RE: Spokane Fire Department selects new Fire Marshal

Sorry. Attached is Chief Phillips photo.

 

From: Anderson, Michele L.
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2018 8:45 AM
To: Anderson, Michele L. <mlanderson@spokanecity.org>
Subject: Spokane Fire Department selects new Fire Marshal

 

 

Spokane Fire Department selects new Fire Marshal

 

The Spokane Fire Department announces the appointment of Megan Phillips as the new City of Spokane Fire Marshal. Prior to her selection, Phillips served as the Assistant Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal position became vacant after the retirement of Fire Marshal Michael Miller in June.

 

Phillips now leads the Prevention Division which includes code enforcement, plans review and community risk reduction. While her primary goal is the extremely important duty of public safety, she also prides herself in supporting Operations by being responsive to their needs and the needs of the citizens.

 

“Chief Phillips is incredibly resourceful and educated when it comes to understanding the fire code and all of its intricacies,” says Assistant Fire Chief Trisha Wolford. “As our new Fire Marshal, she will be a great asset to the Fire Department and the City. Her experience as Assistant Fire Marshal has prepared her for the hard work and dedication that is required to keep our city, residents and visitors safe.”

 

Phillips is a 20-year veteran with the Spokane Fire Department. She began her career as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT with the City of Millwood, WA in 1997. The Spokane Fire Department hired Phillips in 1998 as a Firefighter and she promoted to Fire Equipment Operator in 2001. Phillips accepted the position of Deputy Fire Marshal in 2005, then in 2015 promoted to Assistant Fire Marshal where she had the chance to supervise a highly motivated and professional team of fire inspectors and public educators.

 

Phillips has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame, and a Fire Science Degree from the Community Colleges of Spokane. Phillips resides in Spokane with her husband Chris. Their two sons are both proudly serving in the United States Air Force.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Spokane Fire Department selects new Fire Marshal

 

Spokane Fire Department selects new Fire Marshal

 

The Spokane Fire Department announces the appointment of Megan Phillips as the new City of Spokane Fire Marshal. Prior to her selection, Phillips served as the Assistant Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal position became vacant after the retirement of Fire Marshal Michael Miller in June.

 

Phillips now leads the Prevention Division which includes code enforcement, plans review and community risk reduction. While her primary goal is the extremely important duty of public safety, she also prides herself in supporting Operations by being responsive to their needs and the needs of the citizens.

 

“Chief Phillips is incredibly resourceful and educated when it comes to understanding the fire code and all of its intricacies,” says Assistant Fire Chief Trisha Wolford. “As our new Fire Marshal, she will be a great asset to the Fire Department and the City. Her experience as Assistant Fire Marshal has prepared her for the hard work and dedication that is required to keep our city, residents and visitors safe.”

 

Phillips is a 20-year veteran with the Spokane Fire Department. She began her career as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT with the City of Millwood, WA in 1997. The Spokane Fire Department hired Phillips in 1998 as a Firefighter and she promoted to Fire Equipment Operator in 2001. Phillips accepted the position of Deputy Fire Marshal in 2005, then in 2015 promoted to Assistant Fire Marshal where she had the chance to supervise a highly motivated and professional team of fire inspectors and public educators.

 

Phillips has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame, and a Fire Science Degree from the Community Colleges of Spokane. Phillips resides in Spokane with her husband Chris. Their two sons are both proudly serving in the United States Air Force.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Providing the right care in the right setting

 

Providing the right care in the right setting

 

With the ultimate goal of providing the right care in the right setting for people experiencing behavior health issues, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) has partnered with Frontier Behavioral Health to staff a Behavioral Response Unit. The program is funded through a grant from Providence Medical Group.

 

The program will help divert people experiencing less acute behavioral issues from the Emergency Department so they can be connected to more appropriate community resources. In turn, this will allow more time for the Emergency Department staff to provide the highest level of care to the most acute medical and behavioral health patients.

 

SFD has seen an increasing number of responses for behavioral-related issues since 2014, which mirrors national trends and creates significant demand on community emergency care resources. Currently, SFD averages more than nine behavioral related responses each day. Through the first half of this year, the department saw even greater growth in these responses with nearly a 20% increase compared to the first half of 2017.

 

“These trends require us to look at how we respond to these events differently,” says Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Prior to this new program starting, all patients were transported by ambulance to local hospital emergency departments. Pairing a fire department paramedic with a mental health counselor to assist with people who are not acutely ill only makes sense. We have the opportunity to connect these individuals with the resources that are best suited to help them and provide better, more efficient care. This collaborative approach to helping people experiencing behavioral issues in our community is innovative and not seen in other parts of the State.”

