Requests for Service Report - November 2015

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	November	2015 (YTD)	2014 (YTD)
Fire	93	1,702	1,328
Emergency Medical	3,009	33,519	31,575
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	617	6,160	5,264
Total	3,719	41,381	38,167

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2015 Tacoma Firefighters Christmas Project

Tacoma Firefighters raise $14,000 to brighten the holidays for 150 local families.

For the past 27 years, Tacoma Firefighters have brought holiday cheer to the lives of thousands of Tacoma children and their families with deliveries of food, clothing and gifts just before Christmas. This year, firefighters have raised over $14,000 dollars to help more than 150 children and families in need.

“It’s always a great honor to help bring a little happiness to those in need during the holidays,” said project co-founder Captain Jim Lee. "We are also very grateful for the generous support from active and retired Tacoma Firefighters throughout the past 27 years. Without their commitment to the community and this program, none of this would have been possible" said Lee.

Special deliveries from a fire engine, medic unit and Santa Claus are scheduled for Dec. 19 and Dec. 21. This year’s recipients were identified through the Tacoma School District Head Start Program, and YWCA Women’s Shelter.

For additional information regarding this event, contact Captain Jim Lee at (253) 381-0851.

Spotlight on firefighter survival training

Throughout the week, a select group of TFD personnel have been hard at work practicing firefighter survival skills. A train-the-trainer model, the Fire Ground Survival course sponsored by the International Association of Firefighters is a comprehensive curriculum developed using near misses, close calls, and firefighter fatalities to address the critical elements of fire ground survival. While the following photos illustrate a skills practice course, check out the video to get a better sense of the degree of difficulty with zero visibility - intense! 

Fall back on sound advice – time to change your clock and check your smoke alarm batteries!

Tacoma Fire Department urges you to check your smoke alarm batteries when you set your clocks back for Daylight Savings time this weekend. 

Smoke alarms most often fail because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries, so maintenance is a simple and effective way to protect your family and reduce home fire deaths.

For best protection, it is recommended that you install alarms utilizing both ionization and photoelectric technology and that have long life 10 year lithium ion batteries.

Visit the United States FireAdministration and National Fire Protection Association for additional information regarding smoke alarm types, installation, maintenance and safety.

Smoke alarm installation event with the Red Cross was a great success!

On Saturday October 24, twelve Tacoma Firefighters and twenty volunteers from the Mount Rainier Chapter of the American Red Cross teamed up to install smoke alarms and distribute emergency management information to residents and businesses in Tacoma’s Lincoln district.

In all, 153 smoke alarms were installed in 65 homes, and 300 emergency management packets were given to businesses and residents during the outreach event.  

Requests for service report - September 2015

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	September	2015 (YTD)	2014 (YTD)
Fire	85	1,518	1,175
Emergency Medical	2,964	27,355	25,753
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	552	4,902	4,160
Total	3,601	33,775	31,088

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Technical Rescue team responds for a patient aboard a large cargo ship

At 10:13 am Sunday October 18, TFD responded to a report of a person needing medical care aboard a large cargo ship anchored in Commencement Bay. Operationally, incident command determined that the safest method to move the patient was to lower them in a stokes stretcher to the fireboat Destiny waiting below. 

Firefighters used an on-board crane as fixed directional point and set a two rope system with a tag line to safely lower the stretcher approximately 60 feet. The patient was then transported via boat and ambulance to a local area hospital. 

The Great Washington ShakeOut 2015

Since earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live, or travel, Tacoma Fire Department stresses the importance of being prepared and practicing how to protect yourself during a quake.

At 10:15 a.m. on October 15, 2015, millions across the country will practice the survival skill of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”

The goal of the drill is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you, your organization, and your community. Why is this drill important? As with anything, to act quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you.

Visit the Great Washington ShakeOut for more details on how to participate!

CPR SUNDAY underway!

Over 1000 signed up for free CPR classes today. Still room for more. Sessions at 10:00, 12:00, & 2:00. Foss High School, 2112 S. Tyler St. Hope to see you soon.

Tacoma Public Schools Next Move Internship

Way to go Jessa!

October 4-10 is national Fire Prevention Week!

October 4-10 is national Fire Prevention Week.

This years theme: "Hear the BEEP where you SLEEP."

Help us sound the alarm that working smoke alarms save lives!

There is still time to sign up! CPR Sunday is October 11.

Just a reminder that CPR Sunday is October 11. Join us and learn how to save a life!

PrepareAthon 2015

We are half way through national preparedness month... "Don't wait. Communicate. Make an emergency plan today!" www.ready.gov/september

Requests for service report - August 2015

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	August	2015 (YTD)	2014 (YTD)
Fire	189	1,433	1,048
Emergency Medical	3,059	24,391	22,926
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	599	4,349	3,691
Total	3,847	30,174	27,665

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Thank you for joining us!

We are grateful for all who joined us to remember the lives lost and sacrifices made September 11, 2001.

Save the date - TFD hosts remembrance on September 11, 2015

On Friday September 11, 2015, the Tacoma Fire Department will honor the heroes and victims of 9/11 at a public remembrance ceremony beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Firefighter’s Memorial, 3301 Ruