Friday Update
Friday Update February 5, 2010
05/02/10 14:19
FRIDAY UPDATE FEBRUARY 5, 2010
FYI - There will be a 30-mile footrace on Saturday, Feb 6, in Moran State Park area. There is reported to be 300 participants so it goes with out saying that we may need to be on alert for possible trail rescues.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/EMT Dylan Wachtel - LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsFEB DRILLS
Mon 8 - 7pm Association Meeting
Tues 9 - 7:30pm BOFC
Thurs 11 - Fire Division Drill
Sat 13 – EVDT training
Tues 16 – 7 pm CPR Recertification Make-up
Thurs 18 - Rescue Division Drill: Vehicle Crash Stabilization
Tues 23 – 7:30pm BOFC
Thurs 25 – 7 – 10pm Fire Company Evolutions
IMPORTANT NOTE
DISTRICT WEBSITE is back up and running for now. There will soon be a change in sites! Let Maxx know if you have suggestions, concerns or ideas!
FACEBOOK FANS. We now have a “Page” on Facebook. Search under Orcas Island Fire & Rescue. We are happy to announce that as of noon on Friday, we already have 137 “fans” watching the site. For those of you who do not “do” face book, our page talks about what’s happening, what happened and comments on both from the audience.
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRIS6 MISSING (Green) ZOLL AEDs Come out come out where ever you are! I am down to these last units for the annual check up. Please check your stations.
PER DIEM MEDIC THIS WEEKEND is our own Tom Ardavany. We are a bit short handed on the fire side so please don’t hesitate to respond.
HEALTH & WELLNESS – MIK PREYSZ
Reminder to all that blood draws for those who qualify will be held on
Monday, February 8, Tuesday the 9th and Wednesday February 10th if needed. These will be by appointment which we will call you to set up at the
beginning of next week we will also let you know if it needs to be a 12hr
fasting draw.
LifeTek Assessments will begin Wednesday March 3 thru Saturday March 6thwith appointments and will pretty much like we did last year.
Please review Friday update of 01/22/10 for more detailed description.
CELL PHONES – CHIEF HARRIS
This is a copy of the County Cell Phone Ordinance Resolution. At the end of this update an informational letter, answering the questions, concerns and mis-information about cell phone use in our county.
SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 2
RESOLUTION 2010-1
RE: County Cell Phone Ordinance
WHEREAS, the Commissioners of San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2 / Orcas Island Fire & Rescue have a legal and moral responsibility to strive for the continued improvement of emergency services on Orcas Island, and
Whereas San Juan County Government is considering changes to an ordinance regarding cell phone infrastructure, and
Whereas the Commissioners believe that the new service level created by these necessary changes will result in lives saved by improving our response, and
Whereas Orcas fire has previously determined that our emergency two way radio system needs improvements, and
Whereas the District participated in a radio system improvement study that proved such improvements would be cost prohibitive, and
Whereas recent cell phone technology has not only reduced the need for high energy cell towers but can also provide for most of the improvements called for in the study, and
Whereas the cell phone companies may provide the infrastructure required as a cost of doing business and thus avoid using tax dollars, and
Whereas the danger from radiation from the older technology cell towers as well as the damage to our natural aesthetics is not what we are proposing or endorsing, and
Whereas the improvements that we seek will also benefit the community on a daily basis, and improve our “reverse 911” emergency notification system, and
Whereas many Orcas Citizens have discontinued their land line phones in favor of cell phones to reduce their expenses in these tough economic times, and
Whereas removing these regulations from the County Comprehensive Plan and placing them in the Uniform Development Plan will allow more opportunities for the public to comment on them.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners does hereby support such changes as are required to allow for this safe, modern technology outlined above as well as the placement of all cell phone ordinances into the Uniform Development Plan.
SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 2
RESOLUTION 2010-1
ADOPTED at a meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of San Juan Fire Protection District No. 2 on this 12th day of January, 2010.
MEDIA – MAXX JONES
Press Release - Annual Awards Banquet for 2009
Orcas Island’s Emergency Responders gathered for their Annual Awards Banquet January 30 to honor each other in the District’s 62 year of service. The following awards were given and a lovely evening was enjoyed by members and their families.
Service Awards:
• 5 Year Pin:
• Lt. Jason Madeiros
• Chief Mike Harris
• Capt. Paramedic Jeff Larsen
10 year Pin:
• Capt. Rick Anda
• EMT Hilary Canty
• EMT Kari Schuh
• EMT Lance Evans
• Lt. Rich Harvey
• EMT Gulliver Rankin
• FF/EMT Jim Scheib
15 Year Pin - Commissioner Clyde Duke (Past FF)
20 Year Pin - FF Mike Macksey
30 Year Pin - Lt. Jeff Jones (he is actually at 32 years 4 months, longest serving on the department)
District Awards:
Special Awards:
Date: 01 February 2010
To: Rita Harvey & Banquet Staff
From: Jim Coffin, Chair, SJCFPD#2 Board of Commissioners
Re: Letter of Appreciation
It is remarkable that in a period of financial strain our banquet looked and tasted as grand as any we can remember! We owe a debt of thanks to you and your helpers for an evening that was truly needed and appropriately sized. The fast pace of the awards kept even our younger members attention and the many different presenters made us keep wondering what was next!
An awards ceremony is always a dance between fine lines. Trying to make our collective admiration known to those who deserve it while making sure those who also gave know they are appreciated. It is a difficult task at best. In the end, it was the meaningful remarks made by all that focused that spotlight of recognition and appreciation so delicately without neglecting the team, that came through loud and clear!
In my opinion, the 2009 Annual Awards would not have been as successful without two elements. First would have to be the able handling of the award ceremonies by D/C Mik Preysz and second would be the inspiration provided by OUR doctor, Mike “Sully” Sullivan. He made us feel that we are within reach of being the best of the best in our service and challenged us to not be content with the “Status Quo”.
Therefore, on behalf of the Board, I want to thank you and the many members who helped plan and implement the 2009 Awards Banquet and Annual Association Meeting. The event had exactly the right amount of praise and recognition for those who served punctuated by good-hearted humor and topped by palpable camaraderie. It is not by accident that your efforts produced such an event and it will be remembered!
Sincerely- Jim Coffin
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:
We are in the final stages of construction on the 8 homes and still need help.Final stages include: Final grading and top soil, Fences, Decking, Gable End’sCarpet is being installed now and the interiors or almost at the stage were we can lock the door and concentrate on the exterior finish. I will be having a work party scheduled for February 27th from 9-5 followed by BBQ, Drinks and a campfire. If you can attend please drop me an email @ chadk@orcasfire.org Thank you so much! - Chad Kimple
(continued)
CELL PHONES – CHIEF HARRIS (Letter)
11 January 2010
Ms. Mindy Kayl,
Thank you for sharing the fair and, for the most part, balanced letter regarding cell phones and the proposed revision to the cell phone ordinance. I will be submitting the following letter to The Sounder. Thanks and please contact me in the future if you want/need an explanation of what and why we are doing something. Regardless of what Pierrette Guimond thinks, we are responsible and reasonable people here. Finally, I have considered asking that the cell phone coverage issue be placed on the ballot similar to the fireworks issue. As a referendum it would provide for less “theater” and more information. It would afford us the time to get “experts” from both sides and have some good old-fashioned public debate. However, I believe the data speaks for itself and only if we are at a stalemate should we spend yet more time debating the issue. I’ll bet you would agree that the majority wants better cell service. And, if the old tech cell towers are not being considered is their really any debate? The County Council is considering an ordinance to adjust the rules regarding the placement of cell antennas. I am writing to ask for your support in changing the ordinance to allow better coverage through safe, modern technology. Please let me explain why emergency services members passionately want and need this new ordinance.
We want to serve you better. We also know that this new service level will help us save lives. How do we know this? Orcas Island has the most rugged terrain in San Juan County. Radio signals (and cell phone signals) are line of sight. What improves cell signal on Lopez, Shaw etc. will only marginally improve Orcas. The County Dept. of Emergency Management has already done a study to research a system to serve the entire county. The costs of that system were prohibitive. Cell phones offer us another way to create this system while improving the coverage for all our citizens. How? Radio signals can be carried on cell signals. Cell “towers” are no longer needed for the most part. In hilly terrain a system of repeater antennae can be set up for far less cost. These antennae are extremely unobtrusive. The San Juan Co. Sheriff experimented with a similar system in 2007 and set up a data system that reached all parts of Orcas successfully. Nobody ever noticed it!
As your Fire Chief, I know that people have died and will continue to suffer life-threatening circumstances on Orcas due to our poor cell coverage. Those of us that work on infrastructure would be negligent if we did not pursue the best possible service that we know we can provide for you. We are a mobile society. We need better, consistent service to protect our way of life. At this time we know we can improve cell coverage dramatically and it will result in faster response of emergency services. Emergency services are asking everyone to consider that and evaluate whether you would be safer if coverage were improved. I submit that the answer is yes, of course we will!
What are the benefits of an improved cell phone system?
1. Enhance the signal for everyone with everyday communications and emergency communications when they need it. Remember, checking on a sick child, notifying work of a problem, etc., are everyday needs, Personal emergencies are not all about 911.
2. Reduce the need to keep improving emergency radio systems. This is a tax issue. Let the cell phone folks improve our emergency radio systems. Cell signals carry radio signals!
3. Cell phone signals will improve our member’s ability to be dispatched effectively. This will also clear the radio airwaves for vital communications.
4. Allow emergency services to create a system of emergency notification using cell and landlines. Evacuations or major emergency messages, when needed, will be immediately provided to our residents by a system of reverse 911. This system can only be partially effective with landlines alone.
What are the concerns about improving our cell phone coverage?
1. Radiation from the antenna.
This has not been demonstrated to me to be an issue. Radiation from the cell phone itself (next to your head) poses a greater threat. Yet people, including me, continue to use them and that is our choice. However, in the 20+ years that cell phones have been in common use we have yet to prove a significant threat. Let me please remind you; We are not talking about erecting the old, high energy antennas here!
2. Harm to the aesthetics of our natural environment by constructing new cell phone towers.
This is a non-issue. First, the sight impact has already happened and added to many times over on Mt. Constitution. Cell towers are not needed to fix our problem. Small unobtrusive, very low energy repeater antennas are the current technology.
3. Removing the ordinance from the County Comprehensive Plan to the Uniform Development Code.
This make sense to me. That would provide more opportunity to amend it. This means anyone with concerns has regularly recurring forums to be heard.
Finally, I am responsible for serving you as best I can and obtaining the proper resources is a part of that service. Our current emergency radio system needs serious and expensive upgrades. I do not want to spend tax dollars to do that when the cell companies will do it for us. When the improvements are made you will not be able to see the system upgrades but all of us will benefit. That is truly a win, win situation. If you support these improvements please send the county council a copy of this letter with the words “I agree” with your printed name and signature and address.
Thank you for being opened minded about this issue. Mike Harris, Chief, OIF&R
FYI - There will be a 30-mile footrace on Saturday, Feb 6, in Moran State Park area. There is reported to be 300 participants so it goes with out saying that we may need to be on alert for possible trail rescues.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/EMT Dylan Wachtel - LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsFEB DRILLS
Mon 8 - 7pm Association Meeting
Tues 9 - 7:30pm BOFC
Thurs 11 - Fire Division Drill
Sat 13 – EVDT training
Tues 16 – 7 pm CPR Recertification Make-up
Thurs 18 - Rescue Division Drill: Vehicle Crash Stabilization
Tues 23 – 7:30pm BOFC
Thurs 25 – 7 – 10pm Fire Company Evolutions
IMPORTANT NOTE
DISTRICT WEBSITE is back up and running for now. There will soon be a change in sites! Let Maxx know if you have suggestions, concerns or ideas!
FACEBOOK FANS. We now have a “Page” on Facebook. Search under Orcas Island Fire & Rescue. We are happy to announce that as of noon on Friday, we already have 137 “fans” watching the site. For those of you who do not “do” face book, our page talks about what’s happening, what happened and comments on both from the audience.
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRIS6 MISSING (Green) ZOLL AEDs Come out come out where ever you are! I am down to these last units for the annual check up. Please check your stations.
PER DIEM MEDIC THIS WEEKEND is our own Tom Ardavany. We are a bit short handed on the fire side so please don’t hesitate to respond.
HEALTH & WELLNESS – MIK PREYSZ
Reminder to all that blood draws for those who qualify will be held on
Monday, February 8, Tuesday the 9th and Wednesday February 10th if needed. These will be by appointment which we will call you to set up at the
beginning of next week we will also let you know if it needs to be a 12hr
fasting draw.
LifeTek Assessments will begin Wednesday March 3 thru Saturday March 6thwith appointments and will pretty much like we did last year.
Please review Friday update of 01/22/10 for more detailed description.
CELL PHONES – CHIEF HARRIS
This is a copy of the County Cell Phone Ordinance Resolution. At the end of this update an informational letter, answering the questions, concerns and mis-information about cell phone use in our county.
SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 2
RESOLUTION 2010-1
RE: County Cell Phone Ordinance
WHEREAS, the Commissioners of San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2 / Orcas Island Fire & Rescue have a legal and moral responsibility to strive for the continued improvement of emergency services on Orcas Island, and
Whereas San Juan County Government is considering changes to an ordinance regarding cell phone infrastructure, and
Whereas the Commissioners believe that the new service level created by these necessary changes will result in lives saved by improving our response, and
Whereas Orcas fire has previously determined that our emergency two way radio system needs improvements, and
Whereas the District participated in a radio system improvement study that proved such improvements would be cost prohibitive, and
Whereas recent cell phone technology has not only reduced the need for high energy cell towers but can also provide for most of the improvements called for in the study, and
Whereas the cell phone companies may provide the infrastructure required as a cost of doing business and thus avoid using tax dollars, and
Whereas the danger from radiation from the older technology cell towers as well as the damage to our natural aesthetics is not what we are proposing or endorsing, and
Whereas the improvements that we seek will also benefit the community on a daily basis, and improve our “reverse 911” emergency notification system, and
Whereas many Orcas Citizens have discontinued their land line phones in favor of cell phones to reduce their expenses in these tough economic times, and
Whereas removing these regulations from the County Comprehensive Plan and placing them in the Uniform Development Plan will allow more opportunities for the public to comment on them.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners does hereby support such changes as are required to allow for this safe, modern technology outlined above as well as the placement of all cell phone ordinances into the Uniform Development Plan.
SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 2
RESOLUTION 2010-1
ADOPTED at a meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of San Juan Fire Protection District No. 2 on this 12th day of January, 2010.
MEDIA – MAXX JONES
Press Release - Annual Awards Banquet for 2009
Orcas Island’s Emergency Responders gathered for their Annual Awards Banquet January 30 to honor each other in the District’s 62 year of service. The following awards were given and a lovely evening was enjoyed by members and their families.
Service Awards:
• 5 Year Pin:
• Lt. Jason Madeiros
• Chief Mike Harris
• Capt. Paramedic Jeff Larsen
10 year Pin:
• Capt. Rick Anda
• EMT Hilary Canty
• EMT Kari Schuh
• EMT Lance Evans
• Lt. Rich Harvey
• EMT Gulliver Rankin
• FF/EMT Jim Scheib
15 Year Pin - Commissioner Clyde Duke (Past FF)
20 Year Pin - FF Mike Macksey
30 Year Pin - Lt. Jeff Jones (he is actually at 32 years 4 months, longest serving on the department)
District Awards:
- EMS Provider of the Year – FF/EMT George Schermerhorn
- Fire Service Provider of the Year – Lt. Jeff Jones
- Officer of the Year – Capt 27 Rick Anda
- Station of the Year – Deer Harbor Station 24
- Most Inspirational Member of the Year – Division Chief Paramedic Patrick Shepler
- Volunteer of the Year – George Schermerhorn
- Mechanic’s Choice Award – Division Chief Paramedic Mik Preysz
- Chief’s Award – Dwight Guss
Special Awards:
- Health Responder – EMT Heather Thomas for her amazing dedication to fitness
- Reliable Responder – FF/EMT Dean Dougherty for always there to respond
- Heritage Club Award: Past EMT/Firefighter Ravin Williams & EMT Tom Carter
- Citizen of the Year: Dawn Atkinson for learning CPR and saving her husband’s life
- Golden Hour Award for Cardiac Save Dec 14th: Capt. Paramedic Jeff Larsen and Team
- The Maxx Award: Lt. Jeff Jones for attention to details, granting wishes and being there when somebody needed
- Service Behind the Scene: FF/EMT Dylan Wachtel for the hours of research and training instruction.
- Above & Beyond: Lt. Paul Turner
- Dr. Sullivan’s Award: To the Team who Responded to the Cardiac Dec. 14th: FF/EMT Owen Cheevers, EMT Cameron Fralick, Capt. Rita Harvey, Lt. Jeff Jones, Capt. Maxx Jones, Lt. Chad Kimple, Capt. Paramedic Jeff Larsen, Lt. Jason Madeiros, FF Sherri Madeiros, EMT Bob Phalan and FF/EMT George Schermerhorn.
Date: 01 February 2010
To: Rita Harvey & Banquet Staff
From: Jim Coffin, Chair, SJCFPD#2 Board of Commissioners
Re: Letter of Appreciation
It is remarkable that in a period of financial strain our banquet looked and tasted as grand as any we can remember! We owe a debt of thanks to you and your helpers for an evening that was truly needed and appropriately sized. The fast pace of the awards kept even our younger members attention and the many different presenters made us keep wondering what was next!
An awards ceremony is always a dance between fine lines. Trying to make our collective admiration known to those who deserve it while making sure those who also gave know they are appreciated. It is a difficult task at best. In the end, it was the meaningful remarks made by all that focused that spotlight of recognition and appreciation so delicately without neglecting the team, that came through loud and clear!
In my opinion, the 2009 Annual Awards would not have been as successful without two elements. First would have to be the able handling of the award ceremonies by D/C Mik Preysz and second would be the inspiration provided by OUR doctor, Mike “Sully” Sullivan. He made us feel that we are within reach of being the best of the best in our service and challenged us to not be content with the “Status Quo”.
Therefore, on behalf of the Board, I want to thank you and the many members who helped plan and implement the 2009 Awards Banquet and Annual Association Meeting. The event had exactly the right amount of praise and recognition for those who served punctuated by good-hearted humor and topped by palpable camaraderie. It is not by accident that your efforts produced such an event and it will be remembered!
Sincerely- Jim Coffin
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:
We are in the final stages of construction on the 8 homes and still need help.Final stages include: Final grading and top soil, Fences, Decking, Gable End’sCarpet is being installed now and the interiors or almost at the stage were we can lock the door and concentrate on the exterior finish. I will be having a work party scheduled for February 27th from 9-5 followed by BBQ, Drinks and a campfire. If you can attend please drop me an email @ chadk@orcasfire.org Thank you so much! - Chad Kimple
(continued)
CELL PHONES – CHIEF HARRIS (Letter)
11 January 2010
Ms. Mindy Kayl,
Thank you for sharing the fair and, for the most part, balanced letter regarding cell phones and the proposed revision to the cell phone ordinance. I will be submitting the following letter to The Sounder. Thanks and please contact me in the future if you want/need an explanation of what and why we are doing something. Regardless of what Pierrette Guimond thinks, we are responsible and reasonable people here. Finally, I have considered asking that the cell phone coverage issue be placed on the ballot similar to the fireworks issue. As a referendum it would provide for less “theater” and more information. It would afford us the time to get “experts” from both sides and have some good old-fashioned public debate. However, I believe the data speaks for itself and only if we are at a stalemate should we spend yet more time debating the issue. I’ll bet you would agree that the majority wants better cell service. And, if the old tech cell towers are not being considered is their really any debate? The County Council is considering an ordinance to adjust the rules regarding the placement of cell antennas. I am writing to ask for your support in changing the ordinance to allow better coverage through safe, modern technology. Please let me explain why emergency services members passionately want and need this new ordinance.
We want to serve you better. We also know that this new service level will help us save lives. How do we know this? Orcas Island has the most rugged terrain in San Juan County. Radio signals (and cell phone signals) are line of sight. What improves cell signal on Lopez, Shaw etc. will only marginally improve Orcas. The County Dept. of Emergency Management has already done a study to research a system to serve the entire county. The costs of that system were prohibitive. Cell phones offer us another way to create this system while improving the coverage for all our citizens. How? Radio signals can be carried on cell signals. Cell “towers” are no longer needed for the most part. In hilly terrain a system of repeater antennae can be set up for far less cost. These antennae are extremely unobtrusive. The San Juan Co. Sheriff experimented with a similar system in 2007 and set up a data system that reached all parts of Orcas successfully. Nobody ever noticed it!
As your Fire Chief, I know that people have died and will continue to suffer life-threatening circumstances on Orcas due to our poor cell coverage. Those of us that work on infrastructure would be negligent if we did not pursue the best possible service that we know we can provide for you. We are a mobile society. We need better, consistent service to protect our way of life. At this time we know we can improve cell coverage dramatically and it will result in faster response of emergency services. Emergency services are asking everyone to consider that and evaluate whether you would be safer if coverage were improved. I submit that the answer is yes, of course we will!
What are the benefits of an improved cell phone system?
1. Enhance the signal for everyone with everyday communications and emergency communications when they need it. Remember, checking on a sick child, notifying work of a problem, etc., are everyday needs, Personal emergencies are not all about 911.
2. Reduce the need to keep improving emergency radio systems. This is a tax issue. Let the cell phone folks improve our emergency radio systems. Cell signals carry radio signals!
3. Cell phone signals will improve our member’s ability to be dispatched effectively. This will also clear the radio airwaves for vital communications.
4. Allow emergency services to create a system of emergency notification using cell and landlines. Evacuations or major emergency messages, when needed, will be immediately provided to our residents by a system of reverse 911. This system can only be partially effective with landlines alone.
What are the concerns about improving our cell phone coverage?
1. Radiation from the antenna.
This has not been demonstrated to me to be an issue. Radiation from the cell phone itself (next to your head) poses a greater threat. Yet people, including me, continue to use them and that is our choice. However, in the 20+ years that cell phones have been in common use we have yet to prove a significant threat. Let me please remind you; We are not talking about erecting the old, high energy antennas here!
2. Harm to the aesthetics of our natural environment by constructing new cell phone towers.
This is a non-issue. First, the sight impact has already happened and added to many times over on Mt. Constitution. Cell towers are not needed to fix our problem. Small unobtrusive, very low energy repeater antennas are the current technology.
3. Removing the ordinance from the County Comprehensive Plan to the Uniform Development Code.
This make sense to me. That would provide more opportunity to amend it. This means anyone with concerns has regularly recurring forums to be heard.
Finally, I am responsible for serving you as best I can and obtaining the proper resources is a part of that service. Our current emergency radio system needs serious and expensive upgrades. I do not want to spend tax dollars to do that when the cell companies will do it for us. When the improvements are made you will not be able to see the system upgrades but all of us will benefit. That is truly a win, win situation. If you support these improvements please send the county council a copy of this letter with the words “I agree” with your printed name and signature and address.
Thank you for being opened minded about this issue. Mike Harris, Chief, OIF&R
Friday Update January 29
29/01/10 15:51
FRIDAY UPDATE
JANUARY 29, 2010
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsFEB DRILLS
Wed 3 - 6 – 7pm SPECIAL after action walk through of Hemlock Fire
7 – 10 EMS Run Review
Mon 8 - 7pm Association Meeting
Tues 9 - 7:30pm BOFC
Thurs 11 - Fire Division Drill
Sat 13 – EVDT training
Tues 16 – 7 pm CPR Recertification Make-up
Thurs 18 - Rescue Division Drill: Vehicle Crash Stabilization
Tues 23 – 7:30pm BOFC
Thurs 25 – 7 – 10pm Fire Company Evolutions
IMPORTANT NOTE
DISTRICT WEBSITE is currently having issues. We apologize for this inconvenience. Max is working to replace it with a more user-friendly system.
DEPARTMENT T-shirts, jackets, vests and other “fire attire” that has been issued to members should be return to the department if no longer needed or wanted. These items can be given to members needing extra shirts or even sent to those in need elsewhere. Please do not donate them to the exchange or other used clothing facilities for safety reasons. We have had cases of non-member persons pretending to be department members both here on Orcas and off-island as well. Just turn them into the office, the laundry room or your officer. Thanks.
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRISWASP ENGINE HOSE TESTING will be SUNDAY, January 31 at Station 21 from 9:00 to no later than 1:00 pm. Breakfast will be served at 8:00 for all helpers so please RSVP so we can make you a great meal.
REMINDER – the door code has been changed again for security reasons so please contact the station for instructions.
FLU RESTRICTIONS have been lifted HOWEVER, we will not be returning to “how things were before”. The new improved house rules are included at the end of this update. They are posted in the station and a copy will be in your mailbox at headquarters. Please take the time to read these important rules.
TRAINING – PATRICK SHEPLER
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY! All members welcome. We will be doing a walk thru at the Hemlock Fire location on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 6 pm. Please meet at the location. It will be approximately 1 hour with run review to follow.
2010 TRAINING CALENDAR is attached to this newsletter and a hard copy has been placed in everyone’s mailbox at Station 21. There has been great care in designing a year’s worth of dates so there is some consistency plus your chance to pre-plan around “life”. We will make every attempt to stick to this plan, however, life is fluid so there could be “change”.
Paul Turner will do an Emergency Vehicle Driver Training class (Both classroom and Rodeo) on Saturday, February 13th, from 9AM until about 3PM. Please contact him if you need a component o this curriculum.
HEALTH & WELLNESS – MIK PREYSZ
Reminder to all that blood draws for those who qualify will be held on
Monday, February 8, Tuesday the 9th and Wednesday February 10th if needed. These will be by appointment which we will call you to set up at the
beginning of next week we will also let you know if it needs to be a 12hr
fasting draw.
LifeTek Assessments will begin Wednesday March 3 thru Saturday March 6thwith appointments and will pretty much like we did last year.
Please review Friday update of 01/22/10 for more detailed description.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
MACKSEY MICHAEL 2/20
PHALAN BOB 2/11
GUSS DWIGHT 2/29
CHEEVERS OWEN 2/22
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:
New FDA Salmonella Warning 1.2 Million pounds of Italian sausage products including salami/salami from Daniele International. Company's products sold in Walmart, Costco and other retail outlets. Cases in 38 states. For full detailed information
http://www.emergencyemail.org/newsemergency/anmviewer.asp?a=465&z=43
House Rules for Non-Public Areas of Station 21
Station Hours
• Business Hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm
• Day Duty Shift: 8 am to 5:00 pm
• Night Duty Shift: 7 pm to 7:00 am
Conduct
• The member will conduct himself or herself in a professional manner while volunteering in the public as well as the Department setting.
• Members have access to the Day Room and Volunteer Computer throughout the day and evening. Training takes priority over personal computer use so please keep this in mind.
• After midnight, the only members allowed in the building are the scheduled staff, Duty Shifters, and those members performing tasks associated with an emergency response.
• Quiet hours begin at 2000 and all guests of members need to leave at that time. The Duty Officer may make exceptions case by case.
Security
• The building is to be kept secure/locked at all times.
• Do not leave bay doors open unless you are working in the area.
• The sliding glass door is to remain locked unless the patio is in use and is attended.
• The door code is not to be shared with anyone outside of the Department.
Use of non-public areas of station
• The conference room is no longer available for non-department meetings, conferences etc.
• Guests other than known/familiar family members must be accompanied by member or have checked in with the front desk personnel where they will be issued a visitors pass.
• Downstairs and upstairs bathrooms are not for public use.
Kitchen & Dayroom
• Use of the day room is restricted to the membership and family members unless otherwise authorized by the duty officer.
• Non-district members under age 18 must be accompanied by parent or supervisor.
• All members and staff are responsible for their own dishes and cooking mess.
• The main refrigerator in the kitchen is available for Duty Shifters to keep their food while on shift.
• The side-by-side fridges are for staff members.
• The refrigerator in the bay and the side-by-side freezers are used by the Association and Auxiliary. Those items are off limits.
Dorm Use
• Sleeping quarters are for scheduled members.
• No family or guests in dorms after 2000 (10 pm)
• Non-members may use room if the use is involved in an activity that directly supports the District e.g. District Physician, course instructor, special service provider. If the guest is not in one of these categories, you must check with the duty officer PRIOR to use.
• Cadets / Under-aged Members – Cadets or Members must be 18 years of age to do “sleep over shifts”.
Laundry Room
• District Members may have use of the washer and dryer but need to bring their own detergent, etc.
• If you start laundry, finish it. Finish your wash in a timely manner and take your clothes with you when you go.
• Do not remove unfinished laundry and leave it unfolded in a pile.
• Only wash EMS laundry and bunker gear in the extractor. The extractor is not for personal use.
Miscellaneous Items
• You may not put your personal garbage in the dumpster.
• Please do not drop off unwanted items to become “the Departments”. You may leave items to be given away (appropriately marked) for a few days before you take them away again.
• Pets are not allowed in the Station with the exception of the bay for short periods.
• You may leave a personal vehicle at Station 21 while you are out of town. Park it toward the back of the lot and out of the way of the rescue area. Inform the Duty Officer and leave a set of keys in the key box at the side bay door.
• Check your email. This is a major source for department information.
• Check your mailbox and empty it as needed.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsFEB DRILLS
Wed 3 - 6 – 7pm SPECIAL after action walk through of Hemlock Fire
7 – 10 EMS Run Review
Mon 8 - 7pm Association Meeting
Tues 9 - 7:30pm BOFC
Thurs 11 - Fire Division Drill
Sat 13 – EVDT training
Tues 16 – 7 pm CPR Recertification Make-up
Thurs 18 - Rescue Division Drill: Vehicle Crash Stabilization
Tues 23 – 7:30pm BOFC
Thurs 25 – 7 – 10pm Fire Company Evolutions
IMPORTANT NOTE
DISTRICT WEBSITE is currently having issues. We apologize for this inconvenience. Max is working to replace it with a more user-friendly system.
DEPARTMENT T-shirts, jackets, vests and other “fire attire” that has been issued to members should be return to the department if no longer needed or wanted. These items can be given to members needing extra shirts or even sent to those in need elsewhere. Please do not donate them to the exchange or other used clothing facilities for safety reasons. We have had cases of non-member persons pretending to be department members both here on Orcas and off-island as well. Just turn them into the office, the laundry room or your officer. Thanks.
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRISWASP ENGINE HOSE TESTING will be SUNDAY, January 31 at Station 21 from 9:00 to no later than 1:00 pm. Breakfast will be served at 8:00 for all helpers so please RSVP so we can make you a great meal.
REMINDER – the door code has been changed again for security reasons so please contact the station for instructions.
FLU RESTRICTIONS have been lifted HOWEVER, we will not be returning to “how things were before”. The new improved house rules are included at the end of this update. They are posted in the station and a copy will be in your mailbox at headquarters. Please take the time to read these important rules.
TRAINING – PATRICK SHEPLER
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY! All members welcome. We will be doing a walk thru at the Hemlock Fire location on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 6 pm. Please meet at the location. It will be approximately 1 hour with run review to follow.
2010 TRAINING CALENDAR is attached to this newsletter and a hard copy has been placed in everyone’s mailbox at Station 21. There has been great care in designing a year’s worth of dates so there is some consistency plus your chance to pre-plan around “life”. We will make every attempt to stick to this plan, however, life is fluid so there could be “change”.
Paul Turner will do an Emergency Vehicle Driver Training class (Both classroom and Rodeo) on Saturday, February 13th, from 9AM until about 3PM. Please contact him if you need a component o this curriculum.
HEALTH & WELLNESS – MIK PREYSZ
Reminder to all that blood draws for those who qualify will be held on
Monday, February 8, Tuesday the 9th and Wednesday February 10th if needed. These will be by appointment which we will call you to set up at the
beginning of next week we will also let you know if it needs to be a 12hr
fasting draw.
LifeTek Assessments will begin Wednesday March 3 thru Saturday March 6thwith appointments and will pretty much like we did last year.
Please review Friday update of 01/22/10 for more detailed description.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
MACKSEY MICHAEL 2/20
PHALAN BOB 2/11
GUSS DWIGHT 2/29
CHEEVERS OWEN 2/22
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:
New FDA Salmonella Warning 1.2 Million pounds of Italian sausage products including salami/salami from Daniele International. Company's products sold in Walmart, Costco and other retail outlets. Cases in 38 states. For full detailed information
http://www.emergencyemail.org/newsemergency/anmviewer.asp?a=465&z=43
House Rules for Non-Public Areas of Station 21
Station Hours
• Business Hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm
• Day Duty Shift: 8 am to 5:00 pm
• Night Duty Shift: 7 pm to 7:00 am
Conduct
• The member will conduct himself or herself in a professional manner while volunteering in the public as well as the Department setting.
• Members have access to the Day Room and Volunteer Computer throughout the day and evening. Training takes priority over personal computer use so please keep this in mind.
• After midnight, the only members allowed in the building are the scheduled staff, Duty Shifters, and those members performing tasks associated with an emergency response.
• Quiet hours begin at 2000 and all guests of members need to leave at that time. The Duty Officer may make exceptions case by case.
Security
• The building is to be kept secure/locked at all times.
• Do not leave bay doors open unless you are working in the area.
• The sliding glass door is to remain locked unless the patio is in use and is attended.
• The door code is not to be shared with anyone outside of the Department.
Use of non-public areas of station
• The conference room is no longer available for non-department meetings, conferences etc.
• Guests other than known/familiar family members must be accompanied by member or have checked in with the front desk personnel where they will be issued a visitors pass.
• Downstairs and upstairs bathrooms are not for public use.
Kitchen & Dayroom
• Use of the day room is restricted to the membership and family members unless otherwise authorized by the duty officer.
• Non-district members under age 18 must be accompanied by parent or supervisor.
• All members and staff are responsible for their own dishes and cooking mess.
• The main refrigerator in the kitchen is available for Duty Shifters to keep their food while on shift.
• The side-by-side fridges are for staff members.
• The refrigerator in the bay and the side-by-side freezers are used by the Association and Auxiliary. Those items are off limits.
Dorm Use
• Sleeping quarters are for scheduled members.
• No family or guests in dorms after 2000 (10 pm)
• Non-members may use room if the use is involved in an activity that directly supports the District e.g. District Physician, course instructor, special service provider. If the guest is not in one of these categories, you must check with the duty officer PRIOR to use.
• Cadets / Under-aged Members – Cadets or Members must be 18 years of age to do “sleep over shifts”.
Laundry Room
• District Members may have use of the washer and dryer but need to bring their own detergent, etc.
• If you start laundry, finish it. Finish your wash in a timely manner and take your clothes with you when you go.
• Do not remove unfinished laundry and leave it unfolded in a pile.
• Only wash EMS laundry and bunker gear in the extractor. The extractor is not for personal use.
Miscellaneous Items
• You may not put your personal garbage in the dumpster.
• Please do not drop off unwanted items to become “the Departments”. You may leave items to be given away (appropriately marked) for a few days before you take them away again.
• Pets are not allowed in the Station with the exception of the bay for short periods.
• You may leave a personal vehicle at Station 21 while you are out of town. Park it toward the back of the lot and out of the way of the rescue area. Inform the Duty Officer and leave a set of keys in the key box at the side bay door.
• Check your email. This is a major source for department information.
• Check your mailbox and empty it as needed.
Friday Update January 22 2010
22/01/10 17:41
FRIDAY UPDATE January 22, 2009
DIVISION REPORTS
PERSONNEL
Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIs
JAN
23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
26 BOFC Working Session
28 Fire Company Evolutions
FEB
3 EMS Run Review
8 Association Meeting
9 BOFC
11 Fire Rescue Drill
18 Rescue Division Drill: Vehicle Crash Stabilization
23 BOFC
25 Fire Company Evolutions
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRIS
HOSE TESTING FOR ENGINE 21 ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST FROM 9:00AM UNTIL FINISHED. CAPTAIN 21 AND LT. MADEIROS WILL BE PROVIDING BURGERS, SALADS, ECT. IF YOU ARE SHORT ON A DRILL OR WOULD LIKE TO GET EXTRA CREDIT FOR A DRILL COME ON IN AND JOIN US. THE MORE HANDS WE HAVE THE QUICKER THE WORK AND THE BETTER OUR TEAMWORK WILL GROW. WE WILL BE USING THE HOSE TESTING MACHINE SO THIS WILL BE A NEW LEARNING CURVE FOR MANY OF US NEW TO THE FIRE SIDE.RITA HARVEY
SAFETY – CHAD KIMPLE
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS VOLUNTEERED TO DEPLOY TO DISTRICT # 3 ON JANUARY 30TH. WE DO HAVE A FULL CREW LINED UP, BUT WE ARE STILL TAKING DOWN NAMES ON STAND-BY IF YOU ARE STILL INTERESTED. THE GROUP WILL NEED TO LEAVE ON THE 3:20 FERRY W/ E26. IF ANYONR NEEDS TO TAKE A LATER BOAT, LET CHAD KNOW AND HE’LL PUT YOU ON A STAND-BY LIST. THE CREW WILL BUNK @ STA. 31 NEAR THE AIRPORT AND RETURN ON THE 6:25 FERRY SUNDAY MORNING.
CHAD
HEALTH & WELLNESS – Mik Preysz
FROM WELLNESS - HEADS UP better yet VEINS UP Well, it’s the time of year when the vampires come out of the woodwork. So, to appease them, we are having a blood drive disguised as a Lab Draw for our annual physicals. This will take place on the mornings of Monday, February 8, Tuesday, February 9, and Wednesday, February 10.
Their leader Count Sullivan advised us that this year not everyone will need to have the full work-up; some of you may not even need to give blood. Lindsay or I will be contacting you around the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd to try and schedule your blood draw, to let you know whether it’s a fasting (12hours no food) or not and what test will be done or your blood is not needed this year by the count and his following. If there is a particular blood test that you or your Dr. request please send me an e-mail with the details or better yet have your Dr. send me the orders via e-mail.
The assessment portion will be taking place in the same format as last year with LifeTek, 12-lead, TB and immunizations (as needed) with a nurse. The dates for this will be Wednesday March 3, Thursday March 4 and Friday March 5 and we will let you know when to start calling in and getting the assessment scheduled.
Any questions or concerns please send me an e-mail or give me a call.
DIVISION REPORTS
PERSONNEL
Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIs
JAN
23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
26 BOFC Working Session
28 Fire Company Evolutions
FEB
3 EMS Run Review
8 Association Meeting
9 BOFC
11 Fire Rescue Drill
18 Rescue Division Drill: Vehicle Crash Stabilization
23 BOFC
25 Fire Company Evolutions
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRIS
HOSE TESTING FOR ENGINE 21 ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST FROM 9:00AM UNTIL FINISHED. CAPTAIN 21 AND LT. MADEIROS WILL BE PROVIDING BURGERS, SALADS, ECT. IF YOU ARE SHORT ON A DRILL OR WOULD LIKE TO GET EXTRA CREDIT FOR A DRILL COME ON IN AND JOIN US. THE MORE HANDS WE HAVE THE QUICKER THE WORK AND THE BETTER OUR TEAMWORK WILL GROW. WE WILL BE USING THE HOSE TESTING MACHINE SO THIS WILL BE A NEW LEARNING CURVE FOR MANY OF US NEW TO THE FIRE SIDE.RITA HARVEY
SAFETY – CHAD KIMPLE
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS VOLUNTEERED TO DEPLOY TO DISTRICT # 3 ON JANUARY 30TH. WE DO HAVE A FULL CREW LINED UP, BUT WE ARE STILL TAKING DOWN NAMES ON STAND-BY IF YOU ARE STILL INTERESTED. THE GROUP WILL NEED TO LEAVE ON THE 3:20 FERRY W/ E26. IF ANYONR NEEDS TO TAKE A LATER BOAT, LET CHAD KNOW AND HE’LL PUT YOU ON A STAND-BY LIST. THE CREW WILL BUNK @ STA. 31 NEAR THE AIRPORT AND RETURN ON THE 6:25 FERRY SUNDAY MORNING.
CHAD
HEALTH & WELLNESS – Mik Preysz
FROM WELLNESS - HEADS UP better yet VEINS UP Well, it’s the time of year when the vampires come out of the woodwork. So, to appease them, we are having a blood drive disguised as a Lab Draw for our annual physicals. This will take place on the mornings of Monday, February 8, Tuesday, February 9, and Wednesday, February 10.
Their leader Count Sullivan advised us that this year not everyone will need to have the full work-up; some of you may not even need to give blood. Lindsay or I will be contacting you around the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd to try and schedule your blood draw, to let you know whether it’s a fasting (12hours no food) or not and what test will be done or your blood is not needed this year by the count and his following. If there is a particular blood test that you or your Dr. request please send me an e-mail with the details or better yet have your Dr. send me the orders via e-mail.
The assessment portion will be taking place in the same format as last year with LifeTek, 12-lead, TB and immunizations (as needed) with a nurse. The dates for this will be Wednesday March 3, Thursday March 4 and Friday March 5 and we will let you know when to start calling in and getting the assessment scheduled.
Any questions or concerns please send me an e-mail or give me a call.
Friday Update January 15 2010
15/01/10 17:00
FRIDAY UPDATE January 22, 2009
DIVISION REPORTS
PERSONNEL
Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIs
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
26 BOFC Working Session
28 Fire Company Evolutions
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRIS
HOSE TESTING FOR ENGINE 21 ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST FROM 9:00AM UNTIL FINISHED. CAPTAIN 21 AND LT. MADEIROS WILL BE PROVIDING BURGERS, SALADS, ECT. IF YOU ARE SHORT ON A DRILL OR WOULD LIKE TO GET EXTRA CREDIT FOR A DRILL COME ON IN AND JOIN US. THE MORE HANDS WE HAVE THE QUICKER THE WORK AND THE BETTER OUR TEAMWORK WILL GROW. WE WILL BE USING THE HOSE TESTING MACHINE SO THIS WILL BE A NEW LEARNING CURVE FOR MANY OF US NEW TO THE FIRE SIDE.Rita HarveyCaptain 21
DIVISION REPORTS
PERSONNEL
Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIs
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
26 BOFC Working Session
28 Fire Company Evolutions
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRIS
HOSE TESTING FOR ENGINE 21 ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST FROM 9:00AM UNTIL FINISHED. CAPTAIN 21 AND LT. MADEIROS WILL BE PROVIDING BURGERS, SALADS, ECT. IF YOU ARE SHORT ON A DRILL OR WOULD LIKE TO GET EXTRA CREDIT FOR A DRILL COME ON IN AND JOIN US. THE MORE HANDS WE HAVE THE QUICKER THE WORK AND THE BETTER OUR TEAMWORK WILL GROW. WE WILL BE USING THE HOSE TESTING MACHINE SO THIS WILL BE A NEW LEARNING CURVE FOR MANY OF US NEW TO THE FIRE SIDE.Rita HarveyCaptain 21
Friday Update January 8 2010
08/01/10 17:59
FRIDAY UPDATE January 8, 2009
DIVISION REPORTS
PERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn LOA
Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIs
JAN 10 – Sunday – FREE Xmas Tree Chipping at the dump!
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
5 All Hands
6 EMS Run Review
12 BOFC Meeting
14 Fire Division Drill
19 All District - CPR Recertification
21 Rescue Division Drill
23 EMT Pediatric class PEARS
26 BOFC Working Session
28 Fire Company Evolutions
Extra Drills for January
18 All District - CPR Recertification
20 All District - CPR Recertification
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRIS
If you have not brought in your AED’s please do so ASAP.
TRAINING – PATRICK SHEPLER
January is CPR Recertification Month at OIFR By now, all of you should have completed the “CPR Academic” course on Target Safety. I have scheduled three consecutive nights for the CPR recertification. The dates are: Monday the 18th, Tuesday the 19th and Wednesday the 20th. You only have to attend one class. Class will start at 7PM SHARP and is by appointment only; first to sign up gets in.
The class size each night is limited to 20 people, so pick your date as soon as possible to get the night that best suits your schedule. Sign–up on the Sign-up sheets by the training computers in the TV room.
What to expect Class will not be a dummy in the sprinkler room. The evening will consist of a short review. Then the class will be divided into two groups; ten will take the written test while the other ten take the practical; then the two groups will switch. Show-up prepared and ready to demonstrate your skill.
Our recent phenomenal “save” was only possible through a flawless “chain of survival”. I am so proud of all of you and look forward to seeing you at these recertification classes.
HEALTH & WELLNESS – Mik Preysz
The Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS) This is a certification class put on by the San Juan EMS Council. This BLS course is modeled after the pediatric advance life support program and is meant for EMT’s already working in the field. Guest speakers will be Dr. Buxbaum, Dr. Sullivan, and local county instructors. With minimal didactic and plenty of hands on skills.
Soup: Warm Up Your Wellness By Beth Smith, MS, RD
In the midst of winter, nothing warms body and soul like a hearty soup. Food historians tell us that the concept of soup is most likely as old as the history of cooking. Combining wholesome ingredients into a large pot to create a meal that was nutritious, simple, filling, easily digested and delicious, was an inevitable creation.
Soups can be a healthy part of your diet not only in winter but throughout the year. Using broths, vegetables, herbs, beans, etc. one can create a very wholesome meal. Soups are also convenient and versatile. One of the significant contributions soup can make to your health and wellness this winter is to boost immunity. Soup, at many levels, has the potential to enhance your immune function. The broth or stock can contain several antioxidants and phytochemicals. The vegetables and herbs also contain powerful vitamins and minerals that give your immune system a powerful charge. What are the best ingredients that contribute to immune function?
Think garlic! Garlic has potential antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Plus, garlic has been shown to improve blood pressure and lower cholesterol while helping to fight off the common cold. Next, vegetables rich in beta-carotene such as carrots, sweet potatoes and tomatoes, turn on immune function by enhancing the health of the thymus gland (a major immune function player) and increasing levels of vitamin A. Another significant nutrient for immune function is vitamin C. This means vegetables like broccoli which supply sulforaphane (this triggers antioxidant genes and enzymes in certain cells) are perfect additions to any immunity boosting soup. Finally, don’t forget about the detoxifiers including the green leafy vegetables such as kale. Kale is bursting with B and C, beta carotene, iron and zinc.
When you’re looking for a warm way to enjoy a winter meal while energizing your immune system, think about preparing soup. Try this recipe:
Green Soup with Sweet Potatoes
2 TB olive oil 1 bunch kale
2 yellow onions, chopped 1 bunch green chard
1 ¼ # sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 8 garlic cloves, peeled
3 ½ cups water 3 cups vegetable broth
2 to 3 TB chopped fresh sage Fresh black pepper and salt
Fresh lemon juice
Heat oil, sauté onions with pinch of salt, continue sautéing gently until brown for 30-40 minutes. In another large pot, place sweet potatoes, 3 ½ cups water, ½ tsp salt, and the sage; bring to boil and then simmer about 10 minutes. Wash the kale and chard thoroughly; remove tough stems and chop. Add to sweet potatoes along with garlic and vegetable broth. Gently simmer for 20 minutes. Add onions and let soup cool slightly. Puree the mixture in a blender and then return to pot. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice. To serve, drizzle olive oil over individual bowls of soup. Enjoy!
DIVISION REPORTS
PERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn LOA
Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIs
JAN 10 – Sunday – FREE Xmas Tree Chipping at the dump!
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
5 All Hands
6 EMS Run Review
12 BOFC Meeting
14 Fire Division Drill
19 All District - CPR Recertification
21 Rescue Division Drill
23 EMT Pediatric class PEARS
26 BOFC Working Session
28 Fire Company Evolutions
Extra Drills for January
18 All District - CPR Recertification
20 All District - CPR Recertification
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRIS
If you have not brought in your AED’s please do so ASAP.
TRAINING – PATRICK SHEPLER
January is CPR Recertification Month at OIFR By now, all of you should have completed the “CPR Academic” course on Target Safety. I have scheduled three consecutive nights for the CPR recertification. The dates are: Monday the 18th, Tuesday the 19th and Wednesday the 20th. You only have to attend one class. Class will start at 7PM SHARP and is by appointment only; first to sign up gets in.
The class size each night is limited to 20 people, so pick your date as soon as possible to get the night that best suits your schedule. Sign–up on the Sign-up sheets by the training computers in the TV room.
What to expect Class will not be a dummy in the sprinkler room. The evening will consist of a short review. Then the class will be divided into two groups; ten will take the written test while the other ten take the practical; then the two groups will switch. Show-up prepared and ready to demonstrate your skill.
Our recent phenomenal “save” was only possible through a flawless “chain of survival”. I am so proud of all of you and look forward to seeing you at these recertification classes.
HEALTH & WELLNESS – Mik Preysz
The Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS) This is a certification class put on by the San Juan EMS Council. This BLS course is modeled after the pediatric advance life support program and is meant for EMT’s already working in the field. Guest speakers will be Dr. Buxbaum, Dr. Sullivan, and local county instructors. With minimal didactic and plenty of hands on skills.
Soup: Warm Up Your Wellness By Beth Smith, MS, RD
In the midst of winter, nothing warms body and soul like a hearty soup. Food historians tell us that the concept of soup is most likely as old as the history of cooking. Combining wholesome ingredients into a large pot to create a meal that was nutritious, simple, filling, easily digested and delicious, was an inevitable creation.
Soups can be a healthy part of your diet not only in winter but throughout the year. Using broths, vegetables, herbs, beans, etc. one can create a very wholesome meal. Soups are also convenient and versatile. One of the significant contributions soup can make to your health and wellness this winter is to boost immunity. Soup, at many levels, has the potential to enhance your immune function. The broth or stock can contain several antioxidants and phytochemicals. The vegetables and herbs also contain powerful vitamins and minerals that give your immune system a powerful charge. What are the best ingredients that contribute to immune function?
Think garlic! Garlic has potential antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Plus, garlic has been shown to improve blood pressure and lower cholesterol while helping to fight off the common cold. Next, vegetables rich in beta-carotene such as carrots, sweet potatoes and tomatoes, turn on immune function by enhancing the health of the thymus gland (a major immune function player) and increasing levels of vitamin A. Another significant nutrient for immune function is vitamin C. This means vegetables like broccoli which supply sulforaphane (this triggers antioxidant genes and enzymes in certain cells) are perfect additions to any immunity boosting soup. Finally, don’t forget about the detoxifiers including the green leafy vegetables such as kale. Kale is bursting with B and C, beta carotene, iron and zinc.
When you’re looking for a warm way to enjoy a winter meal while energizing your immune system, think about preparing soup. Try this recipe:
Green Soup with Sweet Potatoes
2 TB olive oil 1 bunch kale
2 yellow onions, chopped 1 bunch green chard
1 ¼ # sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 8 garlic cloves, peeled
3 ½ cups water 3 cups vegetable broth
2 to 3 TB chopped fresh sage Fresh black pepper and salt
Fresh lemon juice
Heat oil, sauté onions with pinch of salt, continue sautéing gently until brown for 30-40 minutes. In another large pot, place sweet potatoes, 3 ½ cups water, ½ tsp salt, and the sage; bring to boil and then simmer about 10 minutes. Wash the kale and chard thoroughly; remove tough stems and chop. Add to sweet potatoes along with garlic and vegetable broth. Gently simmer for 20 minutes. Add onions and let soup cool slightly. Puree the mixture in a blender and then return to pot. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice. To serve, drizzle olive oil over individual bowls of soup. Enjoy!
Friday Update December 30
30/12/09 16:06
FRIDAY UPDATE DECEMBER 30, 2009
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsDEC 27 Sunday – FREE Xmas Tree Chipping at the dump!
JAN 01 Friday – New Years – Office Closed
JAN 05 – Tuesday – First All-hands meeting of the years
JAN 06 – Wednesday – First Run Review
JAN 10 – Sunday – FREE Xmas Tree Chipping at the dump!
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsDEC 27 Sunday – FREE Xmas Tree Chipping at the dump!
JAN 01 Friday – New Years – Office Closed
JAN 05 – Tuesday – First All-hands meeting of the years
JAN 06 – Wednesday – First Run Review
JAN 10 – Sunday – FREE Xmas Tree Chipping at the dump!
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
Friday Update December 24
18/12/09 17:41
HOLIDAY UPDATE DECEMBER 24, 2009
FROM THE CHIEF
Rules of Fire Engagement As we spend time with our families it is obvious how much they love us and need us and we them. At this time of year our thoughts about all of those who have lost loved ones make us feel fortunate. With the tragic losses in our law enforcement family we are reminded that injury and death are but a call away. EMS has a pretty rigid set of guidelines for engagement, Our safety is first and the patient is second or third depending on whether there are bystanders etc. For fire, it was not until the late 1980's that the state started requiring us to set our safety above operational needs with the "two in, two out" rules. Since then it has become obvious that sometimes we engage when the risks are just too great and/or the benefits are nominal.
What I'm contemplating is that even when we have assembled the necessary numbers to provide for the state required fire scene safety, when should we put our personnel in harms way with an interior attack? The classic answer is when there are civilians trapped AND they are still likely to be alive and anytime our members are trapped. When else? I think we should have this discussion internally and then with our commissioners. Please consider this issue in the weeks to come. Respond if you are moved to even if it is just to say you want to be involved in the discussion.
I wish you the happiest of holidays and the best New Year possible. Merry Christmas, Chief Harris
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsDEC 27 Sunday – FREE Xmas Tree Chipping at the dump!
JAN 01 Friday – New Years – Office Closed
JAN 05 – Tuesday – First All-hands meeting of the years
JAN 06 – Wednesday – First Run Review
JAN 10 – Sunday – FREE Xmas Tree Chipping at the dump!
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRISAEDs ARE DONE You will find them outside my office. Names are in the zip down flap. If yours isn’t in the que, please contact me for information.
THE GUARDIAN will not be available from Dec. 24th at 1030 hrs until Dec 31st at 1800 hrs. Sheriff Cumming.
CLAPPED SIAMESE MISSING FROM CHANNEL ROAD FIRE. Please check Tenders and Engines to locate. Return to Station 24.
EASTSOUND RESPONSE. If you are en-route to respond in the apparatus, please radio ahead. Example: “Firefighter Jones is 30 seconds out”. This way you will not be left behind.
TRAINING – PATRICK SHEPLER
2010 TRAINING CALENDAR We are trying to improve training scheduling for the upcoming year. Our goal is to keep drills to one event a week whenever possible and create consistency. So, the attached document is the “tentative and hopeful” schedule for the first quarter. If this works, the following quarters will be similar with drills and training spread evenly across the calendar. Please remember, training is a very fluid process. There may be changes but we will TRY OUR BEST to schedule with what we have on the calendar.
HEALTH & WELLNESS – MIK PREYSZ
I would like to thank OIVFFA for coming to the aid and support of the wellness programs, Orcas Athletics (OA) component. By commiting to guarantee half the funds for the membership dues each month, we have been able to keep the program running. This does involve each of our members who participate to pay $20 of the $40 monthly fee to the association, so no it's no longer fully funded. However, you still can go month to month with no yearly commitment, plus receive the lowest possible rate. For all the details please contact your OIVFFA representative.
FROM CAPT. 21 – RITA HARVEY
We have had some interesting and challenging calls both medical and fire in the last couple of weeks with great responses to each. It is truly an HONOR to be part of the OIFR TEAM both on and behind the scenes knowing that we ALL are willing and ready to lend a hand to our friends and neighbors. Thank you so much each and everyone for your time, willingness, and compassion you give our community. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EACH OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!!!!!!Rita Harvey Captain 21
FROM THE CHIEF
Rules of Fire Engagement As we spend time with our families it is obvious how much they love us and need us and we them. At this time of year our thoughts about all of those who have lost loved ones make us feel fortunate. With the tragic losses in our law enforcement family we are reminded that injury and death are but a call away. EMS has a pretty rigid set of guidelines for engagement, Our safety is first and the patient is second or third depending on whether there are bystanders etc. For fire, it was not until the late 1980's that the state started requiring us to set our safety above operational needs with the "two in, two out" rules. Since then it has become obvious that sometimes we engage when the risks are just too great and/or the benefits are nominal.
What I'm contemplating is that even when we have assembled the necessary numbers to provide for the state required fire scene safety, when should we put our personnel in harms way with an interior attack? The classic answer is when there are civilians trapped AND they are still likely to be alive and anytime our members are trapped. When else? I think we should have this discussion internally and then with our commissioners. Please consider this issue in the weeks to come. Respond if you are moved to even if it is just to say you want to be involved in the discussion.
I wish you the happiest of holidays and the best New Year possible. Merry Christmas, Chief Harris
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsDEC 27 Sunday – FREE Xmas Tree Chipping at the dump!
JAN 01 Friday – New Years – Office Closed
JAN 05 – Tuesday – First All-hands meeting of the years
JAN 06 – Wednesday – First Run Review
JAN 10 – Sunday – FREE Xmas Tree Chipping at the dump!
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRISAEDs ARE DONE You will find them outside my office. Names are in the zip down flap. If yours isn’t in the que, please contact me for information.
THE GUARDIAN will not be available from Dec. 24th at 1030 hrs until Dec 31st at 1800 hrs. Sheriff Cumming.
CLAPPED SIAMESE MISSING FROM CHANNEL ROAD FIRE. Please check Tenders and Engines to locate. Return to Station 24.
EASTSOUND RESPONSE. If you are en-route to respond in the apparatus, please radio ahead. Example: “Firefighter Jones is 30 seconds out”. This way you will not be left behind.
TRAINING – PATRICK SHEPLER
2010 TRAINING CALENDAR We are trying to improve training scheduling for the upcoming year. Our goal is to keep drills to one event a week whenever possible and create consistency. So, the attached document is the “tentative and hopeful” schedule for the first quarter. If this works, the following quarters will be similar with drills and training spread evenly across the calendar. Please remember, training is a very fluid process. There may be changes but we will TRY OUR BEST to schedule with what we have on the calendar.
HEALTH & WELLNESS – MIK PREYSZ
I would like to thank OIVFFA for coming to the aid and support of the wellness programs, Orcas Athletics (OA) component. By commiting to guarantee half the funds for the membership dues each month, we have been able to keep the program running. This does involve each of our members who participate to pay $20 of the $40 monthly fee to the association, so no it's no longer fully funded. However, you still can go month to month with no yearly commitment, plus receive the lowest possible rate. For all the details please contact your OIVFFA representative.
FROM CAPT. 21 – RITA HARVEY
We have had some interesting and challenging calls both medical and fire in the last couple of weeks with great responses to each. It is truly an HONOR to be part of the OIFR TEAM both on and behind the scenes knowing that we ALL are willing and ready to lend a hand to our friends and neighbors. Thank you so much each and everyone for your time, willingness, and compassion you give our community. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EACH OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!!!!!!Rita Harvey Captain 21
Friday Update December 18, 2009
18/12/09 17:14
FRIDAY UPDATE DECEMBER 18, 2009
LATE BREAKING NEWSRESPONDERS DEPLOY TO OBSTRUCTION ISLAND.
Reports of heavy black smoke brought Orcas Fire to Obstruction Pass landing. FF Seth Ybarra and EMT Hilary Canty responded ahead to the island in a private boat and were the first on scene of a fully involved structure fire. Although we don’t have a mutual aid agreement or contract with Obstruction Island, both Sherriff Cummings and Chief Harris agreed to respond to do what ever we could. Several Engines, Rescue 21 and even the BLS Unit worked together to gather supplies and then board a barge that happened to be in the area. Lt. Harvey supplied his 4-wheel drive to haul equipment. There was little that could be done by the time the crew and tools were on scene but thanks to the home owners diligence in property clean up and Fire Wise, it did not spread to any other structures. There were no injuries and everyone was back on island by 5:00 pm. Good job team!
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsDEC 25 Friday – Christmas – Office ClosedJAN 01 Friday – New Years – Office Closed
JAN 05 – Tuesday – First All-hands meeting of the years
JAN 06 – Wednesday – First Run Review
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS AAAAAUUUGH!!! Just received word from IKON Copier Services. The black ink cartridge (which we are extremely low on) is on back order. They said we will not receive it until Thursday Dec. 24th. If you can please refrain from printing large quantities until then…. Thank you much!!!
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRISCalling all Zoll AEDs Please bring your AED to see me, some time before the end of the year so it can have it's annual check up. Thanks.
RESCUE DIVISION – RICH HARVEYThe new rescue 42 struts are here. They will be on the truck as of friday. Before you can operate them you must take an orientation on them. I am going to offer one on friday at 6:30 and Tues and Wed of next week also at 6:30. The orientation includes a 35 minute video and about 25 minutes in the bay (about 1 hour). Currently Jason, Sherri, Jeff Larsen, and Rich Harvey have completed the oriention. Please e-mail me back with what night you can attend. harvey_rich@hotmail.com Thank you, Lt. 29 Rich Harvey.
MEDIA – MAXX JONES
DEDICATED TEAM SAVES ISLAND RESIDENT
Monday, December 14th, was a dark and stormy night on Orcas. Freezing rain was coating the roads of Eastsound when San Juan dispatch received a 911call, just after 8:30 pm. Within 20 seconds, the tones went out for a 41-year old man down – CPR in progress.
Michael Atkinson was watching football on his couch when suddenly something went very wrong. Michael went into cardiac arrest. When Orcas Island Volunteer EMT-Firefighter George Schermerhorn arrived less than 3 minutes later, Dawn Atkinson had already pulled her husband to the floor and was performing CPR. She had just taken the certification course from the fire department in November and is the first reason Michael is alive today.
Within 60 seconds, the 4-wheel drive medic unit was on scene with Paramedic Jeff Larsen, and Lts. Jason Madeiros and Chad Kimple. Within five minutes of the call to 911, the team had attached the AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) and delivered a life-saving shock. Then, after 2 more minutes of CPR, Michael’s heartbeat had returned. He was breathing on his own. But, he had to get to a hospital immediately if he were going to survive the night.
By this time, despite extremely hazardous conditions 5 more responders were in the Atkinson’s living room. The weather had grounded any chance of emergency air transport. The San Juan County Sherriff’s boat was transporting a simultaneous emergency from Lopez to Anacortes.
Fortunately, Coast Guard Station Bellingham was ready and willing to respond with a 33-foot patrol boat. However, they would need at least one paramedic to transport with the patient to St. Joe’s hospital in Bellingham. And because of the weather, anyone leaving would not be returning to Orcas until the following day.
