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Posted: Aug 2, 2018

Las Vegas firefighter creates key training for first responders

Las Vegas Paramedic/Firefighter Matthew Driscoll knew he had transported human trafficking victims in an ambulance. So when an injury forced him into light duty, he had an idea about how to spend that time: he started working on a training program to help first responders, hospital employees, counselors and social workers recognize signs they were encountering trafficking victims.
- PUB DATE: 8/2/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal
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Posted: Aug 2, 2018

Riverside Fire Authority Sues Lewis County Assessor, State Over Levy Dispute

The Riverside Fire Authority is seeking to recoup a six-figure amount in lost revenue from a discrepancy over levy collection, and it’s breaking new legal ground with a lawsuit against Lewis County and the Washington State Department of Revenue. At issue is whether levy limits — state laws governing the amount of property taxes that can be collected for a given levy — can be ignored when correcting a previous “underlevy,” a year in which the taxing authority failed to collect the proper amount from taxpayers.
- PUB DATE: 8/2/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Centralia Chronicle
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Posted: Aug 2, 2018

Longview police and fire departments train in active shooter simulation

At Columbia Heights Elementary School on Wednesday, police and firefighters knocked open doors, searched for gunmen, and rushed to save the lives of victims. The smell and blast of gunpowder gave the scene the scent and sound of a real gunfight. But it wasn’t real. It was one of many scenarios during a six-day active shooter training session, which police and fire personnel used to test their inter-department communication and readiness for one of the worst kinds of calls they can receive.
- PUB DATE: 8/1/2018 10:29:57 PM - SOURCE: Longview Daily News
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Posted: Aug 2, 2018

Fire Truck Photo of the Day-Custom Fab & Body Rescue

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Posted: Aug 2, 2018

Fireground and Fire Apparatus Decontamination

SCOTT BEECHER
Fire Apparatus Manufactures Association logo

The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) is committed to the manufacture and sale of safe, efficient fire apparatus and fire equipment.

Its goal is to provide tools and information to promote fire apparatus safety. With that goal in mind, member companies have been learning about the need to better protect firefighters from exposure to contaminants picked up while working at the fire scene.

Cycle of Contamination

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network published a white paper titled, “Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service.” It identified areas where firefighters were highly likely to be exposed to contaminants. The report cited that contaminated gear was often placed into the cabs after a fire, and the interior of the apparatus cab was rarely decontaminated. The contaminated particles will attach to their gear and transfer to the apparatus. Upon return to the station, contaminants will adhere to the walls and other equipment, resulting in off-gassing of contaminants. Exposure is not only a risk to the firefighter but to the public who may visit the fire station and family members if the contaminants are not completely removed before end of shift and the firefighter goes home.

Breaking the Cycle

The State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries, Safety & Health Investment Projects, funded an initiative to establish a manual on the “Best Practice for Reducing Fire Fighter Risk of Exposures to Carcinogens.” The research was conducted in cooperation with the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

They published the “Healthy In, Healthy Out” report that contains a list of best practices including a section devoted to apparatus design. Apparatus can be designed with careful thought given to biological and chemical contamination and the potential for cross contamination both inside the fire station and while on scene. The following is a synopsis of its recommendations:

  • Avoid storing contaminated self-contained breathing apparatus in the cab.
  • Use seat covering material that is easy to clean.
  • Provide warm water for initial decontamination prior to re-entering the cab.
  • Use cab flooring material that is easy to clean.
  • Exhaust pipes should be designed to exit away from personnel.
  • Cab interiors should be designed for easy cleaning.
  • There should be a dedicated location for dirty turnout gear that is isolated from occupant space.

Diesel Engine Contaminants

In addition to reducing the risk of fireground contaminants, departments should consider steps to reduce exposure from diesel engine exhaust in living quarters of fire stations. The following steps can Read more

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