 

The Program started on June 11 and during the first month of operation, the team responded to 36 requests for help. Nineteen of the people the team encountered were referred to more appropriate behavioral health services and avoided being transported in an ambulance to a local hospital emergency department.

 

“While the program is still in its early stages, we anticipate that we will continue to see improved access to services and care for people experiencing behavioral issues,” adds Schaeffer.

 

One program goal is to achieve a 50% hospital diversion rate in behavioral health patients that the new team encounters. Frontier Behavioral Health and SFD are also tracking additional metrics to see what other impacts this program has on both program and calls for each agency.

 

The Behavioral Response Unit will be assigned to behavioral health calls as an additional resource to other SFD response units during the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Upon arrival on scene, the initial responding paramedic and the Behavioral Response Unit paramedic will collaborate to determine if there is a medical cause for behavioral symptoms that may still require transport to the hospital. If both medics agree that there is not an emergent medical cause that needs to be addressed, both medics will collaborate with the mental health clinician to determine whether or not the patient is an appropriate candidate for diversion. If it is decided that the patient is a good candidate for diversion, the Behavioral Response Unit will release the other fire department resources to return back in service (allowing them to be available for other calls for service). The Behavioral Response Unit Team will further assess the individual and identify the most appropriate resource for diversion at that time.

 

A video, including interviews, about the Behavior Response Unit can be found here.

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Spokane City Fire Marshal issues outdoor recreational fire restrictions

 

 

 

Spokane City Fire Marshal issues outdoor recreational fire restrictions

 

Due to the hot, dry conditions, specified outdoor recreational fires (in-ground campfires, fire bowls and fire pits) are prohibited in the City of Spokane effective today, July 16, 2018, by order of the Spokane City Fire Marshal. The restriction will continue until further notice; such restrictions are subject to change depending on conditions. 

 

Citizens may still use backyard barbecues, manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces or other patio/deck warmers (provided the appliance has a spark arrester and a chimney), approved fuel is used, and weather conditions support safe recreational fires. Approved fuels include seasoned (clean/dry) firewood, charcoal, propane, or natural gas.

 

Other requirements for outdoor fires:

 

• Recreational fires may be in designated areas or on private property with owner approval.
• Keep it small - Fires must not exceed a fuel area of three feet in diameter by two feet in height.
• Fires must be attended by a responsible adult (knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment) at all times.
• Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use.
  • Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.
• Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist (25 feet in general).
  • For one and two family dwellings, follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for clearance. Be safe and use good judgment.
  • For multifamily dwellings, maintain at least a 15 foot clearance from combustibles and structures. Be safe and use good judgment.
• Fires must not present a health hazard or nuisance to others.
• Safe wind conditions (no more than seven mph) must be present.
• Ash and charcoal remnants must be safely disposed of in noncombustible waste containers.

 

Unsafe or otherwise restricted fires will be required to be extinguished. Failure to comply with the burning restrictions could have serious consequences. A person who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue unauthorized burning when ordered to do so is guilty of a misdemeanor. That person can face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

 

Please see the attached flyer for additional information.

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Fire crews contain rapid moving brush fire

 

Fire crews contain rapid moving brush fire
No injuries reported

 

Last night just before 5:00 p.m., members of the Spokane Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 9 responded to the 1800 block of W. Liberty Ave. for a reported brush fire near Drumheller Springs Park. Follow up reports into 9-1-1 by citizens on scene indicated homes might be endangered and equipment was called to respond to handle both brush and structural fires.

 

First arriving crews found a rapidly moving brush fire threatening a residence. Crews were able to slow the progress of the fire at the edge of the residence limiting damage to the siding and shrubbery. The wind continued to push the fire and within a few minutes a second home was threatened. Crews were again able to block the path of the fire and kept the second residence from sustaining any significant damage.

 

In total approximately two acres were involved in the fire and one home received mild damage to the exterior. Crews were on scene approximately three hours for containment and mop up of the fire.

 

No civilians, firefighters or pets were injured in the incident.

 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public fire conditions in the area are reaching extreme conditions. Continuing hot weather with limited precipitation and higher than normal winds are creating the potential for rapidly escalating fires. Please be extremely cautious when handling any materials that have the ability to start a fire. In the event of a fire, please utilize 9-1-1 immediately.

