 911 and for preventing injuries or worse to the occupants.
Captain Jiron is currently assigned to the Beltsville Fire/EMS Station #831.
Mark E. Brady
Oxon Hill House Fire
One occupant was evaluated for difficulty breathing, however, denied transport to a hospital. No additional injuries were reported.
The family is making their own arrangements for temporary shelter.
Mark E. Brady
Friday, September 10, 2010
Construction Materials Burn on Roof of Store Under Construction
At about 11:15 am, Friday, September 10, 2010, Prince George's County Firefighters were alerted to a fire on the roof of a 1-story commercial structure. Fire/EMS units arrived at 2020 Saint Joseph's Drive at the Glenarden-Woodmore Town Center and fought a 50X50 area of stored roofing and construction material that were well involved on the roof. The fire was extinguished within 30 minutes by 30 firefighters on the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation and there were no injuries reported.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
PGFD PROFILE - Firefighter Supports Wounded Warrior Project
Ryan, an Annapolis resident, whose father is a Vietnam Veteran, wanted to help war veterans in some manner and found the WWP an excellent organization to devote his time and effort. He sold specially designed T-shirts to fellow firefighters. The front and back of the shirt illustrates one soldier carrying another out of harm’s way with a IAFF logo in the background. The design is captioned, “PROUD SUPPORTER” and “LOCAL 1619 FIREFIGHTERS AND PARAMEDICS SUPPORTS WOUNDED WARRIORS.” The Prince George’s County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association IAFF Local 1619 is a co-sponsor of Ryan’s project.
With no goal in mind Ryan set out to sell as many t-shirts as possible and donate the profits to the WWP. To date, he has accumulated about $1,900 in profits and still has a limited number of shirts to sell. Adkins stated, “I was surprised by how fast this project started out and it has been doing great.” He continued, “This project required a great deal of time and it would not have been successful if it were not for the assistance of other firefighters taking orders, collecting money and delivering the shirts.”
Fire Fighter Aikens is currently assigned to the Northview Community Fire/EMS Station #816 on “A” Shift. He thanks everyone for purchasing the shirts and for their support.
For information on ordering a shirt click here.
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Fire Fighter Ryan E. Aikens Wounded Warrior Project was well supported by fellow Firefighter/Medics. |
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Back of the shirt. |
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Fire Fighter/Medic Anthony Taylor displays his recently purchased Wounded Warrior shirt. |
Weekend is Guaranteed to be Busy for Fire/EMS Department
Less than a week after delivering a check for $50,000 to the MDA, Andy Pantelis, President, and members of IAFF Local 1619 will once again host a softball tournament to raise even more funds for MDA. In September, during the week after Labor Day, about 80 teams of firefighters and paramedics come together from across North America to play softball and raise money to fight neuromuscular diseases. An event this large requires dozens of workers the week before, the weekend of and the week after to be successful.
The International Association of Fire Fighters MDA Softball Tournament is hosted by IAFF Local 1619, Prince George’s County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association. It is the largest gathering of firefighters and paramedics outside of the International’s Biennial Convention.
While the tournaments philosophy has been and still is “It’s all about the kids,” this year’s tournament will also carry a deeper appreciation and emotion for all firefighters. Over 1000 firefighters, families, and friends will gather on Saturday, September 11, 2010, to compete on the softball field and remember the supreme sacrifice made that fateful day. Many of the firefighters that will be at the softball tournament were part of the valiant and heroic efforts of 9-11-01. Three New York Firefighters that played in this same tournament in 2001 were part of the 343 firefighters that died on that tragic day.
During the last thirty-two years the MDA Softball Tournament and related functions have allowed the Prince George’s County Professional Firefighters to donate over $1.6 million dollars to Jerry’s Kids. As far as can be documented, we are the first local to be able to make that claim.
Opening Ceremonies for the IAFF Softball Tournament will be held on Friday, September 10, 2010, at 6:00 pm, at Watkins Regional Park, Kettering, MD. Everyone is invited to attend, admission is free and food and drinks available for purchase. The Softball Games start on Friday and run through Sunday afternoon when a champion is crowned. About 80 teams of firefighters from across the United States and Canada, MDA Ambassadors and families look forward to seeing everyone there.
