June 1-7 is National CPR-AED Awareness Week

Your quick actions could save a life. Mouth-to-Mouth is out. Hands-only is in! 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting about 1,000 people every day in the U.S. On average, only 10% of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive. However when victims are treated quickly with CPR and defibrillators, the chance of survival significantly improves. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue has responded to numerous incidents where by-stander CPR has saved lives and encourages all residents to learn this important, lifesaving skill.  

Why don’t more people know and use CPR? Seven common myths that may be barriers to bystander action.

• Myth No. 1: SCA is rare. Fact: The number of people who die from SCA each day is equivalent to the number who would die if two jet planes crashed every single day killing nearly everyone on board.
• Myth: No. 2: SCA is the same as a heart attack. Fact: When people have heart attacks, they are awake and their hearts are beating. When people have SCA, they are not awake and their hearts are not beating. Heart attack can lead to SCA, but there are also many other causes.
• Myth No. 3: SCA only happens to the elderly. Fact: SCA happens to people of all ages, including more than 6,000 youth under the age of 18 each year.
• Myth No. 4: SCA only happens to people with a history of heart problems. Fact: SCA is often the first indication of a heart problem.
• Myth No. 5: Victims are better off waiting for professional help to arrive. Fact: Time is of the essence. Immediate bystander intervention can mean the difference between life and death.
• Myth No. 6: Only trained personnel are allowed to use AEDs. Fact: AEDs can be used effectively by anyone who can follow visual and voice prompts.
• Myth No. 7: AEDs can hurt people by shocking them inappropriately. Fact: People in cardiac arrest are clinically dead. Your actions can only help. AEDs are safe and effective and will not shock the heart unless shocks are needed to restore a healthy heartbeat.
(Source:  Mary Newman, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation)

Need a refresher? Here’s what to do if you witness a possible sudden cardiac arrest:

• Recognize that the person is in trouble and decide to make a difference. Remember, the victim’s heart has stopped beating and without treatment, he or she will die within minutes. Your actions can only help.
• Call 911 and ask someone to bring the nearest AED to the victim’s side if one is available.
• Press hard and fast on the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 times a minute. What? How do I do that? Imagine compressing to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. That’s it! Mouth-to- mouth is no longer required.

National Emergency Medical Services Week: May 15 – 21, 2016

This week is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, in honor of the dedicated men and women who provide critical day-to-day lifesaving services on the “frontlines” of emergencies across the country. When conditions can change in seconds, dual role firefighters/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics in Montgomery County provide sophisticated, state-of-the-art pre-hospital emergency medical care that can often mean the difference between life and death. The fire department has a rich history of protecting the health and safety of the community through an ‘all hazards’ response model and this week provides an opportunity to recognize EMS contributions of the past and build upon them for a safer tomorrow.

EMS Provider Of The Month Ceremony

Today we honored several members of the department, along with a Montgomery County resident, for actions over the last several months that resulted in lives being saved.

The video below was from our live Periscope feed this morning.

Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department EMS Update

By: Tami Bulla
       President, BVFD

The brand new Ambulance 715 was placed in-service on Thursday, April 7, 2016.

A matching new Medic Unit will soon be placed in-service as well.  The new units are Freightliner M2 PL Custom Ambulances with all of the latest safety features.  All EMS Unit drivers are completing a brief familiarization check-off prior to operating the new units.  The BVFD has placed Ambulance 715 in-service 67 nights, so far, this year. Our EMS Team continues to grow and currently has over 17 active Aides and Drivers.

Unit Specs:

Engine - Cummins ISB 240 HP
Transmission - Allison 3000 EVS
Wheelbase - 168"
Module Length - 170"
Interior Height - 72"
Warning Lights - (4) Whelen 700 Series Super-LED grille lights, Whelen 700 Series Super-LED front and rear intersection lights, Whelen 900 Series Super-LED body warning lights, Whelen 4500 LED lighbar on rear of body
Audible Warning - Federal Signal PA300 electronic siren, Whelen Alpha SL electronic siren, (2) Cast Products 5403 100-watt siren speakers, (2) Hadley E-Tone air horns
Electrical System - PL Custom 12-volt electrical system w/Lifetime Warranty, Vanner 1050CUL-DC 1,050-watt inverter w/55-amp battery charger
Lighting - (10) Whelen LED dome lights, (4) Whelen 900 Series Opti-Scene LED scene lights, Whelen Fluorent LED strip lights in exterior compartments, LED rope lights in interior cabinets
Stretcher - Ferno Washington 35A - Soon to be replaced with BVFD purchased Hydralic Stryker coots.
Additional - Double wide 36" CPR seat, Slide-out tool board w/(2) Zico SCBA brackets, Glove box holders over side and rear entry doors, PL Custom oxygen monitoring system, Zico electronic oxygen tank lift, Pro Air Germicidial air purification system, turn signal indicators in ceiling above rear doors, multiple USB charging outlets, backup camera w/7" LCD monitor, Sigtronics US-12S vehicle intercom system, Plymovent exhaust adapter.