Rather than leave the island community without vital medical protection,
County Medical Director Dr. Mike Sullivan contacted the Coast Guard Station to say he was 4 minutes out and ready to respond to the island for the transport. He was quickly fitted for a Coast Guard survival suit and en-route with the 4 skilled Coast Guard crew-members. In the meantime, Michael was regaining consciousness and talking to responders.
He was loaded into the ambulance and transported to the Orcas Ferry landing to meet the 33-foot Coast Guard boat out of Sqaulicum Harbor. As soon as they arrive arrived, Dr. Sullivan immediately cleared the patient for the new clot busting thrombolytic therapy. This new drug therapy is credited with saving a life on Orcas last winter during a snowstorm and is an advanced medical protocol rarely used outside of a hospital setting. However, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue is fortunate to have not only state of the art medical direction and training, but the forethought and planning to provide this service to its isolated community.
"Without the heroic efforts of the OIFD EMT's, paramedic and the 4 brave
Coast Guard men and women who risked their lives in the dark stormy seas this family would be planning a funeral instead of a holiday celebration" says Dr. Sullivan. "I am proud to be a part of such a dedicated team of medical responders".
"This is another example of how well our system of care is benefiting the community. We talk about a chain of survival. Each link in this chain builds on the previous one, and timely delivery of each intervention allows the next intervention to be successful. The four links include early access to 911 and telephone CPR instructions, early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced care. If one link in the chain fails, the chance of survival is very low".
A special thanks goes to the US Coast Guard Station Bellingham, who responded to a time of need. There was a significant risk to life in this transport. Crew members BM2 Fink, BM3 Filion, MK2 Baker and SN Walls Parrish should be recognized for their skill, dedication and bravery.
It took more than Orcas Fire & Rescue to save Michael, but it started with the fire department trainers who taught CPR to his wife, continued with our core of highly trained and motivated volunteers and finished with our Medical Director who is without equal,” says Chief Mike Harris. “But all of that was put into motion only 5 years ago when the citizens who served on the strategic plan, did their work and empowered the Commissioners to hire the fire/medics that lead this effort and who Dr. Sullivan has complete faith in. This was a classic Orcas save with a cast of dozens.”
LETTER TO THE MEMBERSHIP
November 27, 2009
Dear Mike,
On the evening of November 15, I had the privilege of witnessing once again the outstanding response of members of your Department to a medical emergency. I was dining with friends Dorothy and Clyde Eagleton when Mrs. Eagleton collapsed in her kitchen and was unconscious for a number of minutes. Initially, Mik Preysz and Jason Madeiros responded to my 911 call, followed by Rita Harvey, Dean Dougherty, and Gregg Bronn. Mik and Jason were thorough in their evaluation of Mrs. Eagleton’s condition, and Mik, because he was dealing primarily with Mrs. Eagleton, treated her with concern, gentleness, and respect. Rita, Dean, and Gregg arrived at the scene moments later and added their able assistance to the situation. Rita was particularly understanding in her interaction with Mr. Eagleton who was deeply distraught about his wife’s condition. After Mrs. Eagleton was air-lifted to Bellingham, Rita returned to talk with Mr. Eagleton about his wife and reassure him about her well-being--a remarkable gesture of compassion that goes beyond any instruction in a procedural manual.
As I have recollected the events of that Sunday evening, I am left with an even greater respect and admiration for the men and women of your Department. They exhibit not only the highest skills in their approach to a medical emergency, but along with their factual assessment of a given situation, they recognize the emotional component of that emergency and the deep need of the individuals with whom they are dealing for reassurance and kindness. The members of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue deserve the highest respect from this community, which they so selflessly serve.
With warmest regards,
Barbara Bedell
LATE BREAKING NEWSRESPONDERS DEPLOY TO OBSTRUCTION ISLAND.
Reports of heavy black smoke brought Orcas Fire to Obstruction Pass landing. FF Seth Ybarra and EMT Hilary Canty responded ahead to the island in a private boat and were the first on scene of a fully involved structure fire. Although we don’t have a mutual aid agreement or contract with Obstruction Island, both Sherriff Cummings and Chief Harris agreed to respond to do what ever we could. Several Engines, Rescue 21 and even the BLS Unit worked together to gather supplies and then board a barge that happened to be in the area. Lt. Harvey supplied his 4-wheel drive to haul equipment. There was little that could be done by the time the crew and tools were on scene but thanks to the home owners diligence in property clean up and Fire Wise, it did not spread to any other structures. There were no injuries and everyone was back on island by 5:00 pm. Good job team!
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsDEC 25 Friday – Christmas – Office ClosedJAN 01 Friday – New Years – Office Closed
JAN 05 – Tuesday – First All-hands meeting of the years
JAN 06 – Wednesday – First Run Review
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS AAAAAUUUGH!!! Just received word from IKON Copier Services. The black ink cartridge (which we are extremely low on) is on back order. They said we will not receive it until Thursday Dec. 24th. If you can please refrain from printing large quantities until then…. Thank you much!!!
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRISCalling all Zoll AEDs Please bring your AED to see me, some time before the end of the year so it can have it's annual check up. Thanks.
RESCUE DIVISION – RICH HARVEYThe new rescue 42 struts are here. They will be on the truck as of friday. Before you can operate them you must take an orientation on them. I am going to offer one on friday at 6:30 and Tues and Wed of next week also at 6:30. The orientation includes a 35 minute video and about 25 minutes in the bay (about 1 hour). Currently Jason, Sherri, Jeff Larsen, and Rich Harvey have completed the oriention. Please e-mail me back with what night you can attend. harvey_rich@hotmail.com Thank you, Lt. 29 Rich Harvey.
MEDIA – MAXX JONES
DEDICATED TEAM SAVES ISLAND RESIDENT
Monday, December 14th, was a dark and stormy night on Orcas. Freezing rain was coating the roads of Eastsound when San Juan dispatch received a 911call, just after 8:30 pm. Within 20 seconds, the tones went out for a 41-year old man down – CPR in progress.
Michael Atkinson was watching football on his couch when suddenly something went very wrong. Michael went into cardiac arrest. When Orcas Island Volunteer EMT-Firefighter George Schermerhorn arrived less than 3 minutes later, Dawn Atkinson had already pulled her husband to the floor and was performing CPR. She had just taken the certification course from the fire department in November and is the first reason Michael is alive today.
Within 60 seconds, the 4-wheel drive medic unit was on scene with Paramedic Jeff Larsen, and Lts. Jason Madeiros and Chad Kimple. Within five minutes of the call to 911, the team had attached the AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) and delivered a life-saving shock. Then, after 2 more minutes of CPR, Michael’s heartbeat had returned. He was breathing on his own. But, he had to get to a hospital immediately if he were going to survive the night.
By this time, despite extremely hazardous conditions 5 more responders were in the Atkinson’s living room. The weather had grounded any chance of emergency air transport. The San Juan County Sherriff’s boat was transporting a simultaneous emergency from Lopez to Anacortes.
Fortunately, Coast Guard Station Bellingham was ready and willing to respond with a 33-foot patrol boat. However, they would need at least one paramedic to transport with the patient to St. Joe’s hospital in Bellingham. And because of the weather, anyone leaving would not be returning to Orcas until the following day.
Rather than leave the island community without vital medical protection,
County Medical Director Dr. Mike Sullivan contacted the Coast Guard Station to say he was 4 minutes out and ready to respond to the island for the transport. He was quickly fitted for a Coast Guard survival suit and en-route with the 4 skilled Coast Guard crew-members. In the meantime, Michael was regaining consciousness and talking to responders.
He was loaded into the ambulance and transported to the Orcas Ferry landing to meet the 33-foot Coast Guard boat out of Sqaulicum Harbor. As soon as they arrive arrived, Dr. Sullivan immediately cleared the patient for the new clot busting thrombolytic therapy. This new drug therapy is credited with saving a life on Orcas last winter during a snowstorm and is an advanced medical protocol rarely used outside of a hospital setting. However, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue is fortunate to have not only state of the art medical direction and training, but the forethought and planning to provide this service to its isolated community.
"Without the heroic efforts of the OIFD EMT's, paramedic and the 4 brave
Coast Guard men and women who risked their lives in the dark stormy seas this family would be planning a funeral instead of a holiday celebration" says Dr. Sullivan. "I am proud to be a part of such a dedicated team of medical responders".
"This is another example of how well our system of care is benefiting the community. We talk about a chain of survival. Each link in this chain builds on the previous one, and timely delivery of each intervention allows the next intervention to be successful. The four links include early access to 911 and telephone CPR instructions, early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced care. If one link in the chain fails, the chance of survival is very low".
A special thanks goes to the US Coast Guard Station Bellingham, who responded to a time of need. There was a significant risk to life in this transport. Crew members BM2 Fink, BM3 Filion, MK2 Baker and SN Walls Parrish should be recognized for their skill, dedication and bravery.
It took more than Orcas Fire & Rescue to save Michael, but it started with the fire department trainers who taught CPR to his wife, continued with our core of highly trained and motivated volunteers and finished with our Medical Director who is without equal,” says Chief Mike Harris. “But all of that was put into motion only 5 years ago when the citizens who served on the strategic plan, did their work and empowered the Commissioners to hire the fire/medics that lead this effort and who Dr. Sullivan has complete faith in. This was a classic Orcas save with a cast of dozens.”
LETTER TO THE MEMBERSHIP
November 27, 2009
Dear Mike,
On the evening of November 15, I had the privilege of witnessing once again the outstanding response of members of your Department to a medical emergency. I was dining with friends Dorothy and Clyde Eagleton when Mrs. Eagleton collapsed in her kitchen and was unconscious for a number of minutes. Initially, Mik Preysz and Jason Madeiros responded to my 911 call, followed by Rita Harvey, Dean Dougherty, and Gregg Bronn. Mik and Jason were thorough in their evaluation of Mrs. Eagleton’s condition, and Mik, because he was dealing primarily with Mrs. Eagleton, treated her with concern, gentleness, and respect. Rita, Dean, and Gregg arrived at the scene moments later and added their able assistance to the situation. Rita was particularly understanding in her interaction with Mr. Eagleton who was deeply distraught about his wife’s condition. After Mrs. Eagleton was air-lifted to Bellingham, Rita returned to talk with Mr. Eagleton about his wife and reassure him about her well-being--a remarkable gesture of compassion that goes beyond any instruction in a procedural manual.
As I have recollected the events of that Sunday evening, I am left with an even greater respect and admiration for the men and women of your Department. They exhibit not only the highest skills in their approach to a medical emergency, but along with their factual assessment of a given situation, they recognize the emotional component of that emergency and the deep need of the individuals with whom they are dealing for reassurance and kindness. The members of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue deserve the highest respect from this community, which they so selflessly serve.
With warmest regards,
Barbara Bedell
Friday Update December 11, 2009
11/12/09 17:20
FRIDAY UPDATE
DECEMBER 11, 2009DIVISION
REPORTSPERSONNELCentral
FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry
Pruett – LOACentral FF/PM Mark Van
Maren – LOAWestside John Howard -
LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS /
FYIsDEC
17 Thursday - Division Drill location TBA by Division
CaptainsDEC 25 Friday – Christmas
– Office ClosedJAN 01 Friday – New Years
– Office Closed
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRISAll
members who have a Zoll AED Please bring your AED to
see me, some time before the end of the year so it
can have it's annual check up. Station
Lt's Please bring in any Zolls
that are living somewhere in your stations or
apparatus. Most of the AEDs on the apparatus are
Physios and they have already had their check
up.Thanks.
MEDIA – MAXX JONESFire
Department saves house on coldest night of the
yearSunday night at 8:58PM,
Orcas Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported
chimney fire at 414 Channel Road. Firefighters Dwight
Guss and Seth Ybarra were first to arrive in Deer
Harbor’s new “Wildland Attack Structural Protection”
Engine (WASP) within six minutes of the call.
Deer Harbor firefighter Robin Dyer arrived as
the two entered the structure and reported the home
filling with smoke, but no visible fire. It was
quickly discovered that the lower level attached
garage was on fire. The call was “upgraded to a
structure fire” and additional units responded,
including an identical WASP Engine from Westsound
Station 22. Lt. Chad Kimple took
Command of the fire and ordered the garage door
raised while firefighters simultaneously mounted a
direct attack with compressed air foam with the Deer
Harbor WASP Engine. A second crew, using a hose from
the same WASP Engine, mounted an attack from the top
of the interior stairwell. The fire burning under the
stairs forced firefighters to back-out and change
tactics. The fire was so intense
at one point; flammables and aerosol cans stored in
the garage began to explode. Despite the intensity of
the fire, the aggressive fire attack saved then
entire house. The fire apparently
started at the chimney clean-out located in the
garage.There were several stacks
of magazines up against the metal door, which burst
into flames and quickly spread to wood and other
flammable materials. In all, three engines,
two water tenders, Medic Unit Aid 21 and 18
firefighters responded to the call. Outlying engines
and volunteers manned stations throughout the island
in the event of another emergency. The Auxiliary also
responded and provided warm soup and coffee for the
crews braving the sub freezing wind chill that was
pounding the islands throughout the night.
HEALTH & SAFETY – MIK PREYSZPeppermint:
More than Just A Candy Cane By Beth Smith, MS,
RDAlways a popular flavor
reminiscent of the holidays this time of year,
peppermint is a popular flavoring for gum,
toothpaste, and tea. What’s even more
interesting, however, is that peppermint has several
medicinal properties making is a very versatile
herbal remedy. Among the most common is
its use in soothing an upset stomach or to aid in
digestion. Peppermint calms the muscles of the
stomach and improves the flow of bile, which the body
uses to digest fats. As a result, food passes through
the stomach more quickly. Furthermore,
peppermint relaxes the muscles that allow the body to
rid itself of painful digestive gas. That’s
always a plus after the big holiday
meal! Some studies have shown
that enteric-coated peppermint capsules are helpful
in treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS), such as pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
(Enteric-coated capsules keep peppermint oil from
being released in the stomach, which can cause
heartburn and indigestion.) However, other studies
have shown no effect. One study comparing
enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules to placebo in
children with IBS found that after 2 weeks, 75% of
those treated had reduced symptoms. A similar study
of adults found that 79% of those receiving
peppermint had less severe pain than those who
received placebo. Peppermint, when applied
topically, has a soothing and cooling effect on skin
irritations caused by hives, poison ivy, or poison
oak. One small study suggested
that peppermint applied to the forehead and temples
helped reduce headache symptoms. Peppermint and its main
active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants.
Because menthol thins mucus, it is also a good
expectorant, meaning that it helps loosen and breaks
up coughs with phlegm. It is soothing and calming for
sore throats (pharyngitis) and dry coughs as well. In
test tubes, peppermint kills some types of bacteria
and viruses, suggesting it may have antibacterial and
antiviral properties. As with many herbal
remedies, it’s important to be aware of certain
contraindications. In the case of aiding in
digestion, if your symptoms of indigestion are
related to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux
disease or GERD, peppermint should not be used.
In addition, peppermint oil may help the body
break down gallstones; however, it can also make some
types of gallstones worse, because it stimulates the
production of bile. Taking peppermint oil for
gallstones should be done only under a doctor's
supervision. Finally, pregnant or nursing
mothers should avoid peppermint and peppermint
tea. One of the best ways to
experience the benefits of peppermint is to make a
tea. Steep 1 tsp. dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup
boiling water for 10 minutes; strain and cool.
Enjoy!
Friday Update December 4, 2009
04/12/09 17:30
FRIDAY UPDATE DECEMBER 4, 2009
Notice to station Lt's: In less than 3 weeks it will officially be winter. However, there is a chance that it will freeze this weekend. Soooo, please check your stations and make sure the propane is up, the heat is working and the rigs are plugged in. Thanks! Chief
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsDEC 08 Tuesday – 19:30 BOFC Meeting DEC 10 Thursday – 18:00 Association Officers / 19:00 Association Meeting DEC 17 Thursday - Division Drill location TBA by Division Captains DEC 25 Friday – Christmas – Office Closed JAN 01 Friday – New Years – Office Closed
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRISThe WASP engines have been equiped with new chain saws. They are a little different and have an "easy start" pulling mechanism. It is a little different and can be broken if not done correctly. If you are not familiar with this type of start, please see Rich for instruction. Missing; The Hallegen tool has gone missing from the rescue. Please help bring the lost guy home!
All members who have a Zoll AED Please bring your AED to see me, some time before the end of the year so it can have it's annual check up.
Station Lt's Please bring in any Zolls that are living somewhere in your stations or apparatus. Most of the AEDs on the apparatus are Physios and they have already had their check up. Thanks.
HEALTH & SAFETY – MIC PREYSZ
There is an email scam going around regarding H1N1 vaccinations and the collection of personal idenficiation information. A sample of this letter is attached. Don’t respond to the request.
ASSOCIATION NEWSThere is an issue with the Department being able to continue to fully fund the Health Club memberships for district members. There have been a lot of thoughts and ideas but nothing is settled. However, Thursday December 10 the association board will be discussing options at their regular meeting. If you have any interest in this subject, come to the meeting. If you cannot make it please speak to Bob Phalan (376-5208) or Heather Thomas (376-4665). They have been assigned by the Association board to do research and present information. You could also email your thoughts/input to bob@orcasonline.com or heather@orcasonline.com and they will present it to the board.
Notice to station Lt's: In less than 3 weeks it will officially be winter. However, there is a chance that it will freeze this weekend. Soooo, please check your stations and make sure the propane is up, the heat is working and the rigs are plugged in. Thanks! Chief
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIsDEC 08 Tuesday – 19:30 BOFC Meeting DEC 10 Thursday – 18:00 Association Officers / 19:00 Association Meeting DEC 17 Thursday - Division Drill location TBA by Division Captains DEC 25 Friday – Christmas – Office Closed JAN 01 Friday – New Years – Office Closed
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRISThe WASP engines have been equiped with new chain saws. They are a little different and have an "easy start" pulling mechanism. It is a little different and can be broken if not done correctly. If you are not familiar with this type of start, please see Rich for instruction. Missing; The Hallegen tool has gone missing from the rescue. Please help bring the lost guy home!
All members who have a Zoll AED Please bring your AED to see me, some time before the end of the year so it can have it's annual check up.
Station Lt's Please bring in any Zolls that are living somewhere in your stations or apparatus. Most of the AEDs on the apparatus are Physios and they have already had their check up. Thanks.
HEALTH & SAFETY – MIC PREYSZ
There is an email scam going around regarding H1N1 vaccinations and the collection of personal idenficiation information. A sample of this letter is attached. Don’t respond to the request.
ASSOCIATION NEWSThere is an issue with the Department being able to continue to fully fund the Health Club memberships for district members. There have been a lot of thoughts and ideas but nothing is settled. However, Thursday December 10 the association board will be discussing options at their regular meeting. If you have any interest in this subject, come to the meeting. If you cannot make it please speak to Bob Phalan (376-5208) or Heather Thomas (376-4665). They have been assigned by the Association board to do research and present information. You could also email your thoughts/input to bob@orcasonline.com or heather@orcasonline.com and they will present it to the board.
Friday Update November 25, 2009
25/11/09 17:23
FRIDAY UPDATE NOVEMBER 25, 2009
CONGRADULATIONS
Please join me in congratulating Dylan Wachtel for his successful completion of IFSAC Fire Fighter-1 testing. The testing was held Friday and Saturday last week at District 3. Great job Dylan!
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIs NOV 26 Thursday – Thanksgiving -Office Closed NOV 27 Friday – Office Closed DEC 02 Wednesday - 19:00 Station 21 - Run-review DEC 08 Tuesday – 19:30 BOFC Meeting DEC 10 Thursday – 18:00 Association Officers / 19:00 Association Meeting DEC 17 Thursday - Division Drill location TBA by Division Captains DEC 25 Friday – Christmas – Office Closed JAN 01 Friday – New Years – Office Closed
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRISAll members who have a Zoll AED Please bring your AED to see me, some time before the end of the year so it can have it's annual check up.
Station Lt's Please bring in any Zolls that are living somewhere in your stations or apparatus. Most of the AEDs on the apparatus are Physios and they have already had their check up. Thanks.
RESPONSE – PATRICK SHEPLER
Radio Shack has moved from the Athletic’s Club to the old KIKI’s café. Dispatch has been notified but just in case, the new address is on North Beach Road.
RESCUE DIVISION – RICH HARVEYThe new rescue is in service. There is a few things left to install but it is completely functional. Please come by and learn where stuff is. Be careful with the sliders the are a little heavy and can get away from you. Remember that the sliders behind the cab slide out both sides of the truck. Tools and cribbing may move in the next few months as we finalize where stuff is going to live. The middle compartment on the passenger side of the truck is rope rescue equipment and is LOCKED, not STUCK, please do not try and force it open. Thank you
CONGRADULATIONS
Please join me in congratulating Dylan Wachtel for his successful completion of IFSAC Fire Fighter-1 testing. The testing was held Friday and Saturday last week at District 3. Great job Dylan!
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIs NOV 26 Thursday – Thanksgiving -Office Closed NOV 27 Friday – Office Closed DEC 02 Wednesday - 19:00 Station 21 - Run-review DEC 08 Tuesday – 19:30 BOFC Meeting DEC 10 Thursday – 18:00 Association Officers / 19:00 Association Meeting DEC 17 Thursday - Division Drill location TBA by Division Captains DEC 25 Friday – Christmas – Office Closed JAN 01 Friday – New Years – Office Closed
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRISAll members who have a Zoll AED Please bring your AED to see me, some time before the end of the year so it can have it's annual check up.
Station Lt's Please bring in any Zolls that are living somewhere in your stations or apparatus. Most of the AEDs on the apparatus are Physios and they have already had their check up. Thanks.
RESPONSE – PATRICK SHEPLER
Radio Shack has moved from the Athletic’s Club to the old KIKI’s café. Dispatch has been notified but just in case, the new address is on North Beach Road.
RESCUE DIVISION – RICH HARVEYThe new rescue is in service. There is a few things left to install but it is completely functional. Please come by and learn where stuff is. Be careful with the sliders the are a little heavy and can get away from you. Remember that the sliders behind the cab slide out both sides of the truck. Tools and cribbing may move in the next few months as we finalize where stuff is going to live. The middle compartment on the passenger side of the truck is rope rescue equipment and is LOCKED, not STUCK, please do not try and force it open. Thank you
Friday Update November 13
13/11/09 17:57
FRIDAY UPDATE NOVEMBER 13, 2009From
CHIEF HARRIS On Monday, Nov. 16, at 3
pm OIFR is hosting a demonstration of a portable
Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) at @ Sta. 21. This
demo, designed for homeowners wanting to be more
capable of defending their own homes in case of
wildfire, car fire in the driveway etc.
However, as a member you may want to see what
is out there and what we are considering for the new
Rescue and/Med.21. The concern for both these
units is arriving first to a vehicle fire w/o means
of extinguishment besides portable extinguishers.
Having been there, it is a bad, bad feeling
knowing that the real fire truck is 10 or more
minutes away. Add somebody trapped and you have
a whole new dynamic. The demo will last less than an
hour and we are hoping to demo one of our new WASP
units as a comparable. I know the time, selected by
the vendor, is a problem but it is aimed at the
public. Thanks for considering it.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELCentral
FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett
– LOA Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
OPERATIONS All firefighting
members and staff, There has been a lot of confusion
and misunderstanding around our bunker gear policy
for quite awhile now. In addition to this and looking
ahead at the 2010 budget, it was clear to me that we
needed to take a second look at what we are doing.
Initially, all of the black bunker gear was purchased
with money from a grant. Since that initial order, we
have had many changes and additions to the
firefighting staff. To put people in gear, we used
the brown gear that we already had. Therefore, to
make best use of our gear, we attempted to have
interior firefighters be in black and exterior
firefighters in brown so that the fire ground is less
confusing. Well, even that has been a challenge
because people come in many sizes. To have this
policy implemented perfectly it would mean the
purchase of many more sets of black gear. The current
price we are paying is approximately $2,000 a set,
which only includes the coat and pants. It is several
hundred dollars more for the rest of the
accoutrements. Currently I have a few people that I
have to order gear for so they can have gear that
fits appropriately (fit is relative when it comes to
bunker gear). I met with the Division
Captains, some of the Chiefs and staff to get a
consensus on where we go from here. It was unanimous
that we scrap the idea that the color of bunker gear
denotes a firefighter’s interior/exterior status and
leave that strictly with the helmets. For now, we
will be a bi-color gear department with the goal of
eventually becoming all black as gear goes out
through attrition and /or when we need new special
sizes. As far as the quality of brown vs black, there
is no difference. The one advantage to the black gear
is that if it becomes damaged, (by heat) it is more
apparent because the color changes from black to
brown. I am investigating a better price on gear for
our future purchases. I hope I have cleared this up
and I apologize for any confusion. If you have
concerns about where we are going with this, please
feel free to see me.
NOV DRILLS and TRAININGSAT (NOV 14) –SUN (NOV
15) WASP work Party with lunch provided WED (NOV 18)
– Flammable Liquids Drill (Station 21 – Jeff Larsen)
THU (NOV 19) – Recruit Orientation (Division Drill is
cancelled but you will get credit if you attend the
Flammable Liquids drill on Wednesday) The
advanced Saw class that I had scheduled for Saturday
November 14 is conflicting with the WASP work party.
Since most of the people who are signed up for the
class are officers and have shown interest in helping
with the engines, I am postponing the saw class until
a later date (TBA soon) Thank you, Lt. Rich
Harvey
HEALTH & WELLNESS – DC MIK
PREYSZFLU
VACCINE INFORMATON We have 52 active
responders who are eligible for the vaccine, 10 of
those declined the vaccine (19%), 34 members (65%)
have received either the nasal or the injectable
vaccine and there are 8 more members (16%) still
waiting for the injectable vaccine. (Maybe next
week). I have arranged with Snohomish County
for Flu vaccines for any member willing to travel
there to get the shot. Government regulations do not
allow them to transport it up to us. If interested
please let me know via e-mail or call me for
details.
MEDIA – CAPT. MAXX JONESI’ve some comments about
“over-reaction to the flu” so I found some
FACTS.
Oct 16 – AP Medical writer...11 more children
have died in the past week because of the virus CDC
reports about half of the child deaths since
September have been among teenagers 86 children have
died of swine flu since last spring. 43 of those in
Sept and early Oct
“That's a startling number because in some past winters, the CDC has counted 40 or 50 child deaths for the entire flu season,” CDC Dr. Schuchat said, “and no one knows how long this swine flu outbreak will last.” 1/2 of those early fall child deaths are among teenagers
Also in contrast to regular winter flu, swine flu sometimes can cause a very severe viral pneumonia in otherwise healthy young adults, the World Health Organization warned. Typically, influenza weakens people so they're vulnerable to bacterial pneumonia, especially those over age 65. But the new H1N1 can dive deeper into the lungs, in "small subsets" of patients who go into respiratory failure within days, said WHO medical officer Dr. Nikki Shindo.
Regular winter flu kills 36,000 Americans a year.
While there aren't precise counts, states have reported more than 2,000 deaths from pneumonia or flu-like illnesses to the CDC since Aug. 30
Even though swine flu is all that's circulating here now, the regular winter flu that targets older adults has hit other countries along with the new H1N1. South Africa packed in two distinct flu seasons in one winter. WHO's Dr. Vivek Shinde said the extremely early swine flu start in the Northern Hemisphere increases the chance that those countries, too, will get a double-whammy,
"There is a lot of winter left between now and April," he told the WHO meeting GENERAL SITUATION FOR SJ CountyInfection rates may have peaked in San Juan Island Schools.
Orcas Schools appear to be following San Juan Island, and Lopez Island Schools are the least impacted at this time.
The disease appears to be moving into the community from the schools and there are more adults being seen in the clinics now. The number of flu cases is likely to increase on all islands for the next few weeks with the number of cases peaking on San Juan Island first.
There have been no reported deaths or hospitalizations of San Juan County residents associated with the H1N1 flu.
NATIONAL SITUATIONinfluenza-like illness (ILI) nationally decreased very slightly this week over last week after four consecutive weeks of sharp increases. While ILI declined slightly, visits to doctors for influenza-like illness remain at much higher levels than what is expected for this time of the year and parts of the country continue to see sharp increases in activity. ILI continues to be higher than what is seen during the peak of most regular flu seasons. It’s possible that nationwide ILI could rise again. The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Report continues to increase and has been higher for five week now than what is expected at this time of year. Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses.
“That's a startling number because in some past winters, the CDC has counted 40 or 50 child deaths for the entire flu season,” CDC Dr. Schuchat said, “and no one knows how long this swine flu outbreak will last.” 1/2 of those early fall child deaths are among teenagers
Also in contrast to regular winter flu, swine flu sometimes can cause a very severe viral pneumonia in otherwise healthy young adults, the World Health Organization warned. Typically, influenza weakens people so they're vulnerable to bacterial pneumonia, especially those over age 65. But the new H1N1 can dive deeper into the lungs, in "small subsets" of patients who go into respiratory failure within days, said WHO medical officer Dr. Nikki Shindo.
Regular winter flu kills 36,000 Americans a year.
While there aren't precise counts, states have reported more than 2,000 deaths from pneumonia or flu-like illnesses to the CDC since Aug. 30
Even though swine flu is all that's circulating here now, the regular winter flu that targets older adults has hit other countries along with the new H1N1. South Africa packed in two distinct flu seasons in one winter. WHO's Dr. Vivek Shinde said the extremely early swine flu start in the Northern Hemisphere increases the chance that those countries, too, will get a double-whammy,
"There is a lot of winter left between now and April," he told the WHO meeting GENERAL SITUATION FOR SJ CountyInfection rates may have peaked in San Juan Island Schools.
Orcas Schools appear to be following San Juan Island, and Lopez Island Schools are the least impacted at this time.
The disease appears to be moving into the community from the schools and there are more adults being seen in the clinics now. The number of flu cases is likely to increase on all islands for the next few weeks with the number of cases peaking on San Juan Island first.
There have been no reported deaths or hospitalizations of San Juan County residents associated with the H1N1 flu.
NATIONAL SITUATIONinfluenza-like illness (ILI) nationally decreased very slightly this week over last week after four consecutive weeks of sharp increases. While ILI declined slightly, visits to doctors for influenza-like illness remain at much higher levels than what is expected for this time of the year and parts of the country continue to see sharp increases in activity. ILI continues to be higher than what is seen during the peak of most regular flu seasons. It’s possible that nationwide ILI could rise again. The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Report continues to increase and has been higher for five week now than what is expected at this time of year. Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses.
Friday Update November 6
06/11/09 17:40
FRIDAY UPDATE NOVEMBER 6, 2009
DRILL CHANGE The November 19th Division Drill has been changed (deleted). It will be the New Recruit Orientation. Jeff Larsen will be teaching a Flammable Liquids Drill on Wednesday, the 18th. If you needed the Division Drill, the Flam Liquids will count. If this is too short of notice, Patrick can give you a classroom assignment that will also work. Please contact him if you have questions or comments.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
NOV DRILLS and TRAINING
FRI-SAT – EVDT Training and Rodeo
WED – 18 – Flammable Liquids Drill
THUR – 19 – Recruit Orientation
DRILL CHANGE The November 19th Division Drill has been changed (deleted). It will be the New Recruit Orientation. Jeff Larsen will be teaching a Flammable Liquids Drill on Wednesday, the 18th. If you needed the Division Drill, the Flam Liquids will count. If this is too short of notice, Patrick can give you a classroom assignment that will also work. Please contact him if you have questions or comments.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
NOV DRILLS and TRAINING
FRI-SAT – EVDT Training and Rodeo
WED – 18 – Flammable Liquids Drill
THUR – 19 – Recruit Orientation
Friday Update October 30, 2009
29/10/09 14:35
FRIDAY UPDATE OCTOBER 30, 2009
From CHIEF HARRIS The bridge across Channel Rd. near Cayou Cay will be under construction for the month of November. Lt. Turner is checking about emergency access but it looks like we will be able to use it for an emergency. Also, the Sta. 24 site will be used by the County for staging of equipment for the bridge re-construction.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
NOV DRILLS and TRAINING
TUES – 3 – Fire Co. Evolutions
WED – 4 – Run Review and Basic EMS Skills
THUR – 5 – Last King Co. Practical Night
SAT – 7 - Live Fire Training on Widbey
FRI-SAT – EVDT Training and Rodeo
WED – 18 – Flammable Liquids Drill
THUR – 19 – Recruit Orientation & Division Drill
HEALTH & WELLNESS – DC MIK PREYSZ
FLU VACCINE INFORMATON Still trying!
MEDIA – CAPT. MAXX JONESNew WASP Rigs are here. They will be put into service in the following order: E-24, E-27, E-22 and E-21. A group of officers will be getting together to decide on the best placement of equipment so that all 4 engines will be set up the same. Jack will be arriving on the 4th to begin mounting the hardware.
Flu Update
1. A "visitor pass" system has been set up to allow non-members in the back area of Station 21. This allows for healthy family members to visit however, there is still the risk of "exposure to flu" due to the nature of our business. Just stop at the front desk to get your pass.
2. Calculations projected by kids missing at the public school show it has arrived in San Juan County as of this week. San Juan Island is currently at 20% school absenteeism and Orcas has 10%. It is anticipated that Orcas will surge over the next week. The school absenteeism is a 2 week predictor of when it will hit the community. It is hoped that we will see the back side of this surge by the end of November. However, it is likely there will be small outbreaks as late as May.
3. All responders have been given a niffy key chain hand sanitizer, which is currently in your mailbox at the station.
Press Release to News Papers
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue was toned out Thursday, Oct 29th, for a vehicle crash, “car on edge of cliff” on the Deer Harbor Road near Pole Pass. The Deer Harbor fire truck was first on scene and reported a vehicle at a 45% angle, up an embankment rather than on a cliff. The driver, still inside, was reportedly uninjured. However, due to the precarious angle, he could not get out without danger of the vehicle rolling over. The Rescue vehicle arrived and was able to quickly stabilized the Land Rover, and get the driver out unharmed. The tow truck operator then carefully righted it, without causing additional damage. “After all these years, a deer finally got me!” reported the driver. Fortunately both the deer and resident were unharmed.
WELLNESS - Pumpkins: Carving Out the Good Nutrition!
by Beth Smith, MS RD
With Halloween just around the corner, pumpkins are showing up in all the markets. The pumpkin is a ubiquitous part of the American fall season—which is understandable, considering that it’s indigenous to this part of the world. The Native Americans used it as both a food and a medicine. The first settlers from Europe added it to their diets. Then some of them helped spread it to the rest of the world by returning to their birthplaces in Europe with the seeds. This time of year, many people will get the biggest specimens they can find for creating the perfect Jack-O-Lantern and then toss out the inside “meat” and seeds. With this, a lot of great nutrition is tossed out as well.
What’s so good about pumpkins, anyway? Pumpkin meat is very high in carotenoids. They’re what give pumpkins their orange color. Carotenoids are really good at neutralizing free radicals, nasty molecules that can attack cell membranes and leave the cells vulnerable to damage. Pumpkins are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which scavenge free radicals in the lens of the eye. Therefore, they may help prevent the formation of cataracts and reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a serious eye problem that usually results in blindness. Besides carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are all antioxidants, pumpkins have a lot of common nutrients, like iron, zinc, and fiber.
Pumpkin seeds, also called pepitas, are very high in protein; one ounce of seeds provides about seven grams of protein. They also contain copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. And their oil is high in phytosterols, plant-based fatty acids that are chemically so like cholesterol that they can replace it in the human body—contributing to the reduction of blood cholesterol levels.
Bigger pumpkins have tougher meat than smaller ones; that’s why pie pumpkins, also called baking pumpkins, are so much smaller than the ones used for carving. But you can still cook and eat the meat of a carving pumpkin; it just won’t be quite as soft. And, pumpkin seeds can be sprinkled with oil and other flavorings and roasted at 300° for about 30 minutes. However, some research suggests roasting weakens a lot of the nutrients, so it’s recommended that the seeds be eaten raw. Whole seeds can be added to steamed vegetables, salads, cereals, and cookies, and ground seeds can be added to burgers.
Pumpkin is incredibly versatile - you can cut it into chunks and steam it as a vegetable (add nutmeg to spice it up). Mix it with apples, pears and rhubarb; add it to casseroles; use it to make soufflés. You can also substitute fresh pumpkin in any recipe calling for winter squash or sweet potatoes. Look for recipes for pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, pumpkin risotto, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin pudding, and even pumpkin smoothies made by blending cooked pumpkin with banana, vanilla, and plain yogurt. This season, enjoy pumpkin! Happy Haunting!
From CHIEF HARRIS The bridge across Channel Rd. near Cayou Cay will be under construction for the month of November. Lt. Turner is checking about emergency access but it looks like we will be able to use it for an emergency. Also, the Sta. 24 site will be used by the County for staging of equipment for the bridge re-construction.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
NOV DRILLS and TRAINING
TUES – 3 – Fire Co. Evolutions
WED – 4 – Run Review and Basic EMS Skills
THUR – 5 – Last King Co. Practical Night
SAT – 7 - Live Fire Training on Widbey
FRI-SAT – EVDT Training and Rodeo
WED – 18 – Flammable Liquids Drill
THUR – 19 – Recruit Orientation & Division Drill
HEALTH & WELLNESS – DC MIK PREYSZ
FLU VACCINE INFORMATON Still trying!
MEDIA – CAPT. MAXX JONESNew WASP Rigs are here. They will be put into service in the following order: E-24, E-27, E-22 and E-21. A group of officers will be getting together to decide on the best placement of equipment so that all 4 engines will be set up the same. Jack will be arriving on the 4th to begin mounting the hardware.
Flu Update
1. A "visitor pass" system has been set up to allow non-members in the back area of Station 21. This allows for healthy family members to visit however, there is still the risk of "exposure to flu" due to the nature of our business. Just stop at the front desk to get your pass.
2. Calculations projected by kids missing at the public school show it has arrived in San Juan County as of this week. San Juan Island is currently at 20% school absenteeism and Orcas has 10%. It is anticipated that Orcas will surge over the next week. The school absenteeism is a 2 week predictor of when it will hit the community. It is hoped that we will see the back side of this surge by the end of November. However, it is likely there will be small outbreaks as late as May.
3. All responders have been given a niffy key chain hand sanitizer, which is currently in your mailbox at the station.
Press Release to News Papers
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue was toned out Thursday, Oct 29th, for a vehicle crash, “car on edge of cliff” on the Deer Harbor Road near Pole Pass. The Deer Harbor fire truck was first on scene and reported a vehicle at a 45% angle, up an embankment rather than on a cliff. The driver, still inside, was reportedly uninjured. However, due to the precarious angle, he could not get out without danger of the vehicle rolling over. The Rescue vehicle arrived and was able to quickly stabilized the Land Rover, and get the driver out unharmed. The tow truck operator then carefully righted it, without causing additional damage. “After all these years, a deer finally got me!” reported the driver. Fortunately both the deer and resident were unharmed.
WELLNESS - Pumpkins: Carving Out the Good Nutrition!
by Beth Smith, MS RD
With Halloween just around the corner, pumpkins are showing up in all the markets. The pumpkin is a ubiquitous part of the American fall season—which is understandable, considering that it’s indigenous to this part of the world. The Native Americans used it as both a food and a medicine. The first settlers from Europe added it to their diets. Then some of them helped spread it to the rest of the world by returning to their birthplaces in Europe with the seeds. This time of year, many people will get the biggest specimens they can find for creating the perfect Jack-O-Lantern and then toss out the inside “meat” and seeds. With this, a lot of great nutrition is tossed out as well.
What’s so good about pumpkins, anyway? Pumpkin meat is very high in carotenoids. They’re what give pumpkins their orange color. Carotenoids are really good at neutralizing free radicals, nasty molecules that can attack cell membranes and leave the cells vulnerable to damage. Pumpkins are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which scavenge free radicals in the lens of the eye. Therefore, they may help prevent the formation of cataracts and reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a serious eye problem that usually results in blindness. Besides carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are all antioxidants, pumpkins have a lot of common nutrients, like iron, zinc, and fiber.
Pumpkin seeds, also called pepitas, are very high in protein; one ounce of seeds provides about seven grams of protein. They also contain copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. And their oil is high in phytosterols, plant-based fatty acids that are chemically so like cholesterol that they can replace it in the human body—contributing to the reduction of blood cholesterol levels.
Bigger pumpkins have tougher meat than smaller ones; that’s why pie pumpkins, also called baking pumpkins, are so much smaller than the ones used for carving. But you can still cook and eat the meat of a carving pumpkin; it just won’t be quite as soft. And, pumpkin seeds can be sprinkled with oil and other flavorings and roasted at 300° for about 30 minutes. However, some research suggests roasting weakens a lot of the nutrients, so it’s recommended that the seeds be eaten raw. Whole seeds can be added to steamed vegetables, salads, cereals, and cookies, and ground seeds can be added to burgers.
Pumpkin is incredibly versatile - you can cut it into chunks and steam it as a vegetable (add nutmeg to spice it up). Mix it with apples, pears and rhubarb; add it to casseroles; use it to make soufflés. You can also substitute fresh pumpkin in any recipe calling for winter squash or sweet potatoes. Look for recipes for pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, pumpkin risotto, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin pudding, and even pumpkin smoothies made by blending cooked pumpkin with banana, vanilla, and plain yogurt. This season, enjoy pumpkin! Happy Haunting!
Friday Upate October 23, 2009
29/10/09 13:02
FRIDAY UPDATE OCTOBER 23, 2009
Since a good majority of the crew has taken off cruisin’ across the west coast, we only have a couple issues we wanted to pass on for this week… Dept. of Emergency Management We’re working on distributing flu vaccine from Friday Harbor to Orcas, and are looking to find someone from Friday Harbor who regularly heads to Orcas/ Eastsound on the 11:40 or 2:15 ferry who might be willing to travel with a cooler once a week. Challenge is finding someone who is usually on one of the mid-day ferries. If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions, I’d love to hear them. Please contact the Duty Officer.
Operations I have the unfortunate task of doing a little finger wagging. I know this does not apply to most of you so please bear with me.
Fuel Cans – We have had at least two recent incidents of the gasoline in the Rescue Rig being used for unknown reasons. Not only was the gas used and not refilled but also the can was left sitting some place. This is the only can for the rescue tool. Believe me; we do not want to be siphoning someone’s car in the middle of the night so we can cut a victim out of a car.
District dollars – I need to remind everyone that you may not make personal long distance phone calls from the station and you may not put your personal trash in the dumpster. Your help with keeping unnecessary lights off and doors closed during cold weather is appreciated. Nickels and dimes add up to dollars! Thanks for your help.
Since a good majority of the crew has taken off cruisin’ across the west coast, we only have a couple issues we wanted to pass on for this week… Dept. of Emergency Management We’re working on distributing flu vaccine from Friday Harbor to Orcas, and are looking to find someone from Friday Harbor who regularly heads to Orcas/ Eastsound on the 11:40 or 2:15 ferry who might be willing to travel with a cooler once a week. Challenge is finding someone who is usually on one of the mid-day ferries. If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions, I’d love to hear them. Please contact the Duty Officer.
Operations I have the unfortunate task of doing a little finger wagging. I know this does not apply to most of you so please bear with me.
Fuel Cans – We have had at least two recent incidents of the gasoline in the Rescue Rig being used for unknown reasons. Not only was the gas used and not refilled but also the can was left sitting some place. This is the only can for the rescue tool. Believe me; we do not want to be siphoning someone’s car in the middle of the night so we can cut a victim out of a car.
District dollars – I need to remind everyone that you may not make personal long distance phone calls from the station and you may not put your personal trash in the dumpster. Your help with keeping unnecessary lights off and doors closed during cold weather is appreciated. Nickels and dimes add up to dollars! Thanks for your help.
Friday Update October 16, 2009
16/10/09 15:48
FRIDAY UPDATE January 22, 2009
DIVISION REPORTS
PERSONNEL
Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIs
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
26 BOFC Working Session
28 Fire Company Evolutions
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRIS
HOSE TESTING FOR ENGINE 21 ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST FROM 9:00AM UNTIL FINISHED. CAPTAIN 21 AND LT. MADEIROS WILL BE PROVIDING BURGERS, SALADS, ECT. IF YOU ARE SHORT ON A DRILL OR WOULD LIKE TO GET EXTRA CREDIT FOR A DRILL COME ON IN AND JOIN US. THE MORE HANDS WE HAVE THE QUICKER THE WORK AND THE BETTER OUR TEAMWORK WILL GROW. WE WILL BE USING THE HOSE TESTING MACHINE SO THIS WILL BE A NEW LEARNING CURVE FOR MANY OF US NEW TO THE FIRE SIDE.Rita HarveyCaptain 21
DIVISION REPORTS
PERSONNEL
Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Westside John Howard - LOA
DRILLS / TRAINING / MEETINGS / FYIs
JAN 23 Saturday – Annual Banquet
26 BOFC Working Session
28 Fire Company Evolutions
OPERATIONS – VAL HARRIS
HOSE TESTING FOR ENGINE 21 ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST FROM 9:00AM UNTIL FINISHED. CAPTAIN 21 AND LT. MADEIROS WILL BE PROVIDING BURGERS, SALADS, ECT. IF YOU ARE SHORT ON A DRILL OR WOULD LIKE TO GET EXTRA CREDIT FOR A DRILL COME ON IN AND JOIN US. THE MORE HANDS WE HAVE THE QUICKER THE WORK AND THE BETTER OUR TEAMWORK WILL GROW. WE WILL BE USING THE HOSE TESTING MACHINE SO THIS WILL BE A NEW LEARNING CURVE FOR MANY OF US NEW TO THE FIRE SIDE.Rita HarveyCaptain 21
Friday Update October 9, 2009
09/10/09 17:10
FRIDAY UPDATE OCTOBER 9, 2009
CHANGE YOUR CELL PHONES
376-2207 for dispatch has been disconnected. The only active number they have now is 378-4151.
MEMORIAL GARDEN WORK PARTY
The Association will be conducting the final phase of the landscaping project in the back. Volunteers are needed and appreciated on Saturday, OCTOBER 10 at 9 am to help. Refreshments will be provided for nutritive sustenance.
OCT DRILLS and TRAINING
WED – 14 – EMS Run Review & Basic Skills
THURS – 15 – Fire Division Drill
TUES – 20 – Fire Co. Evolutions
THURS – 22 – Rescue Division Drill
Optional Drills/Training
15-16 & 18: Beginning Chain Saw Safety Course. You must contact Rich Harvey to take this course.
SAT – 17 – EMS Evaluator Certification Course
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELCentral EMT – Bob Phalan - LOA
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
HEALTH & WELLNESS – DC MIK PREYSZ
FLU VACCINE INFORMATON
To all active responders with Orcas Island Fire and Rescue,
The Health Dept. has distributed the first available H1N1 vaccine for the Health Care providers on Orcas Island. Many of our Members (ages 2 through 49) are eligible for this vaccine and should have received individual e-mails with directions for receiving it if they chose too.
(If you are in this age group, have not received a separate e-mail please contact Lindsay today or tomorrow morning at station 21 from 08:00 to about 10:00 or call me at (360) 220-4741)
The initial vaccine is a Live Attenuated (made weak) Intra-nasal Vaccine (LAIV) and will be followed by an Inactive Injection Vaccine that is due to be here on October 22. For us old farts (yes Chief this includes you) and those of us responding that are under the age of two, this will be our chance to get protection against the H1N1 Flu. Those of you who chose to decline the LAIV vaccine have the option of receiving or declining the inactive injectable vaccine.
See informational bulletins from CDC “What You Need to Know” about the LAIV Vaccine and the Inactive Vaccine for the H1N1 Swine Flu. or go to www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
I will be updating each of you concerning the arrival and dispersal of the Inactive Vaccine as it arrives. For further questions and possible concerns, please contact you personal healthcare Provider or me.
TRAINING – DC PATRICK SHEPLER
4th QUARTER TRAINING. Sign up sheets are up. Don’t forget your training is posted on the Target Safety site as well as any training you may be delinquent on from third quarter. Get ‘er done.
OPERATIONS – DC VAL HARRIS
STATION 21 FLU CHANGES: Membership access to the building is now through the bay. This is in an effort to funnel everyone through the laundry room to “wash hands”.
Also, the main meeting room has been divided into 2 rooms; the window side will now be designated for public meetings etc. The right side is being used as an office extension.
FLU KIT replacement parts are being delivered to the out-lying stations so check with your Captain or Lt. for more details. There is also replacement kits on both ALS medic units.
MEDIA – CAPT. MAXX JONESThis is a letter written by Rick Markov concerning the wildland fire at his home last month. It is a very interesting side of the story.
“What a day!”
Janet and I left the Island on Friday for dental appointments, and then in expectation for the Washington/LSU football game on Saturday. We took two cars since I was headed to Walla Walla on Monday morning and Janet was going to return to Orcas Sunday.
Friday afternoon, Janet received a phone call from a friend on island who said there was a reported fire at "Markovs Lane" on Orcas. I got a hold of 911 dispatch on San Juan and got former neighbor Capt. Maxx Jones' number who was on site fighting the fire. She gave the quick report that the house was saved and they were fighting a wild fire. We talked several times the next hours as to the progress of the fire. She said we were very lucky. Give the fire another 2-3 minutes and the house would have been involved. Also, hooray for metal roofs; she said if it had been any other material the roof would have already caught fire before they got there. She started fighting the fire with garden hoses, but some of them had burned up with the initial fire.
I bought 250 feet of hose and met Janet who headed back to the island. I had errands to run in Seattle, and later decided to stay when Maxx said they were in mop up mode and would wait until Janet arrived to do night watch for hot spots. Guess I mis-understood the meaning of "mop up" in this context. Janet got home and worked on hot spots, went to bed and checked them every hour. The next day, Maxx and crew brought the water tanker up and filled all the containers so that Janet could could bucket water to hot spots. Maxx said the fire may have gone underground and roots and stumps could continue to burn for a month or two until the fall rains settled in.
Garrick came up with a friend Saturday evening and they helped Janet, who spent a good portion of the day getting some sleep and rest. Garrick and friend did a great job with the hot spots, breaking up stumps and digging out roots and putting water on them. By the time they were finished the fire was out.
We (Orcas Fire Department and Markovs) need to thank Ken Speck and Pat Muffet who heard the story on the scanner. The fire department had trouble finding where the fire actually was. They had reports that it was on Turtleback Mountain, Mount Wollard and elsewhere. They got in Pat's airplane and were able to gps the location to dispatch. They had seen the fire trucks going up and down roads trying to locate the source. They were house savers! As mentioned above, we were saved by mere minutes. Thanks, guys.
Obviously, a great thank you to the 24 plus fire personnel and Paul Turner, incident commander, who did all the hard work (with Janet, of course). Paul said that they had put 18,000 gallons of water on the fire from Lake Killebrew and Orcas Landing plus our domestic water supply.
CHANGE YOUR CELL PHONES
376-2207 for dispatch has been disconnected. The only active number they have now is 378-4151.
MEMORIAL GARDEN WORK PARTY
The Association will be conducting the final phase of the landscaping project in the back. Volunteers are needed and appreciated on Saturday, OCTOBER 10 at 9 am to help. Refreshments will be provided for nutritive sustenance.
OCT DRILLS and TRAINING
WED – 14 – EMS Run Review & Basic Skills
THURS – 15 – Fire Division Drill
TUES – 20 – Fire Co. Evolutions
THURS – 22 – Rescue Division Drill
Optional Drills/Training
15-16 & 18: Beginning Chain Saw Safety Course. You must contact Rich Harvey to take this course.
SAT – 17 – EMS Evaluator Certification Course
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELCentral EMT – Bob Phalan - LOA
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
HEALTH & WELLNESS – DC MIK PREYSZ
FLU VACCINE INFORMATON
To all active responders with Orcas Island Fire and Rescue,
The Health Dept. has distributed the first available H1N1 vaccine for the Health Care providers on Orcas Island. Many of our Members (ages 2 through 49) are eligible for this vaccine and should have received individual e-mails with directions for receiving it if they chose too.
(If you are in this age group, have not received a separate e-mail please contact Lindsay today or tomorrow morning at station 21 from 08:00 to about 10:00 or call me at (360) 220-4741)
The initial vaccine is a Live Attenuated (made weak) Intra-nasal Vaccine (LAIV) and will be followed by an Inactive Injection Vaccine that is due to be here on October 22. For us old farts (yes Chief this includes you) and those of us responding that are under the age of two, this will be our chance to get protection against the H1N1 Flu. Those of you who chose to decline the LAIV vaccine have the option of receiving or declining the inactive injectable vaccine.
See informational bulletins from CDC “What You Need to Know” about the LAIV Vaccine and the Inactive Vaccine for the H1N1 Swine Flu. or go to www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
I will be updating each of you concerning the arrival and dispersal of the Inactive Vaccine as it arrives. For further questions and possible concerns, please contact you personal healthcare Provider or me.
TRAINING – DC PATRICK SHEPLER
4th QUARTER TRAINING. Sign up sheets are up. Don’t forget your training is posted on the Target Safety site as well as any training you may be delinquent on from third quarter. Get ‘er done.
OPERATIONS – DC VAL HARRIS
STATION 21 FLU CHANGES: Membership access to the building is now through the bay. This is in an effort to funnel everyone through the laundry room to “wash hands”.
Also, the main meeting room has been divided into 2 rooms; the window side will now be designated for public meetings etc. The right side is being used as an office extension.
FLU KIT replacement parts are being delivered to the out-lying stations so check with your Captain or Lt. for more details. There is also replacement kits on both ALS medic units.
MEDIA – CAPT. MAXX JONESThis is a letter written by Rick Markov concerning the wildland fire at his home last month. It is a very interesting side of the story.
“What a day!”
Janet and I left the Island on Friday for dental appointments, and then in expectation for the Washington/LSU football game on Saturday. We took two cars since I was headed to Walla Walla on Monday morning and Janet was going to return to Orcas Sunday.
Friday afternoon, Janet received a phone call from a friend on island who said there was a reported fire at "Markovs Lane" on Orcas. I got a hold of 911 dispatch on San Juan and got former neighbor Capt. Maxx Jones' number who was on site fighting the fire. She gave the quick report that the house was saved and they were fighting a wild fire. We talked several times the next hours as to the progress of the fire. She said we were very lucky. Give the fire another 2-3 minutes and the house would have been involved. Also, hooray for metal roofs; she said if it had been any other material the roof would have already caught fire before they got there. She started fighting the fire with garden hoses, but some of them had burned up with the initial fire.
I bought 250 feet of hose and met Janet who headed back to the island. I had errands to run in Seattle, and later decided to stay when Maxx said they were in mop up mode and would wait until Janet arrived to do night watch for hot spots. Guess I mis-understood the meaning of "mop up" in this context. Janet got home and worked on hot spots, went to bed and checked them every hour. The next day, Maxx and crew brought the water tanker up and filled all the containers so that Janet could could bucket water to hot spots. Maxx said the fire may have gone underground and roots and stumps could continue to burn for a month or two until the fall rains settled in.
Garrick came up with a friend Saturday evening and they helped Janet, who spent a good portion of the day getting some sleep and rest. Garrick and friend did a great job with the hot spots, breaking up stumps and digging out roots and putting water on them. By the time they were finished the fire was out.
We (Orcas Fire Department and Markovs) need to thank Ken Speck and Pat Muffet who heard the story on the scanner. The fire department had trouble finding where the fire actually was. They had reports that it was on Turtleback Mountain, Mount Wollard and elsewhere. They got in Pat's airplane and were able to gps the location to dispatch. They had seen the fire trucks going up and down roads trying to locate the source. They were house savers! As mentioned above, we were saved by mere minutes. Thanks, guys.
Obviously, a great thank you to the 24 plus fire personnel and Paul Turner, incident commander, who did all the hard work (with Janet, of course). Paul said that they had put 18,000 gallons of water on the fire from Lake Killebrew and Orcas Landing plus our domestic water supply.
Friday Update October 2, 2009
02/10/09 18:06
FRIDAY UPDATE OCTOBER 2, 2009
Note: This is a full update. The All-Hands meeting covered several important topics. An overview and additional information is included in this letter.
OCT DRILLS and TRAINING
WED – 14 – EMS Run Review & Basic Skills
THURS – 15 – Fire Division Drill
TUES – 20 – Fire Co. Evolutions
THURS – 22 – Rescue Division Drill
Optional Drills/Training
15-16 & 18: Beginning Chain Saw Safety Course. You must contact Rich Harvey to take this course.
SAT – 17 – EMS Evaluator Certification Course
FROM THE CHIEF
Dear Member:
The most important message I have is that we need your help to be prepared for the flu. It takes "muscle memory" to get into this mode. We should, on every call, ask dispatch if there are any flu indicators. We have made this easy for them and you by remembering CAFS, (Cough, Aches, Fever and Sore Throat). If the answer is yes, ONE of us "Gowns Up" to enter alone and "size up" the situation. Even if there are no CAFS symptoms, send one person in to check. If caught inside with a possible flu situation, we back out and don our PPE. This is important so that YOU stay protected. Please do not wait for the Fire/Medic to tell you to do it, think for yourself. Safety is everyone's job! We also need your help to spread the word in the community. What "word"? The word is the plan:
* Flu is flu. We neither have the ability nor the need to make a distinction.
* We will look "weird" when we walk in with our new PPE - that is for our safety and so we can continue to serve.
* Many people are going to get sick but only a "few" will need to be flown off and I predict, only a very few will fight for their lives in the hospital
* What should they do now? Get the same supplies we need for any winter. Stock food simple to fix and easy to eat when you feel sick.
*When should they call 911 if they think they have the flu? When they feel dizzy or faint due to loosing fluid from barfing, diarrhea or not drinking fluids or if they have increasing trouble breathing.
We believe many people are going to drive to Sta. 21 and ask "how sick am I?". We are preparing a plan that can be launched quickly to deal with this. However, our real goal is to prepare our community so that the "walk ins" are so few that they are not standing in line waiting to be seen. In addition, we have a plan for lowering their anxienty when we do come into their house as if we are the "death squad". We need your help on that step because nobody needs more angst during this time. What can you do? Start talking to your family in these terms about our plan. Let them know we believe that we should all stay home till our symptoms (all of them) have been gone for 24 hours so we don't get others sick. Then start talking to your friends and neighbors. When you get the blank stares, stop - they can't process it. If they want more info, quiz them gently on what you have told them. Correct their misunderstandings. Nothing is worse than bad information that comes with "The Fire Dept. said.." Thank you so much for helping. ASK any staff member any question. The plan is simple, but it will only work if we use it and start now! Thank you very much.
Finally, at the "All Hands" meeting last night we announced the survey of the Division Chief concept. We promised this when we launched the D/C Program. The survey was the brain-child of the Division Captains but was worked on by all staff members. The three-section survey was sent to you in "link" yesterday and is due by midnight Thursday October 8th. Please take the survey as soon as convenient. It will only take 10 minutes or less in addition to the time it takes for comments. On Friday, October 9th, the three Captains, Rita, Rick and Bob will have the results tabulated by division, so they have a tool for improvement. However, when I see the final results, it will be as a whole, not divided into divisions. No one will know how anyone scored the survey or who made which comment. The entire survey will be presented to the commissioners for their use.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELCentral FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Soon to join the ranks Beth Wagen. She has taken her WA State EMT Certification test and is awaiting score. After her district entrance papers and EVDT rodeo is complete, we should see a new face in our ranks.
TRAINING – DC PATRICK SHEPLER
4th QUARTER TRAINING INFORMATION There are a lot of changes!
Task Books are going away! You can now check your own transcripts electronically, now with both Target Safety and King County Online. The 4th quarter training schedule is posted on the 4th quarter tri-fold calendars and will be posted on our website in the Members area.
Fourth Quarter Training is posted on the Target Safety site as well as any training you may be delinquent on from third quarter. Get ‘er done.
Requirements: Division Drills: Two per quarter Fire Company Evolutions: One per quarter Run Review: Two per quarter for EMTs and First Responders
EMS-King County Online: This is of course the primary EMT method of continuing education, along with the practical component and Run Reviews. Additional EMS training is at the discretion of our Program Medical Director, Dr. Sullivan (who happens to be also the County medical director or MPD) and DC Shepler. Target Safety: As you know, this is our primary fire division training tool. It provides Fire courses (NFPA), EMS courses both BLS and ALS (CECBEMS*) and Safety Courses (OSHA). 2010 EMT CLASS: Informational meeting November 3rd at 19:00 Interviews will be set after background checks are complete Physical agility test (EMS) and physical examination, drug testing We plan for more applications than positions in the class Text books will be paid for by new students (current members are not subject to this requirement) and their money will be refunded after their successful completion of three months probation.
What is E.R.S.?: It is our computerized data management system. All Run reports (both EMS and Fire) are laboriously entered into ERS, along with all volunteer stipends, duty shifts, drill credits and drill activities.
OPERATIONS – DC VAL HARRIS
Duty Crews: There are lockers available to you in the dorm hallway. Please feel free to claim one if you do a duty shift. As the dorm sheets die their natural deaths, we are not going to replace them. Please consider bringing your own set to keep in your locker.
SAFETY – Lt. CHAD KIMPLE
UCK. A quick review of what is SUPPOSE to go in the RED BIO HAZARD BIN.
• Sharps containers that have been duct taped shut.
• FLU PPE which is already in its little red zip lock bag (gown, mask, gloves and booties). *You can bio-clean your eye wear to use again.
• Items that are soaked with body fluids like gauze, clothing or disposable items.
• Red bagged suction canisters, tubing and suction tips.
Remember, if its juicy or stinky – please double bag it.
FLU RESPONSE OVERVIEW – CAPT. MAXX JONES
As of Oct 1: There have been 154 hospitalizations and 14 deaths in WA State so far, 50 hospitalizations and 6 deaths in BC. In San Juan we have had only sporadic cases so far but schools on both Orcas and Lopez have had absenteeism rates over 10%, which is a fairly good indicator that influenza is in the community. We can expect the flu to arrive and rapidly increase over the next 5-6 weeks with peak illness rates likely in the last two weeks of October. About 30% of population is likely to become ill and about half of them will be ill enough to seek medial evaluation. Most people with influenza can be safely cared for at home but some should seek medical care.