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Eleven people displaced after early morning fire near Gonzaga

Eleven people displaced after early morning fire near Gonzaga
No injuries were reported

 

Eleven people were displaced after an early morning fire broke out at a home near Gonzaga.  

 

At approximately 3:00 a.m., crews from the Spokane Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a fire at a residence in the 100 block of E. Sinto Ave. Neighbors had reported seeing smoke coming from the single family residence. Spokane Police officers arrived on scene and confirmed that there was fire coming from the second floor of the home. 

 

Initial reports were that all occupants were out of the structure, but firefighters were assigned to confirm. The fire heavily damage the second floor with smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.

 

The American Red Cross was requested to assist the 11 occupants who were displaced and SCRAPS responded to assist with numerous pets.

                                                                                                         

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Investigative Unit and Spokane Police Department.

 

** Pictures provide by SPD’s Cpl. Teresa Fuller. More photos can be found on SFD’s Facebook page.**

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

SFD reminds citizens that fireworks are illegal

 

 

 

SFD reminds citizens that fireworks are illegal
 Consumer fireworks have been illegal for more than 25 years

With the Fourth of July holiday just one week away, the Spokane Fire Department reminds everyone that the sale and use of all amateur (consumer) fireworks is illegal in the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Millwood, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated areas of Spokane County.

 

Illegal possession or use of fireworks can result in infractions of $536 for each violation in addition to fines and court costs. Individuals who start a fire are also liable for restitution of damaged property and for the recovery of Fire Department response costs.

 

All fireworks are prohibited, including – but not limited to – non-detonating military devices such as large flares, certain propellants, specialty fireworks and larger devices used in public displays, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, sparklers, bottle rockets and similar materials that contain any explosive or combustible compound.

 

This year marks the 26th year in which all consumer fireworks are illegal. Based on the number of fireworks-caused fires between 1983 and 1992, the fireworks ban has prevented an estimated 2,200 fires. In the 10 years prior to the fireworks ordinance in 1993, firefighters responded to an average of 104 fireworks-caused fires just in the City of Spokane during the nine-day period between June 28 and July 6. During the past 25 years of the ban, the average number of fireworks-caused fires has dramatically dropped to five. Prior to the ban, there were so many fireworks-caused fires around the Fourth of July that some emergency medical calls to 9-1-1 had to be stacked until first responders could be dispatched.

 

In addition to the number of fires and injuries caused by consumer fireworks each year, fireworks can have a negative impact on neighbors, pets, and veterans suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Violations of the fireworks ban should be reported to Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to wish the community a Happy Independence Day and encourage everyone to celebrate the holiday safely by leaving fireworks up to the professionals. Everyone is invited to the community celebration on July 4th at Riverfront Park, starting at noon and continuing until the 10 p.m. fireworks display provided by licensed pyrotechnicians.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

The Spokane Police and Fire Departments want to remind HoopFest fans to have fun and also stay safe

The Spokane Police and Fire Departments want to remind HoopFest fans to have fun and also stay safe

 

To ensure the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world remains safe and fun, City of Spokane public safety officials ask attendees to follow a few safety tips.

 

The Spokane Police Department will be helping to provide security and safety for all Hoopfest fans. In addition, the Spokane Fire Department’s PedMed Program, a special operations program that deploys fire department paramedics in areas that are routinely inaccessible due to large crowds or terrain will be working throughout the event. Additional behind the scenes measures will be implemented as well.

 

To help ensure the safety of people attending as well as those that are in the area, public safety officials are asking for the community’s help by following a few safety tips:

 

• Choose an alternative route to avoid congestion if you do not need to be downtown.
• Take public transportation if you can.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Immediately report suspicious activity to law enforcement officials.
• Never leave children unattended.
• Lock ALL vehicle doors and secure windows. If possible use a vehicle anti-theft device.
• Do not leave any valuables in vehicles.
• Drivers should slow down and be aware of extra pedestrian activity.
• Pedestrians should exercise extra caution and watch for traffic.
• Do not leave purses or bags unattended. 
• Animals are prohibited during special events, so please leave them at home (service animals are permitted).
• Remember open containers are not allowed.

 

Yellow and/or red bags have been placed on many meters in the downtown area. Please do not park at meters that are bagged or your vehicle will be towed. These areas will be used for Hoopfest equipment, emergency vehicles, event equipment vehicles, and STA buses.

