Station Life: Sunday Training

Station Life: Why did I see all the fire trucks together, but there didn’t seem to be an emergency? You may have seen Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s fire trucks gathered together at the library, or possibly at Fire Station 2 on Wilson Pike and wondered what they were doing together when there didn’t seem to be an emergency. Brentwood Firefighters are required to spend a minimum of two hours every shift training. Sometimes the training requires all on duty firefighters to be present to ensure that everyone is able to work together in the event of an actual emergency. Station 2 and the library are centrally located, ensuring that no one apparatus is too far out of their area of operation. 

Now, you might think that a Sunday morning would be a great time for a firefighter to kick back in a recliner and settle in for an afternoon of watching sports since Sunday mornings are statistically slow times for emergencies in Brentwood. Instead, Sundays are an ideal time for firefighters to gather and train. Sometimes this training is classroom or tabletop based, and sometimes it involves hands on, practical evolutions. Recently, one of the shifts gathered for hazardous materials, or hazmat, training.

 

Not too long ago most of the department attended outside training in hazmat that focused on a different way of looking at these types of emergencies, and Sunday morning made for an opportune time to keep those new skills sharp. Fire Station 2 is set up to allow participants to gather around and view presentations and videos on a display monitor as well as utilize more traditional teaching methods such as a dry erase board. Everyone is encouraged to play an active role as scenarios evolve and mock incidents are mitigated.

 

Knowing what to do at a hazardous materials incident is only half the training. Firefighters also broke out a few of the tools of their trade to ensure that if an actual emergency occurred, they would be prepared to handle it. Brentwood Fire and Rescue keeps a Geiger counter, used to monitor radiation levels, on Car 3. This tool is vital for determining danger in the case of a radiological emergency such as an overturned shipping container or a bomb detonation.

 Firefighters get hands on time with a Geiger counter

Once everyone had re-familiarized themselves with the Geiger counter, the gas monitor was passed around as well. This device allows firefighters to monitor several different conditions in the air around them such as oxygen levels, carbon monoxide levels and whether or not at atmosphere is explosive. The information provided by the gas monitor tells a firefighter when it is safe to take off their SCBA, or if an area is dangerous enough that they need to leave.

Fire Chief's Briefing for March 1 thorugh March 6, 2013

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of March 1 through March 6, 2013.

We responded to 48 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 3

EMS/Rescue: 34

Service Call: 3

Good Intent: 3

False Call: 5

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities: 

Friday, March 1 at approximately 9:34 am:

E3 was dispatched on a report of an unresponsive person. While enroute further information was provided, indicating that the PT had suffered major trauma, leading them to become unresponsive. Due to this additional information E2 was also dispatched to provide additional aid. E3 arrived on scene and performed a rapid trauma assessment. The PT had a strong pulse but inadequate respirations in addition to severe traumatic injuries. Bystanders had begun attempting to control the PT’s severe bleeding when E3 took over care. Crew members performed advanced life support skills to include endotracheal intubation, bag valve mask ventilations and attachment of the PT to a cardiac monitor. EMS arrived on scene and PT care was transferred. Due to the seriousness of the PT’s injuries, the PT was quickly loaded into the ambulance for emergency transport to an area hospital with an additional Firefighter/Paramedic on board to provide further care while enroute. E3 remained on scene to assist with decontaminating the area. 

Friday, March 1 at approximately 4:20 pm:

All BFR units were dispatched on a reported structure fire. The reporting party stated that there was a fire on their neighbor’s deck, and that they were attempting to extinguish it with a garden hose. E3 arrived first on scene and reported a small fire that had been mostly extinguished by the alert neighbor. E2 and R1 arrived on scene and assisted E3 with extinguishing the remaining hot spots with portable water cans. All other units were cancelled and returned to quarters. The cause of the fire was not able to be determined. Damage was relatively minor.

Sunday, March 3 at approximately 2:05 pm:

All BFR units were dispatched on a reported chimney fire. E2 and R1 arrived first on scene and reported nothing showing. Crew members met with the homeowner who stated they had seen flames coming from the top of the chimney but nothing inside the home. Other units began to arrive on scene and were directed to use ground ladders to inspect the roof. E2 investigated the interior of the residence but found only a light haze and no sign of fire. E1 determined that the fire in the chimney was out and that the cause was an exceptionally dirty chimney. The homeowner was advised to have their chimney cleaned before using it again. With no hazards found, all units were released from the scene and returned to quarters. 

Sunday, March 3 at approximately 2:29 pm:

E1 and C3 were dispatched on a report of a possible wildland fire due to a column of smoke in the area of Murray LN. As BFR units approached the city limits they realized that this was a small debris fire at a construction site outside of city limits. The fire was most likely being used for warmth by on site construction crews. As the call was outside of Brentwood’s jurisdiction, the incident was handed over to the county. E1 and C3 returned to quarters. 