MEDIA – CAPT. MAXX JONES
OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOW OPENPrices have changed to $15 for 10x10 homeowner and $225 for commercial. Homeowners can purchase permits on line or at the front desk. Paul Turner is responsible for commercial permit and appointments are made via the front desk or to Paul directly.
Press Release
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue using Stage 1 Flu procedures plan
The FLU has arrived in the San Juans. Whether it is the seasonal flu or the new H1N1 flu, its all the flu. Flu cases are expected to rapidly increase over the next 5-6 weeks bulk of the cases in the last two weeks of October. As a precaution, volunteers are using extra care to avoid getting sick themselves. “There is a two fold reason for this,” says Division Chief and Paramedic Patrick Shepler. “Number one – we have to stay healthy so we can continue to respond. But equally important, we have to reduce the risk of becoming contagious and passing flu on to another patient.”
“There have been 154 hospitalizations and 14 deaths in WA State so far. San Juan County has had only sporadic cases, but schools on both Orcas and Lopez have had absenteeism rates over 10%, which is a fairly good indicator that influenza is in the community” says Department of Health Medical Director Dr. James.
So the public may notice a few changes. The most obvious will be when EMTs and firefighters arrive on a medical scene. Responders may ask if the patient has flu symptoms like a fever, body or head aches, a sore throat or a cough. They may be wearing a mask similar to those worn by doctors and hospital personnel as well as protective gowns, gloves and even booties. And in many cases, there may be fewer responders in close contact with the patient. This protects both personnel and the public.
Tours of the Eastsound Fire Station have been postponed until further notice. Anyone scheduling the public meeting room has been notified that events may be cancelled without warning if the station needs to close its office due to staffing concerns. Only responding members of the department will be allowed beyond the lobby and public meeting room.
“We need to keep answering the day to day calls. We still have heart attacks, car crashes, fires and other emergencies happening every day and those calls require health responders,” says Maxx Jones (Public Safety & Education as well as firefighter and EMT). “If we all get sick, there will be no one left to answer the call.”
About a third of the population may get sick. About half of those cases will be sick enough to want medical evaluations. Call ahead if you need to see a doctor. There may be special instructions you will need to follow to keep from spreading/catching the flu when around others.
Most flu sufferers can be safely cared for at home but some should seek medical care. The emergency warning signs are difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, severe or persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration like sudden dizziness or confusion. Also, a fever that subsides then returns along with the same flu symptoms. This is the time to call for medical help.
For more information on Flu, go to www.orcasfire.org and click on FLU.
HEALTH & WELLNESS – MIK PREYSZ
Fighting Fall Allergies- Nutritiously! by Beth Smith, MS, RD
As autumn gives way to colorful days and cool, crisp temperatures, seasonal allergies begin to make their presence known as we find ourselves reaching for the box of tissues. There are many remedies for these annoying fall allergies but many of them come with the unpleasant aftermath of side effects like drowsiness and overly dry nasal passages. One thing to consider this time of year is your diet and the ways in which it might bring relief to fall allergies.
Research is showing that one key nutrient, folate, may keep allergic reactions in check and ease the severity of symptoms. Researchers have found that those people with higher levels of folate had fewer allergy symptoms and a lower risk of asthma and wheezing. In both cases, either allergies or asthma, the immune system has an exaggerated response to foreign substances such as dust and pollen, which in turn triggers respiratory troubles. But folic acid may help regulate that response, as well as dampen the airway inflammation at the heart of these conditions.
To get your recommended 400 micrograms of folate daily, boost your intake of folate-rich foods such as broccoli, asparagus, oranges, kidney beans, collard greens, black-eyed peas, spinach, avocado and lentils. There are also fortified cereals and pasta.
Also consider other allergy-easing foods that drive down inflammation and promote immune function. Chief among these are omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants found in fish like salmon, walnuts, fruits and vegetables.
Here is a delicious fall soup that features a variety of folate-rich greens. Enjoy!
Autumn Greens Soup
Boil 1 quart of organic chicken broth; add 1 medium peeled and diced potato, 2 garlic cloves, 2 sliced scallions, and 3 cups mixed chopped greens such as spinach, chard, kale, and tatsoi. Simmer until potatoes are tender, 5-10 minutes. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon into bowls and serve with shaved Parmesan. Serves 4.
Note: This is a full update. The All-Hands meeting covered several important topics. An overview and additional information is included in this letter.
OCT DRILLS and TRAINING
WED – 14 – EMS Run Review & Basic Skills
THURS – 15 – Fire Division Drill
TUES – 20 – Fire Co. Evolutions
THURS – 22 – Rescue Division Drill
Optional Drills/Training
15-16 & 18: Beginning Chain Saw Safety Course. You must contact Rich Harvey to take this course.
SAT – 17 – EMS Evaluator Certification Course
FROM THE CHIEF
Dear Member:
The most important message I have is that we need your help to be prepared for the flu. It takes "muscle memory" to get into this mode. We should, on every call, ask dispatch if there are any flu indicators. We have made this easy for them and you by remembering CAFS, (Cough, Aches, Fever and Sore Throat). If the answer is yes, ONE of us "Gowns Up" to enter alone and "size up" the situation. Even if there are no CAFS symptoms, send one person in to check. If caught inside with a possible flu situation, we back out and don our PPE. This is important so that YOU stay protected. Please do not wait for the Fire/Medic to tell you to do it, think for yourself. Safety is everyone's job! We also need your help to spread the word in the community. What "word"? The word is the plan:
* Flu is flu. We neither have the ability nor the need to make a distinction.
* We will look "weird" when we walk in with our new PPE - that is for our safety and so we can continue to serve.
* Many people are going to get sick but only a "few" will need to be flown off and I predict, only a very few will fight for their lives in the hospital
* What should they do now? Get the same supplies we need for any winter. Stock food simple to fix and easy to eat when you feel sick.
*When should they call 911 if they think they have the flu? When they feel dizzy or faint due to loosing fluid from barfing, diarrhea or not drinking fluids or if they have increasing trouble breathing.
We believe many people are going to drive to Sta. 21 and ask "how sick am I?". We are preparing a plan that can be launched quickly to deal with this. However, our real goal is to prepare our community so that the "walk ins" are so few that they are not standing in line waiting to be seen. In addition, we have a plan for lowering their anxienty when we do come into their house as if we are the "death squad". We need your help on that step because nobody needs more angst during this time. What can you do? Start talking to your family in these terms about our plan. Let them know we believe that we should all stay home till our symptoms (all of them) have been gone for 24 hours so we don't get others sick. Then start talking to your friends and neighbors. When you get the blank stares, stop - they can't process it. If they want more info, quiz them gently on what you have told them. Correct their misunderstandings. Nothing is worse than bad information that comes with "The Fire Dept. said.." Thank you so much for helping. ASK any staff member any question. The plan is simple, but it will only work if we use it and start now! Thank you very much.
Finally, at the "All Hands" meeting last night we announced the survey of the Division Chief concept. We promised this when we launched the D/C Program. The survey was the brain-child of the Division Captains but was worked on by all staff members. The three-section survey was sent to you in "link" yesterday and is due by midnight Thursday October 8th. Please take the survey as soon as convenient. It will only take 10 minutes or less in addition to the time it takes for comments. On Friday, October 9th, the three Captains, Rita, Rick and Bob will have the results tabulated by division, so they have a tool for improvement. However, when I see the final results, it will be as a whole, not divided into divisions. No one will know how anyone scored the survey or who made which comment. The entire survey will be presented to the commissioners for their use.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELCentral FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central FF/PM Mark Van Maren – LOA
Soon to join the ranks Beth Wagen. She has taken her WA State EMT Certification test and is awaiting score. After her district entrance papers and EVDT rodeo is complete, we should see a new face in our ranks.
TRAINING – DC PATRICK SHEPLER
4th QUARTER TRAINING INFORMATION There are a lot of changes!
Task Books are going away! You can now check your own transcripts electronically, now with both Target Safety and King County Online. The 4th quarter training schedule is posted on the 4th quarter tri-fold calendars and will be posted on our website in the Members area.
Fourth Quarter Training is posted on the Target Safety site as well as any training you may be delinquent on from third quarter. Get ‘er done.
Requirements: Division Drills: Two per quarter Fire Company Evolutions: One per quarter Run Review: Two per quarter for EMTs and First Responders
EMS-King County Online: This is of course the primary EMT method of continuing education, along with the practical component and Run Reviews. Additional EMS training is at the discretion of our Program Medical Director, Dr. Sullivan (who happens to be also the County medical director or MPD) and DC Shepler. Target Safety: As you know, this is our primary fire division training tool. It provides Fire courses (NFPA), EMS courses both BLS and ALS (CECBEMS*) and Safety Courses (OSHA). 2010 EMT CLASS: Informational meeting November 3rd at 19:00 Interviews will be set after background checks are complete Physical agility test (EMS) and physical examination, drug testing We plan for more applications than positions in the class Text books will be paid for by new students (current members are not subject to this requirement) and their money will be refunded after their successful completion of three months probation.
What is E.R.S.?: It is our computerized data management system. All Run reports (both EMS and Fire) are laboriously entered into ERS, along with all volunteer stipends, duty shifts, drill credits and drill activities.
OPERATIONS – DC VAL HARRIS
Duty Crews: There are lockers available to you in the dorm hallway. Please feel free to claim one if you do a duty shift. As the dorm sheets die their natural deaths, we are not going to replace them. Please consider bringing your own set to keep in your locker.
SAFETY – Lt. CHAD KIMPLE
UCK. A quick review of what is SUPPOSE to go in the RED BIO HAZARD BIN.
• Sharps containers that have been duct taped shut.
• FLU PPE which is already in its little red zip lock bag (gown, mask, gloves and booties). *You can bio-clean your eye wear to use again.
• Items that are soaked with body fluids like gauze, clothing or disposable items.
• Red bagged suction canisters, tubing and suction tips.
Remember, if its juicy or stinky – please double bag it.
FLU RESPONSE OVERVIEW – CAPT. MAXX JONES
As of Oct 1: There have been 154 hospitalizations and 14 deaths in WA State so far, 50 hospitalizations and 6 deaths in BC. In San Juan we have had only sporadic cases so far but schools on both Orcas and Lopez have had absenteeism rates over 10%, which is a fairly good indicator that influenza is in the community. We can expect the flu to arrive and rapidly increase over the next 5-6 weeks with peak illness rates likely in the last two weeks of October. About 30% of population is likely to become ill and about half of them will be ill enough to seek medial evaluation. Most people with influenza can be safely cared for at home but some should seek medical care.
MEDIA – CAPT. MAXX JONES
OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOW OPENPrices have changed to $15 for 10x10 homeowner and $225 for commercial. Homeowners can purchase permits on line or at the front desk. Paul Turner is responsible for commercial permit and appointments are made via the front desk or to Paul directly.
Press Release
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue using Stage 1 Flu procedures plan
The FLU has arrived in the San Juans. Whether it is the seasonal flu or the new H1N1 flu, its all the flu. Flu cases are expected to rapidly increase over the next 5-6 weeks bulk of the cases in the last two weeks of October. As a precaution, volunteers are using extra care to avoid getting sick themselves. “There is a two fold reason for this,” says Division Chief and Paramedic Patrick Shepler. “Number one – we have to stay healthy so we can continue to respond. But equally important, we have to reduce the risk of becoming contagious and passing flu on to another patient.”
“There have been 154 hospitalizations and 14 deaths in WA State so far. San Juan County has had only sporadic cases, but schools on both Orcas and Lopez have had absenteeism rates over 10%, which is a fairly good indicator that influenza is in the community” says Department of Health Medical Director Dr. James.
So the public may notice a few changes. The most obvious will be when EMTs and firefighters arrive on a medical scene. Responders may ask if the patient has flu symptoms like a fever, body or head aches, a sore throat or a cough. They may be wearing a mask similar to those worn by doctors and hospital personnel as well as protective gowns, gloves and even booties. And in many cases, there may be fewer responders in close contact with the patient. This protects both personnel and the public.
Tours of the Eastsound Fire Station have been postponed until further notice. Anyone scheduling the public meeting room has been notified that events may be cancelled without warning if the station needs to close its office due to staffing concerns. Only responding members of the department will be allowed beyond the lobby and public meeting room.
“We need to keep answering the day to day calls. We still have heart attacks, car crashes, fires and other emergencies happening every day and those calls require health responders,” says Maxx Jones (Public Safety & Education as well as firefighter and EMT). “If we all get sick, there will be no one left to answer the call.”
About a third of the population may get sick. About half of those cases will be sick enough to want medical evaluations. Call ahead if you need to see a doctor. There may be special instructions you will need to follow to keep from spreading/catching the flu when around others.
Most flu sufferers can be safely cared for at home but some should seek medical care. The emergency warning signs are difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, severe or persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration like sudden dizziness or confusion. Also, a fever that subsides then returns along with the same flu symptoms. This is the time to call for medical help.
For more information on Flu, go to www.orcasfire.org and click on FLU.
HEALTH & WELLNESS – MIK PREYSZ
Fighting Fall Allergies- Nutritiously! by Beth Smith, MS, RD
As autumn gives way to colorful days and cool, crisp temperatures, seasonal allergies begin to make their presence known as we find ourselves reaching for the box of tissues. There are many remedies for these annoying fall allergies but many of them come with the unpleasant aftermath of side effects like drowsiness and overly dry nasal passages. One thing to consider this time of year is your diet and the ways in which it might bring relief to fall allergies.
Research is showing that one key nutrient, folate, may keep allergic reactions in check and ease the severity of symptoms. Researchers have found that those people with higher levels of folate had fewer allergy symptoms and a lower risk of asthma and wheezing. In both cases, either allergies or asthma, the immune system has an exaggerated response to foreign substances such as dust and pollen, which in turn triggers respiratory troubles. But folic acid may help regulate that response, as well as dampen the airway inflammation at the heart of these conditions.
To get your recommended 400 micrograms of folate daily, boost your intake of folate-rich foods such as broccoli, asparagus, oranges, kidney beans, collard greens, black-eyed peas, spinach, avocado and lentils. There are also fortified cereals and pasta.
Also consider other allergy-easing foods that drive down inflammation and promote immune function. Chief among these are omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants found in fish like salmon, walnuts, fruits and vegetables.
Here is a delicious fall soup that features a variety of folate-rich greens. Enjoy!
Autumn Greens Soup
Boil 1 quart of organic chicken broth; add 1 medium peeled and diced potato, 2 garlic cloves, 2 sliced scallions, and 3 cups mixed chopped greens such as spinach, chard, kale, and tatsoi. Simmer until potatoes are tender, 5-10 minutes. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon into bowls and serve with shaved Parmesan. Serves 4.
Friday Update September 25, 2009
25/09/09 17:00
FRIDAY UPDATE SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
OUTDOOR BURNING OPENS OCTOBER 1
New IMPROVED prices $15 for 10x10 homeowner and $225 for commercial- Paul Turner
SEPT-OCT DRILLS and TRAINING
WED – 14 – EMS Run Review & Basic Skills
King County Practical Night: Wed 30 @ 19:00
END OF QUARTER!!!!!!
ALL-HANDS: OCT 1 Thurs. @ 19:00
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue is in FLU RESPONSE Stage 1. If you missed the emergency all-hands informational meeting on Thursday contact your captain ASAP for info. on medical response changes, door code changes and building security issues. An update will be covered at the ALL HANDS Quarterly Meeting Thursday, Oct.1.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central Mark Van Maren will have an extended LOA till 09/30/2010 as he has been offered a job with King County Medic One and will begin his 1-year training in October. Please wish him well and we will be looking forward to his return.
ADMINSTATION – CAPT. RICK ANDA
On the Volunteer Medical Reimbursement Submittal Form, please list the amount of each invoice or bill in the space provided. We don't need to know the service providers name. This benefit is a reimbursement of expenses you pay, not a flat amount of entitlement, ie $300 or $600 a quarter. Please refer to policy 49 or see Rick Anda for questions.
TRAINING – DC PATRICK SHEPLER
EMS Evaluator Course on Orcas Sat. October 10th 9:15 to 4PM This is a course to allow us to create State Evaluators for the upcoming EMT class and King County Practical. It will be a refreshed for current evaluators. It is also approved for Continuing Education credit and will be an awesome training day hosted by Mike Helbock, author of Sick Not Sick, Dave Zoeller and myself. You do not want to miss this! Please contact me ASAP to attend.
King County Practical Night, September 30th
If you are signed up for and/or planning to attend the King County Practical night, please be sure you have all six of your 2009 classes complete. As I have said before, if you are due to recertify as an EMT this November and you have not completed this process, we’ll have to look to alternative means for recertification; like sending you off-island to a testing center to take the state EMT test; on a computer. If you are not sure if you recertify in November, look at the date on your EMT card.
OPERATIONS – DC VAL HARRIS
Duty Crews: There are lockers available to you in the dorm hallway. Please feel free to claim one if you do a duty shift.
As the dorm sheets die their natural deaths, we are not going to replace them. Please consider bringing your own set to keep in your locker.
Has anyone seen the 2.5 gallon gas can out of the Rescue Truck? If you used it, please return it (with the fuel in it).
Please check your water extinguishers and make sure you DO NOT have the K extinguisher by mistake. If you do, bring it into the station for an exchange.
WELLNESS – DC MIK PREYSZ
I am making a request to all of you for assistance in providing me with Insurance information that you presently have for yourself and your family.
You may have heard some rumors/facts about Insurance and Air Lift Memberships through your Association Members or via discussion throughout the department.
Here is the information I have so far. I approached the Association Board and Members at the last meeting about the feasibility in providing Air Care Memberships for all our members. This would be a joint effort on behalf of SJFPD #2 and the Association. Secondly, the Washington State Fire Chiefs Association is in the process of brokering a deal with an Insurance Company to provide “group insurance membership” for departments that have an active and functional Wellness Program. The details are not clear yet, but I will keep all of you posted about the information and its feasibility for us. I should be hearing more about this before the end of the year.
Since I like being proactive rather than reactive I would like your help by either sending me an e-mail or calling me with the following basic information as soon as you can.
1. What type of insurance do you and your family have;
a. Regular 80/20 type Insurance (PPO, HMO)
b. Higher Deductible insurance
c. Catastrophic Insurance (Only)
2. No Medical Insurance
3. Air Care (ALNW) membership
a. Yes
b. No
Having this information ahead of time will assist in the negotiation process.
Thank you for your help.
PUBLIC EDCUATION – CAPT. MAXX JONES
I am currently teaching FLU PREVENTION in the community and have developed a power point, some hand-outs and have access to several posters etc. If anyone would like these items to use in the community, please let me know and I will get you copies.
Halloween will be on a Saturday this year. Our BE SAFE BE SEEN program has morfed into handing out reflective bracelets and bags on the village green from 4 pm to 6 pm. If you are interested in handing out these goodies to the kids, let me know by Wednesday, October 7th so that I can order the appropriate hand-outs.
A reminder that we are not giving station tours at this time due to the Stage 1 Flu Operational directives.
Meeting Nutrient Needs Within Calorie Goalsby Beth Smith, MS, RD
When it comes to nutrition terms, there are hundreds that flow through our English language almost daily. Some of these terms are worth understanding while others seem to complicate our daily diets. Making the worthy list of terms is one of my favorites: nutrient density. While it sounds a bit scientific, I love this term for its simplicity and importance when meeting dietary goals.
Nutrient density refers to the nutrient content of foods relative to their energy content. In other words, nutrient-dense foods are those foods that provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals and relatively few calories. Foods that are low in nutrient density are foods that supply calories but relatively small amounts of other important nutrients, sometimes none at all. As an example, three Oreo cookies provide the same amount of calories as a medium banana and ½ cup fresh blackberries. Yet as you might guess, the density of nutrients in the fruit is far superior, giving you more true nourishment per calorie. Pretty simple concept!
A helpful analogy for selecting nutrient-dense foods is shopping: most of us look for the best quality we can find, at the lowest price. Because you can only “afford” a certain number of calories each day to maintain a healthy weight, it makes sense to maximize the nutrients you can get for each calorie you consume. Therefore, when making your daily food choices, pick the foods that pack significant nutrients but keep you within your calorie goals.
We often say that vegetables are our “free foods” because they typically come with very few calories yet several important nutrients. Be careful in your preparation of these free foods because frying or serving with heavy sauces can suddenly take away their “free” status. Here is a wonderful recipe that features beets- a vegetable we’ve been seeing quite frequently at the Farmer’s Market. No doubt our local beets stand well alone, but here is an interesting pairing with a healthy vinaigrette. Enjoy!
Beets in Mustard Vinaigrette
1 pound red beets
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons prepared mustard (preferably whole grain or Dijon)
1 medium chopped onion
salt to taste
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar.
Cut the tops off the beets, leaving 1 inch of stems attached. Place the beets in a steamer, bring water to a boil, reduce heat, and steam until the beets can easily be pierced through with a sharp knife, 45 minutes depending on their size. Meanwhile, put the mustard in a bowl and whisk in the vinegar. Then whisk in the olive oil in a steady stream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the onions. When the beets are done, submerge them in several changes of cold water until they are just cool enough to handle. Cut off the roots and tops, slip the skins off, and slice the warm beets into the mustard sauce. Mix well, cover, and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Before serving, mix well and add salt if desired.
MEDIA
Patos Island Fire Department Update
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue members have been donating time to Patos Island under the guise of the informal Patos Island Fire Department since November 2005. The group has a membership of over 60 and has donated well over 1000 hours towards nature habitat restoration, trail/campsite maintenance, building maintenance and brush abatement. A few members recently spent 2 nights and several work hours on trails, campsite and island maintenance, and adding 7 new members as well.
A few members pose with official Patos Island Sign, marking the working coalition between San Juan County, Washington State Parks and The Federal Bureau of Land Management.
OUTDOOR BURNING OPENS OCTOBER 1
New IMPROVED prices $15 for 10x10 homeowner and $225 for commercial- Paul Turner
SEPT-OCT DRILLS and TRAINING
WED – 14 – EMS Run Review & Basic Skills
King County Practical Night: Wed 30 @ 19:00
END OF QUARTER!!!!!!
ALL-HANDS: OCT 1 Thurs. @ 19:00
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue is in FLU RESPONSE Stage 1. If you missed the emergency all-hands informational meeting on Thursday contact your captain ASAP for info. on medical response changes, door code changes and building security issues. An update will be covered at the ALL HANDS Quarterly Meeting Thursday, Oct.1.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
Central Mark Van Maren will have an extended LOA till 09/30/2010 as he has been offered a job with King County Medic One and will begin his 1-year training in October. Please wish him well and we will be looking forward to his return.
ADMINSTATION – CAPT. RICK ANDA
On the Volunteer Medical Reimbursement Submittal Form, please list the amount of each invoice or bill in the space provided. We don't need to know the service providers name. This benefit is a reimbursement of expenses you pay, not a flat amount of entitlement, ie $300 or $600 a quarter. Please refer to policy 49 or see Rick Anda for questions.
TRAINING – DC PATRICK SHEPLER
EMS Evaluator Course on Orcas Sat. October 10th 9:15 to 4PM This is a course to allow us to create State Evaluators for the upcoming EMT class and King County Practical. It will be a refreshed for current evaluators. It is also approved for Continuing Education credit and will be an awesome training day hosted by Mike Helbock, author of Sick Not Sick, Dave Zoeller and myself. You do not want to miss this! Please contact me ASAP to attend.
King County Practical Night, September 30th
If you are signed up for and/or planning to attend the King County Practical night, please be sure you have all six of your 2009 classes complete. As I have said before, if you are due to recertify as an EMT this November and you have not completed this process, we’ll have to look to alternative means for recertification; like sending you off-island to a testing center to take the state EMT test; on a computer. If you are not sure if you recertify in November, look at the date on your EMT card.
OPERATIONS – DC VAL HARRIS
Duty Crews: There are lockers available to you in the dorm hallway. Please feel free to claim one if you do a duty shift.
As the dorm sheets die their natural deaths, we are not going to replace them. Please consider bringing your own set to keep in your locker.
Has anyone seen the 2.5 gallon gas can out of the Rescue Truck? If you used it, please return it (with the fuel in it).
Please check your water extinguishers and make sure you DO NOT have the K extinguisher by mistake. If you do, bring it into the station for an exchange.
WELLNESS – DC MIK PREYSZ
I am making a request to all of you for assistance in providing me with Insurance information that you presently have for yourself and your family.
You may have heard some rumors/facts about Insurance and Air Lift Memberships through your Association Members or via discussion throughout the department.
Here is the information I have so far. I approached the Association Board and Members at the last meeting about the feasibility in providing Air Care Memberships for all our members. This would be a joint effort on behalf of SJFPD #2 and the Association. Secondly, the Washington State Fire Chiefs Association is in the process of brokering a deal with an Insurance Company to provide “group insurance membership” for departments that have an active and functional Wellness Program. The details are not clear yet, but I will keep all of you posted about the information and its feasibility for us. I should be hearing more about this before the end of the year.
Since I like being proactive rather than reactive I would like your help by either sending me an e-mail or calling me with the following basic information as soon as you can.
1. What type of insurance do you and your family have;
a. Regular 80/20 type Insurance (PPO, HMO)
b. Higher Deductible insurance
c. Catastrophic Insurance (Only)
2. No Medical Insurance
3. Air Care (ALNW) membership
a. Yes
b. No
Having this information ahead of time will assist in the negotiation process.
Thank you for your help.
PUBLIC EDCUATION – CAPT. MAXX JONES
I am currently teaching FLU PREVENTION in the community and have developed a power point, some hand-outs and have access to several posters etc. If anyone would like these items to use in the community, please let me know and I will get you copies.
Halloween will be on a Saturday this year. Our BE SAFE BE SEEN program has morfed into handing out reflective bracelets and bags on the village green from 4 pm to 6 pm. If you are interested in handing out these goodies to the kids, let me know by Wednesday, October 7th so that I can order the appropriate hand-outs.
A reminder that we are not giving station tours at this time due to the Stage 1 Flu Operational directives.
Meeting Nutrient Needs Within Calorie Goalsby Beth Smith, MS, RD
When it comes to nutrition terms, there are hundreds that flow through our English language almost daily. Some of these terms are worth understanding while others seem to complicate our daily diets. Making the worthy list of terms is one of my favorites: nutrient density. While it sounds a bit scientific, I love this term for its simplicity and importance when meeting dietary goals.
Nutrient density refers to the nutrient content of foods relative to their energy content. In other words, nutrient-dense foods are those foods that provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals and relatively few calories. Foods that are low in nutrient density are foods that supply calories but relatively small amounts of other important nutrients, sometimes none at all. As an example, three Oreo cookies provide the same amount of calories as a medium banana and ½ cup fresh blackberries. Yet as you might guess, the density of nutrients in the fruit is far superior, giving you more true nourishment per calorie. Pretty simple concept!
A helpful analogy for selecting nutrient-dense foods is shopping: most of us look for the best quality we can find, at the lowest price. Because you can only “afford” a certain number of calories each day to maintain a healthy weight, it makes sense to maximize the nutrients you can get for each calorie you consume. Therefore, when making your daily food choices, pick the foods that pack significant nutrients but keep you within your calorie goals.
We often say that vegetables are our “free foods” because they typically come with very few calories yet several important nutrients. Be careful in your preparation of these free foods because frying or serving with heavy sauces can suddenly take away their “free” status. Here is a wonderful recipe that features beets- a vegetable we’ve been seeing quite frequently at the Farmer’s Market. No doubt our local beets stand well alone, but here is an interesting pairing with a healthy vinaigrette. Enjoy!
Beets in Mustard Vinaigrette
1 pound red beets
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons prepared mustard (preferably whole grain or Dijon)
1 medium chopped onion
salt to taste
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar.
Cut the tops off the beets, leaving 1 inch of stems attached. Place the beets in a steamer, bring water to a boil, reduce heat, and steam until the beets can easily be pierced through with a sharp knife, 45 minutes depending on their size. Meanwhile, put the mustard in a bowl and whisk in the vinegar. Then whisk in the olive oil in a steady stream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the onions. When the beets are done, submerge them in several changes of cold water until they are just cool enough to handle. Cut off the roots and tops, slip the skins off, and slice the warm beets into the mustard sauce. Mix well, cover, and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Before serving, mix well and add salt if desired.
MEDIA
Patos Island Fire Department Update
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue members have been donating time to Patos Island under the guise of the informal Patos Island Fire Department since November 2005. The group has a membership of over 60 and has donated well over 1000 hours towards nature habitat restoration, trail/campsite maintenance, building maintenance and brush abatement. A few members recently spent 2 nights and several work hours on trails, campsite and island maintenance, and adding 7 new members as well.
A few members pose with official Patos Island Sign, marking the working coalition between San Juan County, Washington State Parks and The Federal Bureau of Land Management.
Left to Right: Dave
Mowrey, Maxx Jones, Jeff Jones, Dwight Gus, Seth
Ybarra, Marie Gus, Lindsay Siler and Steven Siler.
MEETING
ROOM INFORMATION
The flu season is now
active and we have been instructed by the County
Health Department to enact our flu response plan. As
stated in our meeting room policy, Orcas fire and
rescue reserves the right to close the public meeting
rooms if a risk to the public is identified. This may
result in short notice that the room you reserved
will not be available. Tours of the department
facility will also be postponed until further notice.
As of today, the County Health Department states we
are at stage one of the flu response plan. If and
when stage two is confirmed, we do close the doors of
Orcas Fire and Rescue to the public.
Friday Update September 18, 2009
18/09/09 22:06
FRIDAY UPDATE SEPTEMBER 18, 2009
SEPT-OCT DRILLS and TRAINING
Rescue Division Drill: Thurs. 24 @ 19:00
King County Practical Night: Wed 30 @ 19:00
END OF QUARTER!!!!!!
ALL-HANDS: OCT 1 Thurs. @ 19:00
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Flu Procedures Have Begun
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue went to FLU RESPONSE Procedures as of Wednesday, as a precaution for the possible increase in both seasonal and H1N1 flu cases. The emergency all-hands informational meeting on Thursday was well attended. Information on medical response changes, door code changes and building security issues were covered. If you missed the meeting, please contact your Division Captain for information.
WELLNESS DIVISION – Mik Preyzs
Due to the initiation of our Flu plan by Dr. Frank James, our County Health Officer, and the informational data relayed in our all hands Emergency Department Meeting held last night, we regret the cancellation for our Friday October 2, Wellness Potluck Dinner. This does not mean we need to stop sending recipes in, it means we are going to delay our dinner until January 2010. Jaylin and I have received some wonderful recipes to for our 2010 OIFR Volunteer Cook Book we would like to get published in the first half of next year. So, please keep submitting your recipes in the areas of appetizer, main course, side dishes, salads, and desert, please do not forget about soups and baked goods. Also, keep looking in the Friday update for recipes, information and the first of our 2010 Quarterly epicurean delight evening starting in January.
Flu shots offered again on Monday September 21, 19:00 at station 21 for those of you members and family that wish to receive them. This time it will be a first come first serve basis and as before, it is free for all members and auxiliary with a $14 charge for family members. However, you will be responsible to e-mail me about your attendance and how many family members request the vaccine or we may not have enough on hand. Another reminder, this is the vaccine for the “SEASONAL FLU not SWINE FLU (N1H1)” and the latter will not be available until late in October.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
DC Patrick SHepler will be out of the office until the 21st.
WILDLAND DIVISION-Capt. Maxx Jones
It has been an amazing season so far with more actual WILDLAND FIRE in the last 4 months than over the last several years combined. Historically, our annual fire responses are nearly 75% “out door “ fire issues, which include smoke checks, illegal burning, reports of fire as well as actual wildland and interface (threaten structures).
Our 2009 training and response truly reflects this statistic. The district has a whole has embraced the “wild” land side with annual training for all firefighters in some aspect of wildland fire. Our redcard team has grown to 23 members, 9 of those new this season. Plus, 4 members are EMS with wildland fire cross-training!
A recap of our this fire season:
6-10: Illegal Burning - Barbara Ann Interface Fire in Westsound
6-17: Escaped Fire - Deer Pt. Interface Fire
7-19: Illegal Burning - Wildland Fire at 4-Winds Camp
7-26: Lightning Strike -Trout Lake Wildland Fire off of Dolphin Bay Road
7-27: Lightning Strike - Interface Fire near Home in Highlands
9-04: Escaped Fire – Buddha Interface Fire off Markov Lane
The season is not over yet, especially with a warm up predicted for next week plus a historical trend for dry fall seasons. So don’t put that wildland gear away yet…
WELLNESS - Sugar Overload by Beth Smith, MS, RD
Americans eat a staggering 150 pounds of sugar a year, far more than the 10 per cent or less of our calorie intake per day that’s recommended. Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are found in soda and candy, as you’d expect- but they also hide in ketchup, spaghetti sauce, salad dressings, marinades, crackers, gravy, and some soups, cereal, bread, flavored waters, and fat-free products.
A condition known as prediabetes is becoming more and more of a reality for many people. Not that increased sugar consumption is the cause for this condition; it certainly influences the quality of the diet and thus the overall calorie intake. Increased calorie intake with no physical activity often leads to obesity. Making the calories you consume the most nutrient dense and avoiding the added sugar is essential to a healthy weight.
Prediabetes or elevated blood sugar level is quickly becoming the silent epidemic. Most people don’t realize their blood sugar is elevated so having your physician check your blood glucose level is wise. The good news is that in many cases, the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a few lifestyle changes. How?
First of all, losing 7 percent of your body weight will significantly impact this condition. In fact, it impacts several other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension since obesity is a major risk factor for these diseases.
Second, get moving! Exercise does more than just help control weight. It also increases muscle mass and healthier muscle is more responsive to insulin, lowering blood glucose levels. The goal is 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity five days per week along with 20 -30 minutes of resistance training one to two days a week.
Of course eating smarter is another obvious step to take. Balance your plate in such a way that half of it is nonstarchy vegetables (broccoli, green beans), one-quarter starch and one quarter protein (plant-based is always a good option). By choosing more vegetables and whole grains, more fiber is introduced into the diet and this helps to regulate blood glucose levels. Interestingly, certain spices used in your cooking may influence blood glucose levels. Herbs and spices like basil, cloves, cumin, ginger, turmeric and garlic may help manage blood glucose levels. Cinnamon appears to be particularly helpful in slowing sugar uptake and helping insulin receptors in the body work more effectively.
Seems overwhelming to make these lifestyle changes but the small changes you make every day add up to big, important changes over time. Staying healthy is a process and one that always needs fine-tuning for a lifetime.
MEDIA
MEETING ROOM INFORMATION
The flu season is now active and we have been instructed by the County Health Department to enact our flu response plan. As stated in our meeting room policy, Orcas fire and rescue reserves the right to close the public meeting rooms if a risk to the public is identified. This may result in short notice that the room you reserved will not be available. Tours of the department facility will also be postponed until further notice. As of today, the County Health Department states we are at stage one of the flu response plan. If and when stage two is confirmed, we do close the doors of Orcas Fire and Rescue to the public.
SEPT-OCT DRILLS and TRAINING
Rescue Division Drill: Thurs. 24 @ 19:00
King County Practical Night: Wed 30 @ 19:00
END OF QUARTER!!!!!!
ALL-HANDS: OCT 1 Thurs. @ 19:00
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Flu Procedures Have Begun
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue went to FLU RESPONSE Procedures as of Wednesday, as a precaution for the possible increase in both seasonal and H1N1 flu cases. The emergency all-hands informational meeting on Thursday was well attended. Information on medical response changes, door code changes and building security issues were covered. If you missed the meeting, please contact your Division Captain for information.
WELLNESS DIVISION – Mik Preyzs
Due to the initiation of our Flu plan by Dr. Frank James, our County Health Officer, and the informational data relayed in our all hands Emergency Department Meeting held last night, we regret the cancellation for our Friday October 2, Wellness Potluck Dinner. This does not mean we need to stop sending recipes in, it means we are going to delay our dinner until January 2010. Jaylin and I have received some wonderful recipes to for our 2010 OIFR Volunteer Cook Book we would like to get published in the first half of next year. So, please keep submitting your recipes in the areas of appetizer, main course, side dishes, salads, and desert, please do not forget about soups and baked goods. Also, keep looking in the Friday update for recipes, information and the first of our 2010 Quarterly epicurean delight evening starting in January.
Flu shots offered again on Monday September 21, 19:00 at station 21 for those of you members and family that wish to receive them. This time it will be a first come first serve basis and as before, it is free for all members and auxiliary with a $14 charge for family members. However, you will be responsible to e-mail me about your attendance and how many family members request the vaccine or we may not have enough on hand. Another reminder, this is the vaccine for the “SEASONAL FLU not SWINE FLU (N1H1)” and the latter will not be available until late in October.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
DC Patrick SHepler will be out of the office until the 21st.
WILDLAND DIVISION-Capt. Maxx Jones
It has been an amazing season so far with more actual WILDLAND FIRE in the last 4 months than over the last several years combined. Historically, our annual fire responses are nearly 75% “out door “ fire issues, which include smoke checks, illegal burning, reports of fire as well as actual wildland and interface (threaten structures).
Our 2009 training and response truly reflects this statistic. The district has a whole has embraced the “wild” land side with annual training for all firefighters in some aspect of wildland fire. Our redcard team has grown to 23 members, 9 of those new this season. Plus, 4 members are EMS with wildland fire cross-training!
A recap of our this fire season:
6-10: Illegal Burning - Barbara Ann Interface Fire in Westsound
6-17: Escaped Fire - Deer Pt. Interface Fire
7-19: Illegal Burning - Wildland Fire at 4-Winds Camp
7-26: Lightning Strike -Trout Lake Wildland Fire off of Dolphin Bay Road
7-27: Lightning Strike - Interface Fire near Home in Highlands
9-04: Escaped Fire – Buddha Interface Fire off Markov Lane
The season is not over yet, especially with a warm up predicted for next week plus a historical trend for dry fall seasons. So don’t put that wildland gear away yet…
WELLNESS - Sugar Overload by Beth Smith, MS, RD
Americans eat a staggering 150 pounds of sugar a year, far more than the 10 per cent or less of our calorie intake per day that’s recommended. Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are found in soda and candy, as you’d expect- but they also hide in ketchup, spaghetti sauce, salad dressings, marinades, crackers, gravy, and some soups, cereal, bread, flavored waters, and fat-free products.
A condition known as prediabetes is becoming more and more of a reality for many people. Not that increased sugar consumption is the cause for this condition; it certainly influences the quality of the diet and thus the overall calorie intake. Increased calorie intake with no physical activity often leads to obesity. Making the calories you consume the most nutrient dense and avoiding the added sugar is essential to a healthy weight.
Prediabetes or elevated blood sugar level is quickly becoming the silent epidemic. Most people don’t realize their blood sugar is elevated so having your physician check your blood glucose level is wise. The good news is that in many cases, the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a few lifestyle changes. How?
First of all, losing 7 percent of your body weight will significantly impact this condition. In fact, it impacts several other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension since obesity is a major risk factor for these diseases.
Second, get moving! Exercise does more than just help control weight. It also increases muscle mass and healthier muscle is more responsive to insulin, lowering blood glucose levels. The goal is 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity five days per week along with 20 -30 minutes of resistance training one to two days a week.
Of course eating smarter is another obvious step to take. Balance your plate in such a way that half of it is nonstarchy vegetables (broccoli, green beans), one-quarter starch and one quarter protein (plant-based is always a good option). By choosing more vegetables and whole grains, more fiber is introduced into the diet and this helps to regulate blood glucose levels. Interestingly, certain spices used in your cooking may influence blood glucose levels. Herbs and spices like basil, cloves, cumin, ginger, turmeric and garlic may help manage blood glucose levels. Cinnamon appears to be particularly helpful in slowing sugar uptake and helping insulin receptors in the body work more effectively.
Seems overwhelming to make these lifestyle changes but the small changes you make every day add up to big, important changes over time. Staying healthy is a process and one that always needs fine-tuning for a lifetime.
MEDIA
MEETING ROOM INFORMATION
The flu season is now active and we have been instructed by the County Health Department to enact our flu response plan. As stated in our meeting room policy, Orcas fire and rescue reserves the right to close the public meeting rooms if a risk to the public is identified. This may result in short notice that the room you reserved will not be available. Tours of the department facility will also be postponed until further notice. As of today, the County Health Department states we are at stage one of the flu response plan. If and when stage two is confirmed, we do close the doors of Orcas Fire and Rescue to the public.
Friday Update September 11, 2009
11/09/09 18:42
Friday Update September 11, 2009Today,
we honoured the fallen firefighters from 9/11 with a
flag-planting by the Orcas Christian School and
Honour Roll Call. Some pictures are attached to
this email, and more are available here at the
station.
SEPTEMBER DRILLS and TRAININGDivision Drill: September 17, 2009 19:00
Rescue Division Drill: September 24, 2009 19:00
King County Practical Night: September 30, 2009 19:00
October 1st, All Hands Informational Meeting
TRAINING DIVISION-D/C Patrick Shepler
Recertification:
EMTs and First Responders
You must have all your King County training complete if you are due to recertify this November. Check your card to see if this is YOU.
NIMS, Radio Communications Drill
If you still need NIMS 100a, 200a or 700a contact Patrick Shepler S-190If you are a firefighter and are not exempt by the Wildland Division, you must also take all four S-190 modules this quarter. Start early! They are very comprehensive. They have sound and video. Don't feel bad; I had to take the module 2 quiz twice! Good luck!
Thanks and be safe,
Patrick
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA WELLNESS DIVISION-D/C Mik Preysz
We poked quite a few folks for the Regular Flu Vaccine on September 9. There are still spots available on September 14th. Just to keep everyone in the know, this is for the garden variety Flu; the Federal Government has cornered the market on the H1N1 vaccine. And you will only need one shot. Let Lindsay know if you still would like to attend.
Mark your calendars…The next Wellness Dinner will be on October 2, at 7:00. This will be a Smorgasbord-style dinner, with everyone bringing a Wellness Entrée of your choice, with enough to feed whomever you bring. The Association has graciously agreed to reimburse members for the cost of ingredients, up to $25. Email your recipes in so we can print them out for everyone to see…and munch…and savor…!
Steven W. Siler, NREMT-B
SEPTEMBER DRILLS and TRAININGDivision Drill: September 17, 2009 19:00
Rescue Division Drill: September 24, 2009 19:00
King County Practical Night: September 30, 2009 19:00
October 1st, All Hands Informational Meeting
TRAINING DIVISION-D/C Patrick Shepler
Recertification:
EMTs and First Responders
You must have all your King County training complete if you are due to recertify this November. Check your card to see if this is YOU.
NIMS, Radio Communications Drill
If you still need NIMS 100a, 200a or 700a contact Patrick Shepler S-190If you are a firefighter and are not exempt by the Wildland Division, you must also take all four S-190 modules this quarter. Start early! They are very comprehensive. They have sound and video. Don't feel bad; I had to take the module 2 quiz twice! Good luck!
Thanks and be safe,
Patrick
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNEL
Central FF/EMT Carl Colburn – LOA Westside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA WELLNESS DIVISION-D/C Mik Preysz
We poked quite a few folks for the Regular Flu Vaccine on September 9. There are still spots available on September 14th. Just to keep everyone in the know, this is for the garden variety Flu; the Federal Government has cornered the market on the H1N1 vaccine. And you will only need one shot. Let Lindsay know if you still would like to attend.
Mark your calendars…The next Wellness Dinner will be on October 2, at 7:00. This will be a Smorgasbord-style dinner, with everyone bringing a Wellness Entrée of your choice, with enough to feed whomever you bring. The Association has graciously agreed to reimburse members for the cost of ingredients, up to $25. Email your recipes in so we can print them out for everyone to see…and munch…and savor…!
Steven W. Siler, NREMT-B
Friday Update August 28, 2009
28/08/09 17:19
Friday Update August 28, 2009SEPTEMBER
DRILLS and TRAININGRun Review: September 3,
2009 19:00 (Note that this is
Thursday)
Division Drill: September 17, 2009 19:00
Rescue Division Drill: September 24, 2009 19:00
King County Practical Night: September 30, 2009 19:00
TRAINING DIVISION-D/C Patrick Shepler
Training Run Review:
Due to scheduling conflicts, September Run Review is scheduled for Thursday, September 3rd at 7PM. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Hope to see you there!
Online Training:
You will notice that there was no Fire Company Evolution drill scheduled for the third quarter. This was by design because it is summertime and so that you have more time to complete the online requirements of the quarter.
If you are having any difficulty, please don’t wait to the eleventh hour to ask for help. Just e-mail him at harvey_rich@hotmail.com
Fourth Quarter All Hands Meeting
Fourth Quarter All Hands Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 1st at the usual time.
Thanks and be safe,
Patrick
OPERATIONS DIVISION-D/C Val Harris
There is a PDF letter attached to this email. Once our I.T. works out bugs in the OCR Software, we will be able to put the text directly into the email!
RESCUE DIVISION-Lt. Rich Harvey
Please e-mail Lt. Rich Harvey if you are interested in taking a “Chain Saw Class”. This will be a class tailored for Orcas Island’s annual winter emergency season. It will be great information for off-duty home operations too. It will be a two night course with some practical skills scheduled from there.
DIVISION REPORTS
PERSONNELCentral FF/EMT Carl Coburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA WILDLAND UPDATEThere is a great photo of where Maxx and Jeff are at. Last photo was of Jeff & crew member Matt Aston.
This is the home with Matt Aston's back. The Chronicle from Okanogan has a big spread on fire with this house on cover, where I am on some interior page as lookout. Sadly, we have been demobb ed and are on the way back to the Rock! See you soon!
Maxx
WELLNESS DIVISION-Plum Perfect by Beth Smith, MS, RD
On one of my recent Saturday strolls through our local farmers’ market, I noticed the abundance of fresh plums now in season here on our island. When you think of a healthy fruit, visions of a fresh plum may not come to mind, but this rather modest looking fruit may have more health value than previously recognized. Often relegated to play second fiddle to such trendy superfruits as the acai berry, pomegranate, and blueberry, the plum is taking on a new importance of its own.
The latest research is surprising scientists as they discover the plum has at least as much, if not more, antioxidant power than the blueberry, which has been the antioxidant poster child for years. Specifically, researchers looked at how the compounds in plums would interact with breast cancer cells in the laboratory. Encouragingly, they found that the unique phytonutrients contained in plums stopped the growth of breast cancer cells without harming normal cells.
Plums also have phytonutrient components that many other fruits lack and these components specifically help to offset damage created by menacing free radicals. They also appear to moderate the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal which may have favorable effects on blood sugar levels. Plums are also high in vitamins A and C as well as a good source of potassium which helps to control blood pressure levels. Very exciting research!
The best part of this story is that plums are much less expensive than most of the high powered superfruits. You can find fresh plums; or you can purchase them in their dried form, as prunes.
One word of caution, plums contain oxalates. If you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, it may be best to avoid eating plums. There’s also some thought that oxalates can decrease the absorption of calcium by the body, although this isn’t generally a problem for most people.
So, the next time you’re looking for an inexpensive fruit to jazz up your diet, don’t forget about the health benefits of plums. And, have a plum perfect day!
Division Drill: September 17, 2009 19:00
Rescue Division Drill: September 24, 2009 19:00
King County Practical Night: September 30, 2009 19:00
TRAINING DIVISION-D/C Patrick Shepler
Training Run Review:
Due to scheduling conflicts, September Run Review is scheduled for Thursday, September 3rd at 7PM. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Hope to see you there!
Online Training:
You will notice that there was no Fire Company Evolution drill scheduled for the third quarter. This was by design because it is summertime and so that you have more time to complete the online requirements of the quarter.
If you are having any difficulty, please don’t wait to the eleventh hour to ask for help. Just e-mail him at harvey_rich@hotmail.com
Fourth Quarter All Hands Meeting
Fourth Quarter All Hands Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 1st at the usual time.
Thanks and be safe,
Patrick
OPERATIONS DIVISION-D/C Val Harris
There is a PDF letter attached to this email. Once our I.T. works out bugs in the OCR Software, we will be able to put the text directly into the email!
RESCUE DIVISION-Lt. Rich Harvey
Please e-mail Lt. Rich Harvey if you are interested in taking a “Chain Saw Class”. This will be a class tailored for Orcas Island’s annual winter emergency season. It will be great information for off-duty home operations too. It will be a two night course with some practical skills scheduled from there.
DIVISION REPORTS
PERSONNELCentral FF/EMT Carl Coburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA WILDLAND UPDATEThere is a great photo of where Maxx and Jeff are at. Last photo was of Jeff & crew member Matt Aston.
This is the home with Matt Aston's back. The Chronicle from Okanogan has a big spread on fire with this house on cover, where I am on some interior page as lookout. Sadly, we have been demobb ed and are on the way back to the Rock! See you soon!
Maxx
WELLNESS DIVISION-Plum Perfect by Beth Smith, MS, RD
On one of my recent Saturday strolls through our local farmers’ market, I noticed the abundance of fresh plums now in season here on our island. When you think of a healthy fruit, visions of a fresh plum may not come to mind, but this rather modest looking fruit may have more health value than previously recognized. Often relegated to play second fiddle to such trendy superfruits as the acai berry, pomegranate, and blueberry, the plum is taking on a new importance of its own.
The latest research is surprising scientists as they discover the plum has at least as much, if not more, antioxidant power than the blueberry, which has been the antioxidant poster child for years. Specifically, researchers looked at how the compounds in plums would interact with breast cancer cells in the laboratory. Encouragingly, they found that the unique phytonutrients contained in plums stopped the growth of breast cancer cells without harming normal cells.
Plums also have phytonutrient components that many other fruits lack and these components specifically help to offset damage created by menacing free radicals. They also appear to moderate the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal which may have favorable effects on blood sugar levels. Plums are also high in vitamins A and C as well as a good source of potassium which helps to control blood pressure levels. Very exciting research!
The best part of this story is that plums are much less expensive than most of the high powered superfruits. You can find fresh plums; or you can purchase them in their dried form, as prunes.
One word of caution, plums contain oxalates. If you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, it may be best to avoid eating plums. There’s also some thought that oxalates can decrease the absorption of calcium by the body, although this isn’t generally a problem for most people.
So, the next time you’re looking for an inexpensive fruit to jazz up your diet, don’t forget about the health benefits of plums. And, have a plum perfect day!
Friday Update August 21, 2009
20/08/09 17:01
FRIDAY UPDATE AUGUST 21, 2009
AUGUST DRILLS and TRAINING27 Thurs Rescue Division Drill From DC SheplerWe want to remind everyone that Target Safety (www.targetsafety.com) has our online training classes. I mention this because half of our membership has not even logged in to take advantage of this wealth o’ knowledge, or more importantly, the path that leads to Medical Reimbursements! Trust your Training Chief; once you get started, it is addicting, but without all the nasty side effects.
GARTH EIMERS RETIREMENT DINNERAnother incredible event planned, prepared, and presented by Captain Rita Harvey! The food was delicious, and since there was hardly a Tupperware of leftovers, apparently was enjoyed by the large crowd who attended. Thank you so much for showing your appreciation to Garth with your stories and support, and to everyone who helped make this happen.
FROM THE CHIEF…The dinner was a grand affair, and thank you to everyone who was involved. But apparently no good deed goes unpunished. This weekend, my laptop and computer bag (containing my passport and other travel documents) went on a LOA out of my office, and have yet to come back home. And I do not expect them to. Let me make clear that NO SENSITIVE DOCUMENTS were on the computer, and legal remedies have been taken to facilitate its return. What concerns me most is not this incident itself, but the insinuations and ramifications that it carries for our department. We are a transparent organization, with both trust and responsibility readily given. Simply stated, this act undermines this balance.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELCentral FF/EMT Carl Coburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA WILDLAND UPDATEMaxx and Jeff Jones are still carrying the OIFR flag valiantly against all dangers in Idaho. There are a couple of cool pictures attached to this email of where they are at!
WELLNESS DIVISION-Snacking Away Hunger by Beth Smith, MS, RD
Every good dieting plan starts with healthy intentions, but often times the plan takes a wrong turn as we begin restricting calories hoping to see a significant weight loss. This practice results in a continuous struggle every time you arrive at the dining room table facing hunger and dissatisfaction knowing that inevitably you’ll overeat.
One of the best remedies to curb hunger and the subsequent overeating is to add snacks into your daily diet. Reach for a small, high protein snack instead of delaying any eating until mealtime. Protein is the fastest nutrient for shutting off the hunger mechanism in your brain. Good examples of high protein snacks are string cheese and a high-fiber Wasa Crispbread, a hard-boiled egg or a leftover piece of chicken.
Most important is keeping portion sizes moderate. Snacks should only constitute about 100 to 150 calories. It doesn’t take much to reach those limits. If you choose to eat meat, the portion size is only about the size of a tube of lipstick. That amount is enough to take the edge off hunger. Eat slowly and give your brain time to register that you’ve eaten. Plan to have your healthy, high-protein snack three hours after lunch. That way, when dinner arrives, you’re less likely to overeat.
Here’s a tasty smoothie that features wonderful blueberries, which are readily available these days. The best part…it’s only 68 calories! Combine this smoothie with a handful of almonds and say good-bye to hunger.
Berrylicious Smoothie
½ cup chilled skim milk
¼ cup blueberries
¼ tsp honey
Blend these ingredients together and enjoy!
Steven W. Siler, NREMT-B
Orcas Fire and Rescue
Eastsound, WA 98245
(360) 376-2331 Station
(206) 312-4692 Voicemail
www.orcasfire.org
AUGUST DRILLS and TRAINING27 Thurs Rescue Division Drill From DC SheplerWe want to remind everyone that Target Safety (www.targetsafety.com) has our online training classes. I mention this because half of our membership has not even logged in to take advantage of this wealth o’ knowledge, or more importantly, the path that leads to Medical Reimbursements! Trust your Training Chief; once you get started, it is addicting, but without all the nasty side effects.
GARTH EIMERS RETIREMENT DINNERAnother incredible event planned, prepared, and presented by Captain Rita Harvey! The food was delicious, and since there was hardly a Tupperware of leftovers, apparently was enjoyed by the large crowd who attended. Thank you so much for showing your appreciation to Garth with your stories and support, and to everyone who helped make this happen.
FROM THE CHIEF…The dinner was a grand affair, and thank you to everyone who was involved. But apparently no good deed goes unpunished. This weekend, my laptop and computer bag (containing my passport and other travel documents) went on a LOA out of my office, and have yet to come back home. And I do not expect them to. Let me make clear that NO SENSITIVE DOCUMENTS were on the computer, and legal remedies have been taken to facilitate its return. What concerns me most is not this incident itself, but the insinuations and ramifications that it carries for our department. We are a transparent organization, with both trust and responsibility readily given. Simply stated, this act undermines this balance.
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELCentral FF/EMT Carl Coburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA WILDLAND UPDATEMaxx and Jeff Jones are still carrying the OIFR flag valiantly against all dangers in Idaho. There are a couple of cool pictures attached to this email of where they are at!
WELLNESS DIVISION-Snacking Away Hunger by Beth Smith, MS, RD
Every good dieting plan starts with healthy intentions, but often times the plan takes a wrong turn as we begin restricting calories hoping to see a significant weight loss. This practice results in a continuous struggle every time you arrive at the dining room table facing hunger and dissatisfaction knowing that inevitably you’ll overeat.
One of the best remedies to curb hunger and the subsequent overeating is to add snacks into your daily diet. Reach for a small, high protein snack instead of delaying any eating until mealtime. Protein is the fastest nutrient for shutting off the hunger mechanism in your brain. Good examples of high protein snacks are string cheese and a high-fiber Wasa Crispbread, a hard-boiled egg or a leftover piece of chicken.
Most important is keeping portion sizes moderate. Snacks should only constitute about 100 to 150 calories. It doesn’t take much to reach those limits. If you choose to eat meat, the portion size is only about the size of a tube of lipstick. That amount is enough to take the edge off hunger. Eat slowly and give your brain time to register that you’ve eaten. Plan to have your healthy, high-protein snack three hours after lunch. That way, when dinner arrives, you’re less likely to overeat.
Here’s a tasty smoothie that features wonderful blueberries, which are readily available these days. The best part…it’s only 68 calories! Combine this smoothie with a handful of almonds and say good-bye to hunger.
Berrylicious Smoothie
½ cup chilled skim milk
¼ cup blueberries
¼ tsp honey
Blend these ingredients together and enjoy!
Steven W. Siler, NREMT-B
Orcas Fire and Rescue
Eastsound, WA 98245
(360) 376-2331 Station
(206) 312-4692 Voicemail
www.orcasfire.org
Friday Update August 14, 2009
14/08/09 17:36
FRIDAY UPDATE AUGUST 14, 2009AUGUST
DRILLS and TRAINING20
Thurs
Division
Drill27
Thurs
Rescue
Division Drill
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELCentral FF/EMT Carl Coburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
We heartily welcome back Eastside FF/EMT Ted McKey from LOA!
WILDLAND UPDATE-From Captain Maxx JonesJeff and I have 602, the Targhee brush truck in Idaho – waiting for a chance to go fight fire. We got a chance to see some “after action” in Utah when the team was dispatched to the Big Pole Fire, 25 miles West of Salt Lake City. A lightning strike fire of 200 acres suddenly blew up to a whooping 44,000 acres when an unexpected event brought 60 mile an hour winds across the fire, driving it across the hills and over the top in less than 16 hours. Owner Eddy Wright, arrived on scene with his 3000 Attack Tender to put out one structure and save 2 others on the way to the front lines. His other Engine worked on structural protection and water supply. Jeff and I arrived in time to trade out for the last day, working with 2 hand crews to supply water and stand by. We didn’t see much action but the scenery was stunning. Right now we’re hanging out on the back 40 of an old farm in Idaho Falls, waxing the engine, doing the sites and checking the cell phone every hour for a missed dispatch. At least it is sunny and hot – the 90’s cooling down to the 70’s with approaching thunder storms. Stay tuned for the next exciting update.
ASSOCIATION NEWS The Firefighter/EMS Association elected Rich Harvey as President and Dave Mowrey as Vice President. The public response to the Association’s T-shirts has been very strong, and it is time to order new ones. If anyone has an idea for a shirt (with the words “I support the…OIFR), there will be a contest to pick a new design. Entries must be received by the September Association meeting, and the winner will receive a $100 gift certificate! Sharpen up those pens!
WELLNESS- A Sweet Summer Treat Beth Smith, MS, RD
After a summer vacation in the Midwest, I can’t help but write about the virtues of corn. Nothing goes better with the summer bar-b-q than sweet corn. So what does corn have that makes it a healthy choice?
Corn is a decent source of vitamin B1, B5, C, E, folic acid, magnesium and phosphorus. It is considered to be low in protein, due to the minimal content of the amino acids lysine and tryptophan. On the contrary, it is a good source of complex carbohydrate, fiber, and healthful essential fatty acids. The various flavonoids and carotenes contained in corn are responsible for the different colors of its different varieties. The colors valued by Native Americans include, pink, black, red, and blue. There are varieties with stripes and spots. In fact, I spotted a few of these heirloom varieties at our local farmers’ market. Yellow corn is high in the carotenoid, lutein. The lutein in yellow corn and yellow corn food products can protect against heart disease and macular degeneration of the eye.
As with all healthy foods, the things we often do to them either during cooking or after can quickly diminish their nutritional qualities. A nice alternative to butter on corn is extra virgin olive oil. When corn is fresh, the flavor needs little enhancing. A quick brushing of olive oil with a sprinkling of cracked pepper is all that’s needed. Think also about the way in which you prepare corn. Grilling in the husk works beautifully. Simply soak the corn with husk in water prior to grilling. This allows the corn to steam nicely within the husk as it cooks on the grill. Depending on the grill temperature, it takes a rather short time to cook- anywhere from 7-8 minutes while continually turning.
How do you get the benefits of corn when it's not mid-summer and corn on the cob is not plentiful? You can still get the benefits of corn from corn that has been frozen when it is fresh. I always recommend keeping a bag of frozen corn on hand. Try corn as side dish sautéed with green chilies and onions. Add frozen corn to soup, chili and chowder. Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Think about polenta next time instead of pasta.
Grilled Scallops over Corn Salad
1 lb. large sea scallops ½ tsp chili powder
½ cup orange juice 1 bunch scallions
1 lime, juiced, divided 2 Tbs. canola oil
¼ tsp. kosher salt 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
¼ cup mayonnaise 4 cups red leaf lettuce
4 corn cobs 2 oz. unsalted tortilla chips
Gently toss the scallops with the orange juice and half the lime juice. In a medium bowl, make a dressing by mixing the remaining lime juice with the salt, mayonnaise and chili powder. Remove the scallops from the marinade and discard the marinade. Brush the scallops, corn and scallions with the oil. Grill the corn and scallions over moderate heat until they are tender and slightly charred. Grill the scallops until cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side. When the vegetables are cool enough to handle, cut the corn from the cob and chop the scallions. Toss the vegetables and tomatoes with the dressing. Arrange the lettuce on a platter or individual plates. Top with the corn salad and scallops. Serve with tortilla chips. HEALTH AND WELLNESS-Div. Chief Mik Preysz
Thanks to the eagle-eye vision and healthwise diligence of Captain Bob Nutt seeing this article…
It appears that the CDC’s recommendation for the 2009 Flu Season will be three separate vaccines, the 1st being the regular vaccine already being produced for this fall, to be given as soon as possible. The other two vaccines are in the testing phase and will be delivered later this fall.
Orcas Island Fire Department has placed our order and will be receiving our quota from each group as soon as they are distributed. With this in mind, I would like to have an approximate count on how many members and how many family members are planning to take advantage, as in the past, of the flu vaccine when we receive them.
Therefore, it is very important for you to get informed and e-mail me (mikp@orcasfire.org) the #s for you and your family that plan to get the flu vaccine and if getting all three. We will be administering the vaccines to members (free) and their immediate family members (at cost, ages 6 and older) as soon as we receive them.
If by chance, you should forget to E-mail me or change your mind about receiving the vaccine II will make every effort to get additional vaccines if available.
Here are two links to help you get informed about the Flu and the Vaccines Available.
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/latestheadlines/story/1018492.html
http://www.cdc.gov/flu
Steven W. Siler, NREMT-B
DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELCentral FF/EMT Carl Coburn – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA
We heartily welcome back Eastside FF/EMT Ted McKey from LOA!