 

With warmer temperatures expected for the event, the Spokane Fire Department wants to remind attendees and participants of the importance of preventing heat related illnesses by following a few safety tips:

 

• Avoid heavy exertion, extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible.
• If you are active, monitor your physical condition and that of your friends or teammates for signs or symptoms of heat illnesses.
• Drink plenty of water – don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.

 

Throughout the year, the safety of our community is of the utmost importance to your Spokane Police and Fire Departments. We are dedicated to making sure our community is safe and secure each day of the year and during all of our special events.

 

The 2018 Hoopfest map can be found here.

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

House fire remains under investigation

 

House fire remains under investigation
No injuries reported

 

A fire remains under investigation after damaging a detached garage and spreading to an unoccupied home in east central Spokane.

 

The fire started just before 6 p.m. last evening at a single family residence in the 100 block of E. Providence Ave.

 

First arriving crews noted heavy fire involvement in the detached garage behind the residence. The fire was spreading into the eaves of the home and had involved the attic area. Fire crews entered the structure to locate and extinguish the fire while performing a search of the building for occupants. The house was determined to be clear of any occupants. Firefighters were able to effectively bring the fire under control within minutes of entering the structure. The house sustained significant fire damage to the first floor and attic and smoke damage throughout, the detached garage behind the home also suffered heavy fire damage.

 

There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

 

Anyone with information about the fire should call 509-625-7000 so the information can be forwarded to the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigations Unit.

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Improperly discarded smoking materials to blame for early morning fire

 

Improperly discarded smoking materials to blame for early morning fire

Fire investigators say improperly discarded smoking materials caused this morning’s fire at a commercial building.

 

At approximately 5:47 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 3800 block of E.  Boone Ave. on a report of a commercial structure fire. 

 

The first arriving engine company reported smoke and flames visible from the exterior of the building and extending inside. Firefighters immediately initiated fire attack on the exterior. Additional crews gained entry into the structure to check for fire extension and conducted a search of the interior to ensure no one was inside.

 

Crews contained the fire to the exterior of the building and extinguished it within 5 minutes of the first fire crews arriving on scene.

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the community about some important safety tips related to smoking.

 

• Put cigarettes out in an ashtray or bucket with sand. Use ashtrays with a wide base so they won’t tip over and start a fire.
• Put cigarettes out completely. Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts to ensure they are out before they are properly discarded. 
• Be alert. Do not smoke after taking medications that cause drowsiness.
• Never smoke around medical oxygen. Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near. Even if the oxygen is turned off, it can still catch on fire.
• Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch on fire easily. Do not smoke in bed because you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette.
• Smoke outside. Many things in a home or business can ignite if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Early morning garage fire quickly contained

 

Early morning garage fire quickly contained

 

This morning at approximately 1:00 a.m. the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 2200 E block of Mission St. on a report of a detached garage on fire. 

 

The first arriving crew reported smoke and flames visible. Firefighters gained entry into the structure and quickly confined and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading. A search of the structure was completed to ensure no one was inside.

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

The fire caused moderate smoke and heat damage throughout garage. The cause of the fire is under investigations by the Spokane Fire Special Investigation Unit.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

FW: fire/dv call on north maple (information from SFD)

 

At approximately 4:40 p.m. hours on Saturday, the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Police Department and Spokane County Fire District 9 were dispatched to a structure fire in the 7700 block on N. Maple St. on the 5 Mile Prairie.

Members of the Spokane Police Department arrived on scene first and reported that the structure was on fire and had been evacuated.

First arriving fire department crews arrived within 7 minutes and found an advanced fire in a single-story home of newer construction. The fire was threatening adjacent homes on either side and protection of these two homes was quickly accomplished by on scene crews. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes, but the home ultimately sustained very heavy fire damage to the interior as well as to the entire attic. One of the homes next door sustained damage to its vinyl siding, but the fire was kept out of the structure itself.

Firefighters worked to contain this advanced fire and successfully prevented any significant fire extension to the 2 adjacent homes.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit (SIU), The Spokane Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

There were no reported injuries as a result of this fire.

 

 

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From: Van Tassel, Ronald
Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2018 7:51 PM
To: SPD Media <PoliceMedia@spokanecity.org>
Subject: fire/dv call on north maple

 

The Spokane Police and Fire Departments responded to 7700 N Maple for what started out as a domestic violence. Minutes later the residence was engulfed in flames. Officers arrested a male at the location and the Fire Department was able to put the fire out.

