ORANGE COUNTY (CALIF) FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC LODD-COLLAPSE DURING TRAINING
The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
It is with great sadness that we relay the announcement about the sudden passing of Orange County (CA) Fire Authority Firefighter/Paramedic Jim Owen, from OCFA Chief Keith Richter. FF/PM Owen collapsed during a “Training Activity Group” , which is basically a multi-company training at their Regional Fire Operations Training Center today. He began feeling poorly and was being assessed when he went into a full arrest. The crews on scene immediately rendered ALS care and FF/PM Owen was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana where he was pronounced dead, in the Line of Duty, at approximately 1230 Hours. FF Owen was 56 years old and is survived by his wife, Sharon, and three sons, Jim Jr., Daniel, and Kevin. He has been with the OCFA since 1980 and spent the majority of his career at Fire Station 4. Jim will be sorely missed by his friends and family. As always our most sincere condolences to the members of the OCFA and especially his surviving family and friends.
ILLINOIS FIREFIGHTER STRUCK BY APPARATUS-BACKING INCIDENT
A 45-year-old FF/EMT is in stable condition with fractures after a Blue Mound FD member accidentally backed over her with their medium duty rescue truck Tuesday. Karla Minor, a South Macon Fire Protection District Firefighter, was walking on the shoulder of the road next to the apparatus as it was backing up. The truck struck Minor at a low rate of speed and partially ran over her. The South Macon and Blue Mound fire districts were operating on an EMS run. FF Minor was transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. A nurse there confirmed that FF Minor was in stable condition with a fractured tailbone and possibly a fractured pelvis, and they were running other tests.
FIREFIGHTERS AND WHAT WE BREATHE:
The USFA and the IAFF has released “Respiratory Diseases and the Fire Service”, an outstanding report discussing the findings of a long-term study intended to examine and improve the occupational health of firefighters.
“USFA is committed to enhancing the occupational health and safety of America’s fire service,” said Acting U.S. Fire Administrator Chief Glenn Gaines. “The purpose of this initiative is to provide information to the fire service on the mitigation of the long-term effects of occupational respiratory exposure.”
“Respiratory diseases remain a significant health issue for firefighters and other emergency responders,” said IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger. “Respiratory effects due to firefighter occupational exposure are a concern affecting the fire service throughout the United States.”
The goal of this project was to research the long-term effects and post-exposure mitigation of occupational respiratory exposure to firefighters and develop a report based on this research.
“USFA is committed to enhancing the occupational health and safety of America’s fire service,” said Acting U.S. Fire Administrator Chief Glenn Gaines. “The purpose of this initiative is to provide information to the fire service on the mitigation of the long-term effects of occupational respiratory exposure.”
“Respiratory diseases remain a significant health issue for firefighters and other emergency responders,” said IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger. “Respiratory effects due to firefighter occupational exposure are a concern affecting the fire service throughout the United States.”
The goal of this project was to research the long-term effects and post-exposure mitigation of occupational respiratory exposure to firefighters and develop a report based on this research.
HERE is the REPORT:
HERE is MORE from the IAFF’s Rich Duffy:
WISCONSIN FIREFIGHTERS PROVIDE THE FACTS ON THE INTERNET
Sheboygan Firefighters are providing the facts straight to the voters, launching a website and posting several billboards urging residents to vote AGAINST dropping the SFD EMS in the Nov. 2 referendum. The Sheboygan Firefighters, IAFF Local 483, developed the very well done web site after the Common Council approved the public referendum to end years of debate over the financial returns of the ambulance service. If they fail, Firefighter staffing will be cut. HERE is their site: www.SheboyganFireFacts.com
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 9-16-10 – 2122 Hours