WILDLAND UPDATE-From Captain Maxx JonesJeff and I have 602, the Targhee brush truck in Idaho – waiting for a chance to go fight fire. We got a chance to see some “after action” in Utah when the team was dispatched to the Big Pole Fire, 25 miles West of Salt Lake City. A lightning strike fire of 200 acres suddenly blew up to a whooping 44,000 acres when an unexpected event brought 60 mile an hour winds across the fire, driving it across the hills and over the top in less than 16 hours. Owner Eddy Wright, arrived on scene with his 3000 Attack Tender to put out one structure and save 2 others on the way to the front lines. His other Engine worked on structural protection and water supply. Jeff and I arrived in time to trade out for the last day, working with 2 hand crews to supply water and stand by. We didn’t see much action but the scenery was stunning. Right now we’re hanging out on the back 40 of an old farm in Idaho Falls, waxing the engine, doing the sites and checking the cell phone every hour for a missed dispatch. At least it is sunny and hot – the 90’s cooling down to the 70’s with approaching thunder storms. Stay tuned for the next exciting update.
ASSOCIATION NEWS The Firefighter/EMS Association elected Rich Harvey as President and Dave Mowrey as Vice President. The public response to the Association’s T-shirts has been very strong, and it is time to order new ones. If anyone has an idea for a shirt (with the words “I support the…OIFR), there will be a contest to pick a new design. Entries must be received by the September Association meeting, and the winner will receive a $100 gift certificate! Sharpen up those pens!
WELLNESS- A Sweet Summer Treat Beth Smith, MS, RD
After a summer vacation in the Midwest, I can’t help but write about the virtues of corn. Nothing goes better with the summer bar-b-q than sweet corn. So what does corn have that makes it a healthy choice?
Corn is a decent source of vitamin B1, B5, C, E, folic acid, magnesium and phosphorus. It is considered to be low in protein, due to the minimal content of the amino acids lysine and tryptophan. On the contrary, it is a good source of complex carbohydrate, fiber, and healthful essential fatty acids. The various flavonoids and carotenes contained in corn are responsible for the different colors of its different varieties. The colors valued by Native Americans include, pink, black, red, and blue. There are varieties with stripes and spots. In fact, I spotted a few of these heirloom varieties at our local farmers’ market. Yellow corn is high in the carotenoid, lutein. The lutein in yellow corn and yellow corn food products can protect against heart disease and macular degeneration of the eye.
As with all healthy foods, the things we often do to them either during cooking or after can quickly diminish their nutritional qualities. A nice alternative to butter on corn is extra virgin olive oil. When corn is fresh, the flavor needs little enhancing. A quick brushing of olive oil with a sprinkling of cracked pepper is all that’s needed. Think also about the way in which you prepare corn. Grilling in the husk works beautifully. Simply soak the corn with husk in water prior to grilling. This allows the corn to steam nicely within the husk as it cooks on the grill. Depending on the grill temperature, it takes a rather short time to cook- anywhere from 7-8 minutes while continually turning.
How do you get the benefits of corn when it's not mid-summer and corn on the cob is not plentiful? You can still get the benefits of corn from corn that has been frozen when it is fresh. I always recommend keeping a bag of frozen corn on hand. Try corn as side dish sautéed with green chilies and onions. Add frozen corn to soup, chili and chowder. Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Think about polenta next time instead of pasta.
Grilled Scallops over Corn Salad
1 lb. large sea scallops ½ tsp chili powder
½ cup orange juice 1 bunch scallions
1 lime, juiced, divided 2 Tbs. canola oil
¼ tsp. kosher salt 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
¼ cup mayonnaise 4 cups red leaf lettuce
4 corn cobs 2 oz. unsalted tortilla chips
Gently toss the scallops with the orange juice and half the lime juice. In a medium bowl, make a dressing by mixing the remaining lime juice with the salt, mayonnaise and chili powder. Remove the scallops from the marinade and discard the marinade. Brush the scallops, corn and scallions with the oil. Grill the corn and scallions over moderate heat until they are tender and slightly charred. Grill the scallops until cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side. When the vegetables are cool enough to handle, cut the corn from the cob and chop the scallions. Toss the vegetables and tomatoes with the dressing. Arrange the lettuce on a platter or individual plates. Top with the corn salad and scallops. Serve with tortilla chips. HEALTH AND WELLNESS-Div. Chief Mik Preysz
Thanks to the eagle-eye vision and healthwise diligence of Captain Bob Nutt seeing this article…
It appears that the CDC’s recommendation for the 2009 Flu Season will be three separate vaccines, the 1st being the regular vaccine already being produced for this fall, to be given as soon as possible. The other two vaccines are in the testing phase and will be delivered later this fall.
Orcas Island Fire Department has placed our order and will be receiving our quota from each group as soon as they are distributed. With this in mind, I would like to have an approximate count on how many members and how many family members are planning to take advantage, as in the past, of the flu vaccine when we receive them.
Therefore, it is very important for you to get informed and e-mail me (mikp@orcasfire.org) the #s for you and your family that plan to get the flu vaccine and if getting all three. We will be administering the vaccines to members (free) and their immediate family members (at cost, ages 6 and older) as soon as we receive them.
If by chance, you should forget to E-mail me or change your mind about receiving the vaccine II will make every effort to get additional vaccines if available.
Here are two links to help you get informed about the Flu and the Vaccines Available.
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/latestheadlines/story/1018492.html
http://www.cdc.gov/flu
Steven W. Siler, NREMT-B
Friday Update August 7, 2009
07/08/09 17:33
Friday Update August 7, 2009
AUGUST DRILLS and TRAINING
20 Thurs Division Drill27 Thurs Rescue Division Drill From DC SheplerThank you for attending the surprise Run Review and “swimming demonstration”. Hopefully we all learned something new about our gear (yes, it floats, sort of!) as well as added to our “toolbox o’ knowledge”.
And from Chief Harris
Friday Update: We had a very nice run review hosted by Patrick. One of the highlights was an awesome sample of "value added" efforts by Dave Mowrey. On a call where Dave knew the patient he had the presence of mind to call the spouse for critical Pt.Hx AND kept the spouse calm on the phone! Not only that but he made arrangements for a Mercy flight AND picked up the spouse to get to the plane AND called a friend to pick up the spouse at the other end for the ride to the hospital. Nice Job Dave, and yes, I like to think any one of use would do this but this time DAVE did!
FLY IN FESTIVITIES SAT & SUNDAYThe breakfast was another rounding success! We served more pancakes than the Fourth of July, with over 890 plates. Geesh! That’s a lot of pancake flippin’. A huge “Thank You” to all the volunteers who made this a success! It simply could not happen without you. DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELCentral FF/EMT Carl Coburn – LOAEastside FF/EMT Ted McKey – LOAWestside EMT Joe Nitz – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA WILDLAND UPDATEBrush 21 has been moved to Station 24 Deer Harbor and is now Engine 24.
Maxx and Jeff Jones were called up to ready reserve in Idaho in Targhee's 602.
Should a Tone go out for a Wildland deployment, and you are packed and ready to go, call the Duty Officer at the station as soon as possible (within 30 minutes). We can respond with Engine 26, as Brush 21 is now in Deer Harbor.FOOD AND ATTITUDE – Steven SilerWow! I had no idea the bounty of veggies that can be produced in an Orcas Island garden! PLEASE, if you have too much, bring it to the station, and we will put it to good gustatory use! Sherri Madeiros brought in a great recipe that will be used this week for a lunch dessert. Zucchini (Apple) Pie! I am serious! Using zucchini instead of apple for a pie. Stop by Tuesday and get some!
Zucchini Pie
(2) 9-inch unbaked Pie Crusts
4 cups of deseeded Zucchini, sliced ¼” thick
2 tblspn of Tapioca (you probably have it in the back of your pantry, or use Corn Starch)
¼ cup Lemon Juice or Apple Juice
½ tsp Salt
½ cup Sugar
1 tblspn Cinnamon
½ tsp Nutmeg
2 tsp of Corn Starch
2 tblspn of Butter
1 tblspn of Milk
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a 9-inch pie pan with one of the crusts
In a large bowl, combine the next 8 ingredients and mix well. Pour it into the pie and dot with butter.
Add the second crust and crimp with a fork on the edges to seal. Cut two slits in the crust and twist to allow it to “breath”. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar to make it tasty and pretty.
Bake for 15 minutes at 400° F, then reduce the temperature to 350. and bake for another 50 minutes. Let cool (if you can) and enjoy!
Steven W. Siler Orcas Fire and RescueSan Juan County FPD #2 (360) 376-2331(206) 312-4692 VMwww.orcasfire.org
AUGUST DRILLS and TRAINING
20 Thurs Division Drill27 Thurs Rescue Division Drill From DC SheplerThank you for attending the surprise Run Review and “swimming demonstration”. Hopefully we all learned something new about our gear (yes, it floats, sort of!) as well as added to our “toolbox o’ knowledge”.
And from Chief Harris
Friday Update: We had a very nice run review hosted by Patrick. One of the highlights was an awesome sample of "value added" efforts by Dave Mowrey. On a call where Dave knew the patient he had the presence of mind to call the spouse for critical Pt.Hx AND kept the spouse calm on the phone! Not only that but he made arrangements for a Mercy flight AND picked up the spouse to get to the plane AND called a friend to pick up the spouse at the other end for the ride to the hospital. Nice Job Dave, and yes, I like to think any one of use would do this but this time DAVE did!
FLY IN FESTIVITIES SAT & SUNDAYThe breakfast was another rounding success! We served more pancakes than the Fourth of July, with over 890 plates. Geesh! That’s a lot of pancake flippin’. A huge “Thank You” to all the volunteers who made this a success! It simply could not happen without you. DIVISION REPORTSPERSONNELCentral FF/EMT Carl Coburn – LOAEastside FF/EMT Ted McKey – LOAWestside EMT Joe Nitz – LOAWestside FF/FR Perry Pruett – LOA WILDLAND UPDATEBrush 21 has been moved to Station 24 Deer Harbor and is now Engine 24.
Maxx and Jeff Jones were called up to ready reserve in Idaho in Targhee's 602.
Should a Tone go out for a Wildland deployment, and you are packed and ready to go, call the Duty Officer at the station as soon as possible (within 30 minutes). We can respond with Engine 26, as Brush 21 is now in Deer Harbor.FOOD AND ATTITUDE – Steven SilerWow! I had no idea the bounty of veggies that can be produced in an Orcas Island garden! PLEASE, if you have too much, bring it to the station, and we will put it to good gustatory use! Sherri Madeiros brought in a great recipe that will be used this week for a lunch dessert. Zucchini (Apple) Pie! I am serious! Using zucchini instead of apple for a pie. Stop by Tuesday and get some!
Zucchini Pie
(2) 9-inch unbaked Pie Crusts
4 cups of deseeded Zucchini, sliced ¼” thick
2 tblspn of Tapioca (you probably have it in the back of your pantry, or use Corn Starch)
¼ cup Lemon Juice or Apple Juice
½ tsp Salt
½ cup Sugar
1 tblspn Cinnamon
½ tsp Nutmeg
2 tsp of Corn Starch
2 tblspn of Butter
1 tblspn of Milk
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a 9-inch pie pan with one of the crusts
In a large bowl, combine the next 8 ingredients and mix well. Pour it into the pie and dot with butter.
Add the second crust and crimp with a fork on the edges to seal. Cut two slits in the crust and twist to allow it to “breath”. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar to make it tasty and pretty.
Bake for 15 minutes at 400° F, then reduce the temperature to 350. and bake for another 50 minutes. Let cool (if you can) and enjoy!
Steven W. Siler Orcas Fire and RescueSan Juan County FPD #2 (360) 376-2331(206) 312-4692 VMwww.orcasfire.org
Friday Update June 19
19/06/09 16:05
FRIDAY UPDATE JUNE 18, 2009
IMPORTANT INFOAs of Thursday, June 18, 2009, Outdoor Debris Burning is CLOSED. Recreational or campfires of 2 feet or less in diameter are still allowed. It would be helpful if everyone could help assist us in notifying the public about the burn information. If anyone has questions or concerns about the updated information, please have them contact Robert Low 378-3473. Thank you for your participation.
DRILLS and TRAINING
22 Mon King County Practical
23 Tues Rope Rescue
25 Thurs Rescue Division Drill
26 Fri WELLNESS DINNER!!!
JULY
1 Wed EMS Run Review
2 Thurs 7 pm All-Hands
King County Practical night Monday Night June 22 at 19:00 at station 21, this is the 2nd of 4 Practical nights for 2009. All members signed up and signing up must have all 6 2009 On-Line Modules done.
All Hands Meeting: The Third Quarter is upon us and our All Hands meeting is set for Thursday, July 2nd at 7PM (19:00) Please attend (if possible) to get the straight scoop on what's going on and where we are going in the next three months in the areas of Operations, Training and Health & Safety
DIVISION REPORTS
ADMINISTRATION A reminder that training stipend is $10 per drill and response stipend has been increased to $15 per call.
SAFETY
2009 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week June 14-20, 2009 Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility encourages chiefs and fire/EMS personnel to focus on what they personally can do to manage risk and enhance their health and safety. This year's theme reflects the need for personal responsibility and accountability within a strong safety culture.
Safety: Emergency Driving (enough is enough—end senseless death)
1. Lower speeds—stop racing to the scene. Drive safely and arrive alive to help others.
2. Utilize seat belts—never drive or ride without them.
3. Stop at every intersection—look in all directions and then proceed in a safe manner.
Health: Fire Fighter Heart Disease and Cancer Education and Prevention
1. Don't smoke or use tobacco products.
2. Get active.
3. Eat a heart-healthy diet.
4. Maintain a healthy weight.
5. Get regular health screenings.
Survival: Structural Size-Up and Situational Awareness
1. Keep apprised of different types of building materials and construction used in your community.
2. Develop a comprehensive size-up checklist.
3. Always complete a 360° walk of the structure to collect valuable, operational decision-making information.
4. Learn the practice of reading smoke.
5. Be familiar with the accepted rules of engagement.
6. Learn your accountability system and use it.
7. Master your tools and equipment.
HUMAN RESOURCES – Mik
Welcome back Cameron Fralick. Cameron will be responding when on-island after having graduated from Western University. Congratulations and welcome back.
LOAA brief and important note about Leave of Absences (LOA)…If any member needs to take a LOA for any reason, just contact your Division Captain or Division Chief. Then Division Captains and Chiefs will contact Human Resources to get all the necessary paperwork going and guide the process. Each LOA request will be tailored as much as we can to meet your needs and get you back as soon as possible. Call Mik if you have any questions.
WELLNESS – Mik
It is now a new quarter, and we are ready for the next Wellness Dinner! One thing we did learn from last quarter is that it is a great deal of work to cook for that many people! So we have enhanced this Dinner to, "lighten the load" and to encourage everyone to participate by sampling all the recipes. This quarter's Wellness Dinner will be a "Smorgasbord Style". Obviously, there are great recipes out there, for all kinds of healthy foods. We are asking not just for your submitted recipes, but to make your dish at home to bring here, "potluck style". Just make enough to make 8-12 servings. That way, everyone can get a taste. The Firefighter's Association has been gracious enough to reimburse everyone for the ingredients that they buy, up to $250 for all the recipes. Just save your receipts for everything and turn them in to Mik. At the dinner, we will have all the recipes together to hand out for everyone's viewing. There are no categories this time, so make what you love. At the dinner, we will all be "guest evaluators", rating each dish on 1-to-3 scale in the following areas: Taste, Cost/Value, Ease of Preparation, and most importantly for wellness…Would I Make This At Home? Beth will be providing the play action nutritional analysis, so we assemble our favorites at the end of the year. We look forward to seeing everyone and sampling the recipes on Friday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. If you have any questions, call Mik at the station.
Summer: Organic and Natural By Beth Smith, MS, RD
Summer Solstice arrives this weekend and already we're enjoying the rich bounty of summer fruits and vegetables. Living on Orcas provides a wonderful Farmers Market with abundant opportunities to take advantage of organic produce. Unfortunately with most organic produce, the cost is considerably higher than conventional making it challenging to afford a completely organic menu. One approach to take is to purchase organically those items that typically have more pesticide residue than others. The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) is a nonprofit organization providing a Shoppers' Guide to Pesticides in Produce. It is based on the results of nearly 43,000 pesticide tests performed on produce and collected by federal agencies between 2000 and 2004.
Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, these had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy organic versions - or to grow organically yourself: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, grapes (imported), pears, spinach, potatoes.
As you make your decision about going organic, consider that growing consensus from the scientific community suggests that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can have adverse effects on health, especially during vulnerable periods such as fetal development and childhood.
Another reason to care about going organic even if only partially, the environment! Pesticide and herbicide use contaminates groundwater, ruins soil structures and promotes erosion and may be a contributor to the decease in pollinating honeybees that threatens the American food supply. Buying or growing organic food is good for your health and the health of the planet.
Peas are appearing at the market these days- a sure sign of warmer weather on Orcas. Two kinds of just-cooked peas and an Asian dressing make one delicious salad.
Asian Pea Salad
3 cups fresh shelled peas, cooked in boiling water, about 1 ½ minutes
12 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed, cooked in boiling water about 30 seconds.
2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
1-tablespoon soy sauce
1-tablespoon oriental sesame oil
1 tablespoon (packed) golden brown sugar
1-teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Whisk vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in small bowl to blend. (Peas and dressing can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Let stand separately at room temperature.) Pour dressing over peas in large bowl; toss to coat. Season salad to taste with more salt and pepper, if desired. Serve at room temperature.
IMPORTANT INFOAs of Thursday, June 18, 2009, Outdoor Debris Burning is CLOSED. Recreational or campfires of 2 feet or less in diameter are still allowed. It would be helpful if everyone could help assist us in notifying the public about the burn information. If anyone has questions or concerns about the updated information, please have them contact Robert Low 378-3473. Thank you for your participation.
DRILLS and TRAINING
22 Mon King County Practical
23 Tues Rope Rescue
25 Thurs Rescue Division Drill
26 Fri WELLNESS DINNER!!!
JULY
1 Wed EMS Run Review
2 Thurs 7 pm All-Hands
King County Practical night Monday Night June 22 at 19:00 at station 21, this is the 2nd of 4 Practical nights for 2009. All members signed up and signing up must have all 6 2009 On-Line Modules done.
All Hands Meeting: The Third Quarter is upon us and our All Hands meeting is set for Thursday, July 2nd at 7PM (19:00) Please attend (if possible) to get the straight scoop on what's going on and where we are going in the next three months in the areas of Operations, Training and Health & Safety
DIVISION REPORTS
ADMINISTRATION A reminder that training stipend is $10 per drill and response stipend has been increased to $15 per call.
SAFETY
2009 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week June 14-20, 2009 Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility encourages chiefs and fire/EMS personnel to focus on what they personally can do to manage risk and enhance their health and safety. This year's theme reflects the need for personal responsibility and accountability within a strong safety culture.
Safety: Emergency Driving (enough is enough—end senseless death)
1. Lower speeds—stop racing to the scene. Drive safely and arrive alive to help others.
2. Utilize seat belts—never drive or ride without them.
3. Stop at every intersection—look in all directions and then proceed in a safe manner.
Health: Fire Fighter Heart Disease and Cancer Education and Prevention
1. Don't smoke or use tobacco products.
2. Get active.
3. Eat a heart-healthy diet.
4. Maintain a healthy weight.
5. Get regular health screenings.
Survival: Structural Size-Up and Situational Awareness
1. Keep apprised of different types of building materials and construction used in your community.
2. Develop a comprehensive size-up checklist.
3. Always complete a 360° walk of the structure to collect valuable, operational decision-making information.
4. Learn the practice of reading smoke.
5. Be familiar with the accepted rules of engagement.
6. Learn your accountability system and use it.
7. Master your tools and equipment.
HUMAN RESOURCES – Mik
Welcome back Cameron Fralick. Cameron will be responding when on-island after having graduated from Western University. Congratulations and welcome back.
LOAA brief and important note about Leave of Absences (LOA)…If any member needs to take a LOA for any reason, just contact your Division Captain or Division Chief. Then Division Captains and Chiefs will contact Human Resources to get all the necessary paperwork going and guide the process. Each LOA request will be tailored as much as we can to meet your needs and get you back as soon as possible. Call Mik if you have any questions.
WELLNESS – Mik
It is now a new quarter, and we are ready for the next Wellness Dinner! One thing we did learn from last quarter is that it is a great deal of work to cook for that many people! So we have enhanced this Dinner to, "lighten the load" and to encourage everyone to participate by sampling all the recipes. This quarter's Wellness Dinner will be a "Smorgasbord Style". Obviously, there are great recipes out there, for all kinds of healthy foods. We are asking not just for your submitted recipes, but to make your dish at home to bring here, "potluck style". Just make enough to make 8-12 servings. That way, everyone can get a taste. The Firefighter's Association has been gracious enough to reimburse everyone for the ingredients that they buy, up to $250 for all the recipes. Just save your receipts for everything and turn them in to Mik. At the dinner, we will have all the recipes together to hand out for everyone's viewing. There are no categories this time, so make what you love. At the dinner, we will all be "guest evaluators", rating each dish on 1-to-3 scale in the following areas: Taste, Cost/Value, Ease of Preparation, and most importantly for wellness…Would I Make This At Home? Beth will be providing the play action nutritional analysis, so we assemble our favorites at the end of the year. We look forward to seeing everyone and sampling the recipes on Friday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. If you have any questions, call Mik at the station.
Summer: Organic and Natural By Beth Smith, MS, RD
Summer Solstice arrives this weekend and already we're enjoying the rich bounty of summer fruits and vegetables. Living on Orcas provides a wonderful Farmers Market with abundant opportunities to take advantage of organic produce. Unfortunately with most organic produce, the cost is considerably higher than conventional making it challenging to afford a completely organic menu. One approach to take is to purchase organically those items that typically have more pesticide residue than others. The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) is a nonprofit organization providing a Shoppers' Guide to Pesticides in Produce. It is based on the results of nearly 43,000 pesticide tests performed on produce and collected by federal agencies between 2000 and 2004.
Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, these had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy organic versions - or to grow organically yourself: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, grapes (imported), pears, spinach, potatoes.
As you make your decision about going organic, consider that growing consensus from the scientific community suggests that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can have adverse effects on health, especially during vulnerable periods such as fetal development and childhood.
Another reason to care about going organic even if only partially, the environment! Pesticide and herbicide use contaminates groundwater, ruins soil structures and promotes erosion and may be a contributor to the decease in pollinating honeybees that threatens the American food supply. Buying or growing organic food is good for your health and the health of the planet.
Peas are appearing at the market these days- a sure sign of warmer weather on Orcas. Two kinds of just-cooked peas and an Asian dressing make one delicious salad.
Asian Pea Salad
3 cups fresh shelled peas, cooked in boiling water, about 1 ½ minutes
12 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed, cooked in boiling water about 30 seconds.
2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
1-tablespoon soy sauce
1-tablespoon oriental sesame oil
1 tablespoon (packed) golden brown sugar
1-teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Whisk vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in small bowl to blend. (Peas and dressing can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Let stand separately at room temperature.) Pour dressing over peas in large bowl; toss to coat. Season salad to taste with more salt and pepper, if desired. Serve at room temperature.
Friday Update June 12
12/06/09 16:58
FRIDAY UPDATE JUNE 12, 2009
IMPORTANT INFOAs of Friday, June 12, 2009, the fire danger is MODERATE. Fires are allowed from 6AM to Noon only. Fires will need to be completely extinguished by Noon. It would be helpful if everyone could help assist us in notifying the public about the burn information. If anyone has questions or concerns about the updated information, please have them contact Robert Low 378-3473. Thank you for your participation.
DRILLS and TRAINING
16 Tues 7 PM SPECIAL REVIEW OF
BobbyAnn FIRE Everyone invited!!!
18 Thurs (Last) Division Drill PROPANE EMERGENCIES
22 Mon King County Practical
23 Tues Rope Rescue
25 Thurs Rescue Division Drill
26 Fri WELLNESS DINNER!!!
JULY
1 Wed EMS Run Review
2 Thurs 7 pm All-Hands
King County Practical night Monday Night June 22 at 19:00 at station 21, this is the 2nd of 4 Practical nights for 2009. All members signed up and signing up must have all 6 2009 On-Line Modules done.
DIVISION REPORTS
ADMINISTRATION A reminder that training stipend is $10 per drill and response stipend has been increased to $15 per call.
WILDLAND TRAINING Another Red Card Class will be offered on San Juan this month. June 20-21 and 27-28. This is the 32-hr. classroom version of this course. If you are interested, please contact Maxx ASAP so she can get you registered!
TRAININGBobbyann FireIt just goes to show, when you talk about and train for calls, they tend to happen. Fortunately, when you train for them they tend to go more professionally; fires go out, people get saved; no one gets hurt, etc. Thank you everyone for the Bobbyann Fire. We had 32 responders helping, either by actually fighting the fire or doing logistics tasks, station staffing, etc. Another Big Debt of thanks is due to our Auxiliary. They have been thanked and recognized, but you just can’t say enough kind words about what they do. King County Practical nightJune 22nd at 7PM SHARP This practical covers all six classes for the 2009 OTEP* year To be eligible, you must:
1. Have completed ALL your 2009 King County On-line classes and tests
2. Signed-up to take the Practical by June 17th
3. Have completed the on-line component at least 48 hours in advance for our planning purposes
*Ongoing Training and Education Program (Note: This is a long and busy night; but don’t dare complain because you are getting all your hands-on OTEP completed for the year in one night) Run ReviewRun Review is set for Wednesday, July 1st EMTs must attend two run reviews per quarter and stay until the end, completing the skills stations First Responders must attend one per quarter and stay until the end, completing the skills stations
• I have marked people off the roster who leave early and don’t talk to me or the lead instructor first
All Hands MeetingThe Third Quarter is upon us and our All Hands meeting is set for Thursday, July 2nd at 7PM (19:00) Please attend (if possible) to get the straight scoop on what’s going on and where we are going in the next three months in the areas of Operations, Training and Health & Safety
On-Line TrainingMy direction from the Chief and the Membership is to limit face to face (F2F) training and replace it with on-line learning. That component will be realized in the 3rd Quarter. We are happy with and will continue to use the King County EMS online training for EMT OTEP.
EMTs and First Responders Log-in at www.emsonline.net Every member (paid staff and volunteer) has an account with our new Fire and EMS LMS* Target Safety. Log in at www.Targetsafety.com/oifr *Learning management system
More on Target SafetyWhen you log-in for the first time, use your first name initial and your last name spelled out (e.g.: pshepler). Your first time password is: safety. Once you are in, you will have to change your password and choose a secret password reminder. On your Home Page will appear messages and your assignments, with due dates. Additional 3rd Quarter assignments will be posted at the beginning of the quarter. There is also a File Center where you can access specific department documents that we can upload Each course has a quiz and an evaluation at the end that must be successfully completed. You will receive drill credits for completed assignments. There is also a section where you can “Self Assign” any of the hundreds of Target Safety topics. Special Classes can be assigned individually as needed. Please contact me if you have any questions. Please fill the slots for the King County Practical night, June 22nd, as soon as possible. We have room for 18 people. Thanks and keep up the great work! Patrick
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY
The catalog for NFA has just been received. These courses typically fill up fast, so look at the course catalog on the Training Bulletin Board at Station 21. These courses are professionally done and all meals, flights and lodging are compensated by the feds. What a deal. Additionally, we can pay you a $100 a day stipend, up to a total of $500, as a small compensation for your lost time and wages. There are one and two week courses. If you are interested in hearing more, please contact me.
WELLNESS – Mik
With summer here early I have been approached by several members wishing to cancel their membership to Orcas Athletics as they would not be making the 8 visits per month, they would rather work out outside.
So here is the scoop. The way the billing works is; we are charged a monthly fee for each member that attends, whether it is 1 or 20 visits we are billed. Besides the cheaper monthly fee benefit, we also have the ability to inactivate or activate our individual membership on monthly basis. The chief thing to remember is the billing starts on the first and ends the last day of the month. So rather than canceling and restarting your memberships just don’t attend, even once, for the month/s you know you can’t make the eight visits. This way the department won’t be billed and in turn, the department won’t be charging you the $38.60/mo because you couldn’t make the eight visits.
Any questions please contact me at work or on my cell 360 220-4741.
MEDIA – Maxx Jones
Run Report
June 5 to 11, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 smoke investigation, 1 fuel leak, 1 3.5 acre wildland fire, 1 minor trauma, and 5 medical emergencies which resulted in 1 off-island transports via AirLift NW.
9 NEW WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS ON ORCAS
Orcas Fire & Rescue graduated 9 new Wildland Firefighters on Saturday, June 6th. They participated in a live burn where their new-found skills were put to the test. Each student demonstrated proficiency in different firing techniques, hose lays, fire-line construction, tool handling and safety procedures like deploying a fire shelter in 25 seconds. These new members join a wildland firefighter team of 16.
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue
Bobbyann Road Fire Press Release
At 2:42 PM OIF&R responded to a reported brush fire at 25 Bobbyann Road off of Crow Valley Rd. near Westsound. Fire Lt. Jeff Jones was first on the scene and reported a rapid spreading wild fire threatening a home.
Brush 21, Eastsound Engine 21, Westsound Water Tender 22, Rosario Water Tender 23 and 32 fire department members worked together to stop the fire which not only threatened at least one home, but spread to adjacent neighboring properties and San Juan Preservation Trust lands.
Earthworks owner John Thompson offered a dozer, which was working in the area and quickly cut a firebreak around the head of the fire before it could spread into heavy brush and the Turtleback Preservation area. San Juan Island, Lopez Island and the Town of Friday Harbor provided additional firefighters, which were quickly transported by the Sheriff’s boat.
The Department’s Auxillary team quickly responded to the fire scene to supply water, sandwiches and then a hot meal for the firefighters.
The fire consumed 3.5 acres and came to within 300' of the Baldwin residence on Bobbyann. No firefighters or civilians were injured (except for lots of blisters and minor cuts). The fire burned in tall grass, blackberries and torched a half dozen tees. The fire marshal confirmed the fire was caused by a burn pile. And although the individual had a valid burn permit, he was burning prohibited materials including fiberglass which contributed to the spread and did not have appropriate water on site. He reported wind came up and blew embers up the hillside.
The fire was contained at 7:30 pm and then turned over to the Department of Natural Resources at 9:15pm. Firefighters worked until nearly 11 pm to return all engines and equipment to stations, ready to respond again. The fire was attended through out the night by the DNR crew who reported no further fire activity.
The SJC Fire Marshal has raised the current fire danger to moderate. This means all fires must be OUT by no later than noon. Outdoor burning closes Tuesday June 30th at noon unless fire danger at the latest.
IMPORTANT INFOAs of Friday, June 12, 2009, the fire danger is MODERATE. Fires are allowed from 6AM to Noon only. Fires will need to be completely extinguished by Noon. It would be helpful if everyone could help assist us in notifying the public about the burn information. If anyone has questions or concerns about the updated information, please have them contact Robert Low 378-3473. Thank you for your participation.
DRILLS and TRAINING
16 Tues 7 PM SPECIAL REVIEW OF
BobbyAnn FIRE Everyone invited!!!
18 Thurs (Last) Division Drill PROPANE EMERGENCIES
22 Mon King County Practical
23 Tues Rope Rescue
25 Thurs Rescue Division Drill
26 Fri WELLNESS DINNER!!!
JULY
1 Wed EMS Run Review
2 Thurs 7 pm All-Hands
King County Practical night Monday Night June 22 at 19:00 at station 21, this is the 2nd of 4 Practical nights for 2009. All members signed up and signing up must have all 6 2009 On-Line Modules done.
DIVISION REPORTS
ADMINISTRATION A reminder that training stipend is $10 per drill and response stipend has been increased to $15 per call.
WILDLAND TRAINING Another Red Card Class will be offered on San Juan this month. June 20-21 and 27-28. This is the 32-hr. classroom version of this course. If you are interested, please contact Maxx ASAP so she can get you registered!
TRAININGBobbyann FireIt just goes to show, when you talk about and train for calls, they tend to happen. Fortunately, when you train for them they tend to go more professionally; fires go out, people get saved; no one gets hurt, etc. Thank you everyone for the Bobbyann Fire. We had 32 responders helping, either by actually fighting the fire or doing logistics tasks, station staffing, etc. Another Big Debt of thanks is due to our Auxiliary. They have been thanked and recognized, but you just can’t say enough kind words about what they do. King County Practical nightJune 22nd at 7PM SHARP This practical covers all six classes for the 2009 OTEP* year To be eligible, you must:
1. Have completed ALL your 2009 King County On-line classes and tests
2. Signed-up to take the Practical by June 17th
3. Have completed the on-line component at least 48 hours in advance for our planning purposes
*Ongoing Training and Education Program (Note: This is a long and busy night; but don’t dare complain because you are getting all your hands-on OTEP completed for the year in one night) Run ReviewRun Review is set for Wednesday, July 1st EMTs must attend two run reviews per quarter and stay until the end, completing the skills stations First Responders must attend one per quarter and stay until the end, completing the skills stations
• I have marked people off the roster who leave early and don’t talk to me or the lead instructor first
All Hands MeetingThe Third Quarter is upon us and our All Hands meeting is set for Thursday, July 2nd at 7PM (19:00) Please attend (if possible) to get the straight scoop on what’s going on and where we are going in the next three months in the areas of Operations, Training and Health & Safety
On-Line TrainingMy direction from the Chief and the Membership is to limit face to face (F2F) training and replace it with on-line learning. That component will be realized in the 3rd Quarter. We are happy with and will continue to use the King County EMS online training for EMT OTEP.
EMTs and First Responders Log-in at www.emsonline.net Every member (paid staff and volunteer) has an account with our new Fire and EMS LMS* Target Safety. Log in at www.Targetsafety.com/oifr *Learning management system
More on Target SafetyWhen you log-in for the first time, use your first name initial and your last name spelled out (e.g.: pshepler). Your first time password is: safety. Once you are in, you will have to change your password and choose a secret password reminder. On your Home Page will appear messages and your assignments, with due dates. Additional 3rd Quarter assignments will be posted at the beginning of the quarter. There is also a File Center where you can access specific department documents that we can upload Each course has a quiz and an evaluation at the end that must be successfully completed. You will receive drill credits for completed assignments. There is also a section where you can “Self Assign” any of the hundreds of Target Safety topics. Special Classes can be assigned individually as needed. Please contact me if you have any questions. Please fill the slots for the King County Practical night, June 22nd, as soon as possible. We have room for 18 people. Thanks and keep up the great work! Patrick
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY
The catalog for NFA has just been received. These courses typically fill up fast, so look at the course catalog on the Training Bulletin Board at Station 21. These courses are professionally done and all meals, flights and lodging are compensated by the feds. What a deal. Additionally, we can pay you a $100 a day stipend, up to a total of $500, as a small compensation for your lost time and wages. There are one and two week courses. If you are interested in hearing more, please contact me.
WELLNESS – Mik
With summer here early I have been approached by several members wishing to cancel their membership to Orcas Athletics as they would not be making the 8 visits per month, they would rather work out outside.
So here is the scoop. The way the billing works is; we are charged a monthly fee for each member that attends, whether it is 1 or 20 visits we are billed. Besides the cheaper monthly fee benefit, we also have the ability to inactivate or activate our individual membership on monthly basis. The chief thing to remember is the billing starts on the first and ends the last day of the month. So rather than canceling and restarting your memberships just don’t attend, even once, for the month/s you know you can’t make the eight visits. This way the department won’t be billed and in turn, the department won’t be charging you the $38.60/mo because you couldn’t make the eight visits.
Any questions please contact me at work or on my cell 360 220-4741.
MEDIA – Maxx Jones
Run Report
June 5 to 11, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 smoke investigation, 1 fuel leak, 1 3.5 acre wildland fire, 1 minor trauma, and 5 medical emergencies which resulted in 1 off-island transports via AirLift NW.
9 NEW WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS ON ORCAS
Orcas Fire & Rescue graduated 9 new Wildland Firefighters on Saturday, June 6th. They participated in a live burn where their new-found skills were put to the test. Each student demonstrated proficiency in different firing techniques, hose lays, fire-line construction, tool handling and safety procedures like deploying a fire shelter in 25 seconds. These new members join a wildland firefighter team of 16.
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue
Bobbyann Road Fire Press Release
At 2:42 PM OIF&R responded to a reported brush fire at 25 Bobbyann Road off of Crow Valley Rd. near Westsound. Fire Lt. Jeff Jones was first on the scene and reported a rapid spreading wild fire threatening a home.
Brush 21, Eastsound Engine 21, Westsound Water Tender 22, Rosario Water Tender 23 and 32 fire department members worked together to stop the fire which not only threatened at least one home, but spread to adjacent neighboring properties and San Juan Preservation Trust lands.
Earthworks owner John Thompson offered a dozer, which was working in the area and quickly cut a firebreak around the head of the fire before it could spread into heavy brush and the Turtleback Preservation area. San Juan Island, Lopez Island and the Town of Friday Harbor provided additional firefighters, which were quickly transported by the Sheriff’s boat.
The Department’s Auxillary team quickly responded to the fire scene to supply water, sandwiches and then a hot meal for the firefighters.
The fire consumed 3.5 acres and came to within 300' of the Baldwin residence on Bobbyann. No firefighters or civilians were injured (except for lots of blisters and minor cuts). The fire burned in tall grass, blackberries and torched a half dozen tees. The fire marshal confirmed the fire was caused by a burn pile. And although the individual had a valid burn permit, he was burning prohibited materials including fiberglass which contributed to the spread and did not have appropriate water on site. He reported wind came up and blew embers up the hillside.
The fire was contained at 7:30 pm and then turned over to the Department of Natural Resources at 9:15pm. Firefighters worked until nearly 11 pm to return all engines and equipment to stations, ready to respond again. The fire was attended through out the night by the DNR crew who reported no further fire activity.
The SJC Fire Marshal has raised the current fire danger to moderate. This means all fires must be OUT by no later than noon. Outdoor burning closes Tuesday June 30th at noon unless fire danger at the latest.
Friday Update June 5
05/06/09 16:54
FRIDAY UPDATE JUNE 5, 2009
DRILLS and TRAINING
5 Fri Fire in the Field Written Exam 4-6 pm
6 Sat Wildland Team Day (Hot topics and live fire)
9 Tues Last Fire Co. Evolution Drill for Quarter (LCES)
18 Thurs Last Division Drill for the Quarter
25 Thurs Rescue Division Drill
26 Fri WELLNESS DINNER!!!
DIVISION REPORTS
TRAINING – Patrick Shepler
Thanks to everyone who participated in the WOW Drill (Water on Wheels) on Saturday at Orkila. We learned a lot and have some additional training to do. The new WASP engines will be integral to our success in conjunction with the Tenders for a WOW operation. National Fire Academy The catalog for NFA has just been received. These courses typically fill up fast, so look at the course catalog on the Training Bulletin Board at Station 21. These courses are professionally done and all meals, flights and lodging are compensated by the feds. What a deal. Additionally, we can pay you a $100 a day stipend, up to a total of $500, as a small compensation for your lost time and wages. There are one and two week courses. If you are interested in hearing more, please contact me.
WILDLAND TRAINING Another Red Card Class will be offered on San Juan this month. June 20-21 and 27-28. This is the 32-hr. classroom version of this course. If you are interested, please contact Maxx ASAP so she can get you registered!
WELLNESS – Mik Preysz & Jaylin Peacock
Save the Date: Evening Nutrition Series Continues!
It’s hard to believe that we’re into our next quarter of the year and another fun evening of nutrition education and good food is quickly approaching. Mark your calendars for Friday, June 26 and join us as we sample favorite foods from the OIFD members and volunteers. We are accepting new recipes for this event. Be sure to save the date!
Sweet Summer Days by Beth Smith, MS, RD
I was recently chatting with a friend about her daughter’s love for candy. Who doesn’t love the sweet stuff? She remarked that she often uses jam to sweeten things instead of sugar since jam is healthier. This comment brought to light the misconceptions about sugar. Needless to say, I explained that jams and jellies are mainly sugar, too! So what’s the distinction?
To our bodies, sugar is sugar whether it’s added to foods or naturally occurring. There are many forms of sugar such as raw, brown, granulated, honey, etc. Regarding the body’s basic metabolism, a sugar molecule is the same no matter where it originates. That’s the easy part. Often times, however, excessive amounts of sugar are synonomous with unhealthy items since the food items themselves may be less nutritious. For example, some yogurts begin healthy, but other things get added such as artificial colors, flavors and of course, sugar which lessens the nutrient composition. The most important part is to familiarize yourself with the Nutrition Facts label and keep added sugar to a minimum. It can be found listed under Total Carbohydrate and Fiber. Don’t forget about the ingredients list on the label. This will alert you to the various types of added sugar, if any, in a food item.
The research shows that sugar causes tooth decay but does not cause hyperactivity in children. High intakes of simple sugars are associated with increases in triglycerides and lipoproteins or “bad cholesterol.” Diets high in sugar cause unhealthful changes in blood sugar but do not cuase diabetes. The relationship between added sugars and obesity is controversial.
What about high fructose corn syrup? High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a manufactured corn syrup where part of the sucrose (table sugar) is converted to fructose making is much sweeter and giving it longer shelf life in products. It has been suggested that HFCS may disturb liver function, and unlike glucose, doesn't appear to trigger the process by which the body tells us it is full. What's more, in men (not in women) HFCS appears to elevate triglycerides, blood fats that increase the risk of heart disease. While this debate continues, HFCS is often in foods of minimal nutritional value and it’s best to avoid or at least limit your consumption of these foods.
As always, keep your diet simple and natural! For a wonderfully sweet way to enjoy summer try grilling fruit such as peaches or pears and drizzle with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Very tasty!
MEDIA – Maxx Jones
Run Report - May 28 to June 4
May 28 to June 4, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 vehicle fire on Mt. Constitution, 1 patient assist, 2 traumas, and 4 medical emergencies which resulted in 5 off-island transports via AirLift NW.
Firefighter Cadet Honored
Orcas Christian School Sophomore and High-honor student Jamarra Ray Lowry, was honored for her completion of the Orcas Fire & Rescue Firefighter Academy. The course began in November of 2008 and she graduated with honors on April 25th 2009. Jamarra works each summer to pay for her high school tuition and plans to pursue a career in emergency services as a firefighter-paramedic. Her father Dave Lowry was also a volunteer firefighter with the department for several years.
DRILLS and TRAINING
5 Fri Fire in the Field Written Exam 4-6 pm
6 Sat Wildland Team Day (Hot topics and live fire)
9 Tues Last Fire Co. Evolution Drill for Quarter (LCES)
18 Thurs Last Division Drill for the Quarter
25 Thurs Rescue Division Drill
26 Fri WELLNESS DINNER!!!
DIVISION REPORTS
TRAINING – Patrick Shepler
Thanks to everyone who participated in the WOW Drill (Water on Wheels) on Saturday at Orkila. We learned a lot and have some additional training to do. The new WASP engines will be integral to our success in conjunction with the Tenders for a WOW operation. National Fire Academy The catalog for NFA has just been received. These courses typically fill up fast, so look at the course catalog on the Training Bulletin Board at Station 21. These courses are professionally done and all meals, flights and lodging are compensated by the feds. What a deal. Additionally, we can pay you a $100 a day stipend, up to a total of $500, as a small compensation for your lost time and wages. There are one and two week courses. If you are interested in hearing more, please contact me.
WILDLAND TRAINING Another Red Card Class will be offered on San Juan this month. June 20-21 and 27-28. This is the 32-hr. classroom version of this course. If you are interested, please contact Maxx ASAP so she can get you registered!
WELLNESS – Mik Preysz & Jaylin Peacock
Save the Date: Evening Nutrition Series Continues!
It’s hard to believe that we’re into our next quarter of the year and another fun evening of nutrition education and good food is quickly approaching. Mark your calendars for Friday, June 26 and join us as we sample favorite foods from the OIFD members and volunteers. We are accepting new recipes for this event. Be sure to save the date!
Sweet Summer Days by Beth Smith, MS, RD
I was recently chatting with a friend about her daughter’s love for candy. Who doesn’t love the sweet stuff? She remarked that she often uses jam to sweeten things instead of sugar since jam is healthier. This comment brought to light the misconceptions about sugar. Needless to say, I explained that jams and jellies are mainly sugar, too! So what’s the distinction?
To our bodies, sugar is sugar whether it’s added to foods or naturally occurring. There are many forms of sugar such as raw, brown, granulated, honey, etc. Regarding the body’s basic metabolism, a sugar molecule is the same no matter where it originates. That’s the easy part. Often times, however, excessive amounts of sugar are synonomous with unhealthy items since the food items themselves may be less nutritious. For example, some yogurts begin healthy, but other things get added such as artificial colors, flavors and of course, sugar which lessens the nutrient composition. The most important part is to familiarize yourself with the Nutrition Facts label and keep added sugar to a minimum. It can be found listed under Total Carbohydrate and Fiber. Don’t forget about the ingredients list on the label. This will alert you to the various types of added sugar, if any, in a food item.
The research shows that sugar causes tooth decay but does not cause hyperactivity in children. High intakes of simple sugars are associated with increases in triglycerides and lipoproteins or “bad cholesterol.” Diets high in sugar cause unhealthful changes in blood sugar but do not cuase diabetes. The relationship between added sugars and obesity is controversial.
What about high fructose corn syrup? High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a manufactured corn syrup where part of the sucrose (table sugar) is converted to fructose making is much sweeter and giving it longer shelf life in products. It has been suggested that HFCS may disturb liver function, and unlike glucose, doesn't appear to trigger the process by which the body tells us it is full. What's more, in men (not in women) HFCS appears to elevate triglycerides, blood fats that increase the risk of heart disease. While this debate continues, HFCS is often in foods of minimal nutritional value and it’s best to avoid or at least limit your consumption of these foods.
As always, keep your diet simple and natural! For a wonderfully sweet way to enjoy summer try grilling fruit such as peaches or pears and drizzle with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Very tasty!
MEDIA – Maxx Jones
Run Report - May 28 to June 4
May 28 to June 4, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 vehicle fire on Mt. Constitution, 1 patient assist, 2 traumas, and 4 medical emergencies which resulted in 5 off-island transports via AirLift NW.
Firefighter Cadet Honored
Orcas Christian School Sophomore and High-honor student Jamarra Ray Lowry, was honored for her completion of the Orcas Fire & Rescue Firefighter Academy. The course began in November of 2008 and she graduated with honors on April 25th 2009. Jamarra works each summer to pay for her high school tuition and plans to pursue a career in emergency services as a firefighter-paramedic. Her father Dave Lowry was also a volunteer firefighter with the department for several years.
Friday Update May 29
30/05/09 08:56
FRIDAY UPDATE MAY 29, 2009
WATER SUPPLY DRILL – Saturday 30th.
Meet at Station 21 at 0900hrs. Will the following personnel please bring the following apparatus to the drill: E 23 - Lt. Gregg Bronn E 25 - Lt. Kevin McCoy E 26 - FF Mark O’Neil T 22 - Already @ Station 21 T 23 - Capt. Rick Anda T 25 - FF Mike Macksey Engines 22, 24, & 27 will remain in quarters. All EMT’s are welcome and encouraged to attend if interested.
DRILLS and TRAINING
30 Sat Water Supply Drill
4:00 Potluck & Memorial Garden Dedication
JUNE
3 Wed Run Review
4 Thurs Red Card Team Annual Drill
5 Fri Fire in the Field Written Exam 4-6 pm
6 Sat Wildland Team Day (Hot topics and live fire)
9 Tues Last Fire Co. Evolution Drill for Quarter (LCES)
18 Thurs Last Division Drill for the Quarter
25 Thurs Rescue Division Drill
26 Fri WELLNESS DINNER!!!
DIVISION REPORTS
OPERATIONS– Val Harris
Memorial Garden This Saturday's Water Shuttle drill will be followed by the dedication of our Memorial Garden, at Station 21. We are having a Hamburger & Hot Dog BBQ (thanks to the Association) and Potluck to celebrate the success of the day. We ask everyone to bring a goody or simple picnic-style side dish. Please join us for this important and FUN event.
WELLNESS – Mik Preysz & Jaylin Peacock
Reminder: 2nd Dinner Extravaganza will be June 26. A fun way to spend a Friday evening and a free meal!!! Get your recipes in ASAP.
Great Grains! - by Beth Smith, MS, RD
We continually hear about the importance of whole grains as part of a healthy diet but does that mean giving up comfort foods like pasta? No way. Instead, try the new wave of tasty whole grain pastas that has surfaced recently on the supermarket shelves. Packed with fiber and protein, whole grain pasta is a delicious alternative to semolina.
Made from ingredients like whole wheat, spelt, Kamut, quinoa, rye, brown rice, and buckwheat, these noodles are more healthful than refined-flour versions. Fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, by using the whole grain, you are also preserving other important nutrients like B vitamins, minerals such as magnesium and selenium, and phytochemicals. Certain grains such as buckwheat, brown rice and quinoa are also gluten free making them a nice alternative to those with gluten sensitivities.
As you begin to experiment with these new grains, remember that their flavor and consistency will be different than the basic, semolina pasta you may be accustomed to using. The flavors are often heartier, sturdier and more earthy than their more refined counterpart. Buckwheat and rye often stand up well to more robust toppings such as a bold tomato sauce and a sharp shredded cheese. Buckwheat noodles are also known as soba noodles, which are used in Asian dishes. Others like quinoa and kamut work best with more delicate sauces. Have fun experimenting and discovering the new, great grains! Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Basil and Arugula Pesto with Kamut Spirals
12 ounces Kamut Spirals, 1 package
1/4 cup Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cups fresh basil, loosely packed, coarsely chopped
2 cups arugula leaves, loosely packed, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup pine nuts, lightly dry pan roasted
1 1/2 Tablespoons Miso
1/2 tea lemon peel, finely grated
1/2 cup water
Place all ingredients, except pasta, in a blender or food processor. Pulse several seconds until creamy and smooth. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Remove, drain, quickly rinse and mix together with the pesto before placing in a serving bowl. May be served room temperature, chilled or warm. For chilled, place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so. For warm pasta, simply drain, do not rinse, then mix with the pesto.
GOOD OF THE ORDER
ALL HAZARD RESPONSE DEPARTMENT – Lt. Chad Kimple
In the afternoon of Thursday the 28th we were a few hands short in order to raise two large walls at the Homes for Islanders project on Lydia Lane across station 23. A quick phone call down to station 21 to see if anyone could lend a hand was well worth it. Chief Shepler with Lt. Paul Turner in Med 21 and Capt. Jones with EMT Nitz and Steven Siler in Car 21 went en-route to complete a "public service" detail. They arrived to a 2-story wood frame structure but there were no walls on the second floor. Chief Shepler and the crew entered to investigate. They found two ladders leading on the 2nd floor platform and two large walls fully framed and sheeted waiting to be raised.
Chief Shepler ordered the crews to spread out to their assigned post; on the count of 3 all hands were to lift. Present on the platform totaled 10 bodies to lift. 1...2...3... The first of two was raised and braced. All crews switched sides and bent their knees with backs straight chomping at the bit to hear the count. 1...2...3... and the second wall was raised and braced. Chief Shepler and his crew completed their flawless "public service" detail and the crew went back into service and departed all within 15 minutes of arriving.
Seriously now, I very much appreciate the response to help us out in a "building emergency". Did everyone get my email I sent back about a month or so ago? To summerize that email, I stated if we were to have our certificate of occupancy before December 1st ($8,000 First Time Homebuyer Loan) than I would donate $500 to the Association, $500 to Mercy Flight, and $1000 to the Orcas High School Sports Program.
Thank you to the names listed above as well as Rick Anda, Gregg Bronn, Mike Macksey, Jaylin Peacock, Jason Maderios, and anyone not listed.
The commitment by every homeowner is to complete 35 hours a week to the project. Half (17.5 hours) are required by the head of household and they may have volunteers come and work to complete the other half. Every head of house-hold has been putting in over the minimum requirement trying to speed the process up. This program (like many) relies on the volunteer force to make headway and to catch us up to where we need to be. So if you’re interested to volunteer please contact me or Bruce Brackett.
Respectfully,
Chad Kimple
MEDIA – Maxx Jones
Run Report - May 22nd to the 28th, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 non-injury motor vehicle crash, 1 illegal campfire, 2 alarm activations, 4 minor traumas, 6 respiratory problems and 3 medical emergencies which resulted in 4 off-island transports via AirLift NW.
In response to a question from the newspaper regarding why we now carry iPhones:
We use the i-phone like any other cell phone when talking to our Medical Control physician, Dr. Michael P. Sullivan. Unique about the i-phone is that it has a huge screen which allows us to take a clear picture of a 12 lead ECG and send it to him for his confirmation and consultation. You can also increase the size of the picture with your fingers of any given cardiac complex so as to see the subtle nuances necessary for accurate evaluation. No other hand held device can do this. We take a picture and hit “send” Critical care medicine in an austere medical environment.and voila The same phone has a calculator which makes them useful in pharmacology and a timer for procedures and critical interventions. Div. Chief Patrick Shepler
WATER SUPPLY DRILL – Saturday 30th.
Meet at Station 21 at 0900hrs. Will the following personnel please bring the following apparatus to the drill: E 23 - Lt. Gregg Bronn E 25 - Lt. Kevin McCoy E 26 - FF Mark O’Neil T 22 - Already @ Station 21 T 23 - Capt. Rick Anda T 25 - FF Mike Macksey Engines 22, 24, & 27 will remain in quarters. All EMT’s are welcome and encouraged to attend if interested.
DRILLS and TRAINING
30 Sat Water Supply Drill
4:00 Potluck & Memorial Garden Dedication
JUNE
3 Wed Run Review
4 Thurs Red Card Team Annual Drill
5 Fri Fire in the Field Written Exam 4-6 pm
6 Sat Wildland Team Day (Hot topics and live fire)
9 Tues Last Fire Co. Evolution Drill for Quarter (LCES)
18 Thurs Last Division Drill for the Quarter
25 Thurs Rescue Division Drill
26 Fri WELLNESS DINNER!!!
DIVISION REPORTS
OPERATIONS– Val Harris
Memorial Garden This Saturday's Water Shuttle drill will be followed by the dedication of our Memorial Garden, at Station 21. We are having a Hamburger & Hot Dog BBQ (thanks to the Association) and Potluck to celebrate the success of the day. We ask everyone to bring a goody or simple picnic-style side dish. Please join us for this important and FUN event.
WELLNESS – Mik Preysz & Jaylin Peacock
Reminder: 2nd Dinner Extravaganza will be June 26. A fun way to spend a Friday evening and a free meal!!! Get your recipes in ASAP.
Great Grains! - by Beth Smith, MS, RD
We continually hear about the importance of whole grains as part of a healthy diet but does that mean giving up comfort foods like pasta? No way. Instead, try the new wave of tasty whole grain pastas that has surfaced recently on the supermarket shelves. Packed with fiber and protein, whole grain pasta is a delicious alternative to semolina.
Made from ingredients like whole wheat, spelt, Kamut, quinoa, rye, brown rice, and buckwheat, these noodles are more healthful than refined-flour versions. Fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, by using the whole grain, you are also preserving other important nutrients like B vitamins, minerals such as magnesium and selenium, and phytochemicals. Certain grains such as buckwheat, brown rice and quinoa are also gluten free making them a nice alternative to those with gluten sensitivities.
As you begin to experiment with these new grains, remember that their flavor and consistency will be different than the basic, semolina pasta you may be accustomed to using. The flavors are often heartier, sturdier and more earthy than their more refined counterpart. Buckwheat and rye often stand up well to more robust toppings such as a bold tomato sauce and a sharp shredded cheese. Buckwheat noodles are also known as soba noodles, which are used in Asian dishes. Others like quinoa and kamut work best with more delicate sauces. Have fun experimenting and discovering the new, great grains! Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Basil and Arugula Pesto with Kamut Spirals
12 ounces Kamut Spirals, 1 package
1/4 cup Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cups fresh basil, loosely packed, coarsely chopped
2 cups arugula leaves, loosely packed, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup pine nuts, lightly dry pan roasted
1 1/2 Tablespoons Miso
1/2 tea lemon peel, finely grated
1/2 cup water
Place all ingredients, except pasta, in a blender or food processor. Pulse several seconds until creamy and smooth. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Remove, drain, quickly rinse and mix together with the pesto before placing in a serving bowl. May be served room temperature, chilled or warm. For chilled, place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so. For warm pasta, simply drain, do not rinse, then mix with the pesto.
GOOD OF THE ORDER
ALL HAZARD RESPONSE DEPARTMENT – Lt. Chad Kimple
In the afternoon of Thursday the 28th we were a few hands short in order to raise two large walls at the Homes for Islanders project on Lydia Lane across station 23. A quick phone call down to station 21 to see if anyone could lend a hand was well worth it. Chief Shepler with Lt. Paul Turner in Med 21 and Capt. Jones with EMT Nitz and Steven Siler in Car 21 went en-route to complete a "public service" detail. They arrived to a 2-story wood frame structure but there were no walls on the second floor. Chief Shepler and the crew entered to investigate. They found two ladders leading on the 2nd floor platform and two large walls fully framed and sheeted waiting to be raised.
Chief Shepler ordered the crews to spread out to their assigned post; on the count of 3 all hands were to lift. Present on the platform totaled 10 bodies to lift. 1...2...3... The first of two was raised and braced. All crews switched sides and bent their knees with backs straight chomping at the bit to hear the count. 1...2...3... and the second wall was raised and braced. Chief Shepler and his crew completed their flawless "public service" detail and the crew went back into service and departed all within 15 minutes of arriving.
Seriously now, I very much appreciate the response to help us out in a "building emergency". Did everyone get my email I sent back about a month or so ago? To summerize that email, I stated if we were to have our certificate of occupancy before December 1st ($8,000 First Time Homebuyer Loan) than I would donate $500 to the Association, $500 to Mercy Flight, and $1000 to the Orcas High School Sports Program.
Thank you to the names listed above as well as Rick Anda, Gregg Bronn, Mike Macksey, Jaylin Peacock, Jason Maderios, and anyone not listed.
The commitment by every homeowner is to complete 35 hours a week to the project. Half (17.5 hours) are required by the head of household and they may have volunteers come and work to complete the other half. Every head of house-hold has been putting in over the minimum requirement trying to speed the process up. This program (like many) relies on the volunteer force to make headway and to catch us up to where we need to be. So if you’re interested to volunteer please contact me or Bruce Brackett.
Respectfully,
Chad Kimple
MEDIA – Maxx Jones
Run Report - May 22nd to the 28th, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 non-injury motor vehicle crash, 1 illegal campfire, 2 alarm activations, 4 minor traumas, 6 respiratory problems and 3 medical emergencies which resulted in 4 off-island transports via AirLift NW.
In response to a question from the newspaper regarding why we now carry iPhones:
We use the i-phone like any other cell phone when talking to our Medical Control physician, Dr. Michael P. Sullivan. Unique about the i-phone is that it has a huge screen which allows us to take a clear picture of a 12 lead ECG and send it to him for his confirmation and consultation. You can also increase the size of the picture with your fingers of any given cardiac complex so as to see the subtle nuances necessary for accurate evaluation. No other hand held device can do this. We take a picture and hit “send” Critical care medicine in an austere medical environment.and voila The same phone has a calculator which makes them useful in pharmacology and a timer for procedures and critical interventions. Div. Chief Patrick Shepler
Friday Update May 22
22/05/09 14:58
FRIDAY UPDATE MAY 22, 2009
FROM THE CHIEF
NEW STATION 24 UPDATE: The Board work session next Tuesday will focus on the plans for new Sta. 24. The building plans are in their final DRAFT and are available to be seen on the counter in the work area of Sta. 21. The meeting will discuss these plans and the DRAFT landscape plan submitted by Carol McCoy working with Teri Williams. Any questions, concerns & comments should be brought to this meeting. We hope to have ground breaking and our building permit in July. If we go out to bid in June we can award our construction contract in July as well. We hope construction can begin in August and be "dried in" by October/November.
WILDLAND FIRE SEASON FORECAST: I met with DNR on Wednesday and this is the last season for the veteran fire forecast analyst with the state. He is calling for a year like 2006 with a wet and warm spring ending with an extended fire season that set up the OIF&R Fire Tour of 2006. Please read the proposed caption below for the commemorative plaque we intend to assemble for the meeting room.
Commemorating the Palouse, Mazama and Columpia Complex Fire Tour of 2006 In October 2006, Orcas fire was mobilized by the State and responded to three separate fires in a two-week period. Traveling over 1200 miles, they were part of a 5 engine Strike Team for fighting the fires and a 5 engine Strike Team for protecting homes. In May 2009 some OIF&R members visited two of the three communities and were presented with this Elk rack in appreciation of their efforts. Dan Frame, resident of the Columbia Complex near Dayton, credits OIF&R with saving his cabin, which was under construction at the time. E26 worked from sundown to sun up with CAFS to keep the fire at the Frame cabin under control. All together, we were responsible for helping to save over 20 structures including 10 homes! Saving the "Sleepy Hollow" cabin owned by the former Fire Management Officer of the nearby Umatilla National Forest was another high point. The crew’s activities included "burning out" around structures and calling in several helicopter retardant drops ahead of the advancing fires. Only one outbuilding was lost due to these efforts.
A "close call" caused by a falling tree during mop up, brought a new level of meaning to our safety messages. The real life training provided by this event would not be attainable in any staged exercise.
My thanks to Max Jones for her continued emphasis on wildfire on Orcas via her FireWise programs and her insistense that we continue to train for our "Learning Moment on Orcas" that is sure to come. The reason that we go to these events is threefold. It prepares us better than any other way to deal with our event "before" it arrives, it helps our neighbors deal with their current events and it is what I like to call "Being Paid to Train". Over the past 4 fire seasons the District has received over $10K for the state to "lease" our equipment.
