Nationwide Reliance on Volunteer Firefirefighters

Volunteers comprise 72% of firefighters in the United States.

 

Of the total estimated 1,148,850 firefighters across the country, 827,150 are volunteer.  The number of volunteer firefighters in the United States has declined by over 8% since 1984. Communities served by volunteer firefighters depend on them to be their first line of defense for many types of emergencies.  Volunteer firefighters are summoned to a wide array of emergencies across the country every day including fires, emergency medical incidents, terrorist events, natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, water rescue emergencies, high-angle and confined space emergencies, and other general public service calls. The public relies on the volunteer emergency services to be their first line of defense in these emergencies. Volunteers spend an enormous amount of time training to prepare for these emergencies. The majority of fire departments in the United States are volunteer. Of the total 30,170 fire departments in the country, 21,235 are all volunteer; 4,830 are mostly volunteer; 1,790 are mostly career; and 2,315 are all career.

• Major factors contributing to the decline include increased time demands, more rigorous training requirements, and the proliferation of two-income families whose members do not have time to volunteer. The two greatest sources of increased time demands are increased volume of emergency calls and increased training hours to comply with training standards.

*Source: National Volunteer Fire Council

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Fire Safety for Children

The US Fire Administration has excellent resources to teach your children about fire safety.  For more information visit: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/kids/

Control Kids' Access to Fire

• Keep all matches and lighters out of the hands of children. If possible, keep these sources of fire in locked drawers. Consider buying only "child-proof" lighters—but be aware that no product is completely child-proof.
• Children as young as two years old can strike matches and start fires.
• Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.
• Teach children not to pick up matches or lighters they may find. Instead, they should tell an adult immediately.

Fire Safety at Home

• Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Smoke alarms should be kept clean of dust by regularly vacuuming over and around them.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. And replace the entire unit after ten years of service, or as the manufacturer recommends.
• Families should plan and practice two escape routes from each room of their home.
• Regularly inspect the home for fire hazards.
• If there are adults in the home who smoke, they should use heavy safety ashtrays and discard ashes and butts in metal, sealed containers or the toilet.
• If there is a fireplace in the home, the entire opening should be covered by a heavy safety screen. The chimney should be professionally inspected and cleaned annually.
• Children should cook only under the supervision of an adult or with their permission.
• Children should never play with electrical cords or electrical sockets. They should ask adults for help plugging in equipment.
• Children should stay away from radiators and heaters, and they should be taught that these devices are not toys. Young children in particular must be taught not to play with or drop anything into space heaters. Nothing should be placed or stored on top of a heater.
• Pots on stovetops should always have their handles turned toward the center of the stove, where children cannot reach up and pull or knock them off.
• Teach children to turn off lights, stereos, TVs, and other electrical equipment when they are finished using them. In the case of room heaters, children should ask an adult to turn it off when the room will be empty.
• Children should never touch matches, lighters, or candles. If they find matches or lighters within reach, they should ask an adult to move them
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• No one should stand too close to a fireplace or wood stove or other types of heaters, where clothes could easily catch fire.

Warning Signs

• Evidence of fire play, such as burnt matches, clothes, paper, toys, etc., or if you smell smoke in hair or clothes.
• Inappropriate interest in firefighters and/or fire trucks, such as frequent, improper calls to the fire department or 9-1-1.
• Child asks or tries to light cigarettes or candles for you or other adults.
• Matches or lighters in their pockets or rooms.

Control Curiosity

• Talk to your child or students in a calm, assured manner about fire safety.
• Consider visiting a fire station if children are very interested in firefighting and/or fire trucks or ask a firefighter to visit your classroom. Have the firefighter talk about his/her job and the dangers of fire.
• For parents: Create opportunities for learning about fire safety at home. For example, when you cook, let your child get the pot holder for you; when you use the fireplace, let your child bring you the wood or tools; if you use candles, let the child check to make sure the candle holder fits snugly; and when you change or test the batteries in your smoke alarms, ask the child to help you.

What to Do if You Suspect Your Student/Child Is Playing with Fire?

• Talk to the child about his or her actions. Explain again that fire is a tool for use only by adults, and that it is very dangerous for children.

