Hands only CPR Saves Lives!

In October of 2010, the American Heart Association (AHA) released new guidelines around CPR.

In the new release was the Hands-Only approach to CPR for untrained rescuers during the first minutes of suspected cardiac arrest. In doing so, the AHA is deemphasizing the breathing check.

The Spokane Fire Department and The Spokane County EMS & Trauma Care Council is encouraging all citizens to get familiar with this approach to help save lives.


The Mayo clinic has produced a 2-minute videothat every citizen should see…just in case.



AHA says that no statistics are available for the exact number of cardiac arrests that occur each year. But, it's estimated that more than 95 percent of cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital.



In cities where defibrillation is provided within 5 to 7 minutes, the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest is as high as 30–45 percent.

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Bill Donahoe Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/23/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3315 South Fiske
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 at 21:10, the Spokane Fire Dept responded one senior ladder, three engine companies, one pumper ladder and one heavy rescue along with two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 3315 South Fiske Street. The first arriving engine company from Station 14 in the Lincon Heights neighborhood arrived on scene and reported a single family split level home with smoke showing out of the front door. Engine 14 then reported that all of the occupants were out of the home and accounted for. They then advanced a hose lead into the basement and made a quick attack on the fire. The additional crews searched for extension of the fire and ventilated the structure. The five occupants are displaced until the fire and smoke damage can be rectified

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

DAMAGE EXTENT: The structure sustained fire damage to the basement and smoke damage throughout the building.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Ice Safety Tips

Here in Spokane ice and cold water safety is an important issue each winter when too many residents are injured from exposure to cold water. Skaters and ice fishermen fall through the ice; boaters and canoeists overturn their crafts. Hikers and explorers sometimes lose their way and have to camp out overnight in harsh weather conditions. Unleashed pets run onto the ice and people chase after them.

Cold Water Dangers

· Cold water is any water below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

· Cold water robs the body of heat 25-30 times faster than air.

· Safety experts estimate that half of all drowning victims die from the fatal effects of hypothermia, not from water in the lungs.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice

· Reach-Throw-Go. If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.

· If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

Cold Emergencies

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is severe lowering of the body’s internal temperature. This occurs when the body loses more heat that it can produce, which prevents the heart and lungs from functioning properly. Hypothermia is caused when the body is exposed to cold, chilling winds or by getting wet. Hypothermia can happen on land or in water and progresses quickly.


Symptoms of Hypothermia:

· Absentmindedness or confusion

· Lack of coordination and weakness

· Difficulty speaking or slurred speech

· Uncontrollable shivering

· Semi-consciousness or unconsciousness


To Prevent Hypothermia:

· Wear layers of warm clothing.

· Protect your head and hands from the elements by wearing winter hats and gloves/mittens.

· Keep as dry as possible.

· Always wear a personal floatation device (PFD) when around cold water.

· Carry matches in a waterproof container.

How to Help Someone with Hypothermia:

· First call for medical help immediately!

· If the situation is safe for you to do so, remove the person from the cold water or cold air.

· Remove wet clothing.

· Keep the victim as dry as possible.

· Wrap the victim in blankets or in a sleeping bag.

· Build a fire to warm the victim.

· Give the victim warm fluids to drink (no alcohol or caffeinated drinks).

· Seat the victim in a warm shower or warm bath with the arms and legs of the victim out of the water. This allows the core of the body to warm first.


How Thick Is "Safe" Ice?

Ice on moving water in rivers, streams and brooks are never safe. The thickness of ice on ponds and lakes depends upon water currents or springs, depth and natural objects such as tree stumps or rocks. Daily changes in temperature cause the ice to expand and contract, which affects its strength. Because of these factors, no one can declare the ice to be absolutely “safe”.


Ice Safety Tips

· Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.

· Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue your pet, go for help.

· New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.

· Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks, weak, or open ice.

· Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.

· Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15% weaker.

· Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.

Man trapped inside burning house uses online game to get help

A man trapped inside his burning home used a Facebook online game to get help. SFD received an unusual call for help Tuesday (1/18/2011) morning from multiple sources--all out of state. The resident living at the house is disabled and did not have a phone. When a fire started in his kitchen, he posted his call for help on Facebook and friends from all over the United States contacted Spokane 911. E15A Firefighter/Paramedics arrived within 4-minutes and extinguished the fire and provided Paramedic-level treatment to the resident. The victim suffered from minor smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital by AMR. This morning he is doing fine thanks to resilience, technology and quick thinking. http://www.krem.com/home/Man-trapped-inside-burning-house-uses-Facebook-to-get-help-114173854.html