DRILL and TRAINING
22 Fri 3:00 Fire In the Field Unit 2 due
25 Mon Office closed
28 Thurs Rescue drill
30 Sat ISO Shuttle Drill all day
JUNE
3 Wed Run Review
4 Thurs Red Card Team Annual Drill
5 Fri Fire in the Field Written Exam 4-6 pm
6 Sat Wildland Team Day (Hot topics and live fire)
DIVISION REPORTS
OPERATIONS– Val Harris
Memorial Garden If you haven’t been by Station 21 lately, swing by and check out the Memorial Garden. Kevin and Carol McCoy did a fantastic job! They really went above and beyond in completing the job plus they added a lot of “pro bono” to the project. If you have questions or someone you know has questions about the planning or funding of the job, please see me or the Chief and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
Equipment It is very important that gear is not issued outside of the normal procedure. Unfortunately we are very tight on pagers and radios right now due to recent mishaps and outright pager “deaths”. We are trying to get the new recruit class outfitted with the equipment they need and unfortunately we have had a pager and a couple of radios “walk”. We now have no idea who had them and we have people who need them. When it comes to communication equipment, please see Paul, Chad, or myself. Thanks
On Wednesday the 27th there will be a group working on the grounds in effort to get on top of things. If you are interested, your help would be appreciated. We will start @ 1000. Also, take a look at your individual stations. It would be great if all our stations were spiffed up by 4th of July. Thanks
WELLNESS – Mik Preysz & Jaylin Peacock
Grilling Up Good Health! by Beth Smith
With Memorial Day weekend upon us and warmer temperatures in the air, it’s the perfect time to bring out the barbecue and start this year’s grilling season. Grilling happens to be a healthy form of cooking, but remember these important facts to keep your summer barbecues healthy.
Processed meats such as hot dogs, bratwurst and sausage are always popular grilled items. Keep in mind that most processed meats contain preservatives to extend shelf life. Sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite are common additives used to preserve these meats. Unfortunately, these preservatives have been linked to cancer, migraine headaches and hyperactivity in children. When deciding upon your grilling menu, it’s best to choose meats that are uncured or not preserved with sodium nitrate or nitrite. You must read the ingredient list on food items to determine whether these preservatives have been added.
Keep in mind that high temperature grilling (and broiling) of foods that contain fat and protein (meat and poultry, especially) produces carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines (HAs) that can raise the risk of cancer. To protect your self, grill more vegetables and fish and less meat and try not to cook animal foods (including fish) to the point of charring. (Blackened fish is popular but unhealthy - try to avoid the blackened parts if you're served food this way.) If you do grill meats, use leaner cuts and marinate meat, poultry and fish before cooking; the marinade may help reduce HA formation, especially if it's made with spices such as ginger, rosemary and turmeric. And, finally, avoid charcoal lighter fluid or self-starting packages of briquettes in a charcoal grill - they will leave residues of toxic chemicals in your food.
Grilling isn’t just for meats. Think outside the box as you plan your barbecues. Grilled vegetables and even fruits make tasty and healthy additions to any menu. Try grilling pineapple, pears or apples. Nearly all vegetables grill very nicely. A mesh-grilling basket works great to keep vegetables from falling through the grate.
Make your summer barbecues fun and healthy by leaving out unwanted preservatives and adding a variety of lean meats, vegetables and fruits. Happy grilling!
FOOD AND ATTITUDE DIVISION – Steven Siler
Goodies galore are flowing from mess hall! We now have a small Snack Machine, with low priced goodies ($0.25, $0.50, $0.75). No item in the snack machine will ever be over a $1.00. I will be putting more “healthier” choices as soon as I can get to the mainland. If you have additional suggestions (that are small enough to fit and can be sold for under a $1.00), let me know! A mucho Thank-You to Jack and Chief for our new official Fire Truck Bar pot rack and industrial Coffee Maker! Viva La Java Forever! Tuesday and Thursday meals have been doing well, with only one smoke alarm to dispatch this week! If in doubt about missing a meal, call and reserve a plate. I will be putting leftover meals in colored Tupperware in the frig, for any night crew who are hungry. Finally, starting next week, I will have Frozen “Grab-N-Go” mini-meals in the freezer, that you can nuke or grill in a jiffy. For those who would need, they will be labeled as: Meat-Free, Garlic-Free, Gluten-Free, or Taste-Free. These will be things like Grown-Up Grill Cheese, Monster Swine-in-a-Comforter, Twice-Baked Potatoes, etc. Again, email me with ANY suggestions. If you would, also, please put your gracious remuneration for these IN THE JAR on the counter.
MEDIA – Maxx Jones
Run Report - May 14 through 21st, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 2 outdoor burning issues, 1 minor trauma, 1 burn and 7 Medical emergencies which resulted in 1 off-island transports via AirLift NW.
HELP SPREAD PUBLIC AWARENESS & HOPE ABOUT STROKE National Stroke Awareness Month Activity Announced at Orcas Island Fire & Rescue
Did you know that up to 80% of strokes are preventable, yet it is expected that nearly 795,000 people in the United States will have a stroke this year? Nationally, there are nearly 800.000 strokes each year. The majority of those who survive a stroke will need some form of rehabilitation in their recovery process. This May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a time to raise public awareness about important stroke facts to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke. In 1987, National Stroke Association received a presidential proclamation to observe National Stroke Awareness Month in May. This year, Orcas Island Fire Rescue is taking a lead from National Stroke Association and striving to educate islanders to STOP stroke by reducing their risk through risk factor management , to act F.A.S.T. upon stroke symptom recognition and to spread HOPE about recovery from stroke. Patrick Shepler of Orcas Island Fire Rescue, will present this talk.
Story about the Chief’s wife
Vicki Christiansen fights fire with fire
Peninsula High School graduate makes a career in forest service
Susan Schell of the Gateway Published: 01:19PM May 13th, 2009
Some people think they spend a good portion of their careers putting out fires. But when Victoria Christiansen uses that term, she’s not kidding. Christiansen, one of this year’s Alumni of Distinction, excelled in the forest service as a wildland firefighter and manager, and she once served as the executive director of regulatory programs and Washington State forester at the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
She recently accepted a position as a state forester and director of the division of forestry in Arizona. The Peninsula High School graduate now has the responsibility to protect 22 million acres of the state’s and private forest land.
Since she graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor of science degree in forestry management, she has chalked up an impressive resume. Christiansen has held positions such as Hood Canal district manager, assistant division manager for operations with the Forest Practices Division, and region operations manager, executive management, with the state DNR.
When she first joined the field, Christiansen said there weren’t many female forest firefighters. “It was the early part of women being in a non-traditional field,” she said. “It was somewhat unique. But when folks recognized that I had a pretty good head on my shoulders and a lot of energy, I excelled through the ranks with more and more responsibility.”
Christiansen said she got into fire fighting while she was in college.“I got the fever,” she said. “I got hooked right away. I’m a highly energetic person. I like to physically work hard, and the camaraderie of fire fighting.” Christiansen’s first assignment was to work on the reforestation of Mount St. Helens after the 1980 eruption.
“I was right out of college,” she said. “There was 5,000 acres of land completely obliterated. It took one year just to get it open. The second year, we actually put trees in the ground. Nobody had any idea how these trees would survive in the ash. But they did thrive.”
The forestation survey did an evaluation after one growing season to see what the viability of the forest would be.
Christiansen had plenty more adventures throughout her career. She advanced through the ranks as a resource boss, task force leader and division supervisor, and she earned credentials in fire line explosives, playing a part with the teams that deploy explosives during a wildfire to burn up fuel before the fire advances and has time to expand.
“We worked on the steepest, toughest ground,” she said. “You were out where helicopter crews were dropping explosives.
“I had good physical stamina. I could do fine on these slopes and had good organizational skills. I got to see the hottest, most dramatic, most leading edge of the fire.”
One of the sad incidents she recalled was finding out a helicopter had gone down just hours after the pilot led her team to safety.
“I was scouting a fire line in the Klickitat area of Washington,” Christiansen said. “We had a hotshot crew trying to tie a line together. We had had very severe fire activity when the inversion broke suddenly. We thought we had an hour longer.”
A helicopter that was scouring the area from above radioed the team and said, “You’ve got to get out of there now.”
The team planned to advance into a ravine. A fire team has to have an escape route, but Christiansen’s team wasn’t aware they didn’t have one until the pilot sounded the alarm.
“I didn’t think I was in that much danger,” she said. “I was blasting a long time. I was in the middle of this hellhole, and I was relying on his experience. But we were ready to commit. The helicopter pilot was doing his duty.”
The next day, the team learned the helicopter had gone down.
“The fire blew up — we retreated — we shouldn’t have been down there,” Christiansen said. “We got to camp and we found out there was a shift in the weather. Just hours before he went down, he had made the right call on our behalf.”
Fire fighting also brought joy to her life, Christiansen said, like meeting her husband, Mike Harris, also a firefighter. Their wedding centered around a fire theme.
“We had a restored antique fire truck,” Christiansen said. “And Smoky the Bear and Sparky the fire dog were our guests.”
For their first anniversary, the couple was on hand for a big fire storm in 1994, when fire was all around Wenatchee. They spent their anniversary night in a tent at the fire camp, complete with the top of their wedding cake.
The couple now has two sons, and Harris is the fire chief on Orcas Island.
During Christiansen’s years with the state DNR, she said she was involved with many important decisions and implemented numerous environmental programs. She co-founded a two-county fire prevention cooperative in Western Washington to help fire departments and wildlife organizations communicate more efficiently.
She also has served as a guest speaker at local schools and has led Earth Day hikes in Banner Forest.
One accomplishment Christiansen said she’s particularly proud of is co-founding an environmental education program in Mason County schools called “Students in the Watershed.” The program allows children to become a part of their natural environment by bringing them into the forest in order to document water quality and learn about the salmon habitat.
The DNR used the information students collected to gain grants in order to improve trails, keep silt out of salmon streams and continue to allow viable recreation.
“They collected real information and made recommendations,” Christiansen said. “The kids did real projects in managing those lands. The four walls of the classroom change for them when you open up an outdoor laboratory. They felt they were connected.”
The students’ research and information proved that years of massive recreation in Hood Canal had affected the quality of the water.
“We had a focus group that worked with the scientists, who actually applied their criteria on the ground,” Christiansen said. “We figured we needed to do it right and not have motorboats up and down salmon rivers. And the grants have shown that they were improving the water conditions.”
The involvement in the outdoor classroom also had a profound effect on a number of students, who blossomed with the environmental studies. Christiansen said several students who hadn’t been doing well in the classroom went on to work with the DNR or become biologists because of the program.
“It has changed the life of so many kids there,” Christiansen said. “I saw students go on to college that didn’t think they would make it.”
Christiansen said her work in Arizona is a long-term commitment. In the past, she said she had considered moving to the Southwest, but she didn’t think a job opportunity would present itself so soon.
“My husband and I had always talked about it, so I just took a leap of faith,” she said. “I wanted to practice forestry in a different environment. But we’ll always keep our foundation in the Northwest.”
FROM THE CHIEF
NEW STATION 24 UPDATE: The Board work session next Tuesday will focus on the plans for new Sta. 24. The building plans are in their final DRAFT and are available to be seen on the counter in the work area of Sta. 21. The meeting will discuss these plans and the DRAFT landscape plan submitted by Carol McCoy working with Teri Williams. Any questions, concerns & comments should be brought to this meeting. We hope to have ground breaking and our building permit in July. If we go out to bid in June we can award our construction contract in July as well. We hope construction can begin in August and be "dried in" by October/November.
WILDLAND FIRE SEASON FORECAST: I met with DNR on Wednesday and this is the last season for the veteran fire forecast analyst with the state. He is calling for a year like 2006 with a wet and warm spring ending with an extended fire season that set up the OIF&R Fire Tour of 2006. Please read the proposed caption below for the commemorative plaque we intend to assemble for the meeting room.
Commemorating the Palouse, Mazama and Columpia Complex Fire Tour of 2006 In October 2006, Orcas fire was mobilized by the State and responded to three separate fires in a two-week period. Traveling over 1200 miles, they were part of a 5 engine Strike Team for fighting the fires and a 5 engine Strike Team for protecting homes. In May 2009 some OIF&R members visited two of the three communities and were presented with this Elk rack in appreciation of their efforts. Dan Frame, resident of the Columbia Complex near Dayton, credits OIF&R with saving his cabin, which was under construction at the time. E26 worked from sundown to sun up with CAFS to keep the fire at the Frame cabin under control. All together, we were responsible for helping to save over 20 structures including 10 homes! Saving the "Sleepy Hollow" cabin owned by the former Fire Management Officer of the nearby Umatilla National Forest was another high point. The crew’s activities included "burning out" around structures and calling in several helicopter retardant drops ahead of the advancing fires. Only one outbuilding was lost due to these efforts.
A "close call" caused by a falling tree during mop up, brought a new level of meaning to our safety messages. The real life training provided by this event would not be attainable in any staged exercise.
My thanks to Max Jones for her continued emphasis on wildfire on Orcas via her FireWise programs and her insistense that we continue to train for our "Learning Moment on Orcas" that is sure to come. The reason that we go to these events is threefold. It prepares us better than any other way to deal with our event "before" it arrives, it helps our neighbors deal with their current events and it is what I like to call "Being Paid to Train". Over the past 4 fire seasons the District has received over $10K for the state to "lease" our equipment.
DRILL and TRAINING
22 Fri 3:00 Fire In the Field Unit 2 due
25 Mon Office closed
28 Thurs Rescue drill
30 Sat ISO Shuttle Drill all day
JUNE
3 Wed Run Review
4 Thurs Red Card Team Annual Drill
5 Fri Fire in the Field Written Exam 4-6 pm
6 Sat Wildland Team Day (Hot topics and live fire)
DIVISION REPORTS
OPERATIONS– Val Harris
Memorial Garden If you haven’t been by Station 21 lately, swing by and check out the Memorial Garden. Kevin and Carol McCoy did a fantastic job! They really went above and beyond in completing the job plus they added a lot of “pro bono” to the project. If you have questions or someone you know has questions about the planning or funding of the job, please see me or the Chief and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
Equipment It is very important that gear is not issued outside of the normal procedure. Unfortunately we are very tight on pagers and radios right now due to recent mishaps and outright pager “deaths”. We are trying to get the new recruit class outfitted with the equipment they need and unfortunately we have had a pager and a couple of radios “walk”. We now have no idea who had them and we have people who need them. When it comes to communication equipment, please see Paul, Chad, or myself. Thanks
On Wednesday the 27th there will be a group working on the grounds in effort to get on top of things. If you are interested, your help would be appreciated. We will start @ 1000. Also, take a look at your individual stations. It would be great if all our stations were spiffed up by 4th of July. Thanks
WELLNESS – Mik Preysz & Jaylin Peacock
Grilling Up Good Health! by Beth Smith
With Memorial Day weekend upon us and warmer temperatures in the air, it’s the perfect time to bring out the barbecue and start this year’s grilling season. Grilling happens to be a healthy form of cooking, but remember these important facts to keep your summer barbecues healthy.
Processed meats such as hot dogs, bratwurst and sausage are always popular grilled items. Keep in mind that most processed meats contain preservatives to extend shelf life. Sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite are common additives used to preserve these meats. Unfortunately, these preservatives have been linked to cancer, migraine headaches and hyperactivity in children. When deciding upon your grilling menu, it’s best to choose meats that are uncured or not preserved with sodium nitrate or nitrite. You must read the ingredient list on food items to determine whether these preservatives have been added.
Keep in mind that high temperature grilling (and broiling) of foods that contain fat and protein (meat and poultry, especially) produces carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines (HAs) that can raise the risk of cancer. To protect your self, grill more vegetables and fish and less meat and try not to cook animal foods (including fish) to the point of charring. (Blackened fish is popular but unhealthy - try to avoid the blackened parts if you're served food this way.) If you do grill meats, use leaner cuts and marinate meat, poultry and fish before cooking; the marinade may help reduce HA formation, especially if it's made with spices such as ginger, rosemary and turmeric. And, finally, avoid charcoal lighter fluid or self-starting packages of briquettes in a charcoal grill - they will leave residues of toxic chemicals in your food.
Grilling isn’t just for meats. Think outside the box as you plan your barbecues. Grilled vegetables and even fruits make tasty and healthy additions to any menu. Try grilling pineapple, pears or apples. Nearly all vegetables grill very nicely. A mesh-grilling basket works great to keep vegetables from falling through the grate.
Make your summer barbecues fun and healthy by leaving out unwanted preservatives and adding a variety of lean meats, vegetables and fruits. Happy grilling!
FOOD AND ATTITUDE DIVISION – Steven Siler
Goodies galore are flowing from mess hall! We now have a small Snack Machine, with low priced goodies ($0.25, $0.50, $0.75). No item in the snack machine will ever be over a $1.00. I will be putting more “healthier” choices as soon as I can get to the mainland. If you have additional suggestions (that are small enough to fit and can be sold for under a $1.00), let me know! A mucho Thank-You to Jack and Chief for our new official Fire Truck Bar pot rack and industrial Coffee Maker! Viva La Java Forever! Tuesday and Thursday meals have been doing well, with only one smoke alarm to dispatch this week! If in doubt about missing a meal, call and reserve a plate. I will be putting leftover meals in colored Tupperware in the frig, for any night crew who are hungry. Finally, starting next week, I will have Frozen “Grab-N-Go” mini-meals in the freezer, that you can nuke or grill in a jiffy. For those who would need, they will be labeled as: Meat-Free, Garlic-Free, Gluten-Free, or Taste-Free. These will be things like Grown-Up Grill Cheese, Monster Swine-in-a-Comforter, Twice-Baked Potatoes, etc. Again, email me with ANY suggestions. If you would, also, please put your gracious remuneration for these IN THE JAR on the counter.
MEDIA – Maxx Jones
Run Report - May 14 through 21st, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 2 outdoor burning issues, 1 minor trauma, 1 burn and 7 Medical emergencies which resulted in 1 off-island transports via AirLift NW.
HELP SPREAD PUBLIC AWARENESS & HOPE ABOUT STROKE National Stroke Awareness Month Activity Announced at Orcas Island Fire & Rescue
Did you know that up to 80% of strokes are preventable, yet it is expected that nearly 795,000 people in the United States will have a stroke this year? Nationally, there are nearly 800.000 strokes each year. The majority of those who survive a stroke will need some form of rehabilitation in their recovery process. This May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a time to raise public awareness about important stroke facts to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke. In 1987, National Stroke Association received a presidential proclamation to observe National Stroke Awareness Month in May. This year, Orcas Island Fire Rescue is taking a lead from National Stroke Association and striving to educate islanders to STOP stroke by reducing their risk through risk factor management , to act F.A.S.T. upon stroke symptom recognition and to spread HOPE about recovery from stroke. Patrick Shepler of Orcas Island Fire Rescue, will present this talk.
Story about the Chief’s wife
Vicki Christiansen fights fire with fire
Peninsula High School graduate makes a career in forest service
Susan Schell of the Gateway Published: 01:19PM May 13th, 2009
Some people think they spend a good portion of their careers putting out fires. But when Victoria Christiansen uses that term, she’s not kidding. Christiansen, one of this year’s Alumni of Distinction, excelled in the forest service as a wildland firefighter and manager, and she once served as the executive director of regulatory programs and Washington State forester at the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
She recently accepted a position as a state forester and director of the division of forestry in Arizona. The Peninsula High School graduate now has the responsibility to protect 22 million acres of the state’s and private forest land.
Since she graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor of science degree in forestry management, she has chalked up an impressive resume. Christiansen has held positions such as Hood Canal district manager, assistant division manager for operations with the Forest Practices Division, and region operations manager, executive management, with the state DNR.
When she first joined the field, Christiansen said there weren’t many female forest firefighters. “It was the early part of women being in a non-traditional field,” she said. “It was somewhat unique. But when folks recognized that I had a pretty good head on my shoulders and a lot of energy, I excelled through the ranks with more and more responsibility.”
Christiansen said she got into fire fighting while she was in college.“I got the fever,” she said. “I got hooked right away. I’m a highly energetic person. I like to physically work hard, and the camaraderie of fire fighting.” Christiansen’s first assignment was to work on the reforestation of Mount St. Helens after the 1980 eruption.
“I was right out of college,” she said. “There was 5,000 acres of land completely obliterated. It took one year just to get it open. The second year, we actually put trees in the ground. Nobody had any idea how these trees would survive in the ash. But they did thrive.”
The forestation survey did an evaluation after one growing season to see what the viability of the forest would be.
Christiansen had plenty more adventures throughout her career. She advanced through the ranks as a resource boss, task force leader and division supervisor, and she earned credentials in fire line explosives, playing a part with the teams that deploy explosives during a wildfire to burn up fuel before the fire advances and has time to expand.
“We worked on the steepest, toughest ground,” she said. “You were out where helicopter crews were dropping explosives.
“I had good physical stamina. I could do fine on these slopes and had good organizational skills. I got to see the hottest, most dramatic, most leading edge of the fire.”
One of the sad incidents she recalled was finding out a helicopter had gone down just hours after the pilot led her team to safety.
“I was scouting a fire line in the Klickitat area of Washington,” Christiansen said. “We had a hotshot crew trying to tie a line together. We had had very severe fire activity when the inversion broke suddenly. We thought we had an hour longer.”
A helicopter that was scouring the area from above radioed the team and said, “You’ve got to get out of there now.”
The team planned to advance into a ravine. A fire team has to have an escape route, but Christiansen’s team wasn’t aware they didn’t have one until the pilot sounded the alarm.
“I didn’t think I was in that much danger,” she said. “I was blasting a long time. I was in the middle of this hellhole, and I was relying on his experience. But we were ready to commit. The helicopter pilot was doing his duty.”
The next day, the team learned the helicopter had gone down.
“The fire blew up — we retreated — we shouldn’t have been down there,” Christiansen said. “We got to camp and we found out there was a shift in the weather. Just hours before he went down, he had made the right call on our behalf.”
Fire fighting also brought joy to her life, Christiansen said, like meeting her husband, Mike Harris, also a firefighter. Their wedding centered around a fire theme.
“We had a restored antique fire truck,” Christiansen said. “And Smoky the Bear and Sparky the fire dog were our guests.”
For their first anniversary, the couple was on hand for a big fire storm in 1994, when fire was all around Wenatchee. They spent their anniversary night in a tent at the fire camp, complete with the top of their wedding cake.
The couple now has two sons, and Harris is the fire chief on Orcas Island.
During Christiansen’s years with the state DNR, she said she was involved with many important decisions and implemented numerous environmental programs. She co-founded a two-county fire prevention cooperative in Western Washington to help fire departments and wildlife organizations communicate more efficiently.
She also has served as a guest speaker at local schools and has led Earth Day hikes in Banner Forest.
One accomplishment Christiansen said she’s particularly proud of is co-founding an environmental education program in Mason County schools called “Students in the Watershed.” The program allows children to become a part of their natural environment by bringing them into the forest in order to document water quality and learn about the salmon habitat.
The DNR used the information students collected to gain grants in order to improve trails, keep silt out of salmon streams and continue to allow viable recreation.
“They collected real information and made recommendations,” Christiansen said. “The kids did real projects in managing those lands. The four walls of the classroom change for them when you open up an outdoor laboratory. They felt they were connected.”
The students’ research and information proved that years of massive recreation in Hood Canal had affected the quality of the water.
“We had a focus group that worked with the scientists, who actually applied their criteria on the ground,” Christiansen said. “We figured we needed to do it right and not have motorboats up and down salmon rivers. And the grants have shown that they were improving the water conditions.”
The involvement in the outdoor classroom also had a profound effect on a number of students, who blossomed with the environmental studies. Christiansen said several students who hadn’t been doing well in the classroom went on to work with the DNR or become biologists because of the program.
“It has changed the life of so many kids there,” Christiansen said. “I saw students go on to college that didn’t think they would make it.”
Christiansen said her work in Arizona is a long-term commitment. In the past, she said she had considered moving to the Southwest, but she didn’t think a job opportunity would present itself so soon.
“My husband and I had always talked about it, so I just took a leap of faith,” she said. “I wanted to practice forestry in a different environment. But we’ll always keep our foundation in the Northwest.”
Friday Update May 15
15/05/09 13:53
FRIDAY UPDATE MAY 15, 2009
DRILL and TRAINING
16-18 WL field trip to Eastern WA
20 Wed 5:30 Pack Test at Station 21
22 Fri 3:00 Fire In the Field Unit 2 due
25 Mon Office closed
28 Thurs Rescue drill
30 Sat ISO Shuttle Drill all day
TRAINING REPORT
WATER ON WHEELS Saturday, May 30th at 9AM is set for our big, “before summer fire season”, test of our Water Tender capabilities. Included are some new “appliances” (one of which is a Jet Siphon) that allows us to move water between drop tanks and a rapid rate. Our biggest natural threat during the summer is wildfires. That’s why this test of our latest apparatus and new equipment will be so valuable in our preparation efforts. To make this drill a success, we need an RSVP form you as to whether you will be able to attend. Note: I have already spoken to a few of you that will not be able to attend due to other critical life obligations. That’s OK; we’ll have a plan for that. Who should attend? We have been working with the officer’s and most already have their assignments. We NEED the fire officers and firefighters however, there are a number of aspects to this drill, and so having EMT support will make it a truly All Hands event, (just like a real Wildland fire). The Plan: Meet here at Station 21 at 9AM for a short planning session and practice in three stations, followed by a WOW Operation (water on wheels). We hope to be done by 3PM and are planning a BBQ in Moran State Park to thank everyone and decompress. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or e-mail me. Thanks! Patrick
WILDLAND DIVISION – Maxx Jones
If anyone has wildland gear that is not being used, please get it into Maxx. We are very short of helmets this year.
DIVISION REPORTS
Admin:
All Volunteers will be receiving an amended W-2 for 2008. The HEART Act allows a $30 per month exclusion from wages/stipends for Volunteer Firefighters & EMS personnel. In addition, the FICA/Medicare tax will be refunded to you on this amount. In order to receive the Social Security/Medicare tax refund, all volunteers must fill out and return to Rick Anda a certification that has been placed in your box. Please return these by May 26th. The county auditor WILL NOT pay this without the certification. It will take the County a month or so to process all of this. You will be able to file an amended Income Tax Return to claim the income tax refund. The IRS requires that the Orcas Athletics Club dues be considered a taxable fringe benefit. The cost of the monthly dues will be added to your W-2 beginning in 2009.
Operations:
Member Memorial Garden After Denise Stanton passed away in 2007 a comomerative garden was discussed. The pictures on the members’ area wall remind us of at least three others, Jeff Patti, Daryl Marshall & Rich Cardinell. The idea was to transform our not very private patio space into a more separate outdoor "room". Last year we actually put some $ in the District budget to get this started. We only have enough to create the basic space; put down some rock and start the plantings. Now that Kevin and Carol McCoy have started, we need your help. We are asking the Assn. to consider purchasing both a new BBQ and the material for a new fire ring. In addition, what do you think about a small roof area over the BBQ? We have the talent in-house to build it if we can gather funds to buy the materials. Phase One, is the earthen-burm to separate the MM Garden from the parking lot. Plus shrubs/small trees to create a visual barrier and rock seating around a small propane fire pit. Eventually we hope to have permanent plaques made for each member who passes away while serving. Whatever we do, the membership needs to "Own It" including keeping it maintained. We hope for other station areas to be taken over by members for garden areas or whatever. Whaddaya think? Comments to me and Toby are appreciated. Thanks for your support. Val
MEDIA
Fire response for May 12th, 2009
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue responded to a reported “Grill Fire” at Cascade Harbor Grill near Rosario Resort, but when they got there, it was all BUT a cooking fire! Eastsound Engine 21, Rescue 21, Chief Harris and seven firefighters arrived to assist manager Dave Mowrey (who is also a firefighter lieutenant/EMT) in extinguishing a fire in the crawl space below the building. The fire started when a stray spark from welding spread flame to floor joists. Although hard to access, the fire did minimal damage thanks to quick response on everyone’s part. The fire department used the thermal imaging camera to check for “heat” in the walls and floor which pin points hot spots. This tool greatly limits the need to remove sheetrock and flooring while searching for fire “extension”.
DRILL and TRAINING
16-18 WL field trip to Eastern WA
20 Wed 5:30 Pack Test at Station 21
22 Fri 3:00 Fire In the Field Unit 2 due
25 Mon Office closed
28 Thurs Rescue drill
30 Sat ISO Shuttle Drill all day
TRAINING REPORT
WATER ON WHEELS Saturday, May 30th at 9AM is set for our big, “before summer fire season”, test of our Water Tender capabilities. Included are some new “appliances” (one of which is a Jet Siphon) that allows us to move water between drop tanks and a rapid rate. Our biggest natural threat during the summer is wildfires. That’s why this test of our latest apparatus and new equipment will be so valuable in our preparation efforts. To make this drill a success, we need an RSVP form you as to whether you will be able to attend. Note: I have already spoken to a few of you that will not be able to attend due to other critical life obligations. That’s OK; we’ll have a plan for that. Who should attend? We have been working with the officer’s and most already have their assignments. We NEED the fire officers and firefighters however, there are a number of aspects to this drill, and so having EMT support will make it a truly All Hands event, (just like a real Wildland fire). The Plan: Meet here at Station 21 at 9AM for a short planning session and practice in three stations, followed by a WOW Operation (water on wheels). We hope to be done by 3PM and are planning a BBQ in Moran State Park to thank everyone and decompress. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or e-mail me. Thanks! Patrick
WILDLAND DIVISION – Maxx Jones
If anyone has wildland gear that is not being used, please get it into Maxx. We are very short of helmets this year.
DIVISION REPORTS
Admin:
All Volunteers will be receiving an amended W-2 for 2008. The HEART Act allows a $30 per month exclusion from wages/stipends for Volunteer Firefighters & EMS personnel. In addition, the FICA/Medicare tax will be refunded to you on this amount. In order to receive the Social Security/Medicare tax refund, all volunteers must fill out and return to Rick Anda a certification that has been placed in your box. Please return these by May 26th. The county auditor WILL NOT pay this without the certification. It will take the County a month or so to process all of this. You will be able to file an amended Income Tax Return to claim the income tax refund. The IRS requires that the Orcas Athletics Club dues be considered a taxable fringe benefit. The cost of the monthly dues will be added to your W-2 beginning in 2009.
Operations:
Member Memorial Garden After Denise Stanton passed away in 2007 a comomerative garden was discussed. The pictures on the members’ area wall remind us of at least three others, Jeff Patti, Daryl Marshall & Rich Cardinell. The idea was to transform our not very private patio space into a more separate outdoor "room". Last year we actually put some $ in the District budget to get this started. We only have enough to create the basic space; put down some rock and start the plantings. Now that Kevin and Carol McCoy have started, we need your help. We are asking the Assn. to consider purchasing both a new BBQ and the material for a new fire ring. In addition, what do you think about a small roof area over the BBQ? We have the talent in-house to build it if we can gather funds to buy the materials. Phase One, is the earthen-burm to separate the MM Garden from the parking lot. Plus shrubs/small trees to create a visual barrier and rock seating around a small propane fire pit. Eventually we hope to have permanent plaques made for each member who passes away while serving. Whatever we do, the membership needs to "Own It" including keeping it maintained. We hope for other station areas to be taken over by members for garden areas or whatever. Whaddaya think? Comments to me and Toby are appreciated. Thanks for your support. Val
MEDIA
Fire response for May 12th, 2009
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue responded to a reported “Grill Fire” at Cascade Harbor Grill near Rosario Resort, but when they got there, it was all BUT a cooking fire! Eastsound Engine 21, Rescue 21, Chief Harris and seven firefighters arrived to assist manager Dave Mowrey (who is also a firefighter lieutenant/EMT) in extinguishing a fire in the crawl space below the building. The fire started when a stray spark from welding spread flame to floor joists. Although hard to access, the fire did minimal damage thanks to quick response on everyone’s part. The fire department used the thermal imaging camera to check for “heat” in the walls and floor which pin points hot spots. This tool greatly limits the need to remove sheetrock and flooring while searching for fire “extension”.
Friday Update May 8
08/05/09 13:57
FRIDAY UPDATE MAY 8, 2009
DRILL and TRAINING
11 Mon 7:00 Special Planning meeting for Shuttle Drill
12 Tues 7:30 BOFC
13 Wed 3:00 Fire In the Field Unit 1 due
7:00 Division Drill
16-18 WL field trip to Eastern WA
20 Wed 5:30 Pack Test at Station 21
22 Fri 3:00 Fire In the Field Unit 2 due
25 Mon Office closed
28 Thurs 7:00 Rescue drill
30 Sat ISO Shuttle Drill all day
TRAINING REPORT
Welcome to Orcas Island Fire & Rescue Online Training
Please welcome our new firefighters. They have worked very hard since the beginning of the year and have already fought a structure fire! Welcome Firefighter Class of 2009! Please take a moment to set up your account with Target Safety. The instructions are included in an email to you, in the Friday Update.
WILDLAND DIVISION – Maxx Jones
The next pack test will take place on May 20th. Weigh in at Station 21. Launch at 6:00 at the site. You must provide your own pack of 45 pounds. Please have that together BEFORE arriving at the station for weigh in. There is at least 1 vest but it is 52 pounds... A reminder that everyone must pack test to remain a Wildland Firefighter. There will be one last make-up pack test on June 5-6th (date/time yet to be determined). Due to an overwhelming schedule, there will be no other pack test dates this year. If you miss your chance, you can stay on the roles and recert next year or find a certified pack test off-island.
WELLNESS – Mik Preysz / Jaylin Peacock
Celebrating Good Nutrition with Mom! by Beth Smith, MS, RD
Struggling with finding that perfect Mother’s Day gift? You might head to the kitchen or your local market to find the answer. Most mothers spend several hours weekly contemplating menus and shopping lists, meal preparation and clean up. Why not spend this Mother’s Day planning and preparing that perfect, and of course nutritious meal for Mom. Here are a few suggestions of foods to include…
⊄ Red Wine and Berries! Toasting Mom on Mother’s Day might provide more than just cheers of love and gratitude. Consuming moderate amounts of alcohol protects against heart disease by raising our good cholesterol (HDL). Red wine has the added benefit of an antioxidant called resveratrol. An alcohol free alternative to getting your resveratrol is a diet rich in red and purple fruits, such as grapes, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and cranberries.
⊄ Chocolate! Yes, it’s packed full of antioxidants as long as you stick with dark varieties containing 70% cocoa. While it has many health properties, remember proper portion size. Enjoy about an ounce a few times a week.
⊄ Nuts! Great sources of fiber and protein, nuts are a wonderful addition to any day. While nuts are high in fat, most of them contain heart healthy monounsaturated fat. Eat nuts in moderation and you’ll also get a dose of vitamin E, trace minerals, and in the case of walnuts, vital omega-3 fatty acids.
⊄ Tea! Studies continue to show the powerful antioxidant benefits of not only green tea but white and black tea as well. Polyphenols and catechins are the key antioxidants occurring in various amounts depending on the tea. Adding a touch of citrus to the tea makes the catechins more readily digested. Afternoon tea for Mom- simply perfect!
⊄ Eggs! Perhaps a Mother’s Day brunch might just be the perfect celebration featuring nutritious eggs. Eggs are perfect sources of protein containing important essential fatty acids. Scramble away on Mother’s Day!
Making Mother’s Day a celebration of healthy food might just be the perfect gift not only for mom but also for the whole family. Enjoy your celebration.
Blueberry and Raspberry Pudding
Divide among 4 over proof dishes, 1 pint each of raspberries and blueberries. Top each with ¼ cup low-fat yogurt and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Broil for about 3 minutes or until the sugar melts and caramelizes on top. Serve with a garnish of fresh mint.
ASSOCIATION NEWS – The Relay For Life July 10 We have been asked to participate. What that means is up to you. Last year we provided breakfast and Alicia put together an awesome team. Who's interested in making this happen? Contact me, Toby Brown or Dyan Holmes (317-6992) Check out their webpage www.relayforlifeoforcas.org
MEDIA
May 1 to 7th, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 alarm activation, a 2-vehicle crash, 2 remote landing zone set-ups, 2 Stroke emergencies, 6 Medical emergencies and 4 trauma patients all of which resulted in 5 off-island transports via AirLift NW.
AirLift Northwest is the island’s primary emergency medical transport to hospitals
in our area. The island’s medical air transport has designated the Eastsound Air port as the primary landing zone, but sometimes time critical patients require evacuation from one of several remote sites. This transport from the Olga area saved precious time for the patient. But while the helicopter is in motion, we are required to stop traffic for safety. Expect a possible delay if you see AirLift landing near a roadway!
DRILL and TRAINING
11 Mon 7:00 Special Planning meeting for Shuttle Drill
12 Tues 7:30 BOFC
13 Wed 3:00 Fire In the Field Unit 1 due
7:00 Division Drill
16-18 WL field trip to Eastern WA
20 Wed 5:30 Pack Test at Station 21
22 Fri 3:00 Fire In the Field Unit 2 due
25 Mon Office closed
28 Thurs 7:00 Rescue drill
30 Sat ISO Shuttle Drill all day
TRAINING REPORT
Welcome to Orcas Island Fire & Rescue Online Training
Please welcome our new firefighters. They have worked very hard since the beginning of the year and have already fought a structure fire! Welcome Firefighter Class of 2009! Please take a moment to set up your account with Target Safety. The instructions are included in an email to you, in the Friday Update.
WILDLAND DIVISION – Maxx Jones
The next pack test will take place on May 20th. Weigh in at Station 21. Launch at 6:00 at the site. You must provide your own pack of 45 pounds. Please have that together BEFORE arriving at the station for weigh in. There is at least 1 vest but it is 52 pounds... A reminder that everyone must pack test to remain a Wildland Firefighter. There will be one last make-up pack test on June 5-6th (date/time yet to be determined). Due to an overwhelming schedule, there will be no other pack test dates this year. If you miss your chance, you can stay on the roles and recert next year or find a certified pack test off-island.
WELLNESS – Mik Preysz / Jaylin Peacock
Celebrating Good Nutrition with Mom! by Beth Smith, MS, RD
Struggling with finding that perfect Mother’s Day gift? You might head to the kitchen or your local market to find the answer. Most mothers spend several hours weekly contemplating menus and shopping lists, meal preparation and clean up. Why not spend this Mother’s Day planning and preparing that perfect, and of course nutritious meal for Mom. Here are a few suggestions of foods to include…
⊄ Red Wine and Berries! Toasting Mom on Mother’s Day might provide more than just cheers of love and gratitude. Consuming moderate amounts of alcohol protects against heart disease by raising our good cholesterol (HDL). Red wine has the added benefit of an antioxidant called resveratrol. An alcohol free alternative to getting your resveratrol is a diet rich in red and purple fruits, such as grapes, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and cranberries.
⊄ Chocolate! Yes, it’s packed full of antioxidants as long as you stick with dark varieties containing 70% cocoa. While it has many health properties, remember proper portion size. Enjoy about an ounce a few times a week.
⊄ Nuts! Great sources of fiber and protein, nuts are a wonderful addition to any day. While nuts are high in fat, most of them contain heart healthy monounsaturated fat. Eat nuts in moderation and you’ll also get a dose of vitamin E, trace minerals, and in the case of walnuts, vital omega-3 fatty acids.
⊄ Tea! Studies continue to show the powerful antioxidant benefits of not only green tea but white and black tea as well. Polyphenols and catechins are the key antioxidants occurring in various amounts depending on the tea. Adding a touch of citrus to the tea makes the catechins more readily digested. Afternoon tea for Mom- simply perfect!
⊄ Eggs! Perhaps a Mother’s Day brunch might just be the perfect celebration featuring nutritious eggs. Eggs are perfect sources of protein containing important essential fatty acids. Scramble away on Mother’s Day!
Making Mother’s Day a celebration of healthy food might just be the perfect gift not only for mom but also for the whole family. Enjoy your celebration.
Blueberry and Raspberry Pudding
Divide among 4 over proof dishes, 1 pint each of raspberries and blueberries. Top each with ¼ cup low-fat yogurt and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Broil for about 3 minutes or until the sugar melts and caramelizes on top. Serve with a garnish of fresh mint.
ASSOCIATION NEWS – The Relay For Life July 10 We have been asked to participate. What that means is up to you. Last year we provided breakfast and Alicia put together an awesome team. Who's interested in making this happen? Contact me, Toby Brown or Dyan Holmes (317-6992) Check out their webpage www.relayforlifeoforcas.org
MEDIA
May 1 to 7th, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 alarm activation, a 2-vehicle crash, 2 remote landing zone set-ups, 2 Stroke emergencies, 6 Medical emergencies and 4 trauma patients all of which resulted in 5 off-island transports via AirLift NW.
AirLift Northwest is the island’s primary emergency medical transport to hospitals
in our area. The island’s medical air transport has designated the Eastsound Air port as the primary landing zone, but sometimes time critical patients require evacuation from one of several remote sites. This transport from the Olga area saved precious time for the patient. But while the helicopter is in motion, we are required to stop traffic for safety. Expect a possible delay if you see AirLift landing near a roadway!
Friday Update May 1
01/05/09 17:17
FRIDAY UPDATE MAY 1, 2009
DRILL and TRAINING
May 2-4 Chesaw Trip Cancelled
4 Mon 7:00 Orientation for Fire in the Field (required for pre-registered recruit Wildland Firefighters)
5 Tues 7:00 BOFC Working Session
6 Wed 7:00 Run Review
11 Mon 7:00 Special Planning meeting for Shuttle Drill
12 Tues 7:30 BOFC
13 Wed 7:00 Division Drill
DIVISION REPORTS
TRAINING REPORT
Welcome to Orcas Island Fire & Rescue Online Training
Please welcome our new firefighters. They have worked very hard since the beginning of the year and have already fought a structure fire! Welcome Firefighter Class of 2009! Please take a moment to set up your account with Target Safety. Please check your email for instructions. Patrick
MEDICAL TERM FOR THE WEEK
Febrile Respiratory Illness: Patients presenting with cough, and fever.
Fever indicates infection. Cough indicates contagion.
COMMUNCATIONS – Paul Turner
All radios need to be programmed even if you had them programmed before. My office hours are Wed to Friday 9 to 6. Call ahead so I can be sure to be available.
WILDLAND DIVISION – Maxx Jones
Congrads to Gregg, Owen, Jeff Jones, Jim Schuh, Rick, Carl, Steven and Richie for an excellent pack test on Wednesday. Everyone came in well before the deadline. Thank you Mik for your EMS support as well. The next pack test will take place on May 20th. Weigh in at Station 21. Launch at 6:00 at the site. You must provide your own pack of 45 pounds. Please have that together BEFORE arriving at the station for weigh in. There is at least 1 vest but it is 52 pounds... A reminder that everyone must pack test to remain a Wildland Firefighter. There will be one last make-up pack test on June 5-6th (date/time yet to be determined). Due to an overwhelming schedule, there will be no other pack test dates this year. If you miss your chance, you can stay on the roles and recert next year or find a certified pack test off-island.
5-4 Wildland Firefighter Recruit course begins 5-16 to 18 Chesaw Adventure 5-20 Pack Test 6-4 Redcard Shelter Recert/gear check 6-6 Redcard Refresher part 3 “Hot Topics” 6-9 Last chance to take part 1 LCES
WELLNESS – Mik Preysz / Jaylin Peacock
Boning Up on Calcium by Beth Smith, Ms, RD
Warm, spring temperatures are breathing life back into our gardens as well as our bodies as we finally get moving after a long winter’s rest. Activity is essential to building strong bones along with a good supply of dietary calcium. While it’s known mostly for its role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, calcium is also required for proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. It plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure, regulating blood clotting, and preventing cancers of the digestive tract. Interestingly, it is also associated with relieving mood swings, food cravings, and decreasing the pain, tenderness and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome. With all of these important functions, it’s essential that proper calcium intake is maintained throughout the lifecycle. How is this accomplished?
It’s well known that dairy provides an abundant source of well-absorbed calcium. Milk, yogurt, cheese and buttermilk contain about 300mg of calcium per serving. Some green, leafy vegetables — including broccoli, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens and bok choy — are good sources of calcium. Did you know that canned salmon and sardines, shellfish, almonds, Brazil nuts and dried beans are also good dietary sources of calcium? Keep in mind that these vegetables also contain significant fiber that can bind with calcium and lower its bioavailability. Plus, when consuming a diet high in fiber (which is a great thing) the rapid transit time means that calcium may not have sufficient time for absorption. A number of other food products, such as breads, cereals and orange juice, are now enriched with calcium, making them a significant source of calcium for people who are lactose intolerant or whose dietary intake of calcium is otherwise inadequate. Lots of choices when it comes to this mineral!
The daily recommended amount of 1,000-1,200 mg/day, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is probably not being met by most people. Daily intakes above 2,000 mg are not likely to provide any additional benefit. Strive to eat a variety of foods and consider a supplement if your intake of calcium-rich foods may be low. Here’s a tasty beverage recipe that incorporates yogurt making it a good source of calcium. Concerned about the coconut milk- be sure to choose a light version.
Springtime Lime-Yogurt Drink
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt, 1/3 cup honey, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg , 14 ounces canned light coconut milk, 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Mix the ingredients together in a bowl. Chill for 2 hours. Pour into 8-ounce glasses, sprinkle cinnamon on top, and serve.
ASSOCIATION NEWS – The Relay For Life July 10 We have been asked to participate. What that means is up to you. Last year we provided breakfast and Alicia put together an awesome team. Who's interested in making this happen? Contact me, Toby Brown or Dyan Holmes (317-6992) Check out their webpage www.relayforlifeoforcas.org
MEDIA
April 24 through May 1, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 alarm activation, 6 Medical emergencies and 3 trauma patients all of which resulted in 1 off-island transport via AirLift NW.
Reminder: All outdoor debris burning in San Juan County requires a permit. A residential permit covers one 10-foot by 10-foot maximum burn pile. Anything larger or for multiple burn piles, you are required to purchase a commercial permit. Residential burning permits are now available at the Eastsound Fire Station Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm and cost only $10. For more information on outdoor burning and burn permits go to www.orcasfire.org.
DRILL and TRAINING
May 2-4 Chesaw Trip Cancelled
4 Mon 7:00 Orientation for Fire in the Field (required for pre-registered recruit Wildland Firefighters)
5 Tues 7:00 BOFC Working Session
6 Wed 7:00 Run Review
11 Mon 7:00 Special Planning meeting for Shuttle Drill
12 Tues 7:30 BOFC
13 Wed 7:00 Division Drill
DIVISION REPORTS
TRAINING REPORT
Welcome to Orcas Island Fire & Rescue Online Training
Please welcome our new firefighters. They have worked very hard since the beginning of the year and have already fought a structure fire! Welcome Firefighter Class of 2009! Please take a moment to set up your account with Target Safety. Please check your email for instructions. Patrick
MEDICAL TERM FOR THE WEEK
Febrile Respiratory Illness: Patients presenting with cough, and fever.
Fever indicates infection. Cough indicates contagion.
COMMUNCATIONS – Paul Turner
All radios need to be programmed even if you had them programmed before. My office hours are Wed to Friday 9 to 6. Call ahead so I can be sure to be available.
WILDLAND DIVISION – Maxx Jones
Congrads to Gregg, Owen, Jeff Jones, Jim Schuh, Rick, Carl, Steven and Richie for an excellent pack test on Wednesday. Everyone came in well before the deadline. Thank you Mik for your EMS support as well. The next pack test will take place on May 20th. Weigh in at Station 21. Launch at 6:00 at the site. You must provide your own pack of 45 pounds. Please have that together BEFORE arriving at the station for weigh in. There is at least 1 vest but it is 52 pounds... A reminder that everyone must pack test to remain a Wildland Firefighter. There will be one last make-up pack test on June 5-6th (date/time yet to be determined). Due to an overwhelming schedule, there will be no other pack test dates this year. If you miss your chance, you can stay on the roles and recert next year or find a certified pack test off-island.
5-4 Wildland Firefighter Recruit course begins 5-16 to 18 Chesaw Adventure 5-20 Pack Test 6-4 Redcard Shelter Recert/gear check 6-6 Redcard Refresher part 3 “Hot Topics” 6-9 Last chance to take part 1 LCES
WELLNESS – Mik Preysz / Jaylin Peacock
Boning Up on Calcium by Beth Smith, Ms, RD
Warm, spring temperatures are breathing life back into our gardens as well as our bodies as we finally get moving after a long winter’s rest. Activity is essential to building strong bones along with a good supply of dietary calcium. While it’s known mostly for its role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, calcium is also required for proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. It plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure, regulating blood clotting, and preventing cancers of the digestive tract. Interestingly, it is also associated with relieving mood swings, food cravings, and decreasing the pain, tenderness and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome. With all of these important functions, it’s essential that proper calcium intake is maintained throughout the lifecycle. How is this accomplished?
It’s well known that dairy provides an abundant source of well-absorbed calcium. Milk, yogurt, cheese and buttermilk contain about 300mg of calcium per serving. Some green, leafy vegetables — including broccoli, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens and bok choy — are good sources of calcium. Did you know that canned salmon and sardines, shellfish, almonds, Brazil nuts and dried beans are also good dietary sources of calcium? Keep in mind that these vegetables also contain significant fiber that can bind with calcium and lower its bioavailability. Plus, when consuming a diet high in fiber (which is a great thing) the rapid transit time means that calcium may not have sufficient time for absorption. A number of other food products, such as breads, cereals and orange juice, are now enriched with calcium, making them a significant source of calcium for people who are lactose intolerant or whose dietary intake of calcium is otherwise inadequate. Lots of choices when it comes to this mineral!
The daily recommended amount of 1,000-1,200 mg/day, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is probably not being met by most people. Daily intakes above 2,000 mg are not likely to provide any additional benefit. Strive to eat a variety of foods and consider a supplement if your intake of calcium-rich foods may be low. Here’s a tasty beverage recipe that incorporates yogurt making it a good source of calcium. Concerned about the coconut milk- be sure to choose a light version.
Springtime Lime-Yogurt Drink
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt, 1/3 cup honey, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg , 14 ounces canned light coconut milk, 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Mix the ingredients together in a bowl. Chill for 2 hours. Pour into 8-ounce glasses, sprinkle cinnamon on top, and serve.
ASSOCIATION NEWS – The Relay For Life July 10 We have been asked to participate. What that means is up to you. Last year we provided breakfast and Alicia put together an awesome team. Who's interested in making this happen? Contact me, Toby Brown or Dyan Holmes (317-6992) Check out their webpage www.relayforlifeoforcas.org
MEDIA
April 24 through May 1, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 alarm activation, 6 Medical emergencies and 3 trauma patients all of which resulted in 1 off-island transport via AirLift NW.
Reminder: All outdoor debris burning in San Juan County requires a permit. A residential permit covers one 10-foot by 10-foot maximum burn pile. Anything larger or for multiple burn piles, you are required to purchase a commercial permit. Residential burning permits are now available at the Eastsound Fire Station Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm and cost only $10. For more information on outdoor burning and burn permits go to www.orcasfire.org.
Friday Update Apr. 24
24/04/09 15:41
FRIDAY UPDATE APR 24, 2009
The website has been updated. Please check to see if it works for you. Remember to hit the refresh!
PERSONNEL
I will be @ the Darley Apparatus Factory in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin for a pre-construction meeting. They will be start building our WASP Pumpers when we are done there. I will be back Monday, 04 May. D/C Val Harris is the acting Chief. Stay safe! Chief
DRILL and TRAINING
Tues 28 Officers’ Drill
Tues 28 Pack Test at 5:30 pm – Station 21
May 6th Run Review
News from the Training Division:“ADVENTURES IN BOATING WASHINGTON”
Washington State Parks own NASBLA approved boating course is being offered by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit. The NASBLA approved course covers the general aspects of boating, Washington State law and boating safety. Topics include recommended boating equipment, the marine environment, trip planning, boat operations, personal watercraft, emergency preparedness and much more.
Class is approximately 8 hours long. Pre registration is required.
Next Class being held on: Saturday May 2, 2009 at the Orcas Island Fire Station located at 45 Lavender Lane in Eastsound, WA from 9:00 am to 5:00pm. The class is free and includes materials. Contact Deputy Herb Crowe at (360)378-4151 or by email herbc@co.san-juan.wa.us to
register. Class size is limited to 20 persons.
DIVISION REPORTS
TRAINING REPORT
The Fire Recruits are in the home stretch of their class, with dept. testing scheduled for May 2nd. As of right now, they can respond to calls in their POV. If they have been credentialed on an apparatus, they can that vehicle (with their Lieutenant’s permission) non-emergency to calls or for training. They can assist in all EXTERIOR fire-ground operations under the leadership of an Orcas Fire Rescue Officer. After enough driving experience, they may be released for emergency driving after being signed-off by their Lieutenant and Division Captain, with notification to the Training Division. Hydrant Buckets:Hydrant Buckets will be replaced with Hydrant Bags. Their location (for now) should be inside the rearmost left-side compartment on your station’s Engine. The risk of “unsecured loads” has been evident for years, with a most recent event on Interstate-5. All hydrant appliances should now be inside and not dangling from the tailboard. I will be out of town Ma 2nd through May 10th on vacation and EMS business. For training emergencies, you may contact me or Lt. Wachtel.
MANDATORY BOATER SAFETY EDUCATION IS THE LAW Beginning on January 1, 2008 boaters 12 years and over in Washington State are required to take or have taken a National Association of State Boating Law Administrator (NASBLA) and Washington State approved boating education course to operate a boat with a motor over 15 horse power. In 2009 this requirement applies to persons under 25 years of age with additional implementation being phased in over the next several years.
To receive your Boater Education Card, upon completion of this accredited course boaters fill out a State Parks application and attach a copy of their course certificate along with a $10.00 application fee.
WELLNESS IN PROCESS
In Celebration of Earth Day by Beth Smith, MS, RD
You may be curious about the nutritional benefits of Earth Day. Researchers at the University of Chicago concluded that switching from the standard American diet to a vegan diet is more effective in the fight against global warming than switching from a standard American car to a hybrid. It’s estimated that if everyone went vegetarian just for one day, the U.S. would save 100 billion gallons of water, enough to supply all the homes in New England for almost 4 months.
Making this dietary switch to vegetarianism might be a bit extreme for you, but the intent of Earth Day is to promote a greater awareness of the decisions we make that impact our planet. Our food choices have a significant impact not only on the Earth, but our bodies as well. Balance is critical in these matters so giving up meat entirely may not be necessary, but incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet has several positive results. It automatically reduces dietary cholesterol levels, increases dietary fiber, increases antioxidants and certain nutrients like vitamin C, foliate and B-complex vitamins while decreasing saturated fat. All very good things!
As you celebrate the Earth daily, celebrate wellness and good health. Strive for balance among all foods and try incorporating a vegetarian meal into your diet routinely. To help with that, here’s a meatless recipe that’s satisfying to all!
Perfect Spring Pesto
The sensory experience of pounding, smelling and tasting pesto makes it everyone’s favorite! Keep in mind that petso is more than a pasta sauce; it’s delicious on sliced tomatoes, as a dipping sauce for vegetables or grilled Portobello mushrooms, or on your favorite pizza. Enjoy!
Begin by crushing, in a mortar and pestle, 1 clove garlic and sea salt. You can adjust the salt to your taste when finished. Add and continue to pound, ¼ cup toasted pine nuts. Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Coarsely chop 1 bunch of basil leaves, removed from the stem. This bunch will yield about 1 lightly packed cup of basil leaves. Put the chopped basil in the mortar and pound to a paste. Return the pine nut mixture to the mortar and pound together the two mixtures. Continue pounding as you gradually add ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
ASSOCIATION NEWS – The Relay For Life July 10 We have been asked to participate. What that means is up to you. Last year we provided breakfast and Alicia put together an awesome team. Who's interested in making this happen? Contact me, Toby Brown or Dyan Holmes (317-6992) Check out their webpage www.relayforlifeoforcas.org
MEDIA
April 10 through 23
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue
Emergency Response
It has been a very busy 13 days! April 10 through 23, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 road hazard, 1 electrical fire, 2 alarm activations, 3 outdoor burning investigations and 2 illegal burning issues, plus 2 public assists, 16 Medical emergencies, 4 Trauma and 2 Patient assists all of which resulted in 2 Basic Life Support Transports by Orcas Fire & Rescue, 1 off-island transport by San Juan Air Ambulance and 4 via AirLift NW. They also responded to a report of a missing person, transported a generator to a patient and made 4 Carbon Monoxide checks during the power outage on Thursday the 23rd. That is a total of 39 responses or 3 a day! Keep in mind the responders also had 3 nights of training plus two full Saturdays of new recruit training.
Reminder: All outdoor debris burning in San Juan County requires a permit. A residential permit covers one 10-foot by 10-foot maximum burn pile. Anything larger or for multiple burn piles, you are required to purchase a commercial permit. Residential burning permits are now available at the Eastsound Fire Station Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm and cost only $10. For more information on outdoor burning and burn permits go to www.orcasfire.org.
Firefighters and EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) trained together on April 21st to learn new technical rescue skills using the skate park bowl as the rescue site. Orcas High school student Di Wang Mowrey posed as a skateboard grinder with life threatening trauma. Using a roof ladder and rescue stokes basket, responders were able to successfully lift their patient over the high concrete wall.
The website has been updated. Please check to see if it works for you. Remember to hit the refresh!
PERSONNEL
I will be @ the Darley Apparatus Factory in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin for a pre-construction meeting. They will be start building our WASP Pumpers when we are done there. I will be back Monday, 04 May. D/C Val Harris is the acting Chief. Stay safe! Chief
DRILL and TRAINING
Tues 28 Officers’ Drill
Tues 28 Pack Test at 5:30 pm – Station 21
May 6th Run Review
News from the Training Division:“ADVENTURES IN BOATING WASHINGTON”
Washington State Parks own NASBLA approved boating course is being offered by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit. The NASBLA approved course covers the general aspects of boating, Washington State law and boating safety. Topics include recommended boating equipment, the marine environment, trip planning, boat operations, personal watercraft, emergency preparedness and much more.
Class is approximately 8 hours long. Pre registration is required.
Next Class being held on: Saturday May 2, 2009 at the Orcas Island Fire Station located at 45 Lavender Lane in Eastsound, WA from 9:00 am to 5:00pm. The class is free and includes materials. Contact Deputy Herb Crowe at (360)378-4151 or by email herbc@co.san-juan.wa.us to
register. Class size is limited to 20 persons.
DIVISION REPORTS
TRAINING REPORT
The Fire Recruits are in the home stretch of their class, with dept. testing scheduled for May 2nd. As of right now, they can respond to calls in their POV. If they have been credentialed on an apparatus, they can that vehicle (with their Lieutenant’s permission) non-emergency to calls or for training. They can assist in all EXTERIOR fire-ground operations under the leadership of an Orcas Fire Rescue Officer. After enough driving experience, they may be released for emergency driving after being signed-off by their Lieutenant and Division Captain, with notification to the Training Division. Hydrant Buckets:Hydrant Buckets will be replaced with Hydrant Bags. Their location (for now) should be inside the rearmost left-side compartment on your station’s Engine. The risk of “unsecured loads” has been evident for years, with a most recent event on Interstate-5. All hydrant appliances should now be inside and not dangling from the tailboard. I will be out of town Ma 2nd through May 10th on vacation and EMS business. For training emergencies, you may contact me or Lt. Wachtel.
MANDATORY BOATER SAFETY EDUCATION IS THE LAW Beginning on January 1, 2008 boaters 12 years and over in Washington State are required to take or have taken a National Association of State Boating Law Administrator (NASBLA) and Washington State approved boating education course to operate a boat with a motor over 15 horse power. In 2009 this requirement applies to persons under 25 years of age with additional implementation being phased in over the next several years.
To receive your Boater Education Card, upon completion of this accredited course boaters fill out a State Parks application and attach a copy of their course certificate along with a $10.00 application fee.
WELLNESS IN PROCESS
In Celebration of Earth Day by Beth Smith, MS, RD
You may be curious about the nutritional benefits of Earth Day. Researchers at the University of Chicago concluded that switching from the standard American diet to a vegan diet is more effective in the fight against global warming than switching from a standard American car to a hybrid. It’s estimated that if everyone went vegetarian just for one day, the U.S. would save 100 billion gallons of water, enough to supply all the homes in New England for almost 4 months.
Making this dietary switch to vegetarianism might be a bit extreme for you, but the intent of Earth Day is to promote a greater awareness of the decisions we make that impact our planet. Our food choices have a significant impact not only on the Earth, but our bodies as well. Balance is critical in these matters so giving up meat entirely may not be necessary, but incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet has several positive results. It automatically reduces dietary cholesterol levels, increases dietary fiber, increases antioxidants and certain nutrients like vitamin C, foliate and B-complex vitamins while decreasing saturated fat. All very good things!
As you celebrate the Earth daily, celebrate wellness and good health. Strive for balance among all foods and try incorporating a vegetarian meal into your diet routinely. To help with that, here’s a meatless recipe that’s satisfying to all!
Perfect Spring Pesto
The sensory experience of pounding, smelling and tasting pesto makes it everyone’s favorite! Keep in mind that petso is more than a pasta sauce; it’s delicious on sliced tomatoes, as a dipping sauce for vegetables or grilled Portobello mushrooms, or on your favorite pizza. Enjoy!
Begin by crushing, in a mortar and pestle, 1 clove garlic and sea salt. You can adjust the salt to your taste when finished. Add and continue to pound, ¼ cup toasted pine nuts. Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Coarsely chop 1 bunch of basil leaves, removed from the stem. This bunch will yield about 1 lightly packed cup of basil leaves. Put the chopped basil in the mortar and pound to a paste. Return the pine nut mixture to the mortar and pound together the two mixtures. Continue pounding as you gradually add ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
ASSOCIATION NEWS – The Relay For Life July 10 We have been asked to participate. What that means is up to you. Last year we provided breakfast and Alicia put together an awesome team. Who's interested in making this happen? Contact me, Toby Brown or Dyan Holmes (317-6992) Check out their webpage www.relayforlifeoforcas.org
MEDIA
April 10 through 23
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue
Emergency Response
It has been a very busy 13 days! April 10 through 23, Orcas Fire & Rescue responded to: 1 road hazard, 1 electrical fire, 2 alarm activations, 3 outdoor burning investigations and 2 illegal burning issues, plus 2 public assists, 16 Medical emergencies, 4 Trauma and 2 Patient assists all of which resulted in 2 Basic Life Support Transports by Orcas Fire & Rescue, 1 off-island transport by San Juan Air Ambulance and 4 via AirLift NW. They also responded to a report of a missing person, transported a generator to a patient and made 4 Carbon Monoxide checks during the power outage on Thursday the 23rd. That is a total of 39 responses or 3 a day! Keep in mind the responders also had 3 nights of training plus two full Saturdays of new recruit training.
