Firefighter Rehabilitation Critical to Safety

Fighting fire is hard work. This has been a universal truth since the inception of the fire service. No amount of tactics, resources, or technological progress will change this fact. One thing that has changed over the past 100-plus years of the modern day fire service is that firefighter rehab is absolutely necessary.  Firefighters face many hazards to health on the scene of not only large fires, but any extended incident.  In the past the firefighter simply sat on the rear bumper of the engine (near the exhaust pipe of the engine) to rest for a few minutes.  

Today firefighters are rotated through rehab for evaluation by EMS staff.  A properly implemented firefighter rehabilitation program will result in fewer accidents and injuries.  More importantly, properly rehabilitated firefighters return to duty better able to handle the workload, are better hydrated and have more productive capacity.  You may see firefighters "sitting around" during a major incident, but this period of rest and evaluation is critical to firefighter safety.

Firefighters in Rehab

CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE

Carbon monoxided is present at all fires and can pose a serious health hazard to firefighters.  ICFR firefighters wear Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) during both fire attack and mop up operations.  Firefighters may be exposed to this colorless and odorless gas on scene.   ICFR uses gas anlyzers to look for not only CO, but other hazadous gases as well.  All three ICFR ambulances are equipped with pulse co-oximeters, a new type of pulse oximeter designed to look for carbon monoxide in the blood.  Firefighters can be treated with oxygen and, if needed, trasnported to an area hospital.

Pulse Co-Oximeter

 
HYDRATION

Our bodies are made up of about two-thirds water. When someone gets dehydrated, it means the amount of water in the body has dropped below the level needed for normal body function. Under normal circumstances, we lose about two to 2.5 liters of water a day through body waste, sweat, and breathing.  Nutrition experts recommend a daily fluid intake of about 1.5 to 2.5 liters for healthy adults under normal living circumstances to prevent a liquid deficit. Small decreases don’t cause problems and go completely unnoticed in most cases.

Losing large amounts of water (in excess of 2 percent of body weight) can be a problem.  Strenuous work, particularly in protective clothing and in hot environments, can result in a loss of one to two liters of water an hour. At this rate, a firefighter may rapidly lose a significant amount of body water weight (the amount of water the body contains under normal conditions based on the size and weight of an individual). A loss of 1 to 2 percent of body water weight will compromise work performance, a loss of 2 to 3 percent will compromise mental alertness, and a loss of 3 to 5 percent can compromise the body’s ability to sustain life.

HEAT CRAMPS

The turnout gear worn by ICFR firefighters noty only protects the firefighters from external heat, but also traps heat in the firefighter and impairs the normal mechanisms of heat dispersion.  Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat/dehydration-related illness and are characterized by painful muscle spasms usually in the abdomen, hamstrings, or calves. These cramps can come on very suddenly and are excruciating. Heat cramps are caused by failure to replace the body’s lost sodium, although poor physical conditioning can also play a key role. Heat cramps can be relieved by drinking liquids or through IV therapy. Light massage and application of ice packs to the affective area may also help to relieve muscular pain during these cramps.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion is a more serious form of heat/dehydration illness. It is the result of even more severe levels of water and sodium losses through sweat. Symptoms generally include weakness and fatigue and clammy and moist skin that may appear flushed or pale. The body will continue to produce sweat at this stage, further depleting itself of electrolytes and water.

HEAT STROKE

The most serious heat/dehydration-related illness is heat stroke. This is very serious and possibly life threatening. It is brought on by a combination of the aforementioned dehydration factors as well as the body’s failure to regulate its core temperature. Sweating now stops. It is followed by mental confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness, convulsions or seizures; if left untreated, it could lead to coma or death. The core temperature of an individual experiencing heat stroke can be greater than 106°F; the patient will present with hot, dry, and mottled skin.

CALORIES
During extended incidents firefighters do require food.  ICFR has an excellent support organization, the VEES,  which responds quickly to the scene with food and fluids.  The support provided by the VEES extends beyond the time spent on scene, as firefighters return to the stations to clean and restock equipment, refill empty tenders (also known as tankers) and repair equipment.

ICFR offers wildland assessments to your neighborhoods and Home Owners Associations

ICFR offers a Neighborhood Wildfire Review to our citizens in the Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District.  The Neighborhood Wildfire Review helps the residents of our district at risk from wildfire to make their homes safer. The review provides you and your neighbors with a thorough understanding of how homes ignite during wildfires, how simple actions can greatly reduce home ignitions, and how community behavior change can create Firewise homes and communities.

Experienced wildland firefighters from ICFR can meet with your neighborhood gathering or your Home Owners Association meeting to identify hazards and reduce risks in the home ignition zone before a wildfire starts. By applying new knowledge of how wildland/urban interface fires occur and by using new approaches, future wildland/urban interface fire risks may be significantly reduced. 

Firefighters in the wildland/urban interface (any area where wildland fuels threaten to ignite combustible homes and structures) must overcome severe challenges. There just aren’t enough resources to protect every home threatened by a wildfire. Everyone in the vicinity of such a fire is at risk, and the risk is greatly increased in areas that aren’t prepared.  The goal of the Neighborhood Wildfire Review is to help you and your neighbors  decrease the risks and threats of wildfires through public education, community design, land use planning, collaboration, preparedness and prevention programs.