Final check on Deer Creek Canyon Park Lightning Strike

Firefighters today performed the final check on the lightning strike in Deer Creek Canyon Park.  Lightning had struck a tree on the east side of the park on Friday afternoon.  Firefighters performed initial attack Friday afternoon and evening, followed by a return to the scene Saturday.  During the final check today the fire was cold out.  Firefighters dumped the water pack (5 gallons) of water on the tree stump anyway - who wants to carry the water back down hill!

House and Car Fire on Jennings Road

ICFR responded to a report of a house fire on Jennings Road on Saturday evening. Upon arrival firefighters found a car burning in the lower garage with extension of the fire into the rear area of the home. The fire was rapidly extinguished with minor damage to the home. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours in mop-up operations and checking for extension of fire using the Thermal Imaging Device. Firefighters ventilated the house to reduce residual smoke odor. The homeowners planned to stay with neighbors Saturday night. 25 ICFR firefighters and eight apparatus responded.

ICFR Needs You!

ICFR is always recruiting new firefighters and EMS staff.  If you are interested in learning new skills, serving your community, and helping others during a crisis, call our office at 303-697-4413. 

Lightning Strike in Deer Creek Canyon Park

Inter-Canyon firefighters responded into Deer Creek Canyon Park Friday afternoon after several residents reported seeing smoke. One squad (6 firefighters) hiked about one mile into the park and found a single tree on fire. Firefighters dropped the tree and put out the fire, using a chain saw, hand tools and water packs. Light rain began to fall as firefighters finished at the scene. ICFR was assisted by Open Space Rangers and appreciate their help. The area will be checked again on Saturday.

Homestead/Golden Meadows Residents Working on Wildfire Mitigation

The residents of Homestead/Golden Meadows have been doing a lot of wildfire mitigation over the last few years.  Some of the work was funded by a grant that the community received.  The grant has run out but the residents are continuing with the efforts.  The community will be working to mitigate property this weekend at 8025 Wagon Wheel (Spring Gulch & Wagon Wheel).  This mitigation also extends an existing natural fuel break on Spring Gulch.  Join the work party this Saturday July 28 at  8025 Wagon Wheel to cut trees and clear underbrush.  Bring personal safety gear, chainsaws, loppers, saws.

Smoking related home fires, deaths and injuries

The US Fire Administration released a report earlier this month identifying the significant relationship between smoking and fires in residential housing.  ICFR urges you to be extremely careful when smoking in your home, never smoke in bed and always ensure that smoking materials are properly extinguished.
 
According to the report, an estimated 7,600 smoking-related fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of 365 deaths, 925 injuries, and $326 million in property loss. While smoking-related fires account for only 2 percent of all residential building fires, they are a leading cause of fire deaths, accounting for 14 percent of fire deaths in residential buildings. In addition, cigarettes are, by far, the leading type of smoking material involved in residential smoking fires and account for 86 percent of these fires. Finally, residential building smoking-related fires occur most often in the afternoon and evening hours, peaking from 2 to 3 p.m. Forty-two percent of smoking-related fires in residential buildings occur from noon to 8 p.m., however, the smoking-related fires that occur in the late evening and early morning tend to be the most deadly.

Therapeutic Induced Hypothermia

Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue now provides Therapeutic Induced Hypothermia (TIH) to patients after successful CPR and resuscitation.  The EMTs, EMT-Intermediates and Paramedics of ICFR work together to rapidly apply this therapy to assist the patient in recovery after cardiac arrest.

Approximately 300,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest in the United States each year.  Historically, 2-8% of these patients will survive to be discharged from the hospital. Recent advances in pre-hospital treatment have increased the number of patients who experience a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), but less than half of these patients will survive to be discharged from the hospital. The main cause of death for these patients is due to anoxic brain injury. The use of induced therapeutic hypothermia may prove to be an important advancement in improving patient outcome.

The use of therapeutic hypothermia is not a new concept. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, noted the benefits of hypothermia in treating injuries. Napoleon’s surgeons recorded that wounded soldiers who were further from the fire had a higher survival rate that the wounded officers who stayed close to the fire. In the 1950’s, studies showed that inducing hypothermia in dogs decreased oxygen consumption, and that induced hypothermia after cardiac arrest in humans improved survival rates.

The goal of induced therapeutic hypothermia is to decrease the patient’s body temperature to 32-34oC, and then maintain that for 24 hours. After that time period, the patient will slowly be re-warmed, over 6-8 hours. ICFR uses several methods to cool the patient following the return of a pulse after cardiac arrest: cooled saline infusions and the application of cold packs.  These techniques are outlined in the Denver Metro Protocols, which outline the care for pre-hospital patients.

The most important predictor of a positive outcome following cardiac arrest is the rapid application of CPR, alerting 911 and a prompt use of defibrillation such as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).  ICFR has an AED at each of our five stations, positioned on the ambulance or engine. 

Diabetic Emergencies and EMS

Diabetic emergencies are one of the most common reasons for calls to 911 for Emergency Medical Services.  The incidence of diabetes is increasing in our society and the associated complications can be life-threatening.  The following situations can become 911 medical emergencies and warrant an immediate call for Emergency Medical Services:

• The person with a severe diabetic complication should receive care via EMS.
• A companion should go along to speak for the person if the person is not able to speak for himself or herself with the emergency care professional.
• Bring a list of medical problems, medications, allergies to medications, and the person's blood sugar diary to the emergency department or ambulance. This information will help the emergency care professional diagnose the problem and treat it appropriately.

The following are signs and symptoms of diabetic complications that warrant emergency care.

• Altered mental status: Lethargy, agitation, forgetfulness, or just strange behavior can be a sign of very low or very high blood sugar levels. If a person has diabetes with an altered mental status:
  • Try giving them some fruit juice (about 6 ounces) or cake icing if the person is awake enough to swallow normally without choking. Avoid giving things such as hard candy that can lodge in the throat. The health care provider can prescribe glucose wafers or gels that melt under the tongue.
  • Does not wake up and behave normally within about 15 minutes, call 911.
  • Is not a known diabetic, these symptoms can be signs of stroke, drug intoxication, alcohol intoxication, oxygen starvation, and other serious medical conditions. Call 911 immediately.
• Nausea or vomiting: If the patient is known to have diabetes and cannot keep food, medications, or fluids down at all, they may have diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome, or another complication of diabetes. If the person:
  • Has not already taken the latest insulin dose or oral diabetes medicine, do not take it without talking to a medical professional.
  • Already has low blood sugar levels, taking additional insulin or medication will drive the blood sugar level down even further, possibly to dangerous levels.
• Fever above 101.5 F (38.6 C): If the primary health care professional cannot see the patient right away, seek emergency care for a person with diabetes with a high fever. Note any other symptoms such as cough, painful urination, abdominal pain, or chest pain.
• High blood sugar level: If the patient's blood sugar level is above 400 mg/dL, and the primary health care professional cannot see them right away, go to the closest emergency department. Very high blood sugar levels can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome, depending on the type of diabetes the person has. Both of these conditions can be fatal if not treated promptly.
• Large sores or ulcers on the feet or legs: If the person has diabetes, a non-healing sore larger than 1 inch in diameter can be a sign of a potentially limb-threatening infection.
  • Other signs and symptoms that merit immediate care are exposed bone or deep tissue in the wound, large areas of surrounding redness and warmth, swelling, and severe pain in the foot or leg.
  • If left untreated, such a sore may ultimately require amputation of the limb.
• Any cut penetrating all the layers of skin, especially on the legs, is a potential danger to a person with diabetes. Proper wound care although important to anyone's recovery, is especially important in diabetics to assure proper wound healing.
• Chest pain: If the person has diabetes, take very seriously any pain in the chest, particularly in the middle or on the left side, and seek medical attention immediately.
  • People with diabetes are more likely than non-diabetic people to have a heart attack, with or without experiencing chest pain.
  • Irregular heartbeats and unexplained shortness of breath may also be signs of heart attack.

Orange Glow on the ridgeline

Last night Inter-Canyon firefighters investigated a report of an "orange glow" along the ridgeline.  The report came from Highlands Ranch and was also investigated by firefighters from West Metro.  ICFR firefighters fanned out across the district from Kuehster Road to Hilldale Pines to Deer Creek Mesa to Murphy Gulch and found nothing.  Reports like this are very common and ICFR investigates all of these reports.

Wildfire Evacuation

Evacuation Tips
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.  Do not wait for evacuation notive.  If danger exists or is possible, evacuate your home for safety
• Know your evacuation route ahead of time and prepare an evacuation checklist and emergency supplies.
• Wear protective clothing and footwear to protect yourself from flying sparks and ashes.
Before You Leave, Prepare Your House
• Remove combustibles, including firewood, yard waste, barbecue grills, and fuel cans, from your yard.
• Close all windows, vents, and doors to prevent a draft.
• Shut off natural gas, propane, or fuel oil supplies.
• Fill any large vessels—pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, or tubs—with water to slow or discourage fire.

Impact of Dehydration on Elderly in Hot Weather

Older people are more susceptible to dehydration than younger people. This is partly due to lack of thirst sensation and changes in the water and sodium balance that naturally occur as people age. It is also, to some degree, attributable to the fact that elderly people, both those living at home and those living in institutions, often have various impairments, disabilities and/or health issues. They also tend to use numerous drugs and medication for these illnesses.  Multiple diseases and polypharmacy often overstress the normal age-related physiological changes in the water and sodium balance and therefore increase elderly people's risk of dehydration,especially during warm weather. Elderly people, whether they are living on their own or in an institution, and especially elderly people that can no longer take care of themselves because of cognitive, sensory, motor and/or ADL impairments, need extra help to stay hydrated. The most important strategy is simply a matter of ensuring that elderly people consume a sufficient amount of fluids (at least 1.7 liters every 24 hours). Additional strategies include making healthy drinks and water easily available and accessible at all times and reminding and encouraging the elderly to consume these fluids. Elderly people should not be encouraged to consume large amounts of fluids at once but rather small amounts throughout the day. When the recommended fluid intake cannot, for whatever reason, be maintained, existing diseases can be aggravated.  If needed, call 911 for emergency medical assistance..

ICFR VEES Annual Flea Market

Inter-Canyon Fire & Rescue Department VEE’S ANNUAL FLEA MARKET will be taking tax deductible donations of saleable items on Friday, July 20TH –12pm-8pm and Saturday, July 21ST –8am-11am.   Donations accepted at ICFR Station Three 8445 South Highway 285.  We will be accepting tax deductible items of clothing, home and office furniture, antiques, crafting items, books, kitchen wares, small appliances, toys, exercise equipment, tools, linens, camping gear. SORRY, WE CAN NOT ACCEPT DONATIONS OF NON HD TV’S, COMPUTER ITEMS, TIRES, LARGE APPLIANCES, SKIS, MATTRESSES, ENCYCLOPEDIAS, CAR SEATS, WOOD STOVES, or TOILETS. All proceeds help support our local Volunteer Inter-Canyon Fire & Rescue Department. Actual sales dates are: July 21ST – Saturday 8 am to 4 pm and July 22ND – Sunday 9 am to 3 pm at Fire Station 3, located at 8445 S. Hwy. 285, near Conifer, CO. Please call with any questions 303-697-4413. Thank you for your support of your firefighters.

High Temperatures Return to the Front Range

High temperatures with low humidities and afternoon thunderstorms return to the Front Range this week.  Fuels, such as grasses and trees, remain extremely dry.  Fuel moisture content, a measurement of the amount of moisture within lumber. is very low.  Kiln dried lumber purchased at a lumber yard typically has a fuel moisture content of 5-8%.  Fuels in Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District and all along the Front Range are in the same range.  Even with recent rains, fuels can easily ignite and fires can spread rapidly.  Watch for lightning strikes, discarded cigarettes, and other sources of ignition.  If you see, smell or suspect smoke call 911.

Jefferson County under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Jefferson County is now under Stage 1 fire restrictions.  This applies to all of Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District.

Consider joining ICFR as a Volunteer Firefighter or EMT

WELCOME TO INTERCANYON FIRE/RESCUE! Inter-Canyon Volunteer Fire Department was started in 1946. Today there are over 60 active members (men and women) responding to an average of 350 fire, medical, and rescue calls per year. The district covers fifty square miles of unincorporated Jefferson County including most of South Turkey Creek Canyon Road, Deer Creek Canyon Road, Deer Creek Road, and a five-mile stretch of Highway 285. The department has 5 fire stations throughout the district and 16 pieces of apparatus. Whether you want to be an EMT, specialize in wildland fires, or do it all, there is a place for you at Inter-Canyon. How to Join