Reminder: All outdoor debris burning in San Juan County requires a permit. A residential permit covers one 10-foot by 10-foot maximum burn pile. Anything larger or for multiple burn piles, you are required to purchase a commercial permit. Residential burning permits are now available at the Eastsound Fire Station Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm and cost only $10. For more information on outdoor burning and burn permits go to www.orcasfire.org.
Firefighters and EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) trained together on April 21st to learn new technical rescue skills using the skate park bowl as the rescue site. Orcas High school student Di Wang Mowrey posed as a skateboard grinder with life threatening trauma. Using a roof ladder and rescue stokes basket, responders were able to successfully lift their patient over the high concrete wall.
FRIDAY UPDATE MAR 27, 2009
30/03/09 09:15
FRIDAY UPDATE MAR 27, 2009
DRILL and TRAINING
Sat – 28th – Burn to Learn Widbey
Tues APRIL 1 – Run Review
Wed APRIL 2 – ALL HANDS MEETING 6:30
Wildland Firefighter 2 FINAL CALL TO SIGN UP
(Entry Level Red Card)
This course will be an on-line distance-learning classroom with a final written test and hands-on practical test. If you are interested in getting your certification, sign up on Max’s door or send her an email. If you have already said you were interested, make sure your name is on the list. Capt. Maxx Jones
King County Practical Night
Thanks to all personnel for making this practical night a success, our members that put up with a few rough spots and kept going through the scenarios with smiles, albeit tired by 21:45 when we broke up and their additional help in cleaning up the kitchen from the great dinner prepared by Steven Siler and assisted by many. The instructors that came early and devoted the extra time to pull this off, Z, Dylan, Gulliver, Dave Mowrey, Garth, Rita and Patrick. Last but not least our patients that did such a great job acting, Lindsay Siler, Sherry Madeiros, Steven Siler, Dove, Rachel Harvey, Dwight Guss and Robin Dyer. I also am thankful for Herb Crow and Doug Maya for adding authenticity to the scenarios.
A job well done to all.
King County Practical Night Clarification;
CPR - When doing two men CPR with BVM the ratio is 30 to 2 with a pausing for the two ventilations which should take more than 2 seconds.
· The only time you do not pause for ventilation is when the patient is intubated, and then you do synchronous ventilation at the rate of 8 to 10 breaths per minute.
DEATH & DYING - When a patient does not have a history of terminal illness but the condition looks as if it could end with the patient’s death and, in front of witnesses, the patient requests that no CPR be performed, you may withhold CPR if the patient becomes pulse less and is not breathing.
Compelling reasons refers to the patient that can’t communicate their wishes to you and in the absence of a POLST form or other legal documentation two criteria needs to be met.
1. They have a history of terminal illness
2. The family member states they wish not to have life sustaining measures or heroic efforts (Intubation and CPR etc).
Finally, compelling reasons, such as the presence of a living will and family statement that the patient did not want CPR, may cause you to consider withholding resuscitation.
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES
QUESTION OF THE WEEK from the Mechanic Den
When mixing fuel for the floto pump, you use:
1. Diesel with 2-cycle motor oil
2. Regular gasoline with 2-cycle motor oil
3. Diesel fuel with SAE 30-40 motor oil
4. Regular gasoline with SAE 30-40 motor oil
(Read down to find the answer…)
ADMINSTRATIVE NEWS
Please check your training records and see that they are current by March 31st. Only those that are current are eligible for Medical Reimbursement for the quarter. The two on-line fire drills on the task sheet are not required since they never made it to the web page. Medical Reimbursement forms are in the form rack by the door leading to the bay. Please fill out and turn in by noon Friday April 10th to get processed in the next accounts payable. They can be turned in later also. Capt. Rick Anda
DIVISION REPORTS
SAFETY DIVISION – Mik Preysz
A Safety Reminder: If you have not noticed or were not on the call, our shinny new ambulance has received its first blemish. 286 now sports a black eye, oops no it’s was a Right Upper derrière Cheek, its white.
In the words of a good litigator and excellent orator Gordon Graham “If it’s predictable it’s preventable”.
When backing without spotter or to a lesser degree a proper walk around, sooner than later you will back into to something. As a reminder, forewarned is forearmed, do not forget to look in all three dimensions when checking for obstacles, the culprit was the garage outlook at roof level.
So as a reminder I am asking all of you to accept this note as a reminder that of our SOP for backing; when backing, a backer must be used if available. If not, then a walk around the vehicle is mandatory before backing. However, neither of these two procedures will be helpful if awareness is not focus and directed in all three dimensions.
Thanks to all for all that you do.
OPERATIONS – Val Harris
Mark your calendars!! - Please come to Station 21 a week from today, April 3rd at 5:30 PM. We are gathering to honor Retiring Commissioner Harvey Olsan. We will be presenting an appetizer buffet however if you would like to contribute a dish it would be welcome. Please coordinate your contribution with Val. Let's get the word out to others so we can have a nice sized group to show Harvey how much we have appreciated him over all these years.
Missing Stethoscope - Please check your personal bags for a black Litman stethoscope. It belongs to a patient's wife and it went missing on a Cascade Way med call. Call Val if found. Thanks!
Jack is in the house!
Jack is putting in some extra duty and has arrived early. He is working on Engine 21 right now so Engine 26 is filling in at Station 21.
ANSWER TO QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Regular gasoline with SAE 30-40 motor oil!
Surprised? We were. The proper proportions are labeled on the floto pump.
New Recruits - If you have not got together with me (Val) to receive a Duty uniform yet then please stop by my office. My next shifts are Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
FOOD & ATTITUDE DIVISION - Steven W. Siler
It seems that have a cooked meal for the department has been a success, calls to San Juan Dispatch notwithstanding. So to keep this going, Chez Smoke Alarm will be cooking on Tuesday and Thursday, a big breakfast and a big late lunch, starting this Tuesday. Breakfast will be $2.00 and Lunch will be $3.00. No RSVP needed, no credit cards. I will have to see what is available that day, but I will do my best to keep it good and plenty. Bon Appétit, Ya’ll!
DRILL and TRAINING
Sat – 28th – Burn to Learn Widbey
Tues APRIL 1 – Run Review
Wed APRIL 2 – ALL HANDS MEETING 6:30
Wildland Firefighter 2 FINAL CALL TO SIGN UP
(Entry Level Red Card)
This course will be an on-line distance-learning classroom with a final written test and hands-on practical test. If you are interested in getting your certification, sign up on Max’s door or send her an email. If you have already said you were interested, make sure your name is on the list. Capt. Maxx Jones
King County Practical Night
Thanks to all personnel for making this practical night a success, our members that put up with a few rough spots and kept going through the scenarios with smiles, albeit tired by 21:45 when we broke up and their additional help in cleaning up the kitchen from the great dinner prepared by Steven Siler and assisted by many. The instructors that came early and devoted the extra time to pull this off, Z, Dylan, Gulliver, Dave Mowrey, Garth, Rita and Patrick. Last but not least our patients that did such a great job acting, Lindsay Siler, Sherry Madeiros, Steven Siler, Dove, Rachel Harvey, Dwight Guss and Robin Dyer. I also am thankful for Herb Crow and Doug Maya for adding authenticity to the scenarios.
A job well done to all.
King County Practical Night Clarification;
CPR - When doing two men CPR with BVM the ratio is 30 to 2 with a pausing for the two ventilations which should take more than 2 seconds.
· The only time you do not pause for ventilation is when the patient is intubated, and then you do synchronous ventilation at the rate of 8 to 10 breaths per minute.
DEATH & DYING - When a patient does not have a history of terminal illness but the condition looks as if it could end with the patient’s death and, in front of witnesses, the patient requests that no CPR be performed, you may withhold CPR if the patient becomes pulse less and is not breathing.
Compelling reasons refers to the patient that can’t communicate their wishes to you and in the absence of a POLST form or other legal documentation two criteria needs to be met.
1. They have a history of terminal illness
2. The family member states they wish not to have life sustaining measures or heroic efforts (Intubation and CPR etc).
Finally, compelling reasons, such as the presence of a living will and family statement that the patient did not want CPR, may cause you to consider withholding resuscitation.
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES
QUESTION OF THE WEEK from the Mechanic Den
When mixing fuel for the floto pump, you use:
1. Diesel with 2-cycle motor oil
2. Regular gasoline with 2-cycle motor oil
3. Diesel fuel with SAE 30-40 motor oil
4. Regular gasoline with SAE 30-40 motor oil
(Read down to find the answer…)
ADMINSTRATIVE NEWS
Please check your training records and see that they are current by March 31st. Only those that are current are eligible for Medical Reimbursement for the quarter. The two on-line fire drills on the task sheet are not required since they never made it to the web page. Medical Reimbursement forms are in the form rack by the door leading to the bay. Please fill out and turn in by noon Friday April 10th to get processed in the next accounts payable. They can be turned in later also. Capt. Rick Anda
DIVISION REPORTS
SAFETY DIVISION – Mik Preysz
A Safety Reminder: If you have not noticed or were not on the call, our shinny new ambulance has received its first blemish. 286 now sports a black eye, oops no it’s was a Right Upper derrière Cheek, its white.
In the words of a good litigator and excellent orator Gordon Graham “If it’s predictable it’s preventable”.
When backing without spotter or to a lesser degree a proper walk around, sooner than later you will back into to something. As a reminder, forewarned is forearmed, do not forget to look in all three dimensions when checking for obstacles, the culprit was the garage outlook at roof level.
So as a reminder I am asking all of you to accept this note as a reminder that of our SOP for backing; when backing, a backer must be used if available. If not, then a walk around the vehicle is mandatory before backing. However, neither of these two procedures will be helpful if awareness is not focus and directed in all three dimensions.
Thanks to all for all that you do.
OPERATIONS – Val Harris
Mark your calendars!! - Please come to Station 21 a week from today, April 3rd at 5:30 PM. We are gathering to honor Retiring Commissioner Harvey Olsan. We will be presenting an appetizer buffet however if you would like to contribute a dish it would be welcome. Please coordinate your contribution with Val. Let's get the word out to others so we can have a nice sized group to show Harvey how much we have appreciated him over all these years.
Missing Stethoscope - Please check your personal bags for a black Litman stethoscope. It belongs to a patient's wife and it went missing on a Cascade Way med call. Call Val if found. Thanks!
Jack is in the house!
Jack is putting in some extra duty and has arrived early. He is working on Engine 21 right now so Engine 26 is filling in at Station 21.
ANSWER TO QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Regular gasoline with SAE 30-40 motor oil!
Surprised? We were. The proper proportions are labeled on the floto pump.
New Recruits - If you have not got together with me (Val) to receive a Duty uniform yet then please stop by my office. My next shifts are Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
FOOD & ATTITUDE DIVISION - Steven W. Siler
It seems that have a cooked meal for the department has been a success, calls to San Juan Dispatch notwithstanding. So to keep this going, Chez Smoke Alarm will be cooking on Tuesday and Thursday, a big breakfast and a big late lunch, starting this Tuesday. Breakfast will be $2.00 and Lunch will be $3.00. No RSVP needed, no credit cards. I will have to see what is available that day, but I will do my best to keep it good and plenty. Bon Appétit, Ya’ll!
Friday Update Mar. 20
20/03/09 17:07
FRIDAY UPDATE MAR 13, 2009
18/03/09 14:33
FRIDAY UPDATE MAR 13, 2009
1st QUARTER ENDING SOON
Please check your task sheet status. The fire side on-line drills did not happen this quarter so no one will be penalized. Only the King County EMS was available for the first quarter.
MARCH DRILL and TRAINING
Sat. 14 - Recruit Training
Tues - 17 St. Patrick’s Day
Wed – 18th – Division Drill
Fri – 27th – Dinner Club! Sign up for the free dinner. See below…
Sat – 28th – Burn to Learn Widbey
Wildland Firefighter 2 (Entry Level Red Card) Training is tentatively scheduled for late April. This course will be an on-line classroom with a final written test and hands-on practical test. If you are interested in getting your certification, sign up on Max’s door or send her an email. If you have already said you were interested, make sure your name is on the list.
Wellness in Progress…Recipe Contest
Continue sending your favorite recipes including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The wellness event will feature great nutrition information as well as wonderful food created by you. All recipes will eventually be a part of the department cookbook. So send in your recipes and mark you calendars for March 27. See you then! Jaylin !
FROM THE TRAINING DIVISION
Rosters: We must have your signature on a roster for all face to face classes to be compliant. Officers, if you are conducting an impromptu drill, just get names and signatures on a piece of paper. Thanks everyone! Drill sign-ups on the Training Door:
1. In person
2. Via e-mail
3. Via phone call
If you discover later you cannot attend, contact the Training office as soon a possible. In order to create high quality training, we have to know how many people will be at a drill. On occasion, it has been necessary to cancel a drill due to low sing-up. That’s troublesome.
King County Practical Night: March 25thThe sign-up for King County Night is full. We have set the exact amount at 18 so that we can run multiple simultaneous stations with teams of three at each station. That creates more hands-on time and less downtime. If you are not planning to attend or will not complete all the six tests by March 23rd, please contact Training immediately to open-up your slot.
“Why don’t I have until that last second to complete the online tests?” You are not going to learn or retain as much if you try to bust out six tests less than 24 hours before the practical. That is why the cut-off time for being Complete with all six courses will be March 23rd. That will give us time to get on the KC website and confirm successful completion of all assigned participants.
PERSONNEL UPDATE
Please help me make Jeff Larsen, our new Fire/Medic, feel welcome! Jeff has been a member (Per Diem Paramedic) since February 2004. Jeff has the full endorsement of Dr. Sullivan and our current F/M's. He will continue to work in Snohomish as a Fire/medic as well but intends to move here as soon as home prices rise. Jeff and his wife Elizabeth have 3 children. Nathan is 19 and a resident F/F with Snohomish, and daughters Christina 14 an Nicole 12.
In addition, please join me in wishing Roy Stanton well in his future endeavors. Roy is a longtime member who has decided not to return from LOA. Most of us also remember his wife Denise who, also an OIF&R veteran, passed away two years ago on April second. Roy served as a firefighter, an EMT, a wildland firefighter and an officer for many years, responding mostly from St. 24. Roy began his FD career on Sept. 9th, 1999 and will be missed in the ranks. Good luck and thank you for your years of excellent service.
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES
Tender 21 is now repaired and back in service.
Engine 26 is back in station – back in service.
Brush 21 has returned home to Eastsound.
NEWS and DETAILS
From Chad Kimple-
A huge thank you to the staff and association for support during our first week as new parents. Thank you!
Lt. Chad Kimple
Herbal Supplements: What to Know Before You Buy By Beth Smith, MS, RD
Herbal supplements are rapidly growing in popularity, but are they right for you? That depends on the herb, your current health and your medical history.
Herbal supplements have active ingredients that can affect how your body functions, just as over-the-counter and prescription drugs do. If you're considering herbal supplements or other dietary supplements, educate yourself about any products you intend to use. In 2007, the FDA was given new authority to oversee the manufacture of supplements thus tightening the industry standards a bit. Keep in mind, however, that these regulations don't change the fact that dietary supplements — unlike medications — are not required to obtain FDA approval before going on the market.
How do you choose an herbal supplement? Begin by looking for “standardized” herbal supplements. The U.S. Pharmacopeia's "USP Dietary Supplement Verified" seal on a supplement indicates the supplement has met certain manufacturing standards. These standards include testing the product for uniformity, cleanliness and freedom from environmental contaminants, such as lead, mercury or drugs. Other groups that certify herbal supplements include ConsumerLab.com, Good Housekeeping and NSF International. Although each group takes a slightly different approach, the goal of each is to certify that herbal supplements meet a certain standard. Don't assume that all herbal products on the market are safe. Even the groups that test herbal supplements aren't obligated to report products that fail to live up to their standards. Second, buy only single-herb products. And choose products that clearly show how much of the herb each dose contains. Some products are mixtures of several herbs with unknown proportions of each. Third, beware of claims that sound too good to be true. If a claim sounds outrageous to you, trust your instinct. No one herbal supplement can possibly address a wide spectrum of health concerns. Finally, be extremely cautious about herbal supplements manufactured outside the United States. Many European herbs are highly regulated and standardized. But toxic ingredients and prescription drugs have been found in some herbal supplements manufactured in other countries. Always exercise caution and remember that when you’re eating a well-balanced diet, the need for any supplementation goes down. Eat well, be well!
1st QUARTER ENDING SOON
Please check your task sheet status. The fire side on-line drills did not happen this quarter so no one will be penalized. Only the King County EMS was available for the first quarter.
MARCH DRILL and TRAINING
Sat. 14 - Recruit Training
Tues - 17 St. Patrick’s Day
Wed – 18th – Division Drill
Fri – 27th – Dinner Club! Sign up for the free dinner. See below…
Sat – 28th – Burn to Learn Widbey
Wildland Firefighter 2 (Entry Level Red Card) Training is tentatively scheduled for late April. This course will be an on-line classroom with a final written test and hands-on practical test. If you are interested in getting your certification, sign up on Max’s door or send her an email. If you have already said you were interested, make sure your name is on the list.
Wellness in Progress…Recipe Contest
Continue sending your favorite recipes including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The wellness event will feature great nutrition information as well as wonderful food created by you. All recipes will eventually be a part of the department cookbook. So send in your recipes and mark you calendars for March 27. See you then! Jaylin !
FROM THE TRAINING DIVISION
Rosters: We must have your signature on a roster for all face to face classes to be compliant. Officers, if you are conducting an impromptu drill, just get names and signatures on a piece of paper. Thanks everyone! Drill sign-ups on the Training Door:
1. In person
2. Via e-mail
3. Via phone call
If you discover later you cannot attend, contact the Training office as soon a possible. In order to create high quality training, we have to know how many people will be at a drill. On occasion, it has been necessary to cancel a drill due to low sing-up. That’s troublesome.
King County Practical Night: March 25thThe sign-up for King County Night is full. We have set the exact amount at 18 so that we can run multiple simultaneous stations with teams of three at each station. That creates more hands-on time and less downtime. If you are not planning to attend or will not complete all the six tests by March 23rd, please contact Training immediately to open-up your slot.
“Why don’t I have until that last second to complete the online tests?” You are not going to learn or retain as much if you try to bust out six tests less than 24 hours before the practical. That is why the cut-off time for being Complete with all six courses will be March 23rd. That will give us time to get on the KC website and confirm successful completion of all assigned participants.
PERSONNEL UPDATE
Please help me make Jeff Larsen, our new Fire/Medic, feel welcome! Jeff has been a member (Per Diem Paramedic) since February 2004. Jeff has the full endorsement of Dr. Sullivan and our current F/M's. He will continue to work in Snohomish as a Fire/medic as well but intends to move here as soon as home prices rise. Jeff and his wife Elizabeth have 3 children. Nathan is 19 and a resident F/F with Snohomish, and daughters Christina 14 an Nicole 12.
In addition, please join me in wishing Roy Stanton well in his future endeavors. Roy is a longtime member who has decided not to return from LOA. Most of us also remember his wife Denise who, also an OIF&R veteran, passed away two years ago on April second. Roy served as a firefighter, an EMT, a wildland firefighter and an officer for many years, responding mostly from St. 24. Roy began his FD career on Sept. 9th, 1999 and will be missed in the ranks. Good luck and thank you for your years of excellent service.
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES
Tender 21 is now repaired and back in service.
Engine 26 is back in station – back in service.
Brush 21 has returned home to Eastsound.
NEWS and DETAILS
From Chad Kimple-
A huge thank you to the staff and association for support during our first week as new parents. Thank you!
Lt. Chad Kimple
Herbal Supplements: What to Know Before You Buy By Beth Smith, MS, RD
Herbal supplements are rapidly growing in popularity, but are they right for you? That depends on the herb, your current health and your medical history.
Herbal supplements have active ingredients that can affect how your body functions, just as over-the-counter and prescription drugs do. If you're considering herbal supplements or other dietary supplements, educate yourself about any products you intend to use. In 2007, the FDA was given new authority to oversee the manufacture of supplements thus tightening the industry standards a bit. Keep in mind, however, that these regulations don't change the fact that dietary supplements — unlike medications — are not required to obtain FDA approval before going on the market.
How do you choose an herbal supplement? Begin by looking for “standardized” herbal supplements. The U.S. Pharmacopeia's "USP Dietary Supplement Verified" seal on a supplement indicates the supplement has met certain manufacturing standards. These standards include testing the product for uniformity, cleanliness and freedom from environmental contaminants, such as lead, mercury or drugs. Other groups that certify herbal supplements include ConsumerLab.com, Good Housekeeping and NSF International. Although each group takes a slightly different approach, the goal of each is to certify that herbal supplements meet a certain standard. Don't assume that all herbal products on the market are safe. Even the groups that test herbal supplements aren't obligated to report products that fail to live up to their standards. Second, buy only single-herb products. And choose products that clearly show how much of the herb each dose contains. Some products are mixtures of several herbs with unknown proportions of each. Third, beware of claims that sound too good to be true. If a claim sounds outrageous to you, trust your instinct. No one herbal supplement can possibly address a wide spectrum of health concerns. Finally, be extremely cautious about herbal supplements manufactured outside the United States. Many European herbs are highly regulated and standardized. But toxic ingredients and prescription drugs have been found in some herbal supplements manufactured in other countries. Always exercise caution and remember that when you’re eating a well-balanced diet, the need for any supplementation goes down. Eat well, be well!
Friday Update Mar. 6
09/03/09 14:29
FRIDAY UPDATE MAR 6, 2009
DRILL and TRAINING
MARCH 7 Recruit training at Station 21
TUES 10 Commissioners meeting
WED 11 Company Evolutions
Wildland Firefighter 2
(Entry Level Red Card) Training is tentatively scheduled for late April. This course will be an on-line classroom with a final written test and hands-on practical test. If you are interested in getting your certification, sign up on Max’s door or send her an email. If you have already said you were interested, make sure your name is on the list.
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES
Jack is gone until next month.
After much wrestling, Tender 21 is now repaired and back in service.
Engine 26 has a tire enroute. Brush 21 is covering Orcas.
The foto pump for Engine 25 has been repaired.
FROM PATICK’s DESK
Thanks to Jack for three great classes on pump operations. Based on this information, Jack is designing further and more comprehensive Engine Company operations. Thanks to our Recruit class for their continued dedication to learning the craft of firefighting. Last Saturday, they went to San Juan District 3 under the leadership of Assistant Chief Brad Creasy and Orcas Fire Lt’s Dylan Wachtel and Kevin McCoy. There drill was a challenging combination of Live Fire training, hose handling and SCBA. Their next big challenge will be structural firefighting at Whidbey Island march 28th.
NEWS and DETAILS
Chief Isiah James Kimple has arrived! Congradulations!
Wellness in Progress…Recipe Contest
The next nutrition education session is just a month away and the recipes are starting to come in! Continue sending your favorite recipes including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The wellness event will feature great nutrition information as well as wonderful food created by you. All recipes will eventually be a part of the department cookbook. So send in your recipes and mark you calendars for March 27. See you then! Jaylin !
Probiotics: Good for the Gut By Beth Smith, MS, Rd
What do kefir, sauerkraut, yogurt and miso have in common? If your answer is “probiotics” then you’re right. But what are probiotics? Your body contains billions of bacteria and other microorganisms. The term “probiotics” refers to dietary supplements or foods that contain beneficial, or “good,” bacteria that are similar to those normally found in your body. Although you don’t need probiotics to be healthy, these microorganisms may provide some of the same health benefits that the bacteria already existing in your body do — such as assisting with digestion and helping protect against harmful bacteria.
In addition to supplements, probiotics can be found naturally in foods like yogurt with active cultures, fermented products like miso, and some juices and soy drinks.
There is a growing public and scientific interest in probiotics. Researchers are studying whether probiotics taken as foods or supplements can help treat or prevent illness. There is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help:
• Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics
• Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
• Treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Reduce bladder cancer recurrence
• Shorten the duration of intestinal infections
• Prevent and treat inflammation following colon surgery (pouchitis)
• Prevent eczema in children
• Autism in children
Some researchers believe probiotics may improve general health. A small 2005 study in Sweden, for instance, found that a group of employees who were given the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri missed less work due to respiratory or gastrointestinal illness than did employees who were not given the probiotic.
More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of probiotics but certainly the foods naturally containing them are good choices for a healthy diet. If you’re thinking about trying probiotic supplements, always check the expiration date to make sure that the bacteria these products contain are alive and in good condition and look for probiotics with “colony forming units” (CFUs) in the billions. After you buy, be sure to protect your supply from heat, moisture, and air. Otherwise, incorporate these beneficial organisms into your diet through the foods you eat.
DRILL and TRAINING
MARCH 7 Recruit training at Station 21
TUES 10 Commissioners meeting
WED 11 Company Evolutions
Wildland Firefighter 2
(Entry Level Red Card) Training is tentatively scheduled for late April. This course will be an on-line classroom with a final written test and hands-on practical test. If you are interested in getting your certification, sign up on Max’s door or send her an email. If you have already said you were interested, make sure your name is on the list.
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES
Jack is gone until next month.
After much wrestling, Tender 21 is now repaired and back in service.
Engine 26 has a tire enroute. Brush 21 is covering Orcas.
The foto pump for Engine 25 has been repaired.
FROM PATICK’s DESK
Thanks to Jack for three great classes on pump operations. Based on this information, Jack is designing further and more comprehensive Engine Company operations. Thanks to our Recruit class for their continued dedication to learning the craft of firefighting. Last Saturday, they went to San Juan District 3 under the leadership of Assistant Chief Brad Creasy and Orcas Fire Lt’s Dylan Wachtel and Kevin McCoy. There drill was a challenging combination of Live Fire training, hose handling and SCBA. Their next big challenge will be structural firefighting at Whidbey Island march 28th.
NEWS and DETAILS
Chief Isiah James Kimple has arrived! Congradulations!
Wellness in Progress…Recipe Contest
The next nutrition education session is just a month away and the recipes are starting to come in! Continue sending your favorite recipes including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The wellness event will feature great nutrition information as well as wonderful food created by you. All recipes will eventually be a part of the department cookbook. So send in your recipes and mark you calendars for March 27. See you then! Jaylin !
Probiotics: Good for the Gut By Beth Smith, MS, Rd
What do kefir, sauerkraut, yogurt and miso have in common? If your answer is “probiotics” then you’re right. But what are probiotics? Your body contains billions of bacteria and other microorganisms. The term “probiotics” refers to dietary supplements or foods that contain beneficial, or “good,” bacteria that are similar to those normally found in your body. Although you don’t need probiotics to be healthy, these microorganisms may provide some of the same health benefits that the bacteria already existing in your body do — such as assisting with digestion and helping protect against harmful bacteria.
In addition to supplements, probiotics can be found naturally in foods like yogurt with active cultures, fermented products like miso, and some juices and soy drinks.
There is a growing public and scientific interest in probiotics. Researchers are studying whether probiotics taken as foods or supplements can help treat or prevent illness. There is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help:
• Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics
• Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
• Treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Reduce bladder cancer recurrence
• Shorten the duration of intestinal infections
• Prevent and treat inflammation following colon surgery (pouchitis)
• Prevent eczema in children
• Autism in children
Some researchers believe probiotics may improve general health. A small 2005 study in Sweden, for instance, found that a group of employees who were given the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri missed less work due to respiratory or gastrointestinal illness than did employees who were not given the probiotic.
More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of probiotics but certainly the foods naturally containing them are good choices for a healthy diet. If you’re thinking about trying probiotic supplements, always check the expiration date to make sure that the bacteria these products contain are alive and in good condition and look for probiotics with “colony forming units” (CFUs) in the billions. After you buy, be sure to protect your supply from heat, moisture, and air. Otherwise, incorporate these beneficial organisms into your diet through the foods you eat.
Friday Update Feb. 27
01/03/09 14:12
FRIDAY UPDATE FEB 27, 2009
DRILL and TRAINING
FEB Sat 28 Recruit training in Friday Harbor
MARCH Wed 4 – Run Review
MARCH 4-7TH – HEALTH & WELLNESS testing.
Child Safety Seat 4-hour Intro Course on March 11th. Check with Max if you are interested.
Wildland Firefighter 2 (Entry Level Red Card) Training is tentatively scheduled for late April. This course will be an on-line classroom with a final written test and hands-on practical test. If you are interested in getting your certification, please let Max know ASAP.
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES
Jack is here for the week. If you have maintenance needs, please check with Val first if possible to get it on the ERS.
Reminder
Tender 21 out of service.
Engine 26 has a bad tire and is scheduled for repair on Tuesday. Brush 21 is covering Orcas.
In 286 (New EMS Unit) there are 3 FireCom headsets. All 3 will intercom together just by talking. There is a red button on the side of the earmuff that will talk on whatever channel the radio is set to. The front two headsets do not receive dispatch BUT… the rear headset receives. All three will transmit. Any questions on using this new safety equipment addition please see me. ~Lt.28~
HEALTH & WELLNESS TESTING
The next phase begins on Wednesday. If you don’t already have an appointment, please call the office on Monday or Tuesday. Expect 1.5 to 2 hours.
More great health info fir better living later in newsletter.
NEWS and DETAILS
Wellness in Progress…Recipe Contest
The next nutrition education session is just a month away and the recipes are starting to come in! Continue sending your favorite recipes including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The wellness event will feature great nutrition information as well as wonderful food created by you. All recipes will eventually be a part of the department cookbook. So send in your recipes and mark you calendars for March 27. See you then! Jaylin
Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids: A Balancing Act
Although some people think all dietary fats should be avoided, some fats are required by the body. These essential fatty acids (EFA) need to be supplied by the diet and are important in several biological processes such as neurological functioning, blood clotting, dilation of blood vessels, regulation of inflammation and for general cardiac wellness. Specifically, these two EFAs are known as omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid) and omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid). Since both of these compete with one another in their metabolic pathways, it becomes an important balancing act when we think about consuming them in our diets.
Linoleic acid (omega-6) is found in vegetable and nut oils like safflower, sunflower, corn, soy and peanut oils. Based on typical American diets, it’s doubtful that most people would be deficient in this EFA. While it remains essential to several processes such as blood clotting and blood pressure, it’s metabolic pathway leads to the production of a substance called arachidonic acid. This substance is pro-inflammatory meaning it contributes to inflammation which research is beginning to suggest may be a contributing factor to many medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, arthritis, etc.
Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) is found in flaxseeds, walnuts and fish products. It acts to counter-balance the omega-6 by breaking down to EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These two metabolic derivatives are critical to visual and neurological function and cardiac function like reducing arrhythmias and inflammation associated with heart disease. These fatty acids not only are impacting heart health in adults, but because of the role DHA plays in neurological functioning and brain development, EFAs are being used in the treatment of ADHD in children.
So how do we achieve the balance we need? The key issue is to get adequate amounts of both. Most diets are likely to be deficient in omega-3 as opposed to omega-6 simply because most processed foods like salad dressings as well as restaurant and fast foods tend to be high in omega-6 due to high usage of safflower, corn and peanut oils. Therefore, focus on omega-3. While taking vast amounts of supplements is not recommended especially when consuming a healthy diet, fish oil is one that is probably a good idea. First of all, flaxseed does contain alpha-linolenic acid however it’s metabolic pathway to eventually form the critical players, DHA and EPA, is very slow and results in very little production of these essential components whereas fish oil already contains significant amounts of EPA and DHA. While fatty fish like salmon are ideal, we simply don’t eat enough. A supplement from a reputable source is a good addition to any diet and striving for about 500 mg of DHA/EPA per day should bring you back into balance.
DRILL and TRAINING
FEB Sat 28 Recruit training in Friday Harbor
MARCH Wed 4 – Run Review
MARCH 4-7TH – HEALTH & WELLNESS testing.
Child Safety Seat 4-hour Intro Course on March 11th. Check with Max if you are interested.
Wildland Firefighter 2 (Entry Level Red Card) Training is tentatively scheduled for late April. This course will be an on-line classroom with a final written test and hands-on practical test. If you are interested in getting your certification, please let Max know ASAP.
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES
Jack is here for the week. If you have maintenance needs, please check with Val first if possible to get it on the ERS.
Reminder
Tender 21 out of service.
Engine 26 has a bad tire and is scheduled for repair on Tuesday. Brush 21 is covering Orcas.
In 286 (New EMS Unit) there are 3 FireCom headsets. All 3 will intercom together just by talking. There is a red button on the side of the earmuff that will talk on whatever channel the radio is set to. The front two headsets do not receive dispatch BUT… the rear headset receives. All three will transmit. Any questions on using this new safety equipment addition please see me. ~Lt.28~
HEALTH & WELLNESS TESTING
The next phase begins on Wednesday. If you don’t already have an appointment, please call the office on Monday or Tuesday. Expect 1.5 to 2 hours.
More great health info fir better living later in newsletter.
NEWS and DETAILS
Wellness in Progress…Recipe Contest
The next nutrition education session is just a month away and the recipes are starting to come in! Continue sending your favorite recipes including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The wellness event will feature great nutrition information as well as wonderful food created by you. All recipes will eventually be a part of the department cookbook. So send in your recipes and mark you calendars for March 27. See you then! Jaylin
Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids: A Balancing Act
Although some people think all dietary fats should be avoided, some fats are required by the body. These essential fatty acids (EFA) need to be supplied by the diet and are important in several biological processes such as neurological functioning, blood clotting, dilation of blood vessels, regulation of inflammation and for general cardiac wellness. Specifically, these two EFAs are known as omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid) and omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid). Since both of these compete with one another in their metabolic pathways, it becomes an important balancing act when we think about consuming them in our diets.
Linoleic acid (omega-6) is found in vegetable and nut oils like safflower, sunflower, corn, soy and peanut oils. Based on typical American diets, it’s doubtful that most people would be deficient in this EFA. While it remains essential to several processes such as blood clotting and blood pressure, it’s metabolic pathway leads to the production of a substance called arachidonic acid. This substance is pro-inflammatory meaning it contributes to inflammation which research is beginning to suggest may be a contributing factor to many medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, arthritis, etc.
Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) is found in flaxseeds, walnuts and fish products. It acts to counter-balance the omega-6 by breaking down to EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These two metabolic derivatives are critical to visual and neurological function and cardiac function like reducing arrhythmias and inflammation associated with heart disease. These fatty acids not only are impacting heart health in adults, but because of the role DHA plays in neurological functioning and brain development, EFAs are being used in the treatment of ADHD in children.
So how do we achieve the balance we need? The key issue is to get adequate amounts of both. Most diets are likely to be deficient in omega-3 as opposed to omega-6 simply because most processed foods like salad dressings as well as restaurant and fast foods tend to be high in omega-6 due to high usage of safflower, corn and peanut oils. Therefore, focus on omega-3. While taking vast amounts of supplements is not recommended especially when consuming a healthy diet, fish oil is one that is probably a good idea. First of all, flaxseed does contain alpha-linolenic acid however it’s metabolic pathway to eventually form the critical players, DHA and EPA, is very slow and results in very little production of these essential components whereas fish oil already contains significant amounts of EPA and DHA. While fatty fish like salmon are ideal, we simply don’t eat enough. A supplement from a reputable source is a good addition to any diet and striving for about 500 mg of DHA/EPA per day should bring you back into balance.
Friday Update Feb. 20
23/02/09 13:55
FRIDAY UPDATE SUNDAY FEB 22, 2008
DRILL and TRAINING:
March 4th, RUN-REVIEW -
• Shared Care Plan – Lori Nichols (See Reports from Division Chiefs)
• Mental Health Resources - Steve Gresham
PERSONNEL UPDATE:
If you haven’t noticed we have new voices on the phone Monday thru Friday from 08:00 to 15:30 each day. Our part time receptionist, Dove Dingman, Mondays and Lindsey Siler, Tuesdays through Friday, will be manning the phones, greeting the public and helping with daily task needed to help run our department smoothly. In addition, we believe they will be a useful resource to our members for information and assistance when one of us is not around to help as they are non responders manning the office. Please come by and say hello when you are near or at station 21 so they can meet you and add a face to the voice they talk to on the phone. The person you may notice in the back corner of the conference room is Steven Siler, yes the husband (Heck of a Cook) of Lindsay, he is temporally volunteering his time and researching possible grants for OIFD so that he can put forth a proposal for obtaining grants on behalf of OIFD.
APPARATUS:
Brush 21 is currently the stand in for Engine 26 that needs tire repair by Les Schwab this Tuesday at Station 21.
E-21 appears to have foam in the air compressor oil and has been entered for repair on Jacks return it is still on line and available for fires.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Sad News From Lopez; Chiefs, David Fisher a volunteer with Lopez Fire & EMS was killed in an accident while skiing on Mt Baker with his three school age children yesterday. David also leaves behind a wife.
There is great financial need created by David's passing and any help you or your Firefighter or Law Enforcement associations could extend the family would greatly appreciate it. The family has an account at Islanders Bank in the name of David & Karen Fisher.
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide to the family. Jim Ghiglione Please Contact your Association Officers with Ideas, offers or donations for the stricken family.
NEWS and DETAILS. Where’s the D? By Beth Smith, MS, RD
Often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is formed in the body by the action of the sun's ultraviolet rays on the skin. With limited sunshine, winter on Orcas presents a challenge to acquiring adequate levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in nutrition by facilitating the absorption of calcium, thereby helping to support healthy and strong bones ultimately preventing or slowing the progression of osteoporosis. A very important factor as this means Vitamin D is critical in preventing bone fractures. Research suggests vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, psoriasis and several autoimmune diseases (including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis). Finally, growing evidence has demonstrated its important role in defending against cancer (studies link a deficiency of vitamin D to as many as 18 different cancers). With sunshine being a significant provider of Vitamin D, deficiencies are quite common in industrialized countries in northern latitudes. So how do we protect ourselves from experiencing this consequence during the long, cold months of winter? It isn't easy to get enough vitamin D from your diet. While fortified foods such as milk and cereals are available, most provide vitamin D2, a form, which is much less well utilized by the body than D3. Good dietary sources include fortified foods, eggs, salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. One of the best alternatives for assuring your meeting the recommendation is to take a supplement. Look for supplements that provide D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than D2 (ergocalciferol). For most adults under the age of 50, 5 mcg (200 IU) daily is recommended while people 50 to 70 years old should get 10 mcg daily (400 IU) daily, and those over 70 should get 15 mcg daily (600 IU). No adverse effects have been seen with supplemental vitamin D intakes up to 10,000 IU daily. When sunny days return to Orcas, exposing the face and hands too roughly 10 minutes of direct sunlight daily is also quite safe and a good way to boost vitamin D. Hopefully those sunny days are just around the corner!
Wellness in Progress…Recipe Contest
The next nutrition education session is just a month away and the recipes are starting to come in! Continue sending your favorite recipes including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The wellness event will feature great nutrition information as well as wonderful food created by you. All recipes will eventually be a part of the department cookbook. So send in your recipes and mark you calendars for March 27. See you then!
MEMBERSHIP INFO:
Our New Members and Cross training Members in the Recruit Class;
Current Members Rita Harvey
Dove Dingman
George Schermerhorn
Owen Cheevers
Mark O’Neill
New Members in Training
Seth R Ybarra
Dirk A Swierczynski
Jennifer C. Swierczynski
Susie J. Shipman
Jill E. Sherman
Julie Remington
Jamarra Lowry
John Howard
Sherri Madeiros
Guss Dwight
Jeff Nielsen
DRILL and TRAINING:
March 4th, RUN-REVIEW -
• Shared Care Plan – Lori Nichols (See Reports from Division Chiefs)
• Mental Health Resources - Steve Gresham
PERSONNEL UPDATE:
If you haven’t noticed we have new voices on the phone Monday thru Friday from 08:00 to 15:30 each day. Our part time receptionist, Dove Dingman, Mondays and Lindsey Siler, Tuesdays through Friday, will be manning the phones, greeting the public and helping with daily task needed to help run our department smoothly. In addition, we believe they will be a useful resource to our members for information and assistance when one of us is not around to help as they are non responders manning the office. Please come by and say hello when you are near or at station 21 so they can meet you and add a face to the voice they talk to on the phone. The person you may notice in the back corner of the conference room is Steven Siler, yes the husband (Heck of a Cook) of Lindsay, he is temporally volunteering his time and researching possible grants for OIFD so that he can put forth a proposal for obtaining grants on behalf of OIFD.
APPARATUS:
Brush 21 is currently the stand in for Engine 26 that needs tire repair by Les Schwab this Tuesday at Station 21.
E-21 appears to have foam in the air compressor oil and has been entered for repair on Jacks return it is still on line and available for fires.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Sad News From Lopez; Chiefs, David Fisher a volunteer with Lopez Fire & EMS was killed in an accident while skiing on Mt Baker with his three school age children yesterday. David also leaves behind a wife.
There is great financial need created by David's passing and any help you or your Firefighter or Law Enforcement associations could extend the family would greatly appreciate it. The family has an account at Islanders Bank in the name of David & Karen Fisher.
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide to the family. Jim Ghiglione Please Contact your Association Officers with Ideas, offers or donations for the stricken family.
NEWS and DETAILS. Where’s the D? By Beth Smith, MS, RD
Often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is formed in the body by the action of the sun's ultraviolet rays on the skin. With limited sunshine, winter on Orcas presents a challenge to acquiring adequate levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in nutrition by facilitating the absorption of calcium, thereby helping to support healthy and strong bones ultimately preventing or slowing the progression of osteoporosis. A very important factor as this means Vitamin D is critical in preventing bone fractures. Research suggests vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, psoriasis and several autoimmune diseases (including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis). Finally, growing evidence has demonstrated its important role in defending against cancer (studies link a deficiency of vitamin D to as many as 18 different cancers). With sunshine being a significant provider of Vitamin D, deficiencies are quite common in industrialized countries in northern latitudes. So how do we protect ourselves from experiencing this consequence during the long, cold months of winter? It isn't easy to get enough vitamin D from your diet. While fortified foods such as milk and cereals are available, most provide vitamin D2, a form, which is much less well utilized by the body than D3. Good dietary sources include fortified foods, eggs, salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. One of the best alternatives for assuring your meeting the recommendation is to take a supplement. Look for supplements that provide D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than D2 (ergocalciferol). For most adults under the age of 50, 5 mcg (200 IU) daily is recommended while people 50 to 70 years old should get 10 mcg daily (400 IU) daily, and those over 70 should get 15 mcg daily (600 IU). No adverse effects have been seen with supplemental vitamin D intakes up to 10,000 IU daily. When sunny days return to Orcas, exposing the face and hands too roughly 10 minutes of direct sunlight daily is also quite safe and a good way to boost vitamin D. Hopefully those sunny days are just around the corner!
Wellness in Progress…Recipe Contest
The next nutrition education session is just a month away and the recipes are starting to come in! Continue sending your favorite recipes including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The wellness event will feature great nutrition information as well as wonderful food created by you. All recipes will eventually be a part of the department cookbook. So send in your recipes and mark you calendars for March 27. See you then!
MEMBERSHIP INFO:
Our New Members and Cross training Members in the Recruit Class;
Current Members Rita Harvey
Dove Dingman
George Schermerhorn
Owen Cheevers
Mark O’Neill
New Members in Training
Seth R Ybarra
Dirk A Swierczynski
Jennifer C. Swierczynski
Susie J. Shipman
Jill E. Sherman
Julie Remington
Jamarra Lowry
John Howard
Sherri Madeiros
Guss Dwight
Jeff Nielsen
Friday Update Feb. 13
16/02/09 13:52
FRIDAY UPDATE FEB 13, 2009
DRILL and TRAINING.
Saturday – 14th – No recruit training. Valentines Day
Monday – 16th office CLOSED
Tuesday – 17th Officer’s Drill 7 pm at Station 21
Tuesday to Thursday: Blood draws. (SEE REPORT BELOW)
19-22 – Several members will be attending EMS conference off-island
Wednesday 25th – Division Drill 7pm
Thursday 26th – Rescue Drill 7pm
MARCH 4-6TH – HEALTH & WELLNESS testing.
Wildland Firefighter 2 (Entry Level Red Card) Training is tentatively scheduled for late April. This course will be an on-line classroom with a final written test and hands-on practical test. If you are interested in getting your certification, please let Patrick know ASAP.
PERSONNEL UPDATE.
Harvey Olsan has announced his resignation from the Board effective 31 March. During his 17+ years he has been instrumental in many changes and much improvement. I'm sure I will have lots of company in regretting his departure. Lets show Harvey how much we care for him when the time comes. Chief
EDUCATION & TRAINING DIVISION REPORT
EVDT Lt. Paul Turner is putting in numerous hours completing the process of credentialing members in apparatus they will drive. Those who have completed classroom, Rodeo and drive test have received (or will shortly receive) a Washington State approved VFIS Emergency Vehicle driving certification. If you have not taken the EVDT course yet or still need to qualify in apparatus, please contact me or Lt. Turner. Rosters: Documentation of classes requires a readable signature on a roster. All classes will have a roster and to get credit, you must remember to sign it. Task Sheets: Please keep your Task Sheets in your folder in the Training file at Station 21. After classes, we collect the roster and use it to data enter attendance into the ERS computer program and enter it in your Task Sheet. Thank you for your assistance in all our training endeavors! Apologies for any long-term psychological damages anyone may have incurred as a result of our Banquet Hula dance! Training Division Chief Patrick
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES.
Reminder – Tender 21 out of service.
In 286 (New EMS Unit) there are 3 FireCom headsets. All 3 will intercom together just by talking. There is a red button on the side of the earmuff that will talk on whatever channel the radio is set to. The front two headsets do not receive dispatch BUT… the rear headset receives. All three will transmit. When running with siren’s please put them on and if you are trying to listen to dispatch, well just take it off for a second for the message and put `em back on. This is a great tool to create an incident action plan with your crew since trying to talk (yell) to the back crew if you’re in the front is challenging. Any questions on using this new safety equipment addition please see me. ~Lt.28~
DRILL and TRAINING.
Saturday – 14th – No recruit training. Valentines Day
Monday – 16th office CLOSED
Tuesday – 17th Officer’s Drill 7 pm at Station 21
Tuesday to Thursday: Blood draws. (SEE REPORT BELOW)
19-22 – Several members will be attending EMS conference off-island
Wednesday 25th – Division Drill 7pm
Thursday 26th – Rescue Drill 7pm
MARCH 4-6TH – HEALTH & WELLNESS testing.
Wildland Firefighter 2 (Entry Level Red Card) Training is tentatively scheduled for late April. This course will be an on-line classroom with a final written test and hands-on practical test. If you are interested in getting your certification, please let Patrick know ASAP.
PERSONNEL UPDATE.
Harvey Olsan has announced his resignation from the Board effective 31 March. During his 17+ years he has been instrumental in many changes and much improvement. I'm sure I will have lots of company in regretting his departure. Lets show Harvey how much we care for him when the time comes. Chief
EDUCATION & TRAINING DIVISION REPORT
EVDT Lt. Paul Turner is putting in numerous hours completing the process of credentialing members in apparatus they will drive. Those who have completed classroom, Rodeo and drive test have received (or will shortly receive) a Washington State approved VFIS Emergency Vehicle driving certification. If you have not taken the EVDT course yet or still need to qualify in apparatus, please contact me or Lt. Turner. Rosters: Documentation of classes requires a readable signature on a roster. All classes will have a roster and to get credit, you must remember to sign it. Task Sheets: Please keep your Task Sheets in your folder in the Training file at Station 21. After classes, we collect the roster and use it to data enter attendance into the ERS computer program and enter it in your Task Sheet. Thank you for your assistance in all our training endeavors! Apologies for any long-term psychological damages anyone may have incurred as a result of our Banquet Hula dance! Training Division Chief Patrick
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES.
Reminder – Tender 21 out of service.
In 286 (New EMS Unit) there are 3 FireCom headsets. All 3 will intercom together just by talking. There is a red button on the side of the earmuff that will talk on whatever channel the radio is set to. The front two headsets do not receive dispatch BUT… the rear headset receives. All three will transmit. When running with siren’s please put them on and if you are trying to listen to dispatch, well just take it off for a second for the message and put `em back on. This is a great tool to create an incident action plan with your crew since trying to talk (yell) to the back crew if you’re in the front is challenging. Any questions on using this new safety equipment addition please see me. ~Lt.28~
Friday Update Feb. 6, 2009
06/02/09 14:15
FRIDAY UPDATE FEB 6 2009
REPORT FROM HEALTH & WELLNESS DIVISION
Good Nutrition for a Healthy Winter by Beth Smith, MS, RD
Winter may give us beautiful, snowy days, but quite often we find ourselves fighting that annoying cold or flu this time of year. It seems that no matter where you find yourself, somebody’s always coughing or sneezing. Targeting your immune system with good nutrition can be a great place to start when staving off that common cold or flu. Here are a few tips to boost your immune system:
ϖ Limit simple sugar. The sugar in just one can of soda can compromise immune function by 30% for up to 3 hours! Try to replace sweets with high fiber snacks like oatmeal, whole-wheat muffins, or apples. Fiber is actually a prebiotic- a food for probiotics, the friendly bacteria you get from yogurt that helps keep your gut strong enough to fend off invading bacteria and viruses.
ϖ Amp up antioxidants. Everyone’s heard of them and the best place to find these immune system boosters is in fruits and vegetables- especially the brightly colored varieties. Think of broccoli, purple cabbage, kale, carrots. Don’t forget about the fruits such as oranges and pomegranates that are in season this time of year. Vitamin C is a key nutrient here, but there are several others helping to support healthy immune function. Finally, try reaching for that cup of green tea to warm yourself on cold winter days. Matcha is a powdered form of ground up green tea leaves. One cup of matcha will net you the antioxidant protection found in 10 cups of brewed green tea and up to 100 times the antioxidant power of vitamins C and E. For an extra boost, add a spoonful of honey to benefit from its antibacterial powers!
While vitamin C is a popular supplement, think about getting this nutrient in the foods you eat. If you’re taking large doses of this vitamin (> 500 mg), most likely it’s not being absorbed. Once body stores are met, and it doesn’t take much, our bodies simply get rid of it. The recipe below is a great way to think a little differently about getting vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants. Give it a try and I’ll be looking for your recipes over the coming weeks. Stay well!
Steamed Sesame Kale
In a large steamer, place one large leek, sliced into ½ inch rounds. Steam until translucent, mixing occasionally; then add one head of kale, chopped into large pieces. Steam just long enough so that kale is tender, but not soggy. Remove, and toss in bowl with 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, a few splashes of tamari or soy sauce and 2 tablespoons plum vinegar or lemon juice. Salt to taste.
REPORT FROM HEALTH & WELLNESS DIVISION
Good Nutrition for a Healthy Winter by Beth Smith, MS, RD
Winter may give us beautiful, snowy days, but quite often we find ourselves fighting that annoying cold or flu this time of year. It seems that no matter where you find yourself, somebody’s always coughing or sneezing. Targeting your immune system with good nutrition can be a great place to start when staving off that common cold or flu. Here are a few tips to boost your immune system:
ϖ Limit simple sugar. The sugar in just one can of soda can compromise immune function by 30% for up to 3 hours! Try to replace sweets with high fiber snacks like oatmeal, whole-wheat muffins, or apples. Fiber is actually a prebiotic- a food for probiotics, the friendly bacteria you get from yogurt that helps keep your gut strong enough to fend off invading bacteria and viruses.
ϖ Amp up antioxidants. Everyone’s heard of them and the best place to find these immune system boosters is in fruits and vegetables- especially the brightly colored varieties. Think of broccoli, purple cabbage, kale, carrots. Don’t forget about the fruits such as oranges and pomegranates that are in season this time of year. Vitamin C is a key nutrient here, but there are several others helping to support healthy immune function. Finally, try reaching for that cup of green tea to warm yourself on cold winter days. Matcha is a powdered form of ground up green tea leaves. One cup of matcha will net you the antioxidant protection found in 10 cups of brewed green tea and up to 100 times the antioxidant power of vitamins C and E. For an extra boost, add a spoonful of honey to benefit from its antibacterial powers!
While vitamin C is a popular supplement, think about getting this nutrient in the foods you eat. If you’re taking large doses of this vitamin (> 500 mg), most likely it’s not being absorbed. Once body stores are met, and it doesn’t take much, our bodies simply get rid of it. The recipe below is a great way to think a little differently about getting vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants. Give it a try and I’ll be looking for your recipes over the coming weeks. Stay well!
Steamed Sesame Kale
In a large steamer, place one large leek, sliced into ½ inch rounds. Steam until translucent, mixing occasionally; then add one head of kale, chopped into large pieces. Steam just long enough so that kale is tender, but not soggy. Remove, and toss in bowl with 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, a few splashes of tamari or soy sauce and 2 tablespoons plum vinegar or lemon juice. Salt to taste.
Friday Update January 30, 2009
30/01/09 17:00
FRIDAY UPDATE
January 30, 2009 The time is here!! Please call /
email your RSVP about Feb7th Annual Banquet to either
Jaylin or Val today. Training opportunities
Airlift Northwest will be doing a show and tell on how to work with their new helicopter (calls and weather allowing) at 11:00 tomorrow. This is optional but encouraged.
Feb. 4th 1800 Dinner – 1900 Run Review/ Inventory night of kits, pagers, radios, “smurf” suits, EMS vests, uniforms. You do not need to bring in the clothing items but please have the numbers and sizes please.
Special Events
Friday Feb. 6th, 0800 we will be conducting interviews for the new Firemedic / Duty Officer Position. If you wish to participate in some way please contact the Chief or Val.
Saturday Feb. 7th, 1730 – Annual Department Banquet
Please join your fellow and former members and their families for some casual fun! Personnel Updates
We have a new member – Mr. Dan Christopherson – He comes to us from Lopez Island and was a firefighter with their department. – Welcome
We also have a returning member – Ms. Julie Remington – She rejoins us as an Exterior Firefighter, Wild land, and with advanced first aid. – Welcome back
Please congratulate Mr. Dave Mowery who has accepted the position of Lt. 26.
We are drawing to a close of testing the Receptionist candidates. We had a big response and many qualified applicants. The announcement of hire will be coming next week.
Apparatus and Equipment Updates
Tender 21 is out of service due to a power steering failure. Jack will be attending to it on his next visit.
One of the Life Pak 12’s spazed out and has been sent in for repairs. We have a loner and it is in Car 21 (ALS Car). Today we experience a modem problem in the Life Pak that was living in 286. It has now been placed in to the back up position and when we get the repaired one back it will be sent out. Until then, please be aware that you will not be able to transmit a 12 lead from that unit.
Scott packs – After a lot of checking and various theories, 2 bottles were pulled due to leaking. A technician came up and repaired one pack and found what parts need to be ordered to fix the others. He will also fix our bottles on his next trip out. So… you can forget the theory that the leaks are being caused by the way the packs are being mounted in to the holders. We also discovered that the type of battery is crucial for getting the full 6 months and both the 9v and the C battery are linked. If one goes bad you have to replace the other as well. The Eastside Captain and the Westside Captain were issued the Duracell Procell batteries which comply with the packs needs. At Station 21 there are in the usual battery location in the storage room behind the Mechanics Bay. The next time you have to change batteries please put in the Procells. So continue to be vigilant in checking the packs to make sure that they are charged to 4000lb and the packs are working.
Fill Stations – There are now fill stations at Station 23 and 22. They are not connected to a compressor so you are filling off a cascade system, just like the O2. For now we will have to bring tanks in to Station 21 to top off with the compressor. Stay tuned for the permanent procedure.
O2 Cascade System – Sadly we are still having problems with equalization of the system. Please ask for help or refer to the instructions on the wall if you are at all in doubt. We have to order new O2 every time it happens.
Color coding – Each station Lt. has a roll of colored tape that is supposed to hold up to the weather so that tools, packs, etc. can be marked. This is to help you retrieve the correct tools at a fire scene. The colors were selected randomly. They are; Station 21 – red and white, Station 22 – blue, Station 23 – green, Station 24 – blue and white, Station 25 – red, Station 26 – orange, and Station 27 – yellow.
General
The Orcas Fire Auxiliary is interested to know if any members would be willing to serve as liaison between them and I.C. on calls. The purpose is to help them integrate in to a scene effectively. Each call is different so it really could be anyone who is not involved in a task at hand. Ideally it should be someone who is in Rehab if there are enough hands since that is their usual set up position. Maxx is the Department liaison for the Auxiliary and co-ordinates with them pre-event. They just need a little co-ordination help on scenes. For the good of the order
From the Chief:
I'm sending this to Dr. Sullivan because I'm not sure he gets the Friday update (but should). I just got off the phone with our former Board Chair, Clyde Duke. Clyde wanted me to pass on the huge and sincere appreciation of the father of the young man thrown after being hit this weekend. Clyde is well acquainted with the man and knows him well enough to gauge the depth of his words. Clyde said the man was still trembling when he spoke of the incident. The father said he wanted all responders and Dr. Sullivan (who took much time with him at the hospital) to know how lucky he feels and how "in awe" of our services he is. He said that he now "gets it" about having the services ready BEFORE you need them. On behalf of the commissioners and myself, thanks for what you do so well!
Employment Opportunity - Grounds Keeper / Caretaker Wanted: Dick & Judy Evans wanted to ask any OIF&R interested member to call them if interested. They are asking us first due to reliability, honesty and integrity. Call them directly @ 6076, Location is Olga
Airlift Northwest will be doing a show and tell on how to work with their new helicopter (calls and weather allowing) at 11:00 tomorrow. This is optional but encouraged.
Feb. 4th 1800 Dinner – 1900 Run Review/ Inventory night of kits, pagers, radios, “smurf” suits, EMS vests, uniforms. You do not need to bring in the clothing items but please have the numbers and sizes please.
Special Events
Friday Feb. 6th, 0800 we will be conducting interviews for the new Firemedic / Duty Officer Position. If you wish to participate in some way please contact the Chief or Val.
Saturday Feb. 7th, 1730 – Annual Department Banquet
Please join your fellow and former members and their families for some casual fun! Personnel Updates
We have a new member – Mr. Dan Christopherson – He comes to us from Lopez Island and was a firefighter with their department. – Welcome
We also have a returning member – Ms. Julie Remington – She rejoins us as an Exterior Firefighter, Wild land, and with advanced first aid. – Welcome back
Please congratulate Mr. Dave Mowery who has accepted the position of Lt. 26.
We are drawing to a close of testing the Receptionist candidates. We had a big response and many qualified applicants. The announcement of hire will be coming next week.
Apparatus and Equipment Updates
Tender 21 is out of service due to a power steering failure. Jack will be attending to it on his next visit.
One of the Life Pak 12’s spazed out and has been sent in for repairs. We have a loner and it is in Car 21 (ALS Car). Today we experience a modem problem in the Life Pak that was living in 286. It has now been placed in to the back up position and when we get the repaired one back it will be sent out. Until then, please be aware that you will not be able to transmit a 12 lead from that unit.
Scott packs – After a lot of checking and various theories, 2 bottles were pulled due to leaking. A technician came up and repaired one pack and found what parts need to be ordered to fix the others. He will also fix our bottles on his next trip out. So… you can forget the theory that the leaks are being caused by the way the packs are being mounted in to the holders. We also discovered that the type of battery is crucial for getting the full 6 months and both the 9v and the C battery are linked. If one goes bad you have to replace the other as well. The Eastside Captain and the Westside Captain were issued the Duracell Procell batteries which comply with the packs needs. At Station 21 there are in the usual battery location in the storage room behind the Mechanics Bay. The next time you have to change batteries please put in the Procells. So continue to be vigilant in checking the packs to make sure that they are charged to 4000lb and the packs are working.
Fill Stations – There are now fill stations at Station 23 and 22. They are not connected to a compressor so you are filling off a cascade system, just like the O2. For now we will have to bring tanks in to Station 21 to top off with the compressor. Stay tuned for the permanent procedure.
O2 Cascade System – Sadly we are still having problems with equalization of the system. Please ask for help or refer to the instructions on the wall if you are at all in doubt. We have to order new O2 every time it happens.
Color coding – Each station Lt. has a roll of colored tape that is supposed to hold up to the weather so that tools, packs, etc. can be marked. This is to help you retrieve the correct tools at a fire scene. The colors were selected randomly. They are; Station 21 – red and white, Station 22 – blue, Station 23 – green, Station 24 – blue and white, Station 25 – red, Station 26 – orange, and Station 27 – yellow.
General
The Orcas Fire Auxiliary is interested to know if any members would be willing to serve as liaison between them and I.C. on calls. The purpose is to help them integrate in to a scene effectively. Each call is different so it really could be anyone who is not involved in a task at hand. Ideally it should be someone who is in Rehab if there are enough hands since that is their usual set up position. Maxx is the Department liaison for the Auxiliary and co-ordinates with them pre-event. They just need a little co-ordination help on scenes. For the good of the order
From the Chief:
I'm sending this to Dr. Sullivan because I'm not sure he gets the Friday update (but should). I just got off the phone with our former Board Chair, Clyde Duke. Clyde wanted me to pass on the huge and sincere appreciation of the father of the young man thrown after being hit this weekend. Clyde is well acquainted with the man and knows him well enough to gauge the depth of his words. Clyde said the man was still trembling when he spoke of the incident. The father said he wanted all responders and Dr. Sullivan (who took much time with him at the hospital) to know how lucky he feels and how "in awe" of our services he is. He said that he now "gets it" about having the services ready BEFORE you need them. On behalf of the commissioners and myself, thanks for what you do so well!
Employment Opportunity - Grounds Keeper / Caretaker Wanted: Dick & Judy Evans wanted to ask any OIF&R interested member to call them if interested. They are asking us first due to reliability, honesty and integrity. Call them directly @ 6076, Location is Olga
Friday Update January 23 2009
23/01/09 18:00
Friday Update January 9 2009
10/01/09 15:47
FRIDAY UPDATE Jan. 9 2009
SAFETY ALERT
When you load or unload the gurney on 286 the back step is lifted up to accommodate this. Please try to remember to flip it back down before you walk away with the gurney and if you are the one still in the ambulance, please be aware that your step may not be there. I don't want to see anyone get hurt and it will take us all a while to get used to this so please remind one another. Also there is no auto eject on that rig right now, so unplug please!