New Ambulance 715 In Service

By: Lt. Rob Furst

New Ambulance 715 (A715) was placed in service on Thursday, April 7. Firefighters Dan Fields (left) and Juan Rodriguez (right) took the unit on its first call - a medical emergency on Gracefield Road.

The ambulance is a 2016 PL Custom box mounted on a Freightliner Chassis. A715 is one of 29 EMS units that will replace a significant portion of the frontline fleet and many reserve units that are 12-16 years old and will be leaving the fleet.

Mass Casualty Incident Drill

As the old sports saying goes, “You play the way you practice.”  So in order to ensure our personnel are ready for a variety of situations, we routinely conduct training exercises so that our firefighters can practice a variety of skills under simulated scenarios.

On Monday, February 01, a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Drill was conducted in the 5^th Battalion.  The scenario was an active shooter situation.

Crews were initially “dispatched” for an unknown rescue at a local movie theater. Units “arrived” on the scene and found “victims” in foyer with gunshot wounds. Crews then retreated and built out what was an active shooter drill.

The MCI drill was conducted in cooperation with the movie theater manager, MCP, CERT members and MCFRS.

Forty-five role players were involved with moulage involved to ensure realistic “victims.” Fake blood, fake bone breaks, and fake gunshot wounds were simulated that could rival any Halloween costume!

Battalion Chief Dave Pazos reports that the drill went better than expected and crews did fantastic. Photos below. 

Teamwork!

This morning around 5 am, Engine 720, Ambulance 726 and the National Guard worked together on a medical call.

Just one small example of the coordination and effort between county and state agencies over the last few days.

Beltway Vehicle Crash

By: Lieutenant Robert Furst

On Monday, January 11 Ambulances 716 and 701, Paramedic Engines 719 and 716 and Rescue Squad 742 operated at this crash on I-495 at Route 29. Two patients were transported to local hospitals - one of those patients was trapped in their vehicle.

This event was challenging because the cars were located on opposite shoulders of the highway. For the safety of the responders, and patients, I-495 was shut down until the patients could be moved to the ambulances and transported.

Congratulations to Our Newest Firefighters and EMT's

This past Friday evening a graduation ceremony was held at our Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA) for Twenty-One (21) newly certified volunteer Firefighters and Fifty-Nine (59) newly certified volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's).

Each person went through rigorous training and a challenging course load throughout the summer months to attain the certifications.  Family and friends packed the PSTA to honor and cheer on their loved ones as they received recognition for this tremendous achievement.

Congratulations to all!

Videos and photos from the ceremony below.

May 17-23 is Emergency Medical Services Week

May 17-23 is Emergency Medical Services Week!  MIEMSS to recognize EMS 'Stars of Life' today in Annapolis.  Among those being honored is our own Becky Ramirez, 911 Dispatcher, who is being recognized as Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Provider of the Year.

December EMS Providers of the Month

L-R Lt. Ney, Dr. Stone MCFRS Medical Director, Captain Murdock
and Battalion Chief Butsch from MCFRS EMS Section

On Tuesday, January 13 personnel from Clarksburg Fire Station 35 were recognized as EMS Providers of the Month for December.   

The recognition was a result of the crew’s rapid actions taken on December 17 that resulted in swift treatment and transport of a patient suffering a significant heart attack.  

Personnel receiving this prestigious recognition were Lieutenant/Paramedic Kirk Ney, Firefighter Roger Fails, Firefighter Greyson Brown, Firefighter/Paramedic Blaine Kring, Firefighter James Henry, Firefighter Robert Snavely.  In addition to a certificate, the EMS Providers of the Month also receive a beautiful challenge coin.

From the commendation letter:

“On December 17, 2014, you were dispatched for a 57 y/o male experiencing chest pain.  On the scene, you quickly realized the patient was a STEMI.  You performed numerous basic and advanced life support skills, quickly transported, and en-route to the hospital, continued a high level of care for the patient.  With your quick assessment, transmission of EKG, notification of STEMI, your skills, and teamwork, this patient had a door to balloon time of only 35 minutes.”

For many of you, some of the above verbiage is more than likely not clear.  Below is some background which will no doubt highlight just how impressive the crews’ actions were and the tremendous resources we have in Montgomery County. 

Background

STEMI (ST- segment elevation myocardial infarction) is a type of heart attack. 

EKG (or ECG) - electrocardiogram which is a test that checks for issues with the electrical activity of your heart.

In 2010, the department established the Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) program which allows paramedics to transmit critical data directly and securely from remote locations to area hospitals using sophisticated technology and equipment.  This allows the hospital team to mobilize and be standing by to intervene with angioplasty, as needed, so that blocked heart vessels can be opened and blood flow to the heart restored which can ultimately make a difference in patient outcome.  

The time period from diagnosis to the opening of the vessels is known as “door to balloon” or D2B time. According to guidelines by the American Heart Association, optimal D2B time is 90 minutes or less.

 

L-R; FP1 Kring, FF Brown, Capt. Murdock, Dr. Stone and BC Butsch

1st Battalion Paramedic Awarded EMS Provider of the Month for October

By Battalion Chief Mark Davis

Congratulations to Lieutenant Paramedic (LTP) Robert Furst (A-Shift Float) for being chosen by MCFRS's EMS Division as EMS Provider of the Month for October 2014. Lieutenant Furst was the primary care provider on a critically ill and combative patient. His work, along with his crew's efforts provided a successful outcome. In the photos below you will notice that in addition to a certificate, the EMS Provider of the Month also receives a beautiful challenge coin.

In addition to his normal duties as a Float Lieutenant on the A-Shift in the 1st Battalion, LTP Furst also serves as a back-up EMS Duty Officer and as a guest lecturer at the County's training academy. 

Excellent work LTP Robert Furst!

When Popcorn Becomes Deadly…

The below article appeared on the MyMCMedia web site yesterday and I thought it was important to pass along for many reasons that will become apparent as you read it.

Thanks to Ms. Burkinshaw for allowing us to share this!  BD

by Susan Burkinshaw

What should you do if someone eats something and they tell you their tongue feels itchy? Immediately ask them if they have a known allergy, ask them if they have an EpiPen and administer the dose of epinephrine, then call 9-1-1 (From www.foodallergy.org). Don’t wait – time is precious.

On Friday night, my kids were in the car on their way home from their high school football game when one of their friends (we will call him “Johnny”), who has known nut allergies, ate something he shouldn’t have eaten without checking the ingredients first: a handful of Fisher’s Caramel Popcorn.

In the car Johnny had asked if anyone had anything to drink so he could rinse his mouth out, but it was too late – he had already swallowed a pretty substantial amount of popcorn, though he tried to rinse his mouth out with the Diet Coke they had in the car as best as he could.

As they pulled into our driveway, Johnny got out of the car and began to try to vomit what he ate onto the grass – he was becoming desperate. Meanwhile we were losing precious time. He was swelling up – his lips were puffy, his eyes were watering and his nose was running – worst of all, his throat was swelling. My son ran in and told me Johnny had a peanut allergy and he needed water so he could try to throw up.

This is when I went outside to see what was going on. I could see his face was swelling and asked if Johnny had an EpiPen, and he said he did, but he didn’t have it on him. I told my son to call 9-1-1 immediately as I went to see if we had any Benedryl, which we did not. Meanwhile, everyone thought I was overreacting so we lost another precious minute before I got on the phone and called for an ambulance myself.

By now all the kids were inside and I did my best to get Johnny to relax at the kitchen table while we waited for the ambulance. With every second his breathing became more labored, his face became more swollen, and he was beginning to itch everywhere – he was telling us he couldn’t breathe as I rubbed his back and tried to keep him calm. We live very close to the fire station (about a mile away) – we could hear the sirens, but it took an eternity for them to get to us (in reality it was probably less than five minutes).

Finally, the engine truck got here, quickly followed by the ambulance. At this point I called Johnny’s mom – I can’t imagine being on her end of the line, “Is this Johnny’s mom? Johnny just had an allergic reaction to Fisher’s Popcorn. The ambulance is here, I’ll ride with him and meet you at the ER.”

By the time I hung up, the medics had given him a shot of epinephrine, administered an IV line and began an IV drip of Benedryl, and hooked him up to an oxygen tank. I could hear them saying, “Come on, Johnny, stay with us!” as I was on the phone with his mom.

It pains me to think about the what-ifs…

Thankfully Johnny is fine (he was discharged after a few hours in the ER) and now everyone present that night knows just how serious a food allergy can be. And Johnny, having faced death head-on, understands why he is supposed to carry an EpiPen with him at all times.

What does this mean to you? Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of anaphylaxis and don’t hesitate to “overeact” and call 9-1-1 when someone is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction to a food allergen or insect sting. Johnny’s brush with death taught all of us a very serious lesson: don’t wait to call an ambulance for what you think is a “no big deal” medical emergency – it can quickly become a big deal. Better to have the rescue service come and not be needed, than to wait until it is too late for them to be able to help…it only takes a few minutes for anaphylaxis to become life-threatening.

Also, when you hear a siren, move your vehicle out of the roadway and let the emergency responders pass, or stop at the intersection to let them cross – I can’t tell you how many people tried to outrun the ambulance on our way to the hospital, and the driver told me it happens all the time. Do your part to help save a life.

And the next time you see someone wearing a Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) shirt around town, thank them in advance – you never know when they might be called to save your life or the life of someone you love.

MCFRS Significant Incident Map

For the week of Sunday, July 21 – Saturday, July 27.  Just a reminder that the below events are only a snap shot of the number of emergencies we respond too.  These are the incidents that we feel are significant in nature.

View MCFRS Significant Incident Map in a larger map

Addition of an EMS Supervisor in the 1st Battalion

 By: Master Firefighter Tim Burns

On  Sunday July 14, 2013 Montgomery County Fire and Rescue expanded its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) supervision capabilities to include a 2nd EMS duty officer who will be quartered at Fire Station 19 on Seminary Road in the Montgomery Hills Section of Silver Spring.

While their responsibilities will encompass the entire lower county area as well as backing up the other duty officer county-wide, this addition brings much needed support to the paramedics and EMTs of the 1st Battalion.

The 1st Battalion is the home to a large number of EMS calls.  At the same time, the transport times are often short due to the relatively small geographic area and the

abundance of hospitals (including trauma centers).  When a responding duty officer is coming from Gaithersburg or Rockville they are ineffective simply because the entire patient interaction is over by the time they make it to the scene, let alone before the critical interventions that occur in the first few minutes of the event have taken place.

Along with on-scene support these EMS supervisors will provide enhanced quality improvement efforts and a more local liaison to the down county hospitals.

We in the 1st Battalion would like to welcome Captain Bill Phelps on A-Shift, Captain Jason Giza on B-Shift and Captain Stacy Jones on C-Shift.

You’re Going To Do What!?

By: Master Firefighter Tim Burns

One of the new and helpful treatments brought to patients in Montgomery County is the EZ-IO intraosseous infusion system. This tool allows paramedics to place a needle directly into the marrow cavity of certain long bones of the legs or arms of critically ill or injured patients. This skill takes very little time to accomplish (often times significantly less time than traditional intravenous catheter placement) and speeds the delivery of necessary fluids and/or medications to the sickest patients we see.

As you can see from the photo, the EZ-IO device looks a lot like a drill, and it operates much the same. The needle sticks on the end of the gun and is “drilled” into the bone.

While the process may seem barbaric to a casual observer, actual patient testimony reveals that the pain associated with the placement of the needle is comparable to that of a normal IV placement. The infusion of fluid and medications through the device is what patients report to be most painful, and in Montgomery County we typically administer a numbing medication prior to the administration of anything through an EZ-IO.

The literature shows that successful placement of the EZ-IO can be accomplished with minimal training, with a high degree of reliability, and takes under 10 seconds.

MCFRS Significant Incident Map

This map is for incidents last week Sunday, June 23 – Saturday, June 29.

View MCFRS Significant Incident Map in a larger map

MCFRS Significant Incident Map

For incidents Sunday, June 9 through Saturday, June 22.

View MCFRS Significant Incident Map in a larger map

National Emergency Medical Services Week: May 19 – 25, 2013

This week is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, in honor of the dedicated men and women who provide critical day-to-day lifesaving services on the “frontlines” of emergencies across the country. When conditions can change in seconds, dual role firefighters/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics in Montgomery County provide sophisticated, state-of-the-art pre-hospital emergency medical care that can often mean the difference between life and death. The fire department has a rich history of protecting the health and safety of the community through an ‘all hazards’ response model and this week provides an opportunity to recognize EMS contributions of the past and build upon them for a safer tomorrow.