Monday, March 4 at approximately 5:07 am:

E2 was dispatched on a report of an unresponsive PT. Upon arrival crew members found the PT lying supine on the floor pulseless and apneic. E2 immediately began CPR, bag valve mask ventilations with supplemental oxygen, insertion of an airway management adjunct and placed the PT on an AED. EMS arrived on scene and PT care was transferred. EMS established an Intra Osseous IV line before defibrillating the PT which caused them to regain a pulse. Hypothermia protocols were initiated and the PT was transported emergency traffic to an area hospital with one Firefighter/EMT on board to provide further care while enroute.



Station Life: Firetrucks and Ambulances

This week’s Station Life Ponders: Why did a fire truck show up when I called 911 for an ambulance?

 

Why are you here, I called for an ambulance!  We hear it all the time.  So why DID a fire truck come to your house when you called 911 for a medical emergency?  After all, you’re sick or injured—not on fire!

The answer is very simple—to provide better service.  There are two ambulances stationed in the City of Brentwood. One is located at Fire Station 1 on Maryland Way, and the second is located at Station 4 on Sunset Road. These ambulances are operated by Williamson Medical Center and are part of an ambulance service network that provides medical responses for all of Williamson County. What this means is that while these ambulances are usually nearby and able to respond to a medical emergency in Brentwood, they may also be required to respond elsewhere in the county when needed. Or, sometimes these ambulances are not available for another call because they are still transporting someone to the hospital.  In any case, a fire engine is normally as close, or closer, to the location of the emergency. Because of this, it is the policy of Brentwood Fire and Rescue to send a fire engine on any medical call in the city so the patient can be cared for immeditely.

But don’t think that the care provided by firefighters is any less than that of an ambulance crew. Brentwood Fire and Rescue has what are known as ALS (Advanced Life Support) Fire Engines. This means that the crews that staff them are cross trained as Paramedics and EMT’s; the two highest levels of first responders in the state of Tennessee. Brentwood’s fire apparatus carry many of the same supplies as an ambulance and the crews are trained to the same standards of care. In fact, Brentwood firefighters operate under the medical protocols of Williamson Medical Center. One of the biggest differences between the ambulance and the fire truck is that the fire truck is not set up to transport a sick or injured person to the hospital.

An inside look at an ambulance. Pictured in the foreground is the stretcher, which mounts to the floor during transport of a patient, and the ambulance crew’s jump kit, which contains supplies they may need on a call.

 

Additionally, sometimes a patient may be located up stairs, on a park trail, in a wrecked vehicle or in any number of precarious situations. At times like these the crews of both the ambulance and fire truck work together to quickly and safely remove the patient to the ambulance for transport to the hospital. If a person is particularly sick or injured, having additional trained personnel to aid in their care can mean the difference between life and death. Brentwood Fire often trains with Williamson County ambulance crews and enjoys a great working relationship with them, which allows for a very high standard of care to be provided to the citizens of Brentwood.

From left to right, an oxygen bag, ALS bag and defibrillator

Brentwood firefighters are able to handle a wide variety of medical emergencies. Shown below are just some of the items carried on every medical call. Firefighters can defibrillate, or shock, a person having a heart attack, start an IV, provide oxygen, manage an unconscious patient’s airway and provide a wide range of care for anything from a bump or bruise to broken bones and burns. ALS fire engines also carry a variety of medications. A few uses for the medications carried on the fire engine include treatment of a diabetic with low blood sugar, someone who has overdosed on drugs, a patient in cardiac arrest or a person who is having an allergic reaction. Because of their training and equipment, firefighters and ambulance crews are able to handle just about any emergency they come across.

Don’t be surprised to see a fire engine the next time someone you know dials 911 for a medical emergency, it’s just the medical professionals of Brentwood Fire and Rescue responding alongside Williamson County EMS.

Fire Chief's Briefing for February 23 through February 28, 2013

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s Emergency Responses for the period of February 23 through February 28, 2013.

We responded to 37 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 1

EMS/Rescue: 20

Hazardous Condition: 3

Service Call: 2

Good Intent: 8

False Call: 3

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Monday, February 25 at approximately 11:27 am:

All BFR units and an automatic aid assignment from Franklin Fire were dispatched on a report of a possible commercial structure fire. E3 arrived on scene and discovered a light haze of smoke in the building. Franklin Ladder 3 was tasked with investigating the roof where they discovered signs of burned insulation in the HVAC system. Further investigations both inside and outside the structure revealed no other hazards. All units not on scene were released, and crews opened the HVAC system and removed the smoldering materials. Positive pressure ventilation was used to clear the remaining smoke from the building. Once this was complete and a final check for hazards turned up empty, all units cleared the scene.