DRILL and TRAINING
Division Drill on Wednesday the 14th. Firefighters are required to attend 2 each quarter.
The New training calendar page is now on the website. Check in Member Area and give it a few moments to load.
PERSONNEL UPDATE
Rich Harvey will be responding out of the 23 area for a few months.
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES
New equipment
The new glucometers will be issued in Feb during the Run Review to those folks who do not have one but there are a few out there right now. They turn on by inserting the strip in to the receiving end but the biggest difference is how you get the blood in to the strip. Rather than approaching the finger on a horizontal plane, turn it up on it's side and tough the blood drop on the razor thin side of the strip. I know that explanation is impossible to understand so just get a demo.
Jack has been here this week and here is a summary of what he has got done so far.
• T-21 – Firecom Headset replaced
• E-26 Annual Service with filter change
• R-21 Headlight switch replaced
• E-21 Annual Service and repairs, water pump replaced, mechanical Seal, repair block heater wire
• 286 – Repair dome light, repair shore power cable, repair radio antenna, ordered parts for Firecom headsets
• T-22 install siren, replace light in L front compartment
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you are able to help make phone calls for banquet guest list - Please come to Station 21 Saturday, Jan 9th 4-6pm. Pizza & Cookies!
ADMIN
You have one chance left to apply for the 2008 medical reimbursement. Your request form must be to Rick no later than Friday, Jan 16th.
REPORTS/INFO FROM DIVISIONS or OFFICERS
From Patrick
Thanks again for the great “tactics and turnout” at both the Deer Harbor fires and last nights’ West Beach fire. I was out there today with Fire marshal Bob Lowe and he was again impressed with our tactics and aggressive firefighting style. Thanks also for the medical support from our EMT staff and from our Auxiliary. Finally, if you see someone from Orcas Ex, please thank them for responding out at our request. In the end, we did not use them, but they were there for us at a moment’s notice.
From Val
Award banquet Ballots – If you were not at the last couple of drills then you may not have heard about the ballot for this year’s awards banquet. I have added the ballot at the end of this update and you can either email me your vote or drop in off in the ballot box outside of my office by 1700 Monday the 12th. There is a new request form outside of my office. If you have a need for equipment or a problem with equipment, please fill out the slip and put it in my box. This goes for your personal issued gear as well as the equipment on your apparatus. The bottom half of the form is for jotting down items that you take from the station to re-supply your kit. This helps me with inventory. If you are wondering about the wall in the front office, it is a project in progress to provide more defined office space. Gulliver and Dylan are working on that project. There are several smaller projects that are about to get under way at Stations 21, 23, and 22. A couple of reminders; if you are at Station 21 and a call comes in you will be presumed to be available for the call unless you tell us otherwise. We would appreciate that people proceed to the apps bay and check in with the Duty Officer who will assign you or wave you off as needed. If you are not available for the call, just say so. Also, if you respond to a call but wave off for some reason, please let the Duty Officer know if you want credit for going on the call. Unless we hear you or see you, we don’t know you were there. This also applies to an apparatus that responds with more than one person and then gets cancelled. We need a list of responders in that apparatus. And one last point is letting us know who came in a manned the station. It’s a great help to just jot the names down on the dry erase board outside of our office. And last…when you come in to man the station, lease announce “Station 21 manned” over the radio.
From Chief Harris
SAND & BAGS: We have sand and sand bags @ Sta. 21 for your car. Even AWD/4WD's should have a couple bags in the trunk or rear to help get yourself or others out of stuck situations. One bag of sand is usually enough to put 3' of sand below and ahead of all four tires and get you going. Station Lt's should put two on each apparatus if they don't already have kitty litter. At a major scene on icy roads (like Monday morning) these could have been used to keep us vertical. Remember the county road dept. will come to our aid on public streets but not private ones (even after hours!).
OUR FORMERLY REFLECTIVE ROAD SIGN: The green crud has attacked most of our road signs dimming them up to 90%. At night when the snow and rain are blowing sideways every sign needs to be at 90% or better! Please consider taking a bucket of water to the signs in your neighborhood and washing off the crud. This will restore the signs to like new. A dry towel will also help get the last bits off. The older ones on the roads that get little sunlight are particularly bad. Thanks!
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
We want to support our own members! I am compiling a list of member based island businesses. Please contact Toby if you are interested in being on the list.
SAFETY ALERT
When you load or unload the gurney on 286 the back step is lifted up to accommodate this. Please try to remember to flip it back down before you walk away with the gurney and if you are the one still in the ambulance, please be aware that your step may not be there. I don't want to see anyone get hurt and it will take us all a while to get used to this so please remind one another. Also there is no auto eject on that rig right now, so unplug please!
DRILL and TRAINING
Division Drill on Wednesday the 14th. Firefighters are required to attend 2 each quarter.
The New training calendar page is now on the website. Check in Member Area and give it a few moments to load.
PERSONNEL UPDATE
Rich Harvey will be responding out of the 23 area for a few months.
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES
New equipment
The new glucometers will be issued in Feb during the Run Review to those folks who do not have one but there are a few out there right now. They turn on by inserting the strip in to the receiving end but the biggest difference is how you get the blood in to the strip. Rather than approaching the finger on a horizontal plane, turn it up on it's side and tough the blood drop on the razor thin side of the strip. I know that explanation is impossible to understand so just get a demo.
Jack has been here this week and here is a summary of what he has got done so far.
• T-21 – Firecom Headset replaced
• E-26 Annual Service with filter change
• R-21 Headlight switch replaced
• E-21 Annual Service and repairs, water pump replaced, mechanical Seal, repair block heater wire
• 286 – Repair dome light, repair shore power cable, repair radio antenna, ordered parts for Firecom headsets
• T-22 install siren, replace light in L front compartment
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you are able to help make phone calls for banquet guest list - Please come to Station 21 Saturday, Jan 9th 4-6pm. Pizza & Cookies!
ADMIN
You have one chance left to apply for the 2008 medical reimbursement. Your request form must be to Rick no later than Friday, Jan 16th.
REPORTS/INFO FROM DIVISIONS or OFFICERS
From Patrick
Thanks again for the great “tactics and turnout” at both the Deer Harbor fires and last nights’ West Beach fire. I was out there today with Fire marshal Bob Lowe and he was again impressed with our tactics and aggressive firefighting style. Thanks also for the medical support from our EMT staff and from our Auxiliary. Finally, if you see someone from Orcas Ex, please thank them for responding out at our request. In the end, we did not use them, but they were there for us at a moment’s notice.
From Val
Award banquet Ballots – If you were not at the last couple of drills then you may not have heard about the ballot for this year’s awards banquet. I have added the ballot at the end of this update and you can either email me your vote or drop in off in the ballot box outside of my office by 1700 Monday the 12th. There is a new request form outside of my office. If you have a need for equipment or a problem with equipment, please fill out the slip and put it in my box. This goes for your personal issued gear as well as the equipment on your apparatus. The bottom half of the form is for jotting down items that you take from the station to re-supply your kit. This helps me with inventory. If you are wondering about the wall in the front office, it is a project in progress to provide more defined office space. Gulliver and Dylan are working on that project. There are several smaller projects that are about to get under way at Stations 21, 23, and 22. A couple of reminders; if you are at Station 21 and a call comes in you will be presumed to be available for the call unless you tell us otherwise. We would appreciate that people proceed to the apps bay and check in with the Duty Officer who will assign you or wave you off as needed. If you are not available for the call, just say so. Also, if you respond to a call but wave off for some reason, please let the Duty Officer know if you want credit for going on the call. Unless we hear you or see you, we don’t know you were there. This also applies to an apparatus that responds with more than one person and then gets cancelled. We need a list of responders in that apparatus. And one last point is letting us know who came in a manned the station. It’s a great help to just jot the names down on the dry erase board outside of our office. And last…when you come in to man the station, lease announce “Station 21 manned” over the radio.
From Chief Harris
SAND & BAGS: We have sand and sand bags @ Sta. 21 for your car. Even AWD/4WD's should have a couple bags in the trunk or rear to help get yourself or others out of stuck situations. One bag of sand is usually enough to put 3' of sand below and ahead of all four tires and get you going. Station Lt's should put two on each apparatus if they don't already have kitty litter. At a major scene on icy roads (like Monday morning) these could have been used to keep us vertical. Remember the county road dept. will come to our aid on public streets but not private ones (even after hours!).
OUR FORMERLY REFLECTIVE ROAD SIGN: The green crud has attacked most of our road signs dimming them up to 90%. At night when the snow and rain are blowing sideways every sign needs to be at 90% or better! Please consider taking a bucket of water to the signs in your neighborhood and washing off the crud. This will restore the signs to like new. A dry towel will also help get the last bits off. The older ones on the roads that get little sunlight are particularly bad. Thanks!
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
We want to support our own members! I am compiling a list of member based island businesses. Please contact Toby if you are interested in being on the list.
Friday Update December 26 2008
26/12/08 18:43
FRIDAY UPDATE DEC 26 2008
2009 Jan. Drill Schedule
6th – All Hands Info Meeting for 2009
7th – Run Review and Basic Skills Drill
10th – Recruit Class begins
14th – Division Drills
21st – All hazard Response Training
22nd – Rescue Division: Vehicle Rescue
28th – Fire Company Evolutions
The remainder of the schedule will be on the web site (weather permitting) next week with the rest of the schedule, drill descriptions and on-line drill information.
The 2nd Recruit Informational meeting will take place on the 5th beginning at 6 pm. If you know anyone who would like to become a department member but missed the orientation, there is still time! Have them contact headquarters for more information.
4th Quart Count Down
This is the time to insure your task sheet is in order.
Thank You Responders
Thank you everyone who helped maintain coverage during this weather event. Only 4 members were unaccounted for and we have come through with excellent safety with timely response.
Apparatus Update
Everything is weather ready and either chained or carrying traction on board. As this weather changes, traction devices may still be needed on the off-county roads. Reminder to travel no faster than 20-25 miles per hour on chains.
Targhee Fire Services has loaned us a CAFs Brush Engine for the winter. It is brand new and very well equipped to handle the Deer Harbor area. It’s more powerful radio gets better reception than our own units!
Brush 21 is back in Eastsound. DO NOT deploy the large Brush Engine chain saw if you have not been checked out on it. Use a smaller saw or help in other ways.
Medical Reimbursement Requests Now Due for 2008.
Updates on Jordan Griffin at <</u>http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/JordanGriffin> You can send a message here also.
Current Weather Information
For the most up to date information, go to www.noaa.gov and type in our zip code. There will be a red banner if there is a warning.
No Cost Christmas Tree Disposal! Public Works Department is sponsoring a free Christmas Tree collection program this year. Trees will be chipped for mulch and not sent to a landfill. Help them reduce the volume of holiday trash by bringing your CLEAN, UNDECORATED natural trees (no flocked or artificial trees) to your island's solid waste facility between December 26th and January 11th during regular open hours. If you have additional questions, please call San Juan County Public Works Department at 370-0500.
2009 Jan. Drill Schedule
6th – All Hands Info Meeting for 2009
7th – Run Review and Basic Skills Drill
10th – Recruit Class begins
14th – Division Drills
21st – All hazard Response Training
22nd – Rescue Division: Vehicle Rescue
28th – Fire Company Evolutions
The remainder of the schedule will be on the web site (weather permitting) next week with the rest of the schedule, drill descriptions and on-line drill information.
The 2nd Recruit Informational meeting will take place on the 5th beginning at 6 pm. If you know anyone who would like to become a department member but missed the orientation, there is still time! Have them contact headquarters for more information.
4th Quart Count Down
This is the time to insure your task sheet is in order.
Thank You Responders
Thank you everyone who helped maintain coverage during this weather event. Only 4 members were unaccounted for and we have come through with excellent safety with timely response.
Apparatus Update
Everything is weather ready and either chained or carrying traction on board. As this weather changes, traction devices may still be needed on the off-county roads. Reminder to travel no faster than 20-25 miles per hour on chains.
Targhee Fire Services has loaned us a CAFs Brush Engine for the winter. It is brand new and very well equipped to handle the Deer Harbor area. It’s more powerful radio gets better reception than our own units!
Brush 21 is back in Eastsound. DO NOT deploy the large Brush Engine chain saw if you have not been checked out on it. Use a smaller saw or help in other ways.
Medical Reimbursement Requests Now Due for 2008.
Updates on Jordan Griffin at <</u>http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/JordanGriffin> You can send a message here also.
Current Weather Information
For the most up to date information, go to www.noaa.gov and type in our zip code. There will be a red banner if there is a warning.
No Cost Christmas Tree Disposal! Public Works Department is sponsoring a free Christmas Tree collection program this year. Trees will be chipped for mulch and not sent to a landfill. Help them reduce the volume of holiday trash by bringing your CLEAN, UNDECORATED natural trees (no flocked or artificial trees) to your island's solid waste facility between December 26th and January 11th during regular open hours. If you have additional questions, please call San Juan County Public Works Department at 370-0500.
Friday Update Dec 19 2008
19/12/08 17:00
Friday Update Dec 19 2008
SEVERE WEATHER PREDICTED Highlights included with this update but it is an ever-changing issue. For the most up to date information, go to www.noaa.gov and type in our zip code. There will be a red banner if there is a warning.
ALL DRILLS and TRAINING are cancelled for the remainder of 2008.
RESPONSE STATUS. We are keeping track of who can help where and when to ease us through this weather event. Let us know if your status changes!
APPARATUS: Everything is weather ready and either chained or carrying traction on board. Reminder to travel no faster than 20-25 miles per hour on chains.
NEW AID UNIT Fire Com head sets do not transmit to dispatch. You can talk to each other in the rig but you must use the old fashioned mic to talk with dispatch.
NEW BRUSH ENGINE at Deer Harbor Station. Targhee Fire Services has loaned us a CAFs Brush Engine for the winter. It is brand new and very well equipped to handle the Deer Harbor area. If you are interested in a training, please contact Lt. Paul Turner.
BRUSH 21 has returned to the Eastsound core and will be HIGH WIND ready with cutting tools. Please DO NOT deploy the large Brush Engine chain saw if you have not been checked out on it. Use a smaller saw or help in other ways.
FROM VAL
A special thanks to every one involved with Wednesday’s intense medical calls and for the Karen Lane Fire. We couldn’t have gotten all the difficult tasks done with out all the help.
Quick reminder to insure pagers and 2-ways are fully charged. Cold weather drains batteries very quickly. Please bring AEDs in out of your vehicles to prevent those batteries from going down as well.
FROM PATRICK
Onspot Chains: Winter is here and we may need to use On-spots. The most important thing to remember is to be sure to not retract them when you are stopped. If you do, you will bend the hydraulically controlled arm because the chains are under the wheels. They should be deployed at low speed and retracted at low speed. Be sure to go to their website for further information and a cool 60 second video! www.onspot.com
AEDs: I recommend you keep your AEDs inside during the night so they do not freeze.
From Airlift Northwest
Patrick,
I just wanted to share that we have made some clarifications to our large patient policy. Our Comm. Center will be asking for estimated weight but will not ask for girth size unless the patient is greater than 400lbs. If ALNW is requested for a scene flight the crew will come and assess and make the decision on whether or not the large can be transported safely. Just for your FYI, patients that are greater than 28 inches in at their widest point (shoulders abdomen etc) will not fit in the power aircraft. If this is discovered after a crew arrives, we can offer to assist with completing the mission by ground if need be. Please share this with the Medics and I hope this helps make it easier for the field providers to utilize us in the future.
Also the EC135 arrived on Tuesday so we are putting together a training calendar and I will be contacting you to set up a date.
Let me know if you have any questions and Happy Holidays.
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS WINTER STORM WARNING...IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM SATURDAY TO 4 PM PST SUNDAY FOR SAN JUAN COUNTY. MAJOR WINTER STORM IS ON TAP THIS WEEKEND. HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED TO DEVELOP ALONG THE COAST ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND THEN SPREAD INTO THE INTERIOR OF WESTERN WA EARLY SAT PM. WESTERN SKAGIT AND WHATCOM COUNTIES SHOULD RECEIVE ABOUT 3 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW. IN GENERAL...LIGHTER AMOUNTS WILL OCCUR NEAR THE CASCADE FOOTHILLS WITH HEAVIER AMOUNTS FURTHER WEST ALONG THE SHORES OF PUGET SOUND.
FIRE PREVENTION FOR FREE! Public Works Department is sponsoring a free Christmas Tree collection program this year. Trees will be chipped for mulch and not sent to a landfill. Help them reduce the volume of holiday trash by bringing your CLEAN, UNDECORATED natural trees (no flocked or artificial trees) to your island's solid waste facility between December 26th and January 11th during regular open hours. If you have additional questions, please call San Juan County Public Works Department at 370-0500.
SEVERE WEATHER PREDICTED Highlights included with this update but it is an ever-changing issue. For the most up to date information, go to www.noaa.gov and type in our zip code. There will be a red banner if there is a warning.
ALL DRILLS and TRAINING are cancelled for the remainder of 2008.
RESPONSE STATUS. We are keeping track of who can help where and when to ease us through this weather event. Let us know if your status changes!
APPARATUS: Everything is weather ready and either chained or carrying traction on board. Reminder to travel no faster than 20-25 miles per hour on chains.
NEW AID UNIT Fire Com head sets do not transmit to dispatch. You can talk to each other in the rig but you must use the old fashioned mic to talk with dispatch.
NEW BRUSH ENGINE at Deer Harbor Station. Targhee Fire Services has loaned us a CAFs Brush Engine for the winter. It is brand new and very well equipped to handle the Deer Harbor area. If you are interested in a training, please contact Lt. Paul Turner.
BRUSH 21 has returned to the Eastsound core and will be HIGH WIND ready with cutting tools. Please DO NOT deploy the large Brush Engine chain saw if you have not been checked out on it. Use a smaller saw or help in other ways.
FROM VAL
A special thanks to every one involved with Wednesday’s intense medical calls and for the Karen Lane Fire. We couldn’t have gotten all the difficult tasks done with out all the help.
Quick reminder to insure pagers and 2-ways are fully charged. Cold weather drains batteries very quickly. Please bring AEDs in out of your vehicles to prevent those batteries from going down as well.
FROM PATRICK
Onspot Chains: Winter is here and we may need to use On-spots. The most important thing to remember is to be sure to not retract them when you are stopped. If you do, you will bend the hydraulically controlled arm because the chains are under the wheels. They should be deployed at low speed and retracted at low speed. Be sure to go to their website for further information and a cool 60 second video! www.onspot.com
AEDs: I recommend you keep your AEDs inside during the night so they do not freeze.
From Airlift Northwest
Patrick,
I just wanted to share that we have made some clarifications to our large patient policy. Our Comm. Center will be asking for estimated weight but will not ask for girth size unless the patient is greater than 400lbs. If ALNW is requested for a scene flight the crew will come and assess and make the decision on whether or not the large can be transported safely. Just for your FYI, patients that are greater than 28 inches in at their widest point (shoulders abdomen etc) will not fit in the power aircraft. If this is discovered after a crew arrives, we can offer to assist with completing the mission by ground if need be. Please share this with the Medics and I hope this helps make it easier for the field providers to utilize us in the future.
Also the EC135 arrived on Tuesday so we are putting together a training calendar and I will be contacting you to set up a date.
Let me know if you have any questions and Happy Holidays.
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS WINTER STORM WARNING...IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM SATURDAY TO 4 PM PST SUNDAY FOR SAN JUAN COUNTY. MAJOR WINTER STORM IS ON TAP THIS WEEKEND. HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED TO DEVELOP ALONG THE COAST ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND THEN SPREAD INTO THE INTERIOR OF WESTERN WA EARLY SAT PM. WESTERN SKAGIT AND WHATCOM COUNTIES SHOULD RECEIVE ABOUT 3 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW. IN GENERAL...LIGHTER AMOUNTS WILL OCCUR NEAR THE CASCADE FOOTHILLS WITH HEAVIER AMOUNTS FURTHER WEST ALONG THE SHORES OF PUGET SOUND.
FIRE PREVENTION FOR FREE! Public Works Department is sponsoring a free Christmas Tree collection program this year. Trees will be chipped for mulch and not sent to a landfill. Help them reduce the volume of holiday trash by bringing your CLEAN, UNDECORATED natural trees (no flocked or artificial trees) to your island's solid waste facility between December 26th and January 11th during regular open hours. If you have additional questions, please call San Juan County Public Works Department at 370-0500.
Friday Update December 12, 2008
12/12/08 17:00
FRIDAY UPDATE DECEMBER 12, 2008
THE BIG CHILL MAY BE ENROUTE
Remember…when there is a significant winter weather situation it is vital that you call the Duty Officer with your availability. If you’re personal vehicle is unsafe to operate during snowy conditions, please stay home or ask your next closest vol. member to coordinate a pickup.
When your apparatus is chained, report it to the duty officer (chief 22, 23, or 24). Patrick is still 22, Val 23, and Mik 24. Their call sign is “Chief” then there designating #.
I cannot emphasize enough on code yellow responses during snow/icy conditions. The acting duty officer will make the choice on the radio.
Stay warm, watch your step, and stay safe!
~Lt. Chad Kimple, Safety Officer~
DRILLS and TRAINING.
Tues. Dec 16 Rescue: New Vehicle Technologies
Thurs. Dec 18 Rescue: Wilderness Search & Rescue
TUESDAY Jan. 6th: All District Informational Meeting
PERSONNEL UPDATE.
Call signs have changed.
Max – Capt 20
Bob Nutt – Capt 22
Patrick – Chief 22
Val – Chief 23
Mik – Chief 24
Jason – Lt 21
Jeff – Lt 26 (for now) working out of station 21
Dylan – Lt 27
Rich – Lt 29
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES.
As of this writing I am putting the new ambulance in service. It will be A-21 (front position) and will be numbered 286. This is a bit of a process so please bear with us for a bit. I will be moving stuff out of 284 to outfit 286 fully. I have ordered items that we will need to bring 284 fully supplied to be a BLS ambulance. An order went out today so just be aware that if you have to use 284 it will be without items such as pediatric immobilization device, car seat, etc, etc. It will have the basic stuff but it will not have a monitor. It will have a Life Pak 500. I will have make up a "med box" which of course will not have any meds. For now it will be housed here at Station 21 but eventually it will go to Deer Harbor. If we have a BLS transport off Island then we should use 284. Stay tuned for information on more specific details. Paul Turner has busted his behind for 2 days now getting a number of us Road Tested on the new ambulance as well as the old. Thank you Paul!! Thanks all,
Val
ADMIN DETAILS. The pay-as-you-eat chow in the Station 21 kitchen is down $1200. Its not free food. Please pay up and clear your IOUs ASAP!!
REPORTS/INFO FROM DIVISIONS or OFFICERS.
From Chad
Operations: On Sunday two of the three Scott fill stations will be delivered to Station 23 & 22. The third one destined for Station 24 will live here in storage until the station is built.
If you are a Firefighter who was issued an SCBA mask strap, please return them BACK to me ASAP! Unfortunately they do not work with your fire hood. Please have those to me by Thursday the 18th.
Administration
We are starting a new professional trend answering the district phone. You may have already experienced the greeting already. If you are going to answer the phone at the fire station, the standard is: “Orcas fire & rescue, this is (name),” It keeps it the same and sounds very professional.
From Maxx
Public Education is now promoting FREE Smoke Alarm Batteries through Dec 24th. The extreme weather season is also the time for power outages, alternative light and heat creating a higher fire danger. I have been finding over 80% of hard wired alarms either don’t have battery back-up or that battery has been dead for years. This is a good time to test and replace your own! (Yes - Free batteries for ANY TAX PAYER, including our members.) We also have alarms, CO alarms and home checks. Stay safe.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER.
CO incidents may be on the rise this weekend as extremely cold air and snow filters into the Northern tier States on Saturday and especially being the first real freezing temps this winter my suspicion is that folks will be using every source of heating available to them where CO risks will rise. There is likely to be spotty power outages as well with strong winds (30-50 MPH in the lowlands) so any chances to proactively screen “sick calls” with the RAD 57 may prove to be useful. This will be a great jumpstart to the NW ski season!
PRESS RELEASE FOR NEWSPAPERS
Dec 3rd to the 10th Orcas Fire and Rescue responded to: 3 minor trauma calls, 1 fall, 1 dog bite, a breathing emergency and 2 medical issues. These resulted in 1 Airlift Northwest off-island transport as well as a transport by ferry to a mainland hospital. There were no fire responses. There were 38 medical and 17 fire calls for November bringing the total for the year to 604. Don’t end up a stat in the local newspaper - Please drive carefully for the holiday season!
THE BIG CHILL MAY BE ENROUTE
- Could see the coldest weather in the NW since December 1990.
- Temps dropping to 25-30º by Saturday AM, and to 10-15º by Monday AM. Temps won’t moderate until mid next week.
- Wind chill could be a significant issue, dropping apparent temps to near or below zero.
- There’s a slight chance we’ll end up seeing 1-3” of snow- starting late Friday and into the weekend. Looks like higher hills on Orcas and SJI will definitely see snow.
- Windy, but not anything out of the ordinary for this time of year, maybe in the 40 mph range. No indication of coastal flooding being an issue.
- Hopefully moderate winds and little snow means no significant power outages, so everyone’s heat will be working.
Remember…when there is a significant winter weather situation it is vital that you call the Duty Officer with your availability. If you’re personal vehicle is unsafe to operate during snowy conditions, please stay home or ask your next closest vol. member to coordinate a pickup.
When your apparatus is chained, report it to the duty officer (chief 22, 23, or 24). Patrick is still 22, Val 23, and Mik 24. Their call sign is “Chief” then there designating #.
I cannot emphasize enough on code yellow responses during snow/icy conditions. The acting duty officer will make the choice on the radio.
Stay warm, watch your step, and stay safe!
~Lt. Chad Kimple, Safety Officer~
DRILLS and TRAINING.
Tues. Dec 16 Rescue: New Vehicle Technologies
Thurs. Dec 18 Rescue: Wilderness Search & Rescue
TUESDAY Jan. 6th: All District Informational Meeting
PERSONNEL UPDATE.
Call signs have changed.
Max – Capt 20
Bob Nutt – Capt 22
Patrick – Chief 22
Val – Chief 23
Mik – Chief 24
Jason – Lt 21
Jeff – Lt 26 (for now) working out of station 21
Dylan – Lt 27
Rich – Lt 29
APPARATUS and EQUIPMENT UPDATES.
As of this writing I am putting the new ambulance in service. It will be A-21 (front position) and will be numbered 286. This is a bit of a process so please bear with us for a bit. I will be moving stuff out of 284 to outfit 286 fully. I have ordered items that we will need to bring 284 fully supplied to be a BLS ambulance. An order went out today so just be aware that if you have to use 284 it will be without items such as pediatric immobilization device, car seat, etc, etc. It will have the basic stuff but it will not have a monitor. It will have a Life Pak 500. I will have make up a "med box" which of course will not have any meds. For now it will be housed here at Station 21 but eventually it will go to Deer Harbor. If we have a BLS transport off Island then we should use 284. Stay tuned for information on more specific details. Paul Turner has busted his behind for 2 days now getting a number of us Road Tested on the new ambulance as well as the old. Thank you Paul!! Thanks all,
Val
ADMIN DETAILS. The pay-as-you-eat chow in the Station 21 kitchen is down $1200. Its not free food. Please pay up and clear your IOUs ASAP!!
REPORTS/INFO FROM DIVISIONS or OFFICERS.
From Chad
Operations: On Sunday two of the three Scott fill stations will be delivered to Station 23 & 22. The third one destined for Station 24 will live here in storage until the station is built.
If you are a Firefighter who was issued an SCBA mask strap, please return them BACK to me ASAP! Unfortunately they do not work with your fire hood. Please have those to me by Thursday the 18th.
Administration
We are starting a new professional trend answering the district phone. You may have already experienced the greeting already. If you are going to answer the phone at the fire station, the standard is: “Orcas fire & rescue, this is (name),” It keeps it the same and sounds very professional.
From Maxx
Public Education is now promoting FREE Smoke Alarm Batteries through Dec 24th. The extreme weather season is also the time for power outages, alternative light and heat creating a higher fire danger. I have been finding over 80% of hard wired alarms either don’t have battery back-up or that battery has been dead for years. This is a good time to test and replace your own! (Yes - Free batteries for ANY TAX PAYER, including our members.) We also have alarms, CO alarms and home checks. Stay safe.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER.
CO incidents may be on the rise this weekend as extremely cold air and snow filters into the Northern tier States on Saturday and especially being the first real freezing temps this winter my suspicion is that folks will be using every source of heating available to them where CO risks will rise. There is likely to be spotty power outages as well with strong winds (30-50 MPH in the lowlands) so any chances to proactively screen “sick calls” with the RAD 57 may prove to be useful. This will be a great jumpstart to the NW ski season!
PRESS RELEASE FOR NEWSPAPERS
Dec 3rd to the 10th Orcas Fire and Rescue responded to: 3 minor trauma calls, 1 fall, 1 dog bite, a breathing emergency and 2 medical issues. These resulted in 1 Airlift Northwest off-island transport as well as a transport by ferry to a mainland hospital. There were no fire responses. There were 38 medical and 17 fire calls for November bringing the total for the year to 604. Don’t end up a stat in the local newspaper - Please drive carefully for the holiday season!
Friday Update December 5, 2008
05/12/08 17:00
Friday Update
December 5, 2008
DRILL and TRAINING:
4th QUARTER DIVISION DRILL
RESCUE DIVISION DRILLS
PERSONNEL UPDATE: Nothing New on the Horizon
CHECK YOUR GEAR:We are trying to update our Key Inventory could you please E-mail Chief Harris with information on any department keys in your possession, i.e. dept Master Key, equipment cage Key etc.
REMINDER: Department Officers Meeting for all Lieutenants, Captains, Division Chiefs and the chief is happening on Thursday December 11th at 19:00 at Station 21. The homework assignment for each of you officers is to come up with Department Do’s and Don’ts to assist with updating clarifying and decreasing the # of our department policies. The goal of this exercise is to generate simple, broad clear and applicable policies that you as Department officers create for today’s/ tomorrows Orcas Island Fire department. Please check for an E-mail to each of you today with further details.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: All of you who wish to have your IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS receive the $36/mo (+ tax) membership special offered by Orcas Athletics need to act and have them register by December 31, 2008 with Angela from Orcas Athletics. A reminder, this is a minimum 1 year membership commitment by that family with renewal option at the end of the year. Anyone registering after December 31, 2008 will be receiving their membership at the normal rates.
ADMIN
New call signs;
MAINTENANCE: In progress as Jack is here this week
REPORTS/INFO FROM DIVISIONS or OFFICERS
From Mik’s Desk
NEWS and DETAILS
Sad new for us, Mr. Tom Ardavany declined the 4th medic position offered to the department. Happily he will still be available for On-call shifts.
Press release;
For the Week of November 24 to Dec 3rd Orcas Fire and Rescue responded to 16 calls for emergency help: 5 calls for injuries, 3 calls for Chest Pain, 1 call for Difficulty Breathing and 2 calls for Other Medical Issues. These resulted in 2 Airlift Northwest off-island transports as well at 3 Sheriff Boat emergency transports due to weather. Firefighters alsoresponded to a vehicle fire near Eastsound, which started near the exhaustsystem but dealt with before there was any significant damage. There were 2 residential false fire alarms, a report of illegal burning which turned out to be heavy truck exhaust and an illegal burn pile in the Eastsoundno-burning zone. Orcas Fire & Rescue asks you to show the kids how to get out of the house and where to meet in case of fire! Plus check your smoke alarm batteries in stay safe for the holidays.
Greetings from the Airport Authority
Nickel Bros., house movers extraordinaire, will be 'landing' a house at the Orcas Island Airport just past noon on Monday, December 22. They hope to transit the runway between 1:30pm and 2:00pm on that day, a time which coincides with the high tide on the north shore. They will enter from the north, come through the fence east of the 'boulder field', and move to the runway in a timely fashion. They will exit the runway at A1, turning east, proceed south on the ramp, and exit the airport through the south fence east of the 'boulder field'. They will then proceed east up Mt. Baker Rd, south on North Beach, and east onto Sunset Ave.
Total time on the airport, about 1 hour, but only about 10 minutes on the runway, at which time the airport will be closed. However, at both ends of the runway, the house will be within the Part 77 surface, so if you're coming or going before or after, the usual statement of "Men and machinery in the vicinity of the runway" will be supplemented by "Men, machinery and a house in the vicinity of the runway".
You'll hear more on Sunday the 21st of December, when the official NOTAM will be published, but being as hos there might be a lot of traffic affected during the holiday season (less if the weather is not very cooperative), I thought you might like some advance notice. The last time they did this, it was at 3:00 in the morning, and nobody even came to watch except me. Maybe we'll get a crowd of spectators this time---and maybe pictures as well!!
Bea
MEMBERSHIP INFO
NADA
IF ANY OF YOU FIND OUT THAT ONE OF OUR MEMBERS IS NOT RECEIVING THESE UPDATES PLEASE LET US KNOW SO THAT WE MAY CORRECT THE E-MAIL ADDRESS OR GET THIS INFO TO THEM IN A DIFFERENT WAY.
DRILL and TRAINING:
4th QUARTER DIVISION DRILL
- December 17th - The second opportunity for the RIT/Self Rescue Drill for those of you that missed last weeks drill. (this has been added)
RESCUE DIVISION DRILLS
- December 16th - New Vehicle Tech Drill Station 21 19:00 was postponed to from November 16th
- December 18th - Hazmat Response Guidelines has been changed to Wilderness Search and Rescue Intro (mostly classroom) 19:00 at St. 21.
PERSONNEL UPDATE: Nothing New on the Horizon
CHECK YOUR GEAR:We are trying to update our Key Inventory could you please E-mail Chief Harris with information on any department keys in your possession, i.e. dept Master Key, equipment cage Key etc.
REMINDER: Department Officers Meeting for all Lieutenants, Captains, Division Chiefs and the chief is happening on Thursday December 11th at 19:00 at Station 21. The homework assignment for each of you officers is to come up with Department Do’s and Don’ts to assist with updating clarifying and decreasing the # of our department policies. The goal of this exercise is to generate simple, broad clear and applicable policies that you as Department officers create for today’s/ tomorrows Orcas Island Fire department. Please check for an E-mail to each of you today with further details.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: All of you who wish to have your IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS receive the $36/mo (+ tax) membership special offered by Orcas Athletics need to act and have them register by December 31, 2008 with Angela from Orcas Athletics. A reminder, this is a minimum 1 year membership commitment by that family with renewal option at the end of the year. Anyone registering after December 31, 2008 will be receiving their membership at the normal rates.
ADMIN
New call signs;
- Max Jones – Captain 20
- Bob Nutt – Captain 22
- Patrick Shepler – Chief 22
- Valerie Harris – Chief 23
- Miklos Preysz – Chief 24
- Jason Madeiros – Lieutenant 21
- Jeff Jones – Lieutenant 26 (for now) working out of station 21
- Dylan Wachtel – Lieutenant 27
- Rich Harvey – Lieutenant 29
MAINTENANCE: In progress as Jack is here this week
REPORTS/INFO FROM DIVISIONS or OFFICERS
From Mik’s Desk
- Month End reports are being created for Tuesday December 9th commissioners meeting by the Division chiefs. If you would like electronic copies of these please e-mail us.
- The 1 ∏ computer in the back of the Day room will be maturing into two computers for the membership to use. They will connect to the server/internet wirelessly and will have full functionality by the end of next week (yes that means printing as well)
- Division Captains, Bob Nutt and Rita Harvey will have voicemail available by Monday at station 21. If you have any needs, suggestions or comments please feel free to contact them via E-mail or voice mail at station 21. as a reminder Division Captain Anda also has voice mail.
NEWS and DETAILS
Sad new for us, Mr. Tom Ardavany declined the 4th medic position offered to the department. Happily he will still be available for On-call shifts.
Press release;
For the Week of November 24 to Dec 3rd Orcas Fire and Rescue responded to 16 calls for emergency help: 5 calls for injuries, 3 calls for Chest Pain, 1 call for Difficulty Breathing and 2 calls for Other Medical Issues. These resulted in 2 Airlift Northwest off-island transports as well at 3 Sheriff Boat emergency transports due to weather. Firefighters alsoresponded to a vehicle fire near Eastsound, which started near the exhaustsystem but dealt with before there was any significant damage. There were 2 residential false fire alarms, a report of illegal burning which turned out to be heavy truck exhaust and an illegal burn pile in the Eastsoundno-burning zone. Orcas Fire & Rescue asks you to show the kids how to get out of the house and where to meet in case of fire! Plus check your smoke alarm batteries in stay safe for the holidays.
Greetings from the Airport Authority
Nickel Bros., house movers extraordinaire, will be 'landing' a house at the Orcas Island Airport just past noon on Monday, December 22. They hope to transit the runway between 1:30pm and 2:00pm on that day, a time which coincides with the high tide on the north shore. They will enter from the north, come through the fence east of the 'boulder field', and move to the runway in a timely fashion. They will exit the runway at A1, turning east, proceed south on the ramp, and exit the airport through the south fence east of the 'boulder field'. They will then proceed east up Mt. Baker Rd, south on North Beach, and east onto Sunset Ave.
Total time on the airport, about 1 hour, but only about 10 minutes on the runway, at which time the airport will be closed. However, at both ends of the runway, the house will be within the Part 77 surface, so if you're coming or going before or after, the usual statement of "Men and machinery in the vicinity of the runway" will be supplemented by "Men, machinery and a house in the vicinity of the runway".
You'll hear more on Sunday the 21st of December, when the official NOTAM will be published, but being as hos there might be a lot of traffic affected during the holiday season (less if the weather is not very cooperative), I thought you might like some advance notice. The last time they did this, it was at 3:00 in the morning, and nobody even came to watch except me. Maybe we'll get a crowd of spectators this time---and maybe pictures as well!!
Bea
MEMBERSHIP INFO
NADA
IF ANY OF YOU FIND OUT THAT ONE OF OUR MEMBERS IS NOT RECEIVING THESE UPDATES PLEASE LET US KNOW SO THAT WE MAY CORRECT THE E-MAIL ADDRESS OR GET THIS INFO TO THEM IN A DIFFERENT WAY.
Friday Update November 21, 2008
21/11/08 17:00
Friday Update November
21, 2008
NEW IMPROVED UPDATE:
We are adding a few items to the weekly update and have created a basic format to improve our communication to the membership. Any helpful feed back is greatly appreciated. Please email your favorite duty officer or Maxx Jones.
DRILL & TRAINING:
4th QUARTER DIVISION DRILL
EVDT Classroom w/rodeo is on Sat. the 22nd starting at 9am. Those that only have enough time to complete the classroom are encouraged to attend. There will be other chances to get the rodeo and drive test done.
Last Division Drill for 2008 will be December 4th. This is going to be a search and find competition at Orcas Middle School. Anyone wants to gain familiarization with that (maze) building, try out a new drill and maybe win some prizes, please sign up no later than December 1! EMS invited to play.
The second opportunity for the RIT/Self Rescue Drill for those of you that missed it this week is going to be on Wednesday December 17th.
RESCUE DIVISION DRILLS
Nov 19th’s New Vehicle Tech Drill was postponed to Dec 16th19:00 at Station 21
Dec. 18th CHANGE Hazmat Response Guidelines has been changed to Wilderness Search and Rescue Intro (mostly classroom) 19:00 at St. 21.
PERSONNEL UPDATE:
Currently on LOA: Roy Stanton, Joe Nitz and Alicia Harris.
Sadly now gone from the ranks: Chris Doherty and Whitney Hartzell
CHECK YOUR GEAR. If you are missing gear such as flashlights or gloves or eye protection etc…this is the time to contact your officer or Station 21 for replacements.
REMINDER. Brush 21 is currently the stand in for Deer Harbor Engine 24.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
NEW PATCH DESIGN. In an effort to keep hold of the past while moving into the future of the fire service, the design has 3 important elements. We have kept the original name but added & RESCUE to include all the other all-hazard services we bring to the community. The centered Red Star of Life represents a unified Fire and EMS with an emphasis on medical response to reflect our 3-1 emergency calls. And although the colors are changed, the patch shape remains the same as the old.
To view the new patch there are two options;
1. E-mail a request to Max, Chad or Mik and you will receive a PDF file showing the patch, in order for this to work, your computer has to have Adobe Acrobat.
2. The second option, view the patches (3 versions B, N, G,) at station 21 in the window of the chief’s office.
Please leave a message for or E-mail Maxx with your preference of B, N, or G patch by December 1st, 2008. You could also drop a note and slide it under her door.
Thanks Maxx
2008 Annual Party: Date TBA for the month of February
Following the success of the last annual party the next one will take place in Feb, 2009 as it did this year. To help organize this up coming event join the Planning Committee by contacting Toby at, tobybrown@rockisland.com. Please help the association make this event happen, so pizza and ice-cream aren’t the main event.
Thanks Toby
ADMIN:
A reminder that medical reimbursement forms can be turned in at any time. Forms are available in the rack by the door leading into the apparatus bay. Put the completed form in the box outside Chad/Rick’s door or in the file folder for Rick just inside the door.
MAINTENANCE:
E-21 has a blown block heater so please make sure you don’t plug it into a land line. Maintenance report has been entered for Jack.
REPORTS/INFO FROM DIVISIONS or OFFICERS:
On the Job injuries This is a reminder for all members about reporting OJIs to the duty officer as they occurred. You may think it’s nothing but it may turn into something as it has in the past.
Please report all OIFD OJIs to the duty officer as soon as the event takes place. They will get the proper papers started, advise you on filing out the forms, make sure the documentation is complete and help you through the appropriate follow through for the type of injury or incident that took place.
By waiting to report the incident after the fact, you are risking denial of the claim and further injury to yourself.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thanks Mik
NEW ARRANGEMENTS BY VAL
1. I have moved the Volunteer computers to the day room and Mik will be working on getting them connected to the internet. The idea is that most daytime hours the dayroom is quiet and unused so it's a great place to sit and work on line. There will also be the association computer. Hopefully in we can put in for laptops for the 2010 budget but new computers are not on our 2009 horizon.
2. The training office arrangement and sorting is in progress and since Patrick is out of town I'm sure it will be as is for a bit. I am willing to bet he would love volunteers to help with the sorting, gleaning, and arranging when he is ready.
3. Mik is remaining in the same area as he is in now (most part) to facilitate accessibility and will be sharing the office with Patrick. I have moved in to the old Training office. I placed an end table just outside the door and you will find the November and December Duty calendars there. There is also a suggestion sheet if you have ideas. If you would like me to respond to the suggestions please leave your name.
4. Dr. Sullivan and all things "Health and Wellness" will be residing in the upstairs office. We will set up and exam and blood draw area and Mik and Dr. Sullivan will use the space to work on confidential files.
The whole point to these re-arrangement is to better use the space we have and glean some "new" office space. Thank you for your patience.
We will review how it's working so if you have comments or suggestions, please let me know.
NEW IMPROVED UPDATE:
We are adding a few items to the weekly update and have created a basic format to improve our communication to the membership. Any helpful feed back is greatly appreciated. Please email your favorite duty officer or Maxx Jones.
DRILL & TRAINING:
4th QUARTER DIVISION DRILL
EVDT Classroom w/rodeo is on Sat. the 22nd starting at 9am. Those that only have enough time to complete the classroom are encouraged to attend. There will be other chances to get the rodeo and drive test done.
Last Division Drill for 2008 will be December 4th. This is going to be a search and find competition at Orcas Middle School. Anyone wants to gain familiarization with that (maze) building, try out a new drill and maybe win some prizes, please sign up no later than December 1! EMS invited to play.
The second opportunity for the RIT/Self Rescue Drill for those of you that missed it this week is going to be on Wednesday December 17th.
RESCUE DIVISION DRILLS
Nov 19th’s New Vehicle Tech Drill was postponed to Dec 16th19:00 at Station 21
Dec. 18th CHANGE Hazmat Response Guidelines has been changed to Wilderness Search and Rescue Intro (mostly classroom) 19:00 at St. 21.
PERSONNEL UPDATE:
Currently on LOA: Roy Stanton, Joe Nitz and Alicia Harris.
Sadly now gone from the ranks: Chris Doherty and Whitney Hartzell
CHECK YOUR GEAR. If you are missing gear such as flashlights or gloves or eye protection etc…this is the time to contact your officer or Station 21 for replacements.
REMINDER. Brush 21 is currently the stand in for Deer Harbor Engine 24.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
NEW PATCH DESIGN. In an effort to keep hold of the past while moving into the future of the fire service, the design has 3 important elements. We have kept the original name but added & RESCUE to include all the other all-hazard services we bring to the community. The centered Red Star of Life represents a unified Fire and EMS with an emphasis on medical response to reflect our 3-1 emergency calls. And although the colors are changed, the patch shape remains the same as the old.
To view the new patch there are two options;
1. E-mail a request to Max, Chad or Mik and you will receive a PDF file showing the patch, in order for this to work, your computer has to have Adobe Acrobat.
2. The second option, view the patches (3 versions B, N, G,) at station 21 in the window of the chief’s office.
Please leave a message for or E-mail Maxx with your preference of B, N, or G patch by December 1st, 2008. You could also drop a note and slide it under her door.
Thanks Maxx
2008 Annual Party: Date TBA for the month of February
Following the success of the last annual party the next one will take place in Feb, 2009 as it did this year. To help organize this up coming event join the Planning Committee by contacting Toby at, tobybrown@rockisland.com. Please help the association make this event happen, so pizza and ice-cream aren’t the main event.
Thanks Toby
ADMIN:
A reminder that medical reimbursement forms can be turned in at any time. Forms are available in the rack by the door leading into the apparatus bay. Put the completed form in the box outside Chad/Rick’s door or in the file folder for Rick just inside the door.
MAINTENANCE:
E-21 has a blown block heater so please make sure you don’t plug it into a land line. Maintenance report has been entered for Jack.
REPORTS/INFO FROM DIVISIONS or OFFICERS:
On the Job injuries This is a reminder for all members about reporting OJIs to the duty officer as they occurred. You may think it’s nothing but it may turn into something as it has in the past.
Please report all OIFD OJIs to the duty officer as soon as the event takes place. They will get the proper papers started, advise you on filing out the forms, make sure the documentation is complete and help you through the appropriate follow through for the type of injury or incident that took place.
By waiting to report the incident after the fact, you are risking denial of the claim and further injury to yourself.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thanks Mik
NEW ARRANGEMENTS BY VAL
1. I have moved the Volunteer computers to the day room and Mik will be working on getting them connected to the internet. The idea is that most daytime hours the dayroom is quiet and unused so it's a great place to sit and work on line. There will also be the association computer. Hopefully in we can put in for laptops for the 2010 budget but new computers are not on our 2009 horizon.
2. The training office arrangement and sorting is in progress and since Patrick is out of town I'm sure it will be as is for a bit. I am willing to bet he would love volunteers to help with the sorting, gleaning, and arranging when he is ready.
3. Mik is remaining in the same area as he is in now (most part) to facilitate accessibility and will be sharing the office with Patrick. I have moved in to the old Training office. I placed an end table just outside the door and you will find the November and December Duty calendars there. There is also a suggestion sheet if you have ideas. If you would like me to respond to the suggestions please leave your name.
4. Dr. Sullivan and all things "Health and Wellness" will be residing in the upstairs office. We will set up and exam and blood draw area and Mik and Dr. Sullivan will use the space to work on confidential files.
The whole point to these re-arrangement is to better use the space we have and glean some "new" office space. Thank you for your patience.
We will review how it's working so if you have comments or suggestions, please let me know.
(Late) Friday Update for October 31, 2008
03/11/08 10:58
(Late) Friday Update for October 31, 2008
TRAINING:
THE ROPE RESCUE AWARENESS DRILL, set for Wednesday, November 5th, is for ALL Department members, not just the Rescue Division members. This is outlined in the 4th quarter task sheets. This drill is to familiarize all department members with the general needs of a rope rescue incident and will help members NOT on the Ropes Team function safely and productively in non-rescue support functions on an incident. This is essential due to the labor-intensive nature of this type of work. Please sign-up for this drill as we need a minimum number to support the class. There will be a short classroom session, followed by a hands-on review of equipment and some new techniques you will find interesting. Thanks!
DRIVING REQUIREMENT: Due to a required change in our driver training/verification program, ALL department members will be required to attend one of the two upcoming EVDT (Emergency Vehicle Driver Training) classroom-training sessions. These are currently scheduled for Nov. 15 & 22, and they will begin promptly 0900 at Station 21. Plan on spending approximately 6 hrs for the class, with an opportunity to practice &/or take the RODEO in an AID rig after the class. Current drivers and drivers of larger apparatus will not need to attend the RODEO portion of the class. The training department apologizes for this last minute change and thanks you for your cooperation.
Dylan Wachtel - Assistant Training Officer
PERSONNEL UPDATE:
Effective November 01, Val Harris is promoted to Acting Operations Division Chief, Patrick to Acting Training D/C and Mik to Acting Health & Safety D/C. They will all list their responsibilities in detail shortly. The only reason for the "Acting" is until the Budget is done and the contracts are signed. I expect that to be by Jan 01. Thank you for giving them the support they need and deserve. Chief Harris
Joe Nitz will be on temporary leave of absence from our ranks, effective October 25, 2008 and will be returning to our flock as soon a possible. We are wishing him the best and hope to see him the soonest.
FLU SHOT CLINIC for members and family on Thursday November 6th from 17:00 to 18:30 at station 21. As this is a volunteer vaccination program you may choose not to receive the vaccination. Each family member, 9 yrs and up, receiving the vaccine will be charged, at cost, $11 (please pay by check). Please make sure that you or your family member is not ill nor have had any systemic hypersensitivity reactions to egg protein or any other component of FLUVIRIN, or life-threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations.
ROSARIO RESORT ACCESS INFO: There are currently 2 vans blocking the access to the Rosario Resort compound. Dustin King is the resident in-charge of the property till November 14th when the new owners take over and new information will be needed.
Should we need access to the area, we can call the following contacts: Rosario Resort Contact # 376-2152 – This is the main Line and during the day it is manned by either of the following; Dena Stitt, Bobby Matheson or David Hickman.
At night please enter extension 1101 which is Mr. Kings room and he will answer till the 14th.
For emergency access keys will in both Engine 23 and the hands of the duty officer du jour. Any Comments or suggestions please contact the duty officer.
DAVE & BING MOWREY successfully tied the knot last Saturday. Thanks to the hard work of many hands, the event was beautiful and well attended. Dave & Bing wish to thanks everyone for making this important day in their lives the best. Photos soon!
I would like to thank everyone who helped and attended the wedding on Saturday. It is truly amazing what people can do when they all pull together. I couldn't have been happier with how it all came together. Since I have been back in the department I have marveled at what a diverse bunch of talent and the brainpower in this department. I have a whole new appreciation of talents that I had not seen before because of the different nature of the project. I believe this group of people is awesome!
Val
TRAINING:
THE ROPE RESCUE AWARENESS DRILL, set for Wednesday, November 5th, is for ALL Department members, not just the Rescue Division members. This is outlined in the 4th quarter task sheets. This drill is to familiarize all department members with the general needs of a rope rescue incident and will help members NOT on the Ropes Team function safely and productively in non-rescue support functions on an incident. This is essential due to the labor-intensive nature of this type of work. Please sign-up for this drill as we need a minimum number to support the class. There will be a short classroom session, followed by a hands-on review of equipment and some new techniques you will find interesting. Thanks!
DRIVING REQUIREMENT: Due to a required change in our driver training/verification program, ALL department members will be required to attend one of the two upcoming EVDT (Emergency Vehicle Driver Training) classroom-training sessions. These are currently scheduled for Nov. 15 & 22, and they will begin promptly 0900 at Station 21. Plan on spending approximately 6 hrs for the class, with an opportunity to practice &/or take the RODEO in an AID rig after the class. Current drivers and drivers of larger apparatus will not need to attend the RODEO portion of the class. The training department apologizes for this last minute change and thanks you for your cooperation.
Dylan Wachtel - Assistant Training Officer
PERSONNEL UPDATE:
Effective November 01, Val Harris is promoted to Acting Operations Division Chief, Patrick to Acting Training D/C and Mik to Acting Health & Safety D/C. They will all list their responsibilities in detail shortly. The only reason for the "Acting" is until the Budget is done and the contracts are signed. I expect that to be by Jan 01. Thank you for giving them the support they need and deserve. Chief Harris
Joe Nitz will be on temporary leave of absence from our ranks, effective October 25, 2008 and will be returning to our flock as soon a possible. We are wishing him the best and hope to see him the soonest.
FLU SHOT CLINIC for members and family on Thursday November 6th from 17:00 to 18:30 at station 21. As this is a volunteer vaccination program you may choose not to receive the vaccination. Each family member, 9 yrs and up, receiving the vaccine will be charged, at cost, $11 (please pay by check). Please make sure that you or your family member is not ill nor have had any systemic hypersensitivity reactions to egg protein or any other component of FLUVIRIN, or life-threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations.
ROSARIO RESORT ACCESS INFO: There are currently 2 vans blocking the access to the Rosario Resort compound. Dustin King is the resident in-charge of the property till November 14th when the new owners take over and new information will be needed.
Should we need access to the area, we can call the following contacts: Rosario Resort Contact # 376-2152 – This is the main Line and during the day it is manned by either of the following; Dena Stitt, Bobby Matheson or David Hickman.
At night please enter extension 1101 which is Mr. Kings room and he will answer till the 14th.
For emergency access keys will in both Engine 23 and the hands of the duty officer du jour. Any Comments or suggestions please contact the duty officer.
DAVE & BING MOWREY successfully tied the knot last Saturday. Thanks to the hard work of many hands, the event was beautiful and well attended. Dave & Bing wish to thanks everyone for making this important day in their lives the best. Photos soon!
I would like to thank everyone who helped and attended the wedding on Saturday. It is truly amazing what people can do when they all pull together. I couldn't have been happier with how it all came together. Since I have been back in the department I have marveled at what a diverse bunch of talent and the brainpower in this department. I have a whole new appreciation of talents that I had not seen before because of the different nature of the project. I believe this group of people is awesome!
Val
Friday Update - Dave's Wedding!
31/10/08 17:39
We are in the
last few days before the "main event". A few last
details-
Please bring your finger-food for the pot luck reception to the fire station kitchen anytime Friday or if possible before 10:30 am on Saturday. (Last minute food fine also) Rita and helpers will put it on trays and serve so you won't need to worry about getting back dishes etc.
The wedding begins at 1:30 sharp so please arrive ahead of time as it is a SHORT ceremony.
If you can lend a hand, please contact Rita, Val, Jaylin, Alicia or Maxx. We could use a little help with setting up the food, helping people figure out the parking and where to place the food etc...
This whole wonderful wedding and reception will be over in time for our newly weds to make the afternoon boat. If you would like to give them a personal message or see their website, go to www.ewedding.com and search Bing Zhao!
If you have any questions or can lend a last minute hands, contact Maxx, Val, Jaylin, Rita or Alicia.
Thank you!
Please bring your finger-food for the pot luck reception to the fire station kitchen anytime Friday or if possible before 10:30 am on Saturday. (Last minute food fine also) Rita and helpers will put it on trays and serve so you won't need to worry about getting back dishes etc.
The wedding begins at 1:30 sharp so please arrive ahead of time as it is a SHORT ceremony.
If you can lend a hand, please contact Rita, Val, Jaylin, Alicia or Maxx. We could use a little help with setting up the food, helping people figure out the parking and where to place the food etc...
This whole wonderful wedding and reception will be over in time for our newly weds to make the afternoon boat. If you would like to give them a personal message or see their website, go to www.ewedding.com and search Bing Zhao!
If you have any questions or can lend a last minute hands, contact Maxx, Val, Jaylin, Rita or Alicia.
Thank you!
Friday Update for October 24th, 2008
24/10/08 17:00
Hello
everyone,
I have an important change in the Aid Rigs to tell you about. I had to change the arrangement of our medications in the Ambulances and the necessitated several other changes. It will be pretty self explanatory when you see it but basically the meds are now living where the O2 supplies lived - The ECG supplies are living where the meds lived - The O2 supplies are living where the ECG supplies lived. There where a few miscellaneous items in that ECG cabinet that really didn't belong there any way - The sam splints when in to the trauma drawer and the basins under the driver's side bench seat with the urinals and bed pans. As of this writing I have only completed one rig and I have not completed the labeling. Please bear with me while I try to get this done along with about 100 other things.
Thanks, Val
I have an important change in the Aid Rigs to tell you about. I had to change the arrangement of our medications in the Ambulances and the necessitated several other changes. It will be pretty self explanatory when you see it but basically the meds are now living where the O2 supplies lived - The ECG supplies are living where the meds lived - The O2 supplies are living where the ECG supplies lived. There where a few miscellaneous items in that ECG cabinet that really didn't belong there any way - The sam splints when in to the trauma drawer and the basins under the driver's side bench seat with the urinals and bed pans. As of this writing I have only completed one rig and I have not completed the labeling. Please bear with me while I try to get this done along with about 100 other things.
Thanks, Val
Friday Update for Oct 11, 2008
11/10/08 17:00
Friday Update for October 11, 2008
BABY UPDATES. No news yet of Dylan and Shila's baby adventure. They went off island Thursday night to be near the birthing center and hope to be back by Monday. They will be tired and hungry. Gulliver is coordinating coordinating a Meals on Wheels for Dylan and Shila. The idea is to bring over a pre-cooked dinner for 3, every other day. As the past recipient of such support, I can assure you that not having to pull together dinner can mean so much during the first months of welcoming a new baby into the world.
There is a short time to visit and meet the baby when you deliver the meal (either hot or ready to reheat).
If delivery to Olga is difficult the meals can be left at Station 21. All of you interested in participating please contact me with the best days for you M, W or F starting Monday the 13th. Dietary requests are no meat, tomatoes, cucumbers or sour cream and no spicy food.
Gulliver yurtcats@rockisland.com or 376-3630 (before 8:30pm).
And, in case you haven’t heard the news, Alicia and Chad are having a boy!
MCI Drill MAKE-UP For those of you who did not attend either Crane Island MCI drill or Patrick’s Saturday START Triage class, the make-up is set for 7PM on October 15th. If you have a Zoll AED, please bring it in when you come to the MCI makeup drill.
FROM MAXX
Annual BE SAFE BE SEEN Halloween Program will be in Eastsound this year. The plan is to take a rig down town at 5:00 pm to hand out the reflective bracelets and bags. We can get the lights going and wear a costume if participants want. Gear is fine also. We will forgo the candy and give out our safety items until they are gone or to 7 pm. If anyone is interested in participating, let me know! If someone else wants to answer the door here at the station and hand out goodies, I will supply the goodies. I will need to know ASAP so I can purchase the goodies.
FROM VAL
Once again, Jack has been very busy. E-21 has a new air compressor - 284 got a complete annual service to include brakes, shocks, front end components, and IV warmer fixed - 285 is waiting for a new vacuumed pump which is on order (on board suction) There is a very tiny fuel leak which is not a danger and there is a part on order for it- E-22 electrical system fixed but now transmission has issues (in progress) -T-203 tank drop has been fixed and the vacuumed gasket has been replaced.
PERSONNEL UPDATE FROM DAVE MOWREY It is with the greatest joy that I tell you that Bing passed her interview at the US Consulate at Guangzhou China. She and her son Di have been granted their visas and will arrive from China around the 25th of October.
Our wedding will be Saturday November 1st at 1.30pm at the Eastsound Fire Station. You are all invited to our wedding and reception.
Attached photo: Friday Harbor Fire Dept. brought a HUGE thank you cake as a thank you for the use of our Engine 26 through the summer months. It actually lasted for 3 days before completely being devoured.
BABY UPDATES. No news yet of Dylan and Shila's baby adventure. They went off island Thursday night to be near the birthing center and hope to be back by Monday. They will be tired and hungry. Gulliver is coordinating coordinating a Meals on Wheels for Dylan and Shila. The idea is to bring over a pre-cooked dinner for 3, every other day. As the past recipient of such support, I can assure you that not having to pull together dinner can mean so much during the first months of welcoming a new baby into the world.
There is a short time to visit and meet the baby when you deliver the meal (either hot or ready to reheat).
If delivery to Olga is difficult the meals can be left at Station 21. All of you interested in participating please contact me with the best days for you M, W or F starting Monday the 13th. Dietary requests are no meat, tomatoes, cucumbers or sour cream and no spicy food.
Gulliver yurtcats@rockisland.com or 376-3630 (before 8:30pm).
And, in case you haven’t heard the news, Alicia and Chad are having a boy!
MCI Drill MAKE-UP For those of you who did not attend either Crane Island MCI drill or Patrick’s Saturday START Triage class, the make-up is set for 7PM on October 15th. If you have a Zoll AED, please bring it in when you come to the MCI makeup drill.
FROM MAXX
Annual BE SAFE BE SEEN Halloween Program will be in Eastsound this year. The plan is to take a rig down town at 5:00 pm to hand out the reflective bracelets and bags. We can get the lights going and wear a costume if participants want. Gear is fine also. We will forgo the candy and give out our safety items until they are gone or to 7 pm. If anyone is interested in participating, let me know! If someone else wants to answer the door here at the station and hand out goodies, I will supply the goodies. I will need to know ASAP so I can purchase the goodies.
FROM VAL
Once again, Jack has been very busy. E-21 has a new air compressor - 284 got a complete annual service to include brakes, shocks, front end components, and IV warmer fixed - 285 is waiting for a new vacuumed pump which is on order (on board suction) There is a very tiny fuel leak which is not a danger and there is a part on order for it- E-22 electrical system fixed but now transmission has issues (in progress) -T-203 tank drop has been fixed and the vacuumed gasket has been replaced.
PERSONNEL UPDATE FROM DAVE MOWREY It is with the greatest joy that I tell you that Bing passed her interview at the US Consulate at Guangzhou China. She and her son Di have been granted their visas and will arrive from China around the 25th of October.
Our wedding will be Saturday November 1st at 1.30pm at the Eastsound Fire Station. You are all invited to our wedding and reception.