If you are interested in the Neighborhood Wildfire Review we ask that you:

1.  Identify 20 neighbors from your area who will attend the review.

2.  Coordinate the date and time, as well as disseminating the information regarding the meeting to your neighbors or HOA.

3.  Contact the ICFPD administrative offices to coordinate a meeting time, date and location.  You can call our offices at 303-697-4413 Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The new Jefferson County Emergency Preparedness Guide is now available

Preapre your family for an emergency with the newest information.  You can download a copy of the new Jefferson County Emergency Preparedness Guide from the Jefferson County website:  http://jeffco.us/jeffco/sheriff_uploads/2012_Emergency_Preparedness_Guide_complete_for_website.pdf

Or you can stop by the ICFR administrative offices at station one, 7939 South Turkey Creek Road, to pick up a copy.  Offices are open Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Jefferson County to test new Reverse 911 system on Wednesday February 6

From Jefferson County:

NEW Emergency Notification System to be tested Wed., Feb. 6th

We no longer have your phone number!
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On February 6, starting at 9 a.m., the CodeRED emergency notification system will begin making test calls.  This notification process is expected to take several hours to complete due to the large number of landlines to be called.  This system is used to help disseminate information regarding critical incidents.  In addition citizens can elect to receive notification of severe weather using the CodeRED Weather Warning system. 

 Residents and businesses are encouraged to visit www.jeffcosheriff.com to sign up. It only takes seconds, and can include SMS (text) and email address preferences. This is especially important for those addresses without a landline, as residents and businesses must register if they want to receive emergency notifications. Residents who have previously registered their phone numbers must re-register under the new notification system to ensure accuracy.   Residents wanting more information about the test notification call or with questions should call: 303-277-0211. 
 
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ICFR Community Wildfire Protection Plan

The ICFR Community Wildfire Protection Plan was developed by the Colorado State Forest Service, Jefferson County, and Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District.  The CWPP identifies the fuels, risks and resources for wildfire in ICFPD.  Take a few minutes to review the plan and the impact of wildfire in your neighborhood.


http://csfs.colostate.edu/pages/documents/InterCanyonFD_CWPP.pdf

Please slow down for Emergency Responders and Maintenance Crews working on roadways

Fire fighters face a serious risk of being struck and killed by traffic when offering emergency assistance along busy highways.

From 1995 to 1999, 17 firefighters were struck and killed by motor vehicles while working along highways at crash scenes, an 89 percent increase over the number killed in the previous five years. These fatalities demonstrate that line-of-duty risks to fire fighters are not limited to the hazards of fighting structural blazes and wildfires.  The weather, the time of day, lighting, traffic speed and volume, and road configuration are among the factors that affect fire fighter safety along roadways.

ICFR firefighters follow national standards for visitbility on roadways, wearing a high-visibility safety vest on all scenes on highways and roads.  These vests are not worn during firefighting operations. 

Please slow down when approaching an emergency scene or in the area of road maintenance crews.  Pull into the left lane if possible to give emergency workers some room.  Look for traffic control staff, safety cones, and signals for proper routes through or around the scene.

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are conducive to the rapid growth of wildfires. Dry conditions combined with high winds and low humidity are the hallmarks of weather conducive to producing large wildfires.

The three basic ingredients for a wildfire are strong winds, low relative humidity, and high temperatures. In addition, persistently dry vegetation provides an easy fuel source for the fires. Living on or above a steep hill is a risk factor for rapid spread of fire.  If the conditions are either not currently occurring or about to occur, a Fire Weather Watch is issued.  Red Flag Warnings mean there is an expectation for explosive fire growth potential.

Incident Command System

ICFR uses the Incident Command System (ICS) on every call.  From the EMS call with an ill patient to a large rescue effort in Deer Creek Canyon Park, each call has an Incident Commander (IC) responsible for the scene.  When working with other agencies ICFR apparatus and staff report to the IC for that scene. 

A summary of the Incident Command System from FEMA:
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management approach that:

• Allows for the integration of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure.
• Enables a coordinated response among various jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private.
• Establishes common processes for planning and managing resources.

ICS is flexible and can be used for incidents of any type, scope and complexity. ICS allows its users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents.

ICS is used by all levels of government—federal, state, tribal and local—as well as by many nongovernmental organizations and the private sector. ICS is also applicable across disciplines. It is typically structured to facilitate activities in five major functional areas: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics and Finance/Administration. All of the functional areas may or may not be used based on the incident needs. Intelligence/Investigations is an optional sixth functional area that is activated on a case-by-case basis.

As a system, ICS is extremely useful; not only does it provide an organizational structure for incident management but it also guides the process for planning, building and adapting that structure. Using ICS for every incident or planned event helps hone and maintain skills needed for the large-scale incidents.