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/15/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1703 E. 40th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: At 2:23 A.M., Saturday, January 15th, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house on fire at 1703 E. 40th Avenue. Four engines, one senior ladder, one pumper-ladder, one heavy rescue, and two battalion chiefs responded to this fire. The first engine arrived on-scene within five minutes and reported a single family, wood-framed house with heavy smoke from the open front door. The lone occupant of the house met the crew in the front yard and reported there was no one else inside. The occupant, a forty-five year old male, suffered second and third degree burns to both hands and one arm. While crews advanced fire attack hoses into the house and conducted other critical fire suppression operations, Spokane Fire Department paramedics treated the victim for burns and minor smoke inhalation. He was transported to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. The victim's condition is not known at the time of this report. The fire was located in a rear bedroom and extinguished just as it began to flashover. Extensive overhaul operations kept crews on-scene for nearly three hours. There were no injuries to any of the responding firefighters. One cat died in the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the house was confined to the bedroom and its contents, along with heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the remainder of the house.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/15/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1107 W Fredrick Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Jan 15, at 12:39 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 1 senior ladder, 1 pumper-ladder, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1107 W Fredrick. The calling party had reported he had a kitchen fire and the house was rapidly filling with smoke. PL13, which is located in the North Hill neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke coming from the single family residence. PL13 quickly advanced a preconnected hose line off their apparatus and attacked the kitchen fire. Other companies arrived, and after confirming all occupants were out of the structure, began efforts to remove the smoke and check to see if the fire had extended into the attic. Their coordinated efforts kept the fire confined to the kitchen which sustained heavy damage with smoke damage throughout the rest of the residence. The tenent will be staying with relatives.There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended cooking on the stove
DAMAGE EXTENT: The kitchen sustained heavy damage with smoke damage throughout the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/10/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 606 S. Scott
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Sunday January 9th, 2011 at 22:46 hours the Spokane Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 606 S. Scott St. The first crews on the scene were from fire station 7 located at 1st and Magnolia. E7 reported a 1 ½ story wood frame residential with noting showing. Crews found a smoldering fire in one of the interior walls. The fire was quickly extinguished and confined to the wall of origin. The fire appears to have been caused by an overloaded electrical wire. There were no reported injuries at this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical
DAMAGE EXTENT: One interior wall and electrical service.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1800
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/6/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Per media request, here is a list of December's significant fire investigations with the disposition in December 2010. If you need additional, please call me.

12/01/2010 - 1010 E. Sanson Avenue- Residential Dryer Fire - UNDETERMINED
12/02/2010 - 2015 W. Mansfield Avenue - Residential fire - ACCIDENTAL
12/05/2010 - 1104 S. Ray St. - House Fire/Electrical - ACCIDENTAL
12/05/2010 - 1906 W. Pacific Ave. Apt.15 - Combustibles too close to heat source - ACCIDENTAL
12/10/2010 - 3919 S Tekoa - Combustibles too close to heat Source -ACCIDENTAL
12/04/2010 - 2807 E Boone - Vehicle Fire, Arson 2nd Degree -INCENDIARY
12/10/2010 - 6215 N Elgin - Building Fire, Arson 1st Degree (Arrest) - INCENDIARY
12/15/2010 - 840 W Cora -Apartment Fire, Arson 1st Degree - INCENDIARY
12/15/2010 - 4 W 21st -Building Fire, Arson 2nd Degree - INCENDIARY
12/17/2010 - 211 S Division Rm 201 - Hotel Unit Fire -ACCIDENTAL
12/18/2010 - 1806 W Gardner - RV Fire (Fatality) - ACCIDENTAL
12/20/2010 - 707 W 5th Ave - Apartment Fire -INCENDIARY
12/22/2010 - 123 N Bernard Street- Apartment Fire (Fatality) -ACCIDENTAL (Smoking materials)
12/26/2010 - 5711 N. Elgin Street - Arson - INCENDIARY

PROBABLE CAUSE: n/a
DAMAGE EXTENT: n/a
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/4/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2428 North Hogan
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday January 4, 2011 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 8:49 PM to 2428 N. Hogan on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke coming from the eaves and fire showing from a window on the 2nd floor of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed house. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to the upstairs bedroom. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters. One civilian was transported to a local hospital with smoke inhalation and minor burns to her hand.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit. Preliminary investigation indicates the fire may have been started by a 5 year old boy playing with an unattended candle. Further investigation is needed.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to stress the importance of having properly working smoke detectors through-out your house. Early fire detection is one of the key factors for life safety.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire and smoke damage was confined to the upstairs bedroom and living area
DOLLAR LOSS: 15000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE