VIDEO: Firefighters are getting ready for something that could save lives in a different way. Across Pennsylvania, first responders are taking part in Autism Awareness for First Responders, a training created by Orwigsburg Fire Department Captain Zach Kirsch.

“We’re doing Autism Awareness for First Responders,” Kirsch said. “It’s a program I wrote with the help of some others last year. It debuted last September, and it really took off.” The idea behind the training is deeply personal. “My son’s autistic,” Kirsch said. “I saw a need for it in the community. A need for responders to learn about the autism spectrum disorder, to make sure people are safe during emergencies and to spread awareness.”

Research shows emergency calls, with loud sirens, flashing lights, and sudden physical contact, can be overwhelming for people on the autism spectrum and their families. “You’ve got to slow down when you respond,” he said. “Find the caretaker. Know how to talk, rather than a run-and-gun method.”

WFMZ-TV 69 Allentown

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VIDEO: A garbage load in a sanitation truck caught fire this morning in downtown Walla Walla, leading to a quick response from the driver who safely dumped the load in a nearby parking lot, according to the City of Walla Walla Government’s Facebook page. The incident has prompted a reminder to residents to be cautious about what they place in their garbage containers. Specifically, the city advises against disposing of batteries, fluorescent lights and chemicals in regular trash.

The City of Walla Walla stresses that these items should be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, where they can be disposed of for free. Batteries, especially lithium-ion ones found in items like cell phones and power tools, are a common cause of fires. Nationwide, about 5,000 battery-related fires occur annually at waste facilities, according to the City of Walla Walla.

KNDO-TV NBC 23 Yakima

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Grant County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a vehicle collision and fire that left a woman seriously injured Sunday evening in unincorporated Soap Lake. According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, first responders were dispatched around 7 p.m. to the 1000 block of Thomas Drive Northeast after receiving reports of a vehicle fire with a person trapped inside. Deputies said the vehicle had collided with a utility pole before catching fire.

The woman suffered minor burn injuries and was transported by air ambulance to a regional hospital for treatment. Her condition has not been released. Authorities emphasized that the information released so far is early and verified but remains incomplete and subject to change as the investigation continues. Additional details will be shared when they become available. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Source One News

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PHOTOS: An early morning fire broke out on the 500 block of Yakima’s West I Street on Thursday, January 22. By 5:45AM,the entire single family home was engulfed. The Yakima Fire Department confirm that one person was found dead in the home that had no functioning smoke alarms.

KIMA-TV CBS/CW+ 29 Yakima

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In Part 1, we covered some basic concepts of safety and maintenance of common hand tools. This is only going to scratch the surface of hand tools and learning their application. In part 2, we will cover more tools and their uses.

The post Proper Use and Maintenance of Hand Tools, Part 2 appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.