Diagram of the Command and General staff at larger incidents.  Not all positions may be filled at smaller incidents:

Chimney Fires - Safety in your home

Chimney Fires

While the weather may be warm in the foothills and in Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District this week, winter will return.  Homes wihich use a fireplace or stove as a heat source should consider the risks of chimney fire.  It may seem unlikely that the fire will get to the rest of the house if it even gets started in the first place. But dirty chimneys are susceptible to fires that can destroy homes.

Chimney fires can catch on explosively, shooting flames and dense smoke out the top. Or they can be slow-burning and barely noticeable until they've gotten hot enough to damage the chimney irreparably and even catch your house on fire.  With a little care, chimney fires are easily preventable.

First, let's understand how chimney fires happen. The wood you burn sends smoke up your chimney. That much is obvious. But it may not be obvious that the smoke doesn't have to remain in a gaseous form. Wood smoke contains significant amounts of material that can condense on the sides of the chimney's interior. The result is a tar-like or flaky substance called creosote. Once it's formed, the creosote remains stuck to the inside of the chimney, just waiting for a flame or spark to reach up and set it off.

Any wood can create creosote, but unseasoned wood is the worst culprit. Colder than normal temperatures can encourage higher than normal condensation of creosote. And restricted air supply can add to the problem.

Unseasoned Firewood

Burning green wood isn't an easy task. Green wood contains a lot more moisture than seasoned wood, and that moisture has to be removed somehow in order for the wood to burn. The resulting smoke is cooler than if seasoned wood had been used. Cooler smoke is more likely to come out of its gaseous state, condensing on the inside of the chimney.

Cold Temperatures

Cold on the outside of the chimney can also help cool the smoke down to the point where it condenses and forms creosote. If it's an exterior chimney, running up the side rather than through the center of the house, this adds to the possibility.

Air Supply

It helps to have good currents of air to lift the smoke out of the chimney before it condenses. If the fireplace can't draw air in freely, this interrupts the flow and, again, creosote forms. Closing the fireplace's glass doors or not opening the damper all the way are the main ways in which air supply gets restricted.

But most importantly, have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly. Nothing can completely prevent the creation of creosote. But a certified chimney sweep can keep the problem from getting out of hand.

If you recognize a chimney fire call 911 and evacuate your home.

Inter--Can​yon Fire Rescue Extricates Three Horses from Horse Trailer

Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue firefighters responded to a truck and trailer accident today to assist with the extrication of three horses from a horse trailer.  The trailer and truck slid from the road in White Deer Valley, in the area of Deer Creek Canyon Park, about 11:30 a.m. this morning.  Firefighters worked to ensure the safety of both emergency responders and the animals during the extrication.  Firefighters were able to gain access to the trailer and release the horses.  The horses had only minor cuts and scrapes and were taken to a neighbor's home for assessment.  The driver of the vehicle was not injured in the accident. 

This is the second horse extrication by ICFR firefighters.  Two years ago ICFR firefighters responded to a horse trapped in a fence and assisted with releasing the animal during heavy snow conditions.

ICFR responds to garage fire on North Canyon Trail

Fire fighters from Inter-Canyon Fire Rescue responded to a garage fire this morning in the Deer Creek Canyon area.  The homeowner at 17611 North Canyon Trail reported the fire this morning at 10:15 a.m.  Firefighters found the garage fully involved upon arrival and the fire was threatening the home and surrounding trees.  Firefighters attacked both the fire in the garage and the fire which had extended into the surrounding grass and trees.  The home was saved with minimal damage to a porch area.  The entire detached garage, two vehicles, a tractor and camper were lost in the blaze.  45 firefighters and 11 pieces of apparatus fought the fire.  The area has limited acces with single lane gravel roads and no water sources.  All of the water used to fight the fire was brought in by fire tenders.  Inter-Canyon Fire Rescue was assisted by firefighters from Elk Creek and Indian Hills Fire Departments.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No one was injured in the fire.

Engine 634 on scene of the garage fire

Engine 631 on North Canyon Trail

Inter-Canyon Fire Rescue Needs You!

Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue is seeking volunteers.  With the steady growth in call volume and the increasing complexity of our responses within the Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, ICFR has a growing need for men and women who want to share the interest of helping others in need.  If you desire to help your community and consider respect and appreciation reward enough for the job you do, please attend any of the ICFR Business Meetings, held the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at ICFR Station One, 7939 South Turkey Creek Road.  The next business meeting will be held on Thursday December 6, 2013.  At any of our business meetings you will have the opportunity to see the ICFR fire, rescue and medical equipment, meet with members of the department and submit your application.

Volunteer firefighters in ICFR are trained and equipped at no cost to the volunteer.  Each volunteer must undergo in-house training, in addition to becoming a Colorado certified firefighter.  Training includes structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, and First Responder EMS training.  Additional training in firefighting and EMS, such as wildland firefighting, EMT, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic, is provided at no cost.  Once you start your training, you will be equipped with protective fire fighting gear and a pager.

If you are unable to attend any of the ICFR business meetings you can obtain further information by calling our non-emergency administrative number, 303-697-4413 or pick up an application at headquarters.