This year’s theme, ‘EMS: One Mission. One Team,’ recognizes the integral role of EMS providers with hospital emergency and trauma teams. Annually, 75 percent of all Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service emergency calls are EMS-related and as the public’s demand for emergency medical services has steadily increased over the years, advances in medicine and technology have increased the role of EMS providers in the field.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) has a national reputation for excellence and is continually researching and implementing innovative protocols to improve patient outcomes through advanced pre-hospital emergency medical care. In 2009, the department implemented several critical programs that demonstrate the department’s commitment to saving lives in the community. With strong evidence nationally that pre-hospital care has a profound impact on survival, the department was one of the first in the state to implement and deploy paramedic-staffed engine companies which facilitates faster access, improved pre-hospital care and enhanced patient care during an emergency. In 2010, the department established the Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) program which allows paramedics to transmit critical patient data directly and securely from remote locations to area hospitals using sophisticated technology and equipment. This new technology accelerates the diagnosis process while reducing critical time that ultimately can make a difference in patient outcome and survival.

“In recent weeks, we have seen the critical role that EMS responders play in major events and times of disaster,” said Chief Steven Lohr. “Today’s EMS system brings the first, and often critical, hour of specialized emergency care right to the patient’s side.When you have a medical emergency, you need immediate care. EMS Week provides an opportunity to recognize the often less visible members of our lifesaving team who are often first on the scene of emergencies and  medically complex calls and, on a daily basis, go above and beyond the call of duty to save lives.”

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Earns Prestigious Congressional Fire Service Industry Excellence in Fire Service-Based Award

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service received the Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS award at the 25^th Annual Congressional Fire and Emergency Services dinner this week. The award is designed to recognize best practices and highlight innovations in the delivery of emergency medical services.

Established in 1989, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute that works with members of Congress in promoting fire and life safety issues. Working with other national fire service organizations, the Institute focuses its attention on issues that benefit all first responders. Members of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, the largest caucus in Congress, look to CFSI for guidance and information to enhance their level of understanding about the challenges and needs of the nation’s fire and EMS communities. Each year, CFSI and the MedicAlert Foundation honor and recognize departments that have made outstanding contributions.

Annually, 75 percent of all Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service emergency calls are EMS-related and the demand for emergency medical services can quickly challenge available resources. Since 2009, the department has developed and implemented several critical programs that demonstrate the department’s commitment to saving lives in the community. With strong evidence nationally that pre-hospital care has a profound impact on survival, the department was one of the first in the state to implement and deploy paramedic-staffed engine companies, which facilitates faster access, improved pre-hospital care and enhanced patient care during an emergency. 

When every second counts, receiving the right medical care in minutes can mean the difference between life and death. The window of time from when a patient starts experiencing heart attack symptoms to the moment the patient receives treatment is a critically important period. In 2010, the department established the Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) program which allows paramedics to transmit critical data directly and securely from remote locations to area hospitals using sophisticated technology and equipment. The new technology accelerates the diagnosis process while shaving off critical time that ultimately can make a difference in patient outcome and survival.

While hospitals and first responders have many protocols in place to ensure that cardiac patients are diagnosed and treated quickly, providing this early diagnosis “en route” ensures that the hospital team will be mobilized and standing by to intervene with angioplasty, as needed, so that blocked heart vessels can be opened, blood flow to the heart restored and heart muscle (and lives) saved.  The time period from diagnosis to the opening of the vessels is known as “door to balloon” or D2B time. According to guidelines by the American Heart Association, optimal D2B time is 90 minutes or less.

“This award reflects our ongoing investment in and dedication to excellence in our Fire and Rescue Service,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett. “I am very proud of the hard work of each and every member of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service who has placed us in a position to be nationally recognized for this prestigious award.”

“This award is testament to the commitment and dedication of the entire department and also reflects the hard work and collaboration of our hospital partners,” said Fire Chief Steve Lohr. “We strive to stay on the leading edge of the most advanced technology and industry practices available which translates into providing the best possible care - - one patient at a time.”

With strong evidence that rapid response by fire and EMS personnel, combined with state-of-the- art technology and pre-hospital care, these projects are examples of teamwork and technology saving lives.