Sunday, September 12, 2010, the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and Ladies Auxiliary will kick-off their week-long annual convention. Activities on Sunday include firefighter competitions and field events at the County Fairgrounds in Upper Marlboro. Volunteer members and civilian employees of the Fire/EMS Department’s Office of Public Information and Community Outreach will be greeting citizens and residents throughout the County Fair.
Are you ready for some football?? The Washington Redskins play all their home games at Fed Ex Field in Landover, Maryland. The game is Sunday, September 12, 2010, with kick-off scheduled for 8:15 pm. Several hours before the parking lot gates open nearly 65 men and women of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department will be preparing themselves and their emergency apparatus to protect the 1000,000 fans, workers and players that make Fed Ex Field the second largest City in the State of Maryland on game days. Prince George’s County Firefighter/Medics will be prepared and deployed throughout Fed Ex Field providing emergency and non-emergency services until well after the final play.
While we are talking football, the University of Maryland Terrapins Football Team will play a home game against Morgan State on Saturday, September 11, 2010, at 6:00 pm. Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium in College Park can hold up to 54,000 fans and a capacity crowd is expected.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
NWS ISSUES FIRE WEATHER WATCH for WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
FIRE WEATHER WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING
THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
A COLD FRONT WILL MOVE THROUGH THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION LATE
TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY. BEHIND THE FRONT...WESTERLY WINDS WILL
INCREASE BETWEEN 15 AND 20 MPH WHILE RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES
DECREASE TO 25 TO 30 PERCENT IN THE AFTERNOON. THESE CONDITIONS
OCCURRING OVER AN AREA WITH VERY LOW FUEL MOISTURE WILL PRODUCE A
FAVORABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES AS THE AREA REMAINS
VERY DRY.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE
RED FLAG WARNINGS.
Citizens and residents are reminded that the best method of combating fires is to prevent them from ever occurring-practice good fire safety habits everyday.
Always use caution when disposing of lit tobacco products and any outside burning projects should be suspended until weather conditions improve.
If you should see a fire - say something and call 911 immediately.
Mark E. Brady
BOWIE FIREFIGHTER REMAINS IN BURN UNIT AFTER SATURDAY HOUSE FIRE
A 26-year-old Bowie Volunteer Firefighter remains hospitalized after sustaining burn injuries battling a house fire on Saturday. Firefighters from Largo, Bowie and surrounding communities responded to the fire on Saturday, September 4, 2010, just before 7:30 pm. Fire/EMS units arrived at the 2-story single family home in the 1000 block of Whistling Duck Way in Upper Marlboro to find heavy fire consuming the rear of the structure with extension up to and through the roof.
Firefighters entered the structure and advanced hoselines to conduct a search and extinguish the fire. As a team of firefighters were advancing a hoseline up the stairs to attack the fire on the second floor the helmet of Fire Fighter Patrick Ivey was dislodged and knocked off. As he worked to put his helmet back in place debris fell from the ceiling striking him in the head. Fire Fighter Ivey replaced his helmet on his head and continued up the stairs with a hoseline. After several minutes of an interior attack and confirmation there were no occupants inside the home the fire continued to grown in intensity despite efforts of firefighters. Incident Commanders ordered all firefighters to evacuate the structure and fight the fire from the safety of the exterior.
Once outside, Fire Fighter Ivey removed his protective gear and was treated for burns on his head. In the short period of time that his helmet was knocked off, hot embers, or more then likely, some molten aluminum or metal came in contact with his head. The burning debris was so hot that Ivey sustained 3rd degree burns through the protective Nomex hood he was wearing. He was transported to the Burn Unit at the Washington Hospital Center where he remains today awaiting surgery.
