Archives for 2018

The weather had turned warm and many people were out enjoying the transition from the winter cold. The duty crew was sitting outside the station when the tones sounded. Medic one, Engine one and Rescue one respond to Valley and Pike street. Two car crash with several injuries. Time out 1750.

When units arrived they found two cars with heavy damage. Two victims had moderate injuries and one was serious. As we began treating the victims I decided to close the road while we extricated the injured. This would help protect the rescuers from traffic flowing through the intersection.

As I walked around one of the damaged cars something caught my attention. Someone had gone around the barriers and was coming straight at me. I only had time to jump and as I did the car struck me and flipped me on top of the hood. Before I was able to climb off the car the state patrol had pulled the driver out of the car and arrested him for drunk driving, placing him in the cruiser.

Although a very scary situation I was not injured. Mainly because I had my turnout gear on and it helped pad me from the impact.

Although this incident was caused by a drunk driver. People disregarding emergency vehicles and emergency scenes are becoming a major problem for first responders. On the average six to eight fire rescue and EMS workers are killed working in or near moving traffic each year, as are 10 to 12 police officers. 

In addition there are over 6,500 crashes involving ambulances each year. Many of these crashes are due to public drivers not yielding or paying attention to the emergency vehicle. Consider needing an ambulance and they are delayed due to a crash or being slowed do to drivers not paying attention.

The next time you see an emergency vehicle running lights and siren, please yield to them and maybe say a little prayer for them.

Respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Romans 13:7

The forecast was calling for snow, dropping temperatures and windy conditions. Jeb decided to go hunting before the bad weather arrived. At this point the temperature was around 38 degrees. He was very comfortable in his light hunting jacket. He started to take gloves but he knew he would return home long before the bad weather struck. 

Soon after hitting the fields Jeb landed a ten point buck. During the process of gutting the deer he sliced his leg with the knife. The cut was deep and bleeding profusely. He always kept a small first aid kit with him when hunting.

Jeb knew he had to stop the bleeding so he stuffed two 4×4 gauze pads in the wound and wrapped it tightly with a bandage. This did the trick and the bleeding was controlled.

After controlling the bleeding he knew he had to start heading back before the bad weather arrived. As Jeb stood up he noticed he could not bear total weight on the injured leg. He could walk but it was slow and painful. 

As he continued his trek home his pace slowed and to make matters worse it was beginning to snow. The wind was picking up and the temperature was dropping sooner than he had planned. The conditions were deteriorating quickly.

Jeb realized he needed help and the quicker the better. He had his cell phone but he knew from the past that service was sketchy at best in this area. So he headed for a small hill to obtain a better phone signal. The brush was thick and his progress was slow.

The snow was picking up and he could not see his exact location. His cell phone had service now and 911 was notified. Jeb stayed on the line to try to help responders find his location.

Several hours have passed and he is now experiencing the effects of the cold. Remember Jeb did not dress for the cold. His hands a feet were feeling like pins and needles and it was hard to feel anything he touched. He noticed his hands and fingers were turning a grayish blue. Jeb was suffering from frost bite. The falling temperatures and the windy weather were a taking toll on him and he knew he was in trouble.

The deteriorating weather made it very difficult to reach Jeb. It was growing dark when they finally reached him. He had a severe case of frost bite and responders knew he would need to be treated quickly. Treatment of frost bite includes:

Protect the effected areas from further cold.

Warming the effected area with warm (Tepid water 100 degrees).

Remove and rings or bracelets before swelling occurs.

Do not walk on feet that are injured by frost bit.

Do not rub or heat effected area. This cause more damage.

If blistered do not break. Bandage to protect the blisters.

Pain medications may be indicated.

Minor frost bite may be treatable at home. But when in doubt seek medical  treatment as soon as possible.

Once the responders reached the medic unit Jeb was transported to the nearest burn unit for treatment. Burn units treat frost bite because the damage is similar to that found in burns.

Jeb received expert care and experienced a full recovery. He also learned an important lesson. Always prepare for the unexpected. By the way his laceration required 22 stitches.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

Proverbs 4:6