- A Wedding Web page is being put together and should appear very soon. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Maxx or Jeff Jones.
Attached photo: Friday Harbor Fire Dept. brought a HUGE thank you cake as a thank you for the use of our Engine 26 through the summer months. It actually lasted for 3 days before completely being devoured.
Friday Update for October 4, 2008
04/10/08 17:00
Friday Update for October 4, 2008
IMPORTANT RESULTS OF THE ALL-HANDS MEETING
A vote for membership support for the Division Chief proposal was taken at the All-Hands informational meeting of September 30th. After 6 months of meetings, discussions and presentations, the majority of our membership took the initiative to get the facts to make an informed decision. And 29 of the 31 members present voted to support the proposal. We, the membership of the Orcas Island Fire Department, have spoken in support of the Division Chief Proposal. Dr. Sullivan and Commissioner Duke also attended the meeting. Both spoke in favor of the plan and answered questions from the members. In short, we are in support of the proposal. The first 12 months will be a trial period. This gives the district a chance to fine tune the details and decide if the plan is working. Changes are anticipated as we all work together to discover ways to prove and improve the results. START OF 4th QUARTER. New task sheets have been distributed. There have been a few changes which will appear soon on the website. Please check the new schedule as the holiday season can limit drill opportunities. RUN REVIEW has been rescheduled for Wednesday October 8th. There are a number of interesting cases and maybe even a landmark case. Jaylin Peacock with be showcasing the EMS Physical Abilities program. ALL members are welcome and encouraged to attend. MCI Drill MAKE-UP For those of you who did not attend either Crane Island MCI drill or Patrick’s Saturday START Triage class, the make-up is set for 7PM on October 15th. If you have a Zoll AED, please bring it in when you come to the MCI makeup drill. FROM CHAD
Any maintenance request - get them in now, Jack is here and has a full plate but I want to get ALL maintenance items written down and plugged into the maintenance schedule. 3rd quarter task sheet summary: Central Division is at 53% completion for task sheets; East Division is at 64% completed; and West Division comes in at 71% completed. Go West! Those who have uncompleted task sheets will get a notice of what drill(s) need making up and how to go about it. The updated training schedule is now in your mailbox at station 21. FROM MAXX
Halloween falls on a Friday this year. And this year, due to the low turn out for the last 4 years, we will change tactics on the Be Safe Be Seen Halloween night program. I plan to take a rig down town, where the action is at about 5:00 pm to hand out the reflective bracelets and bags from there. We can get the lights going and wear a costume if participants want. Gear is fine also. We will forgo the candy and give out our safety items until they are gone or 7 pm rolls around. I will advertise the event so all we need to do is get a crew of about 4 minimum (the more the merrier). If anyone is interested in participating, let me know! If someone else wants to answer the door here at the station and hand out goodies, I will supply the goodies. I will need to know ASAP so I can purchase the goodies. FROM VAL
1. Thank you to everyone who signed up on the Duty Calendar. We only have 1 date to fill - Monday the 13th. Remember, we love to have more than one Duty Crew person so don't hesitate to sign up for a day that you want just because there is already a name there. Also, *IMPORTANT* - Please sign in on the sign in sheet outside of the Duty Officer door. Thai is your timecard. If you do not sign up, we cannot grantee that you will get paid. 2. You will find a strange new green package in the ambulances next to the OB kits. It is a baby bunting that is like the space blankets but designed for newborns. Heat loss and low blood sugar are deadly to newborns, with the low temps being the more common and the easiest to prevent. Getting the baby dry and keeping warm and huge. 3. There have been several recent news reports about babies / children being left with different agencies under the "Safety of Newborn Law". If you were not aware of this law let me summarize for you. It is lawful in this state for a parent to drop off a newborn in an Emergency Room or a Fire Station during business hours or after hours if the Station is manned and the baby is handed off to a "qualified" person. What the reality is for us is that we are the only legal place on the island for someone to drop off a newborn. Plus we all are painfully aware that in general people do not always take that rules in to account or use good judgment. So, if we do receive a baby, the first order of business is that the baby is now a patient and it is a "call". We need to do a full assessment of it's condition. Once we have deemed the baby fit to be out of medical care it becomes a Sheriff's department issue to work out the details. In the mean time, we have many "Mama" types in the department that will probably fight for the right to babysit until we are relieved of the child. If we have a seconds doubt about the health and stability of the child we will airlift to the appropriate facility and we would coordinate with Dr. Sullivan for that. Remember, ALL infants must be restrained in a car seat or in the case of trauma a Pediatric Immobilization device during transport. The old days of holding the baby during transport is over.
IMPORTANT RESULTS OF THE ALL-HANDS MEETING
A vote for membership support for the Division Chief proposal was taken at the All-Hands informational meeting of September 30th. After 6 months of meetings, discussions and presentations, the majority of our membership took the initiative to get the facts to make an informed decision. And 29 of the 31 members present voted to support the proposal. We, the membership of the Orcas Island Fire Department, have spoken in support of the Division Chief Proposal. Dr. Sullivan and Commissioner Duke also attended the meeting. Both spoke in favor of the plan and answered questions from the members. In short, we are in support of the proposal. The first 12 months will be a trial period. This gives the district a chance to fine tune the details and decide if the plan is working. Changes are anticipated as we all work together to discover ways to prove and improve the results. START OF 4th QUARTER. New task sheets have been distributed. There have been a few changes which will appear soon on the website. Please check the new schedule as the holiday season can limit drill opportunities. RUN REVIEW has been rescheduled for Wednesday October 8th. There are a number of interesting cases and maybe even a landmark case. Jaylin Peacock with be showcasing the EMS Physical Abilities program. ALL members are welcome and encouraged to attend. MCI Drill MAKE-UP For those of you who did not attend either Crane Island MCI drill or Patrick’s Saturday START Triage class, the make-up is set for 7PM on October 15th. If you have a Zoll AED, please bring it in when you come to the MCI makeup drill. FROM CHAD
Any maintenance request - get them in now, Jack is here and has a full plate but I want to get ALL maintenance items written down and plugged into the maintenance schedule. 3rd quarter task sheet summary: Central Division is at 53% completion for task sheets; East Division is at 64% completed; and West Division comes in at 71% completed. Go West! Those who have uncompleted task sheets will get a notice of what drill(s) need making up and how to go about it. The updated training schedule is now in your mailbox at station 21. FROM MAXX
Halloween falls on a Friday this year. And this year, due to the low turn out for the last 4 years, we will change tactics on the Be Safe Be Seen Halloween night program. I plan to take a rig down town, where the action is at about 5:00 pm to hand out the reflective bracelets and bags from there. We can get the lights going and wear a costume if participants want. Gear is fine also. We will forgo the candy and give out our safety items until they are gone or 7 pm rolls around. I will advertise the event so all we need to do is get a crew of about 4 minimum (the more the merrier). If anyone is interested in participating, let me know! If someone else wants to answer the door here at the station and hand out goodies, I will supply the goodies. I will need to know ASAP so I can purchase the goodies. FROM VAL
1. Thank you to everyone who signed up on the Duty Calendar. We only have 1 date to fill - Monday the 13th. Remember, we love to have more than one Duty Crew person so don't hesitate to sign up for a day that you want just because there is already a name there. Also, *IMPORTANT* - Please sign in on the sign in sheet outside of the Duty Officer door. Thai is your timecard. If you do not sign up, we cannot grantee that you will get paid. 2. You will find a strange new green package in the ambulances next to the OB kits. It is a baby bunting that is like the space blankets but designed for newborns. Heat loss and low blood sugar are deadly to newborns, with the low temps being the more common and the easiest to prevent. Getting the baby dry and keeping warm and huge. 3. There have been several recent news reports about babies / children being left with different agencies under the "Safety of Newborn Law". If you were not aware of this law let me summarize for you. It is lawful in this state for a parent to drop off a newborn in an Emergency Room or a Fire Station during business hours or after hours if the Station is manned and the baby is handed off to a "qualified" person. What the reality is for us is that we are the only legal place on the island for someone to drop off a newborn. Plus we all are painfully aware that in general people do not always take that rules in to account or use good judgment. So, if we do receive a baby, the first order of business is that the baby is now a patient and it is a "call". We need to do a full assessment of it's condition. Once we have deemed the baby fit to be out of medical care it becomes a Sheriff's department issue to work out the details. In the mean time, we have many "Mama" types in the department that will probably fight for the right to babysit until we are relieved of the child. If we have a seconds doubt about the health and stability of the child we will airlift to the appropriate facility and we would coordinate with Dr. Sullivan for that. Remember, ALL infants must be restrained in a car seat or in the case of trauma a Pediatric Immobilization device during transport. The old days of holding the baby during transport is over.
Friday Update for September 26, 2008
26/09/08 17:00
SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 FRIDAY UPDATE
END OF QUARTER IS ALMOST HERE!!! Please check your task sheets NOW rather than later. We have nearly run out of make-up time. If the medical reimbursement is important to you, it is important to ensure all your requirements have been signed-off.
LAST MCI DRILL SEPTEMBER 27. If you are not already signed up, call Patrick at the Eastsound Station. The plan is ALREADY in place so he will need to know where to plug you in the program.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR IMPORTANT ALL-HANDS MEETING Tuesday September 30th. Medic Proposal will be discussed. All members are invited to participate.
SPECIAL REQUEST This is Shana. She is full of love and energy and very smart, and needs a forever home with someone who can give her love and consistent boundaries. She was rescued from a dog pound where she was scheduled for euthanasia. We think she's a little over a year old, and may never have had a home. Attached is a profile about Shana. Call Jessica and James, or e-mail jessejames06@centurytel.net
END OF QUARTER IS ALMOST HERE!!! Please check your task sheets NOW rather than later. We have nearly run out of make-up time. If the medical reimbursement is important to you, it is important to ensure all your requirements have been signed-off.
LAST MCI DRILL SEPTEMBER 27. If you are not already signed up, call Patrick at the Eastsound Station. The plan is ALREADY in place so he will need to know where to plug you in the program.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR IMPORTANT ALL-HANDS MEETING Tuesday September 30th. Medic Proposal will be discussed. All members are invited to participate.
SPECIAL REQUEST This is Shana. She is full of love and energy and very smart, and needs a forever home with someone who can give her love and consistent boundaries. She was rescued from a dog pound where she was scheduled for euthanasia. We think she's a little over a year old, and may never have had a home. Attached is a profile about Shana. Call Jessica and James, or e-mail jessejames06@centurytel.net
Friday Update for September 12, 2008
12/09/08 17:00
Friday Update for September 12, 2008
MARK YOUR CALENDAR IMPORTANT ALL-HANDS MEETING
Tuesday September 30th. District discussion of the Medic proposal with costs.
PERSONNEL UPDATE. Firefighter Roy Stanton is currently on a LOA.
APPARATUS UPDATE From Val
Jack has been a very busy boy this week. Here is a summary of what is happening with your rigs:
ASSOCIATION MEETING.
Ok its official, Monday Sept 15th 7pm.
1. Chiefs letter in response to paramedic proposal questions.
2. Water cooler proposal
3. End of summer picnic/party
4. Annual letter (Thank you for your support!)
5. Annual Party committee
6. Med flight Insurance (Bob?)
If anyone has suggestion for dinner I am open to eating dinner (b4,during,after?). Let me know and if you are available to help that’s even better. I look forward to seeing everyone there. Toby
TRAINING CHANGE.
Division Drill scheduled for Sept 4th has been moved to Sept 24th in combination with Company Evolutions (you get credit for both drills)
DRAFT BUDGET
The draft budget is being created as you read this. Deadline for requests, needs and wants will be September 16th. Please submit in writing or by email to Chief Harris.
FYI
Island hardware now has an AED at their store. We now had private AEDs at Island Hardware, Orcas Spa & Fitness, the physician’s offices, Orcas Store, the High School by the gymnasium
9-11 REMEMBRANCE DAY
Attached are the photos from our tribute to 911. A special thank you to Chad for putting together the special dinner and the 911 documentary showing on Thursday.
We stared in wonder
Bowed our heads in sorrow
Looked to Heaven for answers
And cursed the Gates of Hell.
We were rescued
But we were not saved
We were injured
But never cured.
They came to us
They risked their lives
They sheltered our heads
They ran out with us
Then ran back in.
When we were trapped
They set us free
When we could not walk
They carried us.
That day belongs to them
Heros who will live with us
Forever.
Never forget N.Y.343
By Renae Harvey
MARK YOUR CALENDAR IMPORTANT ALL-HANDS MEETING
Tuesday September 30th. District discussion of the Medic proposal with costs.
PERSONNEL UPDATE. Firefighter Roy Stanton is currently on a LOA.
APPARATUS UPDATE From Val
Jack has been a very busy boy this week. Here is a summary of what is happening with your rigs:
- 285 - There is no fuel leak. There was a bit of oil that had leaked from the air conditioner unit which is working just fine. 2 new auto ejects installed.
- E-25 (This is the big one) New electric air compressor - new brake valve - screen installed in the brake system to keep the bits and pieces out of brake lines - firecom at pump panel repaired - A new section for wildland hose was made between the 2 cross lays and are secured in with seatbelts - the Engineer's compartment is now organized with brackets to hold tools - the same is true for the tool compartment (over the wheel) and the hose compartment (L rear) - the porta-pump from E-24 was swapped out and e-25's is going in for repair - Clutch Relay installed - The Class B foam is out of service until October
- E-24 sad news - it is permanently out of service. For now the Brush Truck is there and the Reserve Engine will eventually stand in.
- Station 21 - Dishwasher 21 and Reserve Dishwasher 21 both got properly mounted in their cabinets. No more teeter-totter!
ASSOCIATION MEETING.
Ok its official, Monday Sept 15th 7pm.
1. Chiefs letter in response to paramedic proposal questions.
2. Water cooler proposal
3. End of summer picnic/party
4. Annual letter (Thank you for your support!)
5. Annual Party committee
6. Med flight Insurance (Bob?)
If anyone has suggestion for dinner I am open to eating dinner (b4,during,after?). Let me know and if you are available to help that’s even better. I look forward to seeing everyone there. Toby
TRAINING CHANGE.
Division Drill scheduled for Sept 4th has been moved to Sept 24th in combination with Company Evolutions (you get credit for both drills)
DRAFT BUDGET
The draft budget is being created as you read this. Deadline for requests, needs and wants will be September 16th. Please submit in writing or by email to Chief Harris.
FYI
Island hardware now has an AED at their store. We now had private AEDs at Island Hardware, Orcas Spa & Fitness, the physician’s offices, Orcas Store, the High School by the gymnasium
9-11 REMEMBRANCE DAY
Attached are the photos from our tribute to 911. A special thank you to Chad for putting together the special dinner and the 911 documentary showing on Thursday.
We stared in wonder
Bowed our heads in sorrow
Looked to Heaven for answers
And cursed the Gates of Hell.
We were rescued
But we were not saved
We were injured
But never cured.
They came to us
They risked their lives
They sheltered our heads
They ran out with us
Then ran back in.
When we were trapped
They set us free
When we could not walk
They carried us.
That day belongs to them
Heros who will live with us
Forever.
Never forget N.Y.343
By Renae Harvey
Friday Update for September 5, 2008
05/09/08 17:00
Friday Update for September 5, 2008
SPECIAL EVENT SAT! 6th, from 10AM until noon, David Macomb from Daimler will discuss the Sterling FIROVAC Tenders. Specifically, he will go over dashboard orientation, including when to deploy interlocking axle and/or interlocking differential for a variety of terrain and weather conditions. Lt. Turner has worked since April to make this class happen – Thanks PAUL!!!
FROM VAL’S DESK
1. Jack will be arriving on island tonight. If anyone has any apparatus needs please tell your Station Lieutenant and / or call Chad or Me.
2. If any of you missed run review then you missed the introduction of the Rad 57 which is a new meter that not only monitors pulse ox but Carbon Monoxide as well. It lives in the drug box on the first out rig and is in a orange / red case. We only have one right now and it is very expensive (along with expensive attachments). It's simple to use but it is a little different then the old pulse ox. There is a power point available to learn all about it and until it's on the web site I can email it to you. Just let me know. If you are on a call and you have not used it, please buddy up to someone who has and give it a try. If you get dispatched to a call that sounds like it could be a potential CO exposure please ask to have the Multiple Gas Detector sent to the scene. It lives on Engine 21.
3. September Duty Shifts now available. Contact me for scheduling.
9-11 REMEMBRANCE DAY. There will be a Remembrance Day showing of the movie ‘9/11’ in the meeting room at 6:30pm. Everyone is invited to see this documentary, which started out following a rookie New York firefighter and became the eye-witness images from the actual event.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR IMPORTANT ALL-HANDS MEETING Tuesday September 30th. District discussion of the Medic proposal with costs.
TRAINING CHANGE. Division Drill scheduled for Sept 4th has been moved to Sept 24th in combination with Company Evolutions (you get credit for both drills)
DRAFT BUDGET is being created as you read this. Deadline for requests, needs and wants will be September 16th. Please submit in writing or by email to Chief Harris.
PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY: All personnel interested in filling the role of Westside Division Captain, Lt. 27 or Rescue Captain, please submit a short e-mail or letter of interest by Friday, September 5th. Only requirement is to be cross-trained or a commitment to cross-train within two years (2 training cycles)
Article submitted to Sounder for next issue:
I submit this article to clarify the job proposal, sharing the duties of the vacant battalion chief position, being made by the three OIFD Fire/Medics, Lieutenants Val Harris, Patrick Shepler, and Mik Preysz. Plainly put, if these staff duties are not performed, the line cannot go on a call and the fire department cannot function as an emergency service.
The proposal is that Patrick Shepler become training officer, Val Harris become operations officer, and Mik Preysz become health, safety, and compliance officer. These duties would be in addition to their paramedic duties. They propose hiring a fourth paramedic in order to stay within their current 56 hour work week and be freed for additional administrative duties.
Our fifty volunteers are held to the same performance standards, and are exposed to the same risks as our three paid, full-time firefighter paramedics. To support our volunteer organization, on our relatively isolated island, a substantial support basis is needed to insure that the volunteers are kept trained, safe, healthy, and properly equipped.
Training: Keeping this in mind, there are two crucial differences between our department and a department in a busy urban area. First, our volunteers all have day jobs, and their primary task is to put food on the family table. The paid staff in an urban department is able to focus totally on fire and EMS response. Second, in a busy urban area, after initial training as EMTs and fire fighters, individuals go out in the field, constantly being exposed to a wide variety of emergencies, insuring that their on-the-job training is intense and broad. In contrast, our volunteers are called to far fewer emergencies, so intense, on-the-job training is not possible. On our island, it is critical that training fill in where experience is unavailable.
Keep in mind, the emergencies that do occur can be as complex and deadly as those in an urban environment. Further, our volunteers are constantly trained for the kinds of emergencies that, we pray, will not happen, such as a huge wildland fire or a large mass casualty incident.
Operations involves dealing with all fire, EMS, and rescue equipment. (Few words here, but if you ask for a tour of Station 21, paying attention to the fire trucks and aide vehicles, inside and out, you might grasp the size of this job.)
Health, safety, and compliance involve making sure the volunteers are able to stand up to the physical and psychological demands on-scene, that safety standards are observed, and that the department is in compliance with the alphabet soup of federal, state, and local mandates, without which the department would lose its potential federal and state grant funding and would expose the department, the volunteers, and the community to major liability.
I support this proposal because it makes sense that the three individuals, Patrick, Mik and Val, who are constantly involved with the training, equipment, health and safety activities of the department, know best how to implement and supervise these activities. I think they know the buck stops with each one of them. I think the duties involved are too much for just one person.
Jessica Giasullo - Orcas Island Resident
SPECIAL EVENT SAT! 6th, from 10AM until noon, David Macomb from Daimler will discuss the Sterling FIROVAC Tenders. Specifically, he will go over dashboard orientation, including when to deploy interlocking axle and/or interlocking differential for a variety of terrain and weather conditions. Lt. Turner has worked since April to make this class happen – Thanks PAUL!!!
FROM VAL’S DESK
1. Jack will be arriving on island tonight. If anyone has any apparatus needs please tell your Station Lieutenant and / or call Chad or Me.
2. If any of you missed run review then you missed the introduction of the Rad 57 which is a new meter that not only monitors pulse ox but Carbon Monoxide as well. It lives in the drug box on the first out rig and is in a orange / red case. We only have one right now and it is very expensive (along with expensive attachments). It's simple to use but it is a little different then the old pulse ox. There is a power point available to learn all about it and until it's on the web site I can email it to you. Just let me know. If you are on a call and you have not used it, please buddy up to someone who has and give it a try. If you get dispatched to a call that sounds like it could be a potential CO exposure please ask to have the Multiple Gas Detector sent to the scene. It lives on Engine 21.
3. September Duty Shifts now available. Contact me for scheduling.
9-11 REMEMBRANCE DAY. There will be a Remembrance Day showing of the movie ‘9/11’ in the meeting room at 6:30pm. Everyone is invited to see this documentary, which started out following a rookie New York firefighter and became the eye-witness images from the actual event.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR IMPORTANT ALL-HANDS MEETING Tuesday September 30th. District discussion of the Medic proposal with costs.
TRAINING CHANGE. Division Drill scheduled for Sept 4th has been moved to Sept 24th in combination with Company Evolutions (you get credit for both drills)
DRAFT BUDGET is being created as you read this. Deadline for requests, needs and wants will be September 16th. Please submit in writing or by email to Chief Harris.
PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY: All personnel interested in filling the role of Westside Division Captain, Lt. 27 or Rescue Captain, please submit a short e-mail or letter of interest by Friday, September 5th. Only requirement is to be cross-trained or a commitment to cross-train within two years (2 training cycles)
Article submitted to Sounder for next issue:
I submit this article to clarify the job proposal, sharing the duties of the vacant battalion chief position, being made by the three OIFD Fire/Medics, Lieutenants Val Harris, Patrick Shepler, and Mik Preysz. Plainly put, if these staff duties are not performed, the line cannot go on a call and the fire department cannot function as an emergency service.
The proposal is that Patrick Shepler become training officer, Val Harris become operations officer, and Mik Preysz become health, safety, and compliance officer. These duties would be in addition to their paramedic duties. They propose hiring a fourth paramedic in order to stay within their current 56 hour work week and be freed for additional administrative duties.
Our fifty volunteers are held to the same performance standards, and are exposed to the same risks as our three paid, full-time firefighter paramedics. To support our volunteer organization, on our relatively isolated island, a substantial support basis is needed to insure that the volunteers are kept trained, safe, healthy, and properly equipped.
Training: Keeping this in mind, there are two crucial differences between our department and a department in a busy urban area. First, our volunteers all have day jobs, and their primary task is to put food on the family table. The paid staff in an urban department is able to focus totally on fire and EMS response. Second, in a busy urban area, after initial training as EMTs and fire fighters, individuals go out in the field, constantly being exposed to a wide variety of emergencies, insuring that their on-the-job training is intense and broad. In contrast, our volunteers are called to far fewer emergencies, so intense, on-the-job training is not possible. On our island, it is critical that training fill in where experience is unavailable.
Keep in mind, the emergencies that do occur can be as complex and deadly as those in an urban environment. Further, our volunteers are constantly trained for the kinds of emergencies that, we pray, will not happen, such as a huge wildland fire or a large mass casualty incident.
Operations involves dealing with all fire, EMS, and rescue equipment. (Few words here, but if you ask for a tour of Station 21, paying attention to the fire trucks and aide vehicles, inside and out, you might grasp the size of this job.)
Health, safety, and compliance involve making sure the volunteers are able to stand up to the physical and psychological demands on-scene, that safety standards are observed, and that the department is in compliance with the alphabet soup of federal, state, and local mandates, without which the department would lose its potential federal and state grant funding and would expose the department, the volunteers, and the community to major liability.
I support this proposal because it makes sense that the three individuals, Patrick, Mik and Val, who are constantly involved with the training, equipment, health and safety activities of the department, know best how to implement and supervise these activities. I think they know the buck stops with each one of them. I think the duties involved are too much for just one person.
Jessica Giasullo - Orcas Island Resident
Friday Update for August 29, 2008
29/08/08 17:00
Friday Update for August 29, 2008
IMPORTANT ALL-HANDS MEETING Tuesday September 30th. District discussion of the Medic proposal with costs.
TRAINING CHANGE. Division Drill scheduled for Sept 4th has been moved to Sept 24th in combination with Company Evolutions (you get credit for both drills)
DRAFT BUDGET is being created as you read this. Deadline for requests, needs and wants will be September 16th. Please submit in writing or by email to Chief Harris.
SEPTEMBER DUTY SHIFTS Now available. Contact Val.
PERSONNEL UPDATE: Larry Taubman and Markus Naugle are now both on official Leave of Absence. Summer member Cameron Fralick is now responding as an EMT until it is time for him to go back to school in September.
PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY: All personnel interested in filling the role of Westside Division Captain, Lt. 27 or Rescue Captain, please submit a short e-mail or letter of interest by Friday, September 5th. Only requirement is to be cross-trained or a commitment to cross-train within two years (2 training cycles)
SCBA MASK STRAPS have been distributed to your mail slot at Station 21. When you put it on your mask, be sure to use the top rings. This will keep it from filling with water and debris when it isn’t on your face.
$80 can save you $8000. Reminder that an AirLift NW subscription covers you and your family if the worst happens. AirCare Information and sign up available at the front desk or via our web site (under Public Programs & Service)
COMING SOON End of the summer Celebration and Feed! Watch for details.
EMT JOB LISTING for WASHINGTON STATE at www.911hotjobs.com
From Patrick Shepler:
Some of you have already used the new RAD 57 Pulseoximeter. The RAD57 can measure both O2 and CO (carbon monoxide). It is overall a more accurate device. It is capable of measuring accurately in hypoperfusion states because it measures arterial blood. Our LP12 pulse-ox and the portable Nonin brand pulse-ox devices measure two wavelengths of refracted light through the finger nail bed (of the non-dominant ring finger). The RAD57 measures eight separate wavelengths and is thus capable of determining what the hemoglobin molecules are saturated with. Isn’t that cool! Most importantly about those eight light wave frequencies: the cable that connects the device to the finger probe has 20 wires in it. Thus it must not be crimped or wrapped tightly. Dr Sullivan and I will profile the gizmo in the next Run Review.
Here’s a preview of some of the exciting things we plan to torture you with in the coming months!
New Street Medicine Replaces Infectious Disease
We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the 2008 Street Medicine course and have decided to add another Street Medicine topic for 2009. Our plan is to move the Infectious Disease course out of the “annual” course list and place it in the "ongoing training" section on the EMS Online home page. This course can still be taken in 2009, but it will not appear as a "required" 2009 course.
This makes the online Infectious Disease course optional for your department while replacing it with a new Street Medicine course. We will add Infectious Disease to the required course list once every three years starting in 2011 (see outline below).
EMS Online EMT Course Schedule (2009 – 2011)
2009 Courses
CBT434 — Cardiovascular Emergencies
CBT442 — Diabetic Emergencies
CBT450 — Stroke
CBT445 — Head/Spine and Thoracic Trauma
CBT931 — Death and Dying
CBT937 — Street Medicine
Ongoing Training
CBT621 — Infectious Disease
2010 Courses
CBT165 — SICK/NOT SICK
CBT301 — Soft Tissue Injuries
CBT435 — Abdominal Pain
CBT443 — Altered Mental States
CBT537 — Pediatric Emerg
CBT93X — Street Medicine
Ongoing Training
CBT621 — Infectious Disease
2011 Courses
CBT302 — Orthopedic Emerg
CBT385 — Environmental Emerg
CBT425 — Respiratory Emerg
CBT521 — OB/GYN Emerg
CBT621 — Infectious Disease
CBT93X — Street Medicine
Updated Browser and Flash Player 9 Required
KING County is upgrading their Adobe Flash Player requirements for the web site. Starting January 1, 2009, Flash Player 9 or higher will be required for web browsers in order to view course exercises, videos and practice questions. Flash Player is available free at http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/. Also, we strongly recommend that your computers have a recent web browser, for example: Internet Explorer 7 or higher OR Mozilla Firefox 2 or higher.
IMPORTANT ALL-HANDS MEETING Tuesday September 30th. District discussion of the Medic proposal with costs.
TRAINING CHANGE. Division Drill scheduled for Sept 4th has been moved to Sept 24th in combination with Company Evolutions (you get credit for both drills)
DRAFT BUDGET is being created as you read this. Deadline for requests, needs and wants will be September 16th. Please submit in writing or by email to Chief Harris.
SEPTEMBER DUTY SHIFTS Now available. Contact Val.
PERSONNEL UPDATE: Larry Taubman and Markus Naugle are now both on official Leave of Absence. Summer member Cameron Fralick is now responding as an EMT until it is time for him to go back to school in September.
PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY: All personnel interested in filling the role of Westside Division Captain, Lt. 27 or Rescue Captain, please submit a short e-mail or letter of interest by Friday, September 5th. Only requirement is to be cross-trained or a commitment to cross-train within two years (2 training cycles)
SCBA MASK STRAPS have been distributed to your mail slot at Station 21. When you put it on your mask, be sure to use the top rings. This will keep it from filling with water and debris when it isn’t on your face.
$80 can save you $8000. Reminder that an AirLift NW subscription covers you and your family if the worst happens. AirCare Information and sign up available at the front desk or via our web site (under Public Programs & Service)
COMING SOON End of the summer Celebration and Feed! Watch for details.
EMT JOB LISTING for WASHINGTON STATE at www.911hotjobs.com
From Patrick Shepler:
Some of you have already used the new RAD 57 Pulseoximeter. The RAD57 can measure both O2 and CO (carbon monoxide). It is overall a more accurate device. It is capable of measuring accurately in hypoperfusion states because it measures arterial blood. Our LP12 pulse-ox and the portable Nonin brand pulse-ox devices measure two wavelengths of refracted light through the finger nail bed (of the non-dominant ring finger). The RAD57 measures eight separate wavelengths and is thus capable of determining what the hemoglobin molecules are saturated with. Isn’t that cool! Most importantly about those eight light wave frequencies: the cable that connects the device to the finger probe has 20 wires in it. Thus it must not be crimped or wrapped tightly. Dr Sullivan and I will profile the gizmo in the next Run Review.
Here’s a preview of some of the exciting things we plan to torture you with in the coming months!
New Street Medicine Replaces Infectious Disease
We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the 2008 Street Medicine course and have decided to add another Street Medicine topic for 2009. Our plan is to move the Infectious Disease course out of the “annual” course list and place it in the "ongoing training" section on the EMS Online home page. This course can still be taken in 2009, but it will not appear as a "required" 2009 course.
This makes the online Infectious Disease course optional for your department while replacing it with a new Street Medicine course. We will add Infectious Disease to the required course list once every three years starting in 2011 (see outline below).
EMS Online EMT Course Schedule (2009 – 2011)
2009 Courses
CBT434 — Cardiovascular Emergencies
CBT442 — Diabetic Emergencies
CBT450 — Stroke
CBT445 — Head/Spine and Thoracic Trauma
CBT931 — Death and Dying
CBT937 — Street Medicine
Ongoing Training
CBT621 — Infectious Disease
2010 Courses
CBT165 — SICK/NOT SICK
CBT301 — Soft Tissue Injuries
CBT435 — Abdominal Pain
CBT443 — Altered Mental States
CBT537 — Pediatric Emerg
CBT93X — Street Medicine
Ongoing Training
CBT621 — Infectious Disease
2011 Courses
CBT302 — Orthopedic Emerg
CBT385 — Environmental Emerg
CBT425 — Respiratory Emerg
CBT521 — OB/GYN Emerg
CBT621 — Infectious Disease
CBT93X — Street Medicine
Updated Browser and Flash Player 9 Required
KING County is upgrading their Adobe Flash Player requirements for the web site. Starting January 1, 2009, Flash Player 9 or higher will be required for web browsers in order to view course exercises, videos and practice questions. Flash Player is available free at http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/. Also, we strongly recommend that your computers have a recent web browser, for example: Internet Explorer 7 or higher OR Mozilla Firefox 2 or higher.
Friday Update for August 22nd, 2008
22/08/08 17:00
Friday Update for August 22nd, 2008
CLASS Canceled:
The scheduled Saturday Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT) course is canceled due to low student availability. This course will be rescheduled in the future.
-Patrick
VEHICLE UPDATE:
ENGINE 26 Has returned from Friday Harbor and is now in station. It is reported to have saved a waterfront home near the ferry landing with CAFs! The fire had ignited from an exterior electrical problem
284 is in the second-out position. It has a very small fuel leak. It is safe to respond if necessary and will be repaired shortly.
WEB PAGE UPDATE:
There has been considerable work done to the web page as it comes close to the final stages of the basic information. It is still basically in black and white but will soon have color and “PIZAZZ” added. To get the newest version, you may need to turn off your computer and then reboot or turn it back on. This way it is not working with a “stored version”. Station information and photos should be appearing soon. Station 23 and 24 do not have photos YET. And, if station members were missing for the photo, new ones can be added to the site. Suggestions and corrections are GLADLY accepted. Please send them through Maxx or Chad rather than to the webmaster.
-Maxx
CLASS Canceled:
The scheduled Saturday Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT) course is canceled due to low student availability. This course will be rescheduled in the future.
-Patrick
VEHICLE UPDATE:
ENGINE 26 Has returned from Friday Harbor and is now in station. It is reported to have saved a waterfront home near the ferry landing with CAFs! The fire had ignited from an exterior electrical problem
284 is in the second-out position. It has a very small fuel leak. It is safe to respond if necessary and will be repaired shortly.
WEB PAGE UPDATE:
There has been considerable work done to the web page as it comes close to the final stages of the basic information. It is still basically in black and white but will soon have color and “PIZAZZ” added. To get the newest version, you may need to turn off your computer and then reboot or turn it back on. This way it is not working with a “stored version”. Station information and photos should be appearing soon. Station 23 and 24 do not have photos YET. And, if station members were missing for the photo, new ones can be added to the site. Suggestions and corrections are GLADLY accepted. Please send them through Maxx or Chad rather than to the webmaster.
-Maxx
Friday Update for August 15th, 2008
15/08/08 17:00
Friday Update for August 15th, 2008
Safety Message
As the weather is hot or cold during the summer months; you need to hydrate, hydrate, and then hydrate! Drink plenty of water and put back electrolytes that you burned off by Gatorade or other sport drinks or energy bars. Have adequate rest and cool off if your get too hot. Chad
Fire Danger May Increase
Heat is predicted for Western Washington and may well appear on Orcas! The fire danger is listed as HIGH and when fire events happen on the mainland, it effects who may be able to come help us should the need arise. State resources become very thin fast so keep up the excellent work on keeping OUR fires in check and out before they are of concern.
Wildland Mobilization
A reminder that requests for personnel will be via San Juan Dispatch. If you are eligible and available, please call the duty officer ASAP. The leaving time is usually the next ferry and it is often a mad scramble to the meeting location!
Maxx
Safety Message
As the weather is hot or cold during the summer months; you need to hydrate, hydrate, and then hydrate! Drink plenty of water and put back electrolytes that you burned off by Gatorade or other sport drinks or energy bars. Have adequate rest and cool off if your get too hot. Chad
Fire Danger May Increase
Heat is predicted for Western Washington and may well appear on Orcas! The fire danger is listed as HIGH and when fire events happen on the mainland, it effects who may be able to come help us should the need arise. State resources become very thin fast so keep up the excellent work on keeping OUR fires in check and out before they are of concern.
Wildland Mobilization
A reminder that requests for personnel will be via San Juan Dispatch. If you are eligible and available, please call the duty officer ASAP. The leaving time is usually the next ferry and it is often a mad scramble to the meeting location!
Maxx
Friday Update for August 8th, 2008
08/08/08 17:00
Friday Update for August 8th, 2008
First Aid 7 CPR Classes
Jaylin is setting up these courses for the fall season. The first Adult CPR courses will be on Monday September 8 from 7 to 10 pm and the first First Aid CPR course will be on Saturday September 20, times TBA and people will be able to sign up for the courses starting the middle of next week. Please call Jaylin with your availability to assist with these.
Apparatus Update
Tanker 22
8/8/2008 install LED ground lights and compartment lights
Repair DeLisle install ground and comp lighting.
8/8/2008 check engine light on
Repair DeLisle ran codes. Intermittent surge. located loose ground post to add on controller.
Possible cause of pump not engaging also.
8/7/2008 repair porta tank lift system
Repair DeLisle troubleshoot-find breaker in battery box bad. ordered.
Replaced breaker and tested. good.
Brush 21
8/4/2008 Light Bar
Repair DeLisle troubleshoot lightbar.
Replaced breaker with new.
A-284
8/4/2008 Onspot
Inspect DeLisle They are ok.
8/4/2008 Electrical
Inspect DeLisle Batteries good. Charger working. Block heater in not shorted.
A-285
8/5/2008 replace rear entry grip tape
Repair DeLisle Removed old tape-glue and cleaned stainless. Installed new tape.
8/4/2008 repair air conditioning
Repair DeLisle while checking for freon leak found metal line rubbed through by ground strap under cab. Added dye to system. Put on lift to access bundle and separate cables and stuff. cut out bad piece and added compression splice. vacuum checked and reassembled all stuff underneath. recharged and park in bay.
Engine 21
8/5/2008 Heat damage from Str Fire
Other DeLisle Replaced windshield-Replaced many lenses and reflectors. More to do.
Repaired rear rotating beacons. truck has some scars but is done.
Command 21
8/7/2008 Radio Install
Inspect DeLisle install radio in console-have Lt Preysz do radio check to verify clarity. All good
First Aid 7 CPR Classes
Jaylin is setting up these courses for the fall season. The first Adult CPR courses will be on Monday September 8 from 7 to 10 pm and the first First Aid CPR course will be on Saturday September 20, times TBA and people will be able to sign up for the courses starting the middle of next week. Please call Jaylin with your availability to assist with these.
Apparatus Update
Tanker 22
8/8/2008 install LED ground lights and compartment lights
Repair DeLisle install ground and comp lighting.
8/8/2008 check engine light on
Repair DeLisle ran codes. Intermittent surge. located loose ground post to add on controller.
Possible cause of pump not engaging also.
8/7/2008 repair porta tank lift system
Repair DeLisle troubleshoot-find breaker in battery box bad. ordered.
Replaced breaker and tested. good.
Brush 21
8/4/2008 Light Bar
Repair DeLisle troubleshoot lightbar.
Replaced breaker with new.
A-284
8/4/2008 Onspot
Inspect DeLisle They are ok.
8/4/2008 Electrical
Inspect DeLisle Batteries good. Charger working. Block heater in not shorted.
A-285
8/5/2008 replace rear entry grip tape
Repair DeLisle Removed old tape-glue and cleaned stainless. Installed new tape.
8/4/2008 repair air conditioning
Repair DeLisle while checking for freon leak found metal line rubbed through by ground strap under cab. Added dye to system. Put on lift to access bundle and separate cables and stuff. cut out bad piece and added compression splice. vacuum checked and reassembled all stuff underneath. recharged and park in bay.
Engine 21
8/5/2008 Heat damage from Str Fire
Other DeLisle Replaced windshield-Replaced many lenses and reflectors. More to do.
Repaired rear rotating beacons. truck has some scars but is done.
Command 21
8/7/2008 Radio Install
Inspect DeLisle install radio in console-have Lt Preysz do radio check to verify clarity. All good
Friday Update for July 25, 2008
25/07/08 17:00
Friday Update for July 25, 2008
All Personnel: Change in procedure for statewide mobilizations.
At our request, beginning tomorrow, all mobilizations off island will be toned out by dispatch. The reason is to improve notification to all members about the event, make us all aware of what resources may be leaving and lessen the burden on the person trying to find members to deploy.
Here is how it will work.
Chief Harris
All Personnel: Change in procedure for statewide mobilizations.
At our request, beginning tomorrow, all mobilizations off island will be toned out by dispatch. The reason is to improve notification to all members about the event, make us all aware of what resources may be leaving and lessen the burden on the person trying to find members to deploy.
Here is how it will work.
- The state will call dispatch and ask for resources (usually wildland engines and crews but can be anything depending on event as mobilization is all risk).
- The dispatcher will page the districts that have signed up to deploy resources. Right now for wildland that is Orcas and San Juan Islands. However, for an MCI , all districts have signed up to help and will send ambulances and crews. The dispatcher may or may not remember to advise deploy able members to call the duty officer but that is what we want you to do.
- If you do not want to go or are not qualified, just ignore it.
- If you are qualified and can go within one hour, call our duty officer.
- The duty officer, upon hearing the tone, is to call dispatch and retrieve all the pertinent data. Our D.O. will have a form to fill out and that will include the number to call to report to the state if we can fill their request.
- If the duty officer is on a call, the duty officer is to advise dispatch that district 3 (San Juan Island) is the backup and the dispatcher will need to call the D3 Duty Officer.
- Our members who can go on the mobe will call our D.O. and report their availability and receive their instructions.
Chief Harris
Friday Update for July 18, 2008
18/07/08 17:00
Friday Update for July 18, 2008
FROM VAL HARRIS: There are several repairs to report –
Engine 21 windshield, front wheel seal, various heat damaged bits and pieces – T-26; back in service (check light to be extinguished later) –
“Fly car” pretty new green tailgate and banged out fender, etc –
Brush 21 tank tear has been repaired and pump is fixed but we can not run foam at this time.
If you need to report vehicle problems you can contact me or let the Duty Officer know so we can put in a request for repair. Have a good weekend.
SPECIAL THANKS: To Rich Harvey for helping out with the new Fire Camp Kids program. It was launched by FireWise USA director Judith Cook as Junior Fire Wise program where kids are given basic information on what causes home fire ignition in the wildland interface and what to do about it. These 12 kids worked at the Y Camp clearing brush from around buildings, doing fire experiments and learning basic firefighting technique to better understand prevention. Today was a trip to the fire station, hands on with the hoses and lots of show and tell.
FIREFIGHTER RESCUES BEAR CUB: A Cal Fire Field Observer on the Moon fire in northern California, Adam Deem, found a bear cub while he was scouting the fire. The bear had some burns on his paws and was having difficulty walking. Deem looked for the cub's mother but could not find her, so he caught the bear and wrapped him in his brush jacket. In grabbing the cub, Deem received some scratches on his hands. Deem cradled the bear in his arms as he drove his pickup to a staging area. From there he and the cub were driven to the Incident Command Post in Anderson. Deem said on the way to the ICP he comforted, petted and sweet-talked the little cub. At the ICP the Medical Unit treated the bear for dehydration and let him lick a lollipop before a state Fish & Game wildlife biologist picked it up for the trip to the Sacramento area rescue shelter. Deem and the bear developed a good rapport. "He was giving me some kisses," Deem said. Unfortunately, some of those licks were on Deem’s scratched hands, which later forced him to undergo preventative treatment for rabies at Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding. Deem said he had to have five rabies shots, and will need four more shots through next month. “It’s absolutely worth it,” Deem said. “I don’t think anyone could have left that animal out there in that condition.” The original Smokey Bear <</span>http://www.smokeybear.com/> was a cub that was burned in the El Capitan National Forest in New Mexico.
FROM VAL HARRIS: There are several repairs to report –
Engine 21 windshield, front wheel seal, various heat damaged bits and pieces – T-26; back in service (check light to be extinguished later) –
“Fly car” pretty new green tailgate and banged out fender, etc –
Brush 21 tank tear has been repaired and pump is fixed but we can not run foam at this time.
If you need to report vehicle problems you can contact me or let the Duty Officer know so we can put in a request for repair. Have a good weekend.
SPECIAL THANKS: To Rich Harvey for helping out with the new Fire Camp Kids program. It was launched by FireWise USA director Judith Cook as Junior Fire Wise program where kids are given basic information on what causes home fire ignition in the wildland interface and what to do about it. These 12 kids worked at the Y Camp clearing brush from around buildings, doing fire experiments and learning basic firefighting technique to better understand prevention. Today was a trip to the fire station, hands on with the hoses and lots of show and tell.
FIREFIGHTER RESCUES BEAR CUB: A Cal Fire Field Observer on the Moon fire in northern California, Adam Deem, found a bear cub while he was scouting the fire. The bear had some burns on his paws and was having difficulty walking. Deem looked for the cub's mother but could not find her, so he caught the bear and wrapped him in his brush jacket. In grabbing the cub, Deem received some scratches on his hands. Deem cradled the bear in his arms as he drove his pickup to a staging area. From there he and the cub were driven to the Incident Command Post in Anderson. Deem said on the way to the ICP he comforted, petted and sweet-talked the little cub. At the ICP the Medical Unit treated the bear for dehydration and let him lick a lollipop before a state Fish & Game wildlife biologist picked it up for the trip to the Sacramento area rescue shelter. Deem and the bear developed a good rapport. "He was giving me some kisses," Deem said. Unfortunately, some of those licks were on Deem’s scratched hands, which later forced him to undergo preventative treatment for rabies at Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding. Deem said he had to have five rabies shots, and will need four more shots through next month. “It’s absolutely worth it,” Deem said. “I don’t think anyone could have left that animal out there in that condition.” The original Smokey Bear <</span>http://www.smokeybear.com/> was a cub that was burned in the El Capitan National Forest in New Mexico.
Friday Update for July 10th, 2008
10/07/08 17:00
Friday Update for July 10th, 2008
Brush 21 HAS DEPLOYED TO TONASKET. Chad and Perry jumped on the 4:20 and will join with other members of the NW Strike Team. The assignment is to The Brown Canyon Fire. Vague but there’s enough fire for everyone over there! Will keep you posted on Maxx’s door.
MILEAGE RATE CHANGE. The Commissioners have approved the adoption of the revised IRS standard mileage rate of 58.5 cents per mile effective July 1, 2008. Any department travel should be reimbursed at this rate.
Relay for Life Fundraiser for the fight against cancer
Saturday & Sunday, July 19th-20th at the High School Football Stadium
The Relay for Life is a 24-hour event. It will be held on July 19th-20th at the High School Football field. Relay for Life is the culmination of our support effort for our friends and family who are dealing with cancer. The Relay will have 24-hour music and events for those who relay-walk. Fire Department Members, contact to your team Captain, Alicia Harris for details.
If you are participating in the Relay for Life, you are invited to camp-out on site during the event. I will be pitching a tent and staying the night; so feel free to bring your camping gear. The sign up sheet for the time slots is on the training door. Check your boxes next week for registration (and parental consent forms).
Thank you very much!
Alicia
Brush 21 HAS DEPLOYED TO TONASKET. Chad and Perry jumped on the 4:20 and will join with other members of the NW Strike Team. The assignment is to The Brown Canyon Fire. Vague but there’s enough fire for everyone over there! Will keep you posted on Maxx’s door.
MILEAGE RATE CHANGE. The Commissioners have approved the adoption of the revised IRS standard mileage rate of 58.5 cents per mile effective July 1, 2008. Any department travel should be reimbursed at this rate.
Relay for Life Fundraiser for the fight against cancer
Saturday & Sunday, July 19th-20th at the High School Football Stadium
The Relay for Life is a 24-hour event. It will be held on July 19th-20th at the High School Football field. Relay for Life is the culmination of our support effort for our friends and family who are dealing with cancer. The Relay will have 24-hour music and events for those who relay-walk. Fire Department Members, contact to your team Captain, Alicia Harris for details.
If you are participating in the Relay for Life, you are invited to camp-out on site during the event. I will be pitching a tent and staying the night; so feel free to bring your camping gear. The sign up sheet for the time slots is on the training door. Check your boxes next week for registration (and parental consent forms).
Thank you very much!
Alicia
Friday Update for July 3rd, 2008
03/07/08 17:00
Friday Update for July 3rd, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS! Rick Anda was recognized by the Doe Bay Community as their 2008 "Patriot of the Year". Please join with us in congratulating Captain Anda for all of his efforts! He is currently on deployment on an Okanogan fire. Chief Harris
CONGRATULATIONS Jason Madeiros! He has graduated Wildland Firefighter School and is currently awaiting his “go on a wildland fire adventure certificate (redcard). Thanks Jason! Maxx
YMCA FIRE DAY at Station 21. The Annual Play with the kids day(s) has been tentatively scheduled for July 22 and 24th from 10 to noon. It is a chance to show kids the fun of rescuing dummies, spraying water and seeing how the fire station works. They are celebrating HERO week and we are it! If you have a few free hours and would like to help out, please email Maxx ASAP so that this can be scheduled. Thank you!
Happy 4th of July!
EVENT SCHEDULE
July 3rd – Deer Harbor Fire Works at 10 pm
July 4th – Fireworks in Eastsound
Community Band presentation begins at 9:15
Fireworks some time after 10:15
July 5th – Pancake Breakfast. Starts at 7 am
Parade – Line up at 10:15
Event at 11:00
Village Green celebration from 10 – 3
Lions Club BBQ 1 – 7 at Legion
CONGRATULATIONS! Rick Anda was recognized by the Doe Bay Community as their 2008 "Patriot of the Year". Please join with us in congratulating Captain Anda for all of his efforts! He is currently on deployment on an Okanogan fire. Chief Harris
CONGRATULATIONS Jason Madeiros! He has graduated Wildland Firefighter School and is currently awaiting his “go on a wildland fire adventure certificate (redcard). Thanks Jason! Maxx
YMCA FIRE DAY at Station 21. The Annual Play with the kids day(s) has been tentatively scheduled for July 22 and 24th from 10 to noon. It is a chance to show kids the fun of rescuing dummies, spraying water and seeing how the fire station works. They are celebrating HERO week and we are it! If you have a few free hours and would like to help out, please email Maxx ASAP so that this can be scheduled. Thank you!
Happy 4th of July!
EVENT SCHEDULE
July 3rd – Deer Harbor Fire Works at 10 pm
July 4th – Fireworks in Eastsound
Community Band presentation begins at 9:15
Fireworks some time after 10:15
July 5th – Pancake Breakfast. Starts at 7 am
Parade – Line up at 10:15
Event at 11:00
Village Green celebration from 10 – 3
Lions Club BBQ 1 – 7 at Legion
Friday Update for June 27th, 2008
27/06/08 17:00
Friday Update for June 27th, 2008
NEW QUARTER BEGINNING TUESDAY. Last chance to check your task sheets!
UPCOMING DRILLS
June 30th NUTRITION EXPERIENCE 6:30 pm at Eastsound Station (Wealth and Wellness). See more info below. Please sign up so there is enough for everyone attending.
FROM FRIDAY HARBOR CHIEF. The firefighters had a meeting the other night and came up with this suggestion. They thought that it would be nice if you had a crew come over and drive the Seagrave in the parade. They will have it spiffed up and ready to go if they come. I know that no-one ever wants to leave Orcas, for any reason, however, maybe they will want to, this time... ha ha. Let me know. It will be quite a treat to have three fire departments in a row.
If you are interested in going along with Jeff and Maxx Jones, contact the Chief or duty officer.
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE. Damien Stark will be swimming from Anacortes to Friday Harbor on July 26 & 27th for Breast Cancer Treatment Support Mission Project. This is a service run through the SJC Health and Community Services providing ferry tickets and mileage reimbursement to SJ County residents who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. He is requesting help from EMT's or Medics to go along on one of two support boats for hypothermia and any other medical things that might arise. Contact him if you can help at his website
JULY 1: 6 pm ALL DISTRICT INFO MEETING.
JULY 2: RUN REVIEW
BRUCE BRACKETT RETIRES. Due to pension requirements, we won’t have Bruce responding with us after nearly a quarter of a century! But, he will still be around to teach, consult and work on committees plus maybe a pancake breakfast or 2! We love ya Bruce!
FIRE SEASON CLOSING. June 30th is the last day for outdoor burning. Beginning July 1st, recreational or campfires only. These are the 2 by 2 foot variety for marshmellows etc. This is also the last year for private fireworks use.
IMPORTANT ALERT! A lightening storm is expected to cross into Washington State from Oregon Sunday evening thru Monday. It is expected to impact Eastern Washington/Okanogan. We cannot send any apparatus at this time, but there may be requests for red card manpower. If you are available to mobilize, please contact the duty officer or Max
NEW QUARTER BEGINNING TUESDAY. Last chance to check your task sheets!
UPCOMING DRILLS
June 30th NUTRITION EXPERIENCE 6:30 pm at Eastsound Station (Wealth and Wellness). See more info below. Please sign up so there is enough for everyone attending.
FROM FRIDAY HARBOR CHIEF. The firefighters had a meeting the other night and came up with this suggestion. They thought that it would be nice if you had a crew come over and drive the Seagrave in the parade. They will have it spiffed up and ready to go if they come. I know that no-one ever wants to leave Orcas, for any reason, however, maybe they will want to, this time... ha ha. Let me know. It will be quite a treat to have three fire departments in a row.
If you are interested in going along with Jeff and Maxx Jones, contact the Chief or duty officer.
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE. Damien Stark will be swimming from Anacortes to Friday Harbor on July 26 & 27th for Breast Cancer Treatment Support Mission Project. This is a service run through the SJC Health and Community Services providing ferry tickets and mileage reimbursement to SJ County residents who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. He is requesting help from EMT's or Medics to go along on one of two support boats for hypothermia and any other medical things that might arise. Contact him if you can help at his website
JULY 1: 6 pm ALL DISTRICT INFO MEETING.
JULY 2: RUN REVIEW
BRUCE BRACKETT RETIRES. Due to pension requirements, we won’t have Bruce responding with us after nearly a quarter of a century! But, he will still be around to teach, consult and work on committees plus maybe a pancake breakfast or 2! We love ya Bruce!
FIRE SEASON CLOSING. June 30th is the last day for outdoor burning. Beginning July 1st, recreational or campfires only. These are the 2 by 2 foot variety for marshmellows etc. This is also the last year for private fireworks use.
IMPORTANT ALERT! A lightening storm is expected to cross into Washington State from Oregon Sunday evening thru Monday. It is expected to impact Eastern Washington/Okanogan. We cannot send any apparatus at this time, but there may be requests for red card manpower. If you are available to mobilize, please contact the duty officer or Max
Friday Update for June 6th, 2008
06/06/08 17:00
Friday Update for June 6th, 2008
Personnel Update
Buddy Wright has resigned from the department. His contributions and positive contributions have taken this district far into the future and will continue to give us the opportunity for a higher level of service to our community and ourselves. It has been a “extreme ride” in getting us there, but we will forever be in his debt. Thanks Buddy.
From Val
There are now some disposable backboard straps on the rigs. We have a few for trial but so far the response if favorable. They are bright yellow and come in backs of 3. They look a little like hard, yellow duct tape. They have tape with backing on each end so it’s a peel and stick application. They apparently can be unstuck and reapplied if you need to adjust. The 2 major plus sides is that they are quick and easy so there is no way to put them on upside down or backwards but the biggest plus is that since they are disposable you do not have to retrieve or wash them.
Personnel Update
Buddy Wright has resigned from the department. His contributions and positive contributions have taken this district far into the future and will continue to give us the opportunity for a higher level of service to our community and ourselves. It has been a “extreme ride” in getting us there, but we will forever be in his debt. Thanks Buddy.
From Val
There are now some disposable backboard straps on the rigs. We have a few for trial but so far the response if favorable. They are bright yellow and come in backs of 3. They look a little like hard, yellow duct tape. They have tape with backing on each end so it’s a peel and stick application. They apparently can be unstuck and reapplied if you need to adjust. The 2 major plus sides is that they are quick and easy so there is no way to put them on upside down or backwards but the biggest plus is that since they are disposable you do not have to retrieve or wash them.
Friday Update for May 30th, 2008
30/05/08 17:00
Friday Update for May 30th, 2008
JUNE 7th there will be a driving class for the new tenders.
Anyone who is considering driving these trucks must take this class.
Where: Station 21
When: June 7th 8am
A sterling representative will be here to teach the tricks of the trade on driving the new tenders. All tender operators will benefit from this training opportunity.
If you are signing up, contact Lt. 24 (Paul Turner) or myself. Sorry for the short notice.
Respectfully, Lt. Chad Kimple
ONE MONTH LEFT FOR THIS QUARTER This is a good time to check your task sheet!
RICK AND MAXX ARE BACK.
Rick mobbed out to a wildland fire near Reardon, which seemed suspicious with 6 starts and no lightening. Maxx completed her EMT course and passed her test. Now it’s off to the National Registry Test and then the Washington State Test.
JUNE 7th there will be a driving class for the new tenders.
Anyone who is considering driving these trucks must take this class.
Where: Station 21
When: June 7th 8am
A sterling representative will be here to teach the tricks of the trade on driving the new tenders. All tender operators will benefit from this training opportunity.
If you are signing up, contact Lt. 24 (Paul Turner) or myself. Sorry for the short notice.
Respectfully, Lt. Chad Kimple
ONE MONTH LEFT FOR THIS QUARTER This is a good time to check your task sheet!
RICK AND MAXX ARE BACK.
Rick mobbed out to a wildland fire near Reardon, which seemed suspicious with 6 starts and no lightening. Maxx completed her EMT course and passed her test. Now it’s off to the National Registry Test and then the Washington State Test.
Friday Update for May 23, 2008
23/05/08 17:00
Friday Update for May 23rd, 2008
From Lt. Kimple:
For those who signed up for the Training Burn Saturday; we’ll see you at Station 21 at 8AM. Thanks.
From Lt. Kimple:
For those who signed up for the Training Burn Saturday; we’ll see you at Station 21 at 8AM. Thanks.
Friday Update for May 9, 2008
09/05/08 17:00
Friday Update for May 9th, 2008
HELP HELP! We need your help with the pancake breakfast on Saturday. Signups have been slow in coming in. As you know Toby was heading this up, but can no longer assist, so we have been scrambling to get this put together.
Please e-mail Rick, ricka@orcasfire.org with the shifts you can help out at. The proceeds are going to be used to refurbish/modify a building at the Historical Museum to house our old Engine 26.
Shifts:
Set up 5:30 – 7:00
Serve 7:00 – 9:00
Serve 9:00 – 11:00
Clean up 11:00 – 12:00
We’re looking forward to your assistance and seeing you there. Thanks Rick
MAY 24th 2008 = On Island Live Fire Training!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On Saturday May 24th there will be the 2nd Quarter Live Fire Evolution practical. We need firefighters to sign up ASAP! EMT’s are needed for rehab with one of the aid units. Lunch will be provided. Attending personnel will meet at station 21 @ 8am. If you can attend please e-mail me @ chadk@orcasfire.org <</span>mailto:chadk@orcasfire.org> or sign up at the training office.
Respectfully, Lt. Chad Kimple
RELAY FOR LIFE. Orcas Fire is putting together a team for the Relay for Life on July 19th and 20th, if anyone is interested in joining the team contact Alicia Harris at alicia_nichole11@hotmail.com, leave a note in my box, or call my cell at 622-6485. It's for a really good cause and it should be a fun time. She hopes to get as many department members and their families to sign-up as possible, but if at least 24 of us participate, then we'll only have to walk an hour a piece. If you would like to participate but not walk we also need EMT's to work in rehab stations. We also need to come up with a cool name. If you have any question or can't do it call me
Mr. Bird RESCUE On Tuesday, May 6th at about 1PM, a call was received via phone from the Senior Center for a barn swallow that was trapped in a net, high above the ground in the top of the awning overhang.
Lt. Shepler arrived in B21 and evaluated the situation. Moments later, Lt Kimple arrived in R21 and they enlisted the help of Emergency Manager, Dave Halloran in the daring, "bird rescue".
Lt Shepler established a Unified Commanded. Lt Kimple took, Rescue Sector.
Lt Kimple rescued the bird and held it while Dave assumed Medical Sector and carefully cut the netting from around the bird.
Lt. Shepler maintained Command and had his hands full with, "crowd control" as an army of islanders from the Senior Center pushed their way into the scene.
After cutting the net away and disentanglement of the patient (Mr. Bird), Lt. Kimple let the beast free and he flew away and circled the area, apparently totally unscathed by the experience.
HELP HELP! We need your help with the pancake breakfast on Saturday. Signups have been slow in coming in. As you know Toby was heading this up, but can no longer assist, so we have been scrambling to get this put together.
Please e-mail Rick, ricka@orcasfire.org with the shifts you can help out at. The proceeds are going to be used to refurbish/modify a building at the Historical Museum to house our old Engine 26.
Shifts:
Set up 5:30 – 7:00
Serve 7:00 – 9:00
Serve 9:00 – 11:00
Clean up 11:00 – 12:00
We’re looking forward to your assistance and seeing you there. Thanks Rick
MAY 24th 2008 = On Island Live Fire Training!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On Saturday May 24th there will be the 2nd Quarter Live Fire Evolution practical. We need firefighters to sign up ASAP! EMT’s are needed for rehab with one of the aid units. Lunch will be provided. Attending personnel will meet at station 21 @ 8am. If you can attend please e-mail me @ chadk@orcasfire.org <</span>mailto:chadk@orcasfire.org> or sign up at the training office.
Respectfully, Lt. Chad Kimple
RELAY FOR LIFE. Orcas Fire is putting together a team for the Relay for Life on July 19th and 20th, if anyone is interested in joining the team contact Alicia Harris at alicia_nichole11@hotmail.com, leave a note in my box, or call my cell at 622-6485. It's for a really good cause and it should be a fun time. She hopes to get as many department members and their families to sign-up as possible, but if at least 24 of us participate, then we'll only have to walk an hour a piece. If you would like to participate but not walk we also need EMT's to work in rehab stations. We also need to come up with a cool name. If you have any question or can't do it call me
Mr. Bird RESCUE On Tuesday, May 6th at about 1PM, a call was received via phone from the Senior Center for a barn swallow that was trapped in a net, high above the ground in the top of the awning overhang.
Lt. Shepler arrived in B21 and evaluated the situation. Moments later, Lt Kimple arrived in R21 and they enlisted the help of Emergency Manager, Dave Halloran in the daring, "bird rescue".
Lt Shepler established a Unified Commanded. Lt Kimple took, Rescue Sector.
Lt Kimple rescued the bird and held it while Dave assumed Medical Sector and carefully cut the netting from around the bird.
Lt. Shepler maintained Command and had his hands full with, "crowd control" as an army of islanders from the Senior Center pushed their way into the scene.
After cutting the net away and disentanglement of the patient (Mr. Bird), Lt. Kimple let the beast free and he flew away and circled the area, apparently totally unscathed by the experience.