Firefighter Ivey was diagnosed with 3rd degree burns to his right side forward temporal area and to his right side scalp area approximately 3 inches above his right ear. Both burn areas were approximately 1 ¼ - 2” in diameter; about the size of a half-dollar coin. He will be undergoing his first surgery tomorrow at the Burn Center where Doctors will be debriding the burns on his head and scalp and then most likely will proceed to work on the burn near his temporal lobe with a grafting procedure. He will ultimately need some cosmetic surgery as well after the healing process begins.
Bowie Volunteer Chief Lee Havens stated that Patrick is in good spirits and is in the constant company of fellow Bowie Firefighters. He was visited by County Fire Chief Eugene A. Jones over the weekend and Acting Lt. Col. Steve Hess today.
The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 45 minutes by 40 firefighters with the fire being completely extinguished about 60 minutes later. The fire appears to have started on a rear deck and extended up the rear wall and into the second floor and attic. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire loss is estimated at $290,000. The Fire/EMS Department assisted the six displaced occupants, 3 adults and 3 children, with temporary shelter.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Emergency Medical Services Strives to Keep Up with Demand and New Technology
In the past three years alone, demand for EMS service delivery in Prince George’s County has increased significantly. In 2006, the Department responded to over 130,000 calls for service, with nearly sixty three percent of these responses being EMS related. In 2009, while the overall demand for Fire/EMS Department services has remained relatively steady, the volume of EMS related calls for service has increased to nearly 80% of our overall call volume.
At the inception of the ALS program in 1977, the Fire Department placed a total of three paramedic units in service, with a total staffing of twenty-six personnel. Currently, the Fire/EMS Department provides advanced life support to the citizens and residents through nineteen dedicated units staffed by over a total of three hundred personnel. In addition to Paramedic Units, ALS is also provided by Fire/EMS units throughout the County in a variety of service delivery modes, including Paramedic Engines, Paramedic Ambulances and Paramedic Supervisors. Twelve years ago the Fire Department took a significant step in official recognition of the importance of EMS to our overall mission by changing the Department name to “Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department”.
Throughout the years, this incremental increase in service demand has also prompted the Department to review a number of significant operational areas impacted by EMS expansion of services, such as Quality Assurance, staffing, deployment of units, dispatch criteria, supervision and training. To continue to provide the very best service possible and to keep up with the increasing demand; the entire methodology and a reorganization of Emergency Medical Services is currently being considered.
Newly hired recruits attending our career recruit school are educated in the arts of fighting fire, dealing with hazardous materials and the delivery of emergency medical service. Upon completion of their training, they are deployed throughout the County to provide staffing for basic life support ambulances and suppression units in all of our communities.
As new technologies have evolved, Advance Life Support education has transitioned from a vocational technical course to a higher academic standard. In order to support the educational challenge, the Department partnered in a cooperative effort with the Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) for paramedic education in 2001. This associate’s degree program is sanctioned by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. In cooperation, PGCC has adapted the ALS training curriculum to provide a schedule more compatible with the complex shifts of our employees.
Through this cooperative program, hundreds of firefighters have successfully attained the required education to become EMT- Intermediate/Paramedic and now staff units across the County providing advanced life support care. Currently, there are over 40 firefighter/students enrolled in the program. In addition, the Department’s Fire/EMS Training Academy (FETA) also provides classes for personnel to bridge from EMT-B (BLS provider) to EMT-I (Intermediate Medic). There are currently 8 students enrolled in this class.
As part of our structured commitment to training, Fire Chief Eugene A. Jones has worked closely with our Medical Director, Dr. Terry Jodrie, as well as the leadership of Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services, to identify new and better ways to effectively train our personnel in the use of new emergency medical technologies.
Recently, the Fire/EMS Department has enhanced its educational opportunities available at our training academy through the addition of new computer-aided interactive simulation modules. EMS simulation is the new and exciting wave in EMS education and training that is customizable to the specific needs of the individual ALS provider. With interactive simulation, providers are presented with realistic challenges similar to those experienced in the field in order to enhance learning and allow the development of critical skills. Simulations also allow instructors to evaluate performance and identify possible medical challenges in a controlled clinical environment without risk to either the patient or the provider.
