The Intricacies of a 911 Summons

 Definition  An unexpected situation or sudden occurrence of a serious and urgent nature that demands immediate action (The American Heritage Dictionary, Second Edition 1985).  A situation involving pain, fear, uncertainty or just not knowing who else to call.  What does it mean to you?

 2013 Calls  Emergency Alarms – 9,267  Fire – 2,540  EMS – 6,709  Special Circumstances/Special Teams  Dive  Technical Rescue  Hazmat  Other

 This is an actual emergency room photo of a fisherman who lost control of his high-speed bass boat in West Virginia. Wardens believe that he was traveling at a speed of approximately 75 mph at the time of the accident. He was unable to negotiate a curve in the narrow waterway. Unfortunately for him, upon striking the shoreline and being ejected from the boat he landed back end first on an old fence post. You can probably picture what happened next, but the attached picture really says it all. The good news is that after about 6 months, this man made a full recovery after suffering a shattered hip, broken leg, several broken ribs, internal injuries and soft tissue damage. Doctors credited his recovery to the fact that the post lodged itself so tightly that there was little or no blood loss. Now that's got to hurt!!!

 Typical Response  Fire Engine  Medic Unit (ambulance)  Typically 5 personnel  Riders  Other Responders  Battalion Chief  PD

 Officer  Responsible for the scene and EVERYONE’S safety  Driver Operator  Responsible for the fire apparatus  Scene Access  Scene Safety  Firefighter  Responsible for everything else

 Paramedic  Responsible for ALL aspects of patient care and transport  Choosing appropriate facilities  Communication with family  Medication Delivery/What stays and what goes  Firefighter/EMT-B  Responsible for everything else  Driver/Attendant

 Stop the chaos  Stay calm  Figure out the issue  What exactly is needed  Solve it, fix it, get ‘r’ done!!!  Most importantly – we are here to take care of people.

 Know your medical history and that of your spouse/partner/parents/children  Keep a first aid kit handy  Include one in the car/RV  Keep medications in one place  Clear a path  Fill out your File of Life form/keep on fridge  Don’t worry if you’re in your pajama’s!!!

 Don’t hesitate to call  Don’t wait to call – listen to your gut!  We are here 24/7/365  YOU are our top priority  We can and will help you figure it out  YOU are in control  Seriously, don’t worry if you’re in your pajamas!!!

Note To Self: WEAR PAJAMAS TO BED (If not for yourself, for the love of God, think of the poor Firefighter!)