On June 16^th, 2018, just before 4:30 in the afternoon, Spokane Police Officers responded to a residence in the 7700 block of north Maple (5-mile area) for a reported domestic violence. While Officers were enroute for that call, 911 started to receive calls from neighbors stating that the same residence was now on fire.

Officers arrived onscene and discovered everybody was outside of the residence. They contacted the female victim. Officers located the male in front of the residence. There was nobody else inside the residence during the incident.

Spokane Fire responded and were able to extinguish the fire. The home suffered extensive damage from the fire.

After the initial stages of the investigation Officers determined there was probable cause to arrest the male, 49 year old Fabian Harper for domestic violence assault. He was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm due to a previous DV order that was in place.

Fire investigators are going to continue to conduct their investigation to see what the cause of the fire was. Depending on the results of that investigation, more charges could come in the future.

Cpl Van Tassel

 

Spokane Fire Department Announces the Achievement of 100% Paramedic Staffing at all 16 Fire Stations

 

Spokane Fire Department Announces the Achievement of 100% Paramedic Staffing at all 16 Fire Stations

 

The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) proudly announces full-time paramedic staffing at all of its fire stations. The announcement comes after the launch of paramedics being staffed at Spokane Fire Station #8 (1608 N. Rebecca St.) during all shifts. 

 

“The overwhelming majority of emergencies that we respond to involve a medical nature and the complexity of those incidents are ever-increasing,” said Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Currently our life-threatening incidents year-to-date are 12% last years, and the data indicates that the trend is showing no sign of decreasing. It’s paramount for our department to have the most prepared and resilient system possible to meet the needs of our community.”

 

In 2017, out of the 40,304 calls for service within city limits for the department 32,047 of the calls were medically-related. The SFD Annual Report contains more data and can be found at: https://goo.gl/GsSMVT.

 

SFD has 16 stations staffed 24-hours a day, seven days a week. All 365 SFD firefighters are at least Emergency Medical Technician certified if they are assigned to the Field Operations Division and 98 are Paramedics—including Fire Chief Schaeffer. Firefighters that are chosen to for paramedic training receive approximately 1,300 hours of education and training including: 672 hours of didactic and lab training, 260 hours of supervised hospital clinical time and a minimum of 360 hours of supervised paramedic field internship. SFD Paramedics attend clinical rotations and field internships throughout several hospitals and EMS agencies in Spokane and Northern Idaho. In addition to the Paramedic Training, they also receive certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Prehospital Trauma Life Support. The SFD Paramedics are among the best in the country, and can now be found in every neighborhood protecting our citizens and visitors throughout the City of Spokane.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Spokane Fire Department Honored with 2018 Heart Safe Community Award

 

Spokane Fire Department Honored with 2018 Heart Safe Community Award

 

The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was selected as the winner of the 2018 Heart Safe Community Award – Large Community from the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

 

The Heart Safe Community Award is presented to fire service-based EMS agencies that have played a key role in improving the quality of out-of-hospital cardiac care and resuscitation efforts and have demonstrated creative approaches to improving therapies for patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes and its life-threatening complication, Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

 

“We feel honored to be recognized and to receive this award, says Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “A robust EMS system has been a cornerstone of our organization, and we have been on the leading wave of advanced cardiac care for more than 20 years with regionalized cardiac care.”

 

Over the course of several years, SFD has implemented a multifaceted program aimed at improving community-wide cardiac arrest outcomes. The department has achieved this through a targeted and focused training program that emphasizes a “Pit-Crew” style of CPR in which each firefighter has a pre-designated role in patient care delivery; highly efficient CPR and improved community response through CPR education and AED awareness; expanding bystander CPR education efforts; streamlining the local telephone CPR protocols; increasing public access to AED use; ongoing collaborations with local Level 1 Cardiac Centers of Excellence; and emphasizing high performance, team-based CPR by EMS providers.

 

“We continue to utilize data to help focus our efforts which has resulted in survival rates that exceed the national rate and Washington State,” adds Schaeffer. “We also analyze our annual results and overall trends in survival to identify areas for improvement to ensure that we are delivering top-tier cardiac care for our community.”

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

statement from Fire Chief Schaefferr

Statement from Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer:

 

At the Spokane Fire Department we are deeply sadden to hear of the untimely passing of retired firefighter Ronny F. Weston. Firefighter Weston was hired by the department on March 1, 1999 and proudly served the community of Spokane for 14 years until his retirement on March 29, 2013. Our thought and prayers remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.

 

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org