The Fire/EMS Department’s ALS simulation lab includes two adult and, one pediatric “robotic” manikins, which were funded through grants from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). This year, the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department has been awarded a grant for $120,000 through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, taking the EMS Simulation program to the next level.
With the increased grant funding, a new EMS Simulation lab is currently under construction which will include two additional adult manikins capable of providing interactive physiologic responses through an advanced computer system. Realistic transport scenarios will also be provided through a new Ambulance Simulator which affords providers the feel of treating and transporting patients in the back of an ambulance as they would in the field. The new EMS Simulation Lab also includes an advanced digital video recording system which will be used in post-incident review, allowing providers to observe their actions and recount what occurred during critical points in the simulation exercise.
The new EMS Simulation Lab at the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Training Academy will bring “state-of-the-art” training capabilities of the Department’s ALS Education and Training Program and will serve as just one example of the improvements to EMS in Prince George's County.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Ceremonial Grand Opening of New Community Fire/EMS Station
A ceremonial Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the newest Fire/EMS facility was held on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. St. Joseph Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Station 806, located at 2901 St. Joseph Drive in Largo, Maryland is the Prince George's County, Maryland, is a state-of-the-art facility, which will provide a functional and safe work environment for our firefighters and paramedics, as well as bath, shower, and locker facilities to accommodate our increasing number of female personnel.
Service delivery to our community
St. Joseph Fire/EMS Station 806 is one of forty-five (45) Fire/EMS stations strategically located throughout Prince George’s County. The primary response area for Station 806 is nine (9) square miles; however, the station serves many of the surrounding communities, including: Springdale, Woodmore, Glenarden, Largo, Ardmore, Lanham, Kettering, Enterprise, and Landover.
• Apparatus: The station will house a variety of modern fire and EMS resources, including: Engine 806; Rescue Squad 806; Ambulance 806 (Basic Life Support); the Technical Rescue Team; Battalion Chief 801, and the Duty Chief (Department Shift Commander).
• Personnel: Staffed with five (5) career personnel 24-hours a day, which does not include the Battalion Chief.
• Call Volume: The projected demand for service for the primary response area is approximately 5000 calls a year.
Building features
St. Joseph Fire/EMS Station 806 is a 15,948 square foot one story facility that includes: offices, living space, an exercise room, separate sleeping/locker facilities for men & women, training/meeting room, decontamination room, vehicle/equipment maintenance room
• Apparatus Bay: Approximately 6,900 square feet with five (5) apparatus bays.
• Training/Meeting Room: Equipped with audiovisual equipment, multiple computer network connections, and space to accommodate between 24-42 persons, depending upon room configuration.
• Training Tower: Enables our personnel to conduct realistic training evolutions without leaving our response area. Training tower is not equipped for live fire simulations.
• Total design and construction costs (including land acquisition) are approximately $5.3 million, funded with Prince George’s County general obligation bonds.
• Alerting System: Equipped with a First-In Fire Station Alerting System, which will reduce response time and firefighter stress. The system technology utilizes Cardiac Kind ramped tones and a human voice to alert personnel, in conjunction with low intensity red light and other visual indicators.
Images are by Mike Yourishin - Office of the County Executive, Teresa A. Crisman - Press Information Office and Mark E. Brady, Press Information Office. Video is by Jerome Rivers - Office of the County Executive.
You can read the GAZETTE NEWSPAPER account of the ceremony by clicking here.
Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant Promotions!!!
In a letter to each promotee, Chief Jones stated, “This promotion is in recognition of your dedication and commitment that you invested in the Departmental Promotional process. Congratulations in reaching another significant milestone in your career.”
The following members have been promoted:
Oluwafemi A. Balogun - Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant
Robert G. Bilko – Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant
Brian A. Delosier - Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant
Michael A. Dowling - Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant
John S. Griffin - Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant
Michael G. Kerper - Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant
Melissa D. Smothers - Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant
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Brian A. Delosier |
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Michael A. Dowling |
Melissa D. Smothers (middle) |
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John S. Griffin |
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Robert G. Bilko and Michael G. Kerper |
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Oluwafemi A. Balogun |