1.Call the station or attend the monthly business meeting to talk to an officer regarding your interest in the department. The monthly meetings are the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at Station 1. You should arrive approximately 30 minutes early if it is your first meeting. 2.Attend a business meeting to have the first reading of your application. At this meeting you can complete an application and the consent form necessary for a DMV and criminal background check. You will also meet your mentor. 3. Attend the next business meeting. By the next month the membership committee will have your background check complete. During this meeting, you will have the second reading of your application and background check results, and the active members of the department will vote you onto the department. NOW THAT YOU'RE A ROOKIE Once you are voted in, you are a “Rookie” firefighter. You will be issued your “bunker gear” (fire protective pants, coat, and helmet). You will arrange to get a dispatch pager that is used to alert you of an emergency call. As a Rookie, you are invited to respond to calls on a fire apparatus or with another firefighter. Your level of activity early on will depend on your skills at that time. Rookie training typically takes 6 to 12 months and includes: • A rookie class that is one night a week and most Saturdays for approximately 5 months. This class includes the wildland and hazardous materials training necessary to fulfill your firefighting rookie requirements. • A First Responder class that teaches you first aid and CPR. This class is one night a week for approximately 4 months. • Truck Check-outs on three departmental apparatus. TO STAY IN GOOD STANDING Requirements for good standing include: • Attending 10 business meetings a year. • Completing 36 training hours per year. • Responding to 15% of the calls. THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST Being a firefighter is a time commitment that you need to be prepared for. It is also an impact to your immediate family and you should discuss it with them prior to joining. An Inter-Canyon officer will be happy to meet with you and your family if you have specific questions. Thank you very much for your interest in joining. It is through the volunteering spirit that we succeed as a department. If you have additional questions, come attend a meeting or simply leave a message at our station (303-697-4413) and an officer from our department will contact you. FIREFIGHTING IS DANGEROUS Firefighting is a dangerous activity. As a result, the department prioritizes the safety of its members. We are trained to handle emergencies. We continue to train and remain current on different aspects of firefighting. We ensure that members are familiar with the trucks and equipment prior to use. We maintain our equipment and trucks so that they are in good working condition. And we work as a team, communicating ideas and watching out for each other. As you become more familiar with safety procedures and equipment you will be more involved during fire and rescue calls. ICFR OPPORTUNITIES Every member of ICF/R is trained as a Firefighter I, Hazmat Awareness Level Responder, Wildland Firefighter, and First Responder. Many of the members take on additional specialties. Special teams at ICF/R include: • EMS Team: a medical team that includes first responders, EMT Basics, EMT Intermediates, and Paramedics • High Angle Rescue Team (HART): a team devoted to technical rescues at high angles and in confined spaces. • 285 Wildcats: a wildland team made up of firefighters from the 285 corridor: ICF/R, Indian Hills, Elk Creek, Platte Canyon, and North Fork. Before you can be a part of any or all of these teams, you have to join ICF/R ICF/R REQUIREMENTS In order to join Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue, you must be able to meet the following requirements: • You must be 18 years of age. If you are between the ages of 13 and 18, you can join as a patrol member. • A basic level of personal fitness is expected. Work out equipment is available for your use once you join. • You need to have a good driving record. • You must live within one air mile of the district boundaries

Women and Heart Attacks

Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that women often experience new or different physical symptoms as long as a month or more before experiencing heart attacks.
Among the 515 women studied, 95-percent said they knew their symptoms were new or different a month or more before experiencing a heart attack - also known as Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). The symptoms most commonly reported were unusual fatigue, sleep disturbance, and shortness of breath.

Many women never experience classic "chest pain" during an AMI. Surprisingly, fewer than 30% reported having chest pain or discomfort prior to their heart attacks, and 43% reported have no chest pain during any phase of the attack. Women's experience with heart attacks (AMI) differs from men's. Recognition of  the symptoms unique to women provide an early indication of heart attack, either imminently or in the near future, is critical to forestalling or preventing the disease.

If you experience any of these symptoms of AMI call 911.  Early diagnosis by EMS providers, treatment and rapid access to hospital intervention can make a difference in your outcome.

Flash Flood Watch for Jefferson County

The National WWeather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Jefferson County, including Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, for Sunday July 8. 2012.  Please keep an eye on the sky and climb to safety in the event of a canyon flood.