Monday, February 25 at approximately 9:13 pm:

E1 was dispatched on a report of carbon monoxide in a home. Upon arrival crew members met the residents outside and learned that a vehicle had been left running in the garage for approximately 90 minutes. There were no CO monitors in the home and the family only learned of the running vehicle due to the family dog alerting them to something out of the ordinary. E1 utilized their gas monitor but found no hazards in the home. The homeowners were advised to purchase CO monitors for their home.

Wednesday, February 27 at approximately 2:38 am:

E3 was dispatched on a report of an unresponsive individual locked inside a running vehicle. Upon arrival crew members met with BPD who advised they had shaken the vehicle and banged on the windows but were unable to rouse the occupant. E3 utilized their lockout kit to gain access to the vehicle and were able to gain the attention of the driver and sole occupant. The PT had an altered mental status and was confused as to where they were and what was going on. No trauma was suspected, and the PT was loaded into the awaiting ambulance for non-emergency transport to an area hospital.

Wednesday, February 27 at approximately 11:36 pm:

E2 was dispatched on a request for assistance lifting a fallen individual. Upon arrival crew members found the PT lying with their face in the cushions of their couch and exhibiting signs of altered mental status. Family members reported the PT had begun a new medication regime and that the PT had taken the maximum recommended dosage. Shortly thereafter they had become altered and unable to respond appropriately or stand up. EMS was requested to the scene in order to transport the PT to an area hospital. While EMS was enroute E2 established an IV and administered Narcan to counteract the effects of the medication. The PT began to become more lucid but still required transport.

Thursday, February 28 at approximately 1:33 am:

E3 was dispatched on a report of a woman in labor. A Williamson County Sherriff’s Deputy performed a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed north bound on I-65, and discovered that a passenger in the vehicle was in active labor. EMS was on scene prior to E3’s arrival, and E3’s crew assisted with delivery of a set of twins. The deliveries were both uncomplicated and all three patients (the mother and both newborns) remained stable throughout the call. Once delivery was complete, they were all transported emergency traffic to an area hospital. One firefighter assisted by driving the family’s vehicle to the hospital so the remainder of the family could be with the mother.

Fire Chief's Briefing for February 17 through February 22, 2013

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of February 17 through February 22, 2013.

We responded to 30 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 2

EMS/Rescue: 16

Hazardous Condition: 3

Good Intent: 2

False Call: 7

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Monday, February 18 at approximately 1:27 pm:

E2 and B1 were dispatched on a report of a woods fire.  E4 arrived on scene and found an area in the woods with only surface fuels (leaves) burning.  B1 arrived on scene and started an offensive attack using a 1” hand line.  Once the main body of fire was extinguished, B1 and E4 personnel began extinguishing small hot spots with the hand line and a fire rake.  The property owner indicated that the wind had blown embers from a small burn pile onto dry leaves.  The burn pile was also extinguished due to the high wind speed.  Once all hazards were addressed, E4 and B1 returned to service and quarters.

Wednesday, February 20 at approximately 9:19 pm:

E1 was dispatched on a report of a carbon monoxide alarm at a residence.  Upon arrival E1 personnel made contact with the homeowner who indicated that the carbon monoxide alarm had been activated in the house.  E1 crew advised all the occupants to evacuate while personnel used a gas monitor to check CO levels throughout the house.  Dangerous CO levels were found inside the home and the local gas company was contacted.  Once the gas company arrived on scene it was determined that the water heater had malfunctioned and was causing the high CO levels.  The water heater was shut down and E1 personnel ventilated the residence until it was declared safe.  E1 advised the homeowner not to use the water heater until it was repaired.  Once all hazards were addressed E1 returned to service and quarters. 

Thursday, February 21 at approximately 7:51 pm:

All units were dispatched on report of a residential structure fire.  C3 arrived on scene to find a two story residence with nothing showing from the outside.  C3 established command and made contact with an occupant of the residence.  The occupant indicated that they had been sanding the wood floors inside the home and now the room was on fire.  The occupant had attempted to spray the area with a garden hose.  E2 arrived on scene and deployed a hose line inside the structure.  E2 found that the dust bag from the floor sander had caught fire.  E2 extinguished the small fire using the garden hose and removed the debris from the structure.  E4 and R1 set up a ventilation fan to remove all smoke from the residence and all other responding units were cancelled.  Once all hazards were addressed, C3, E2, R1 and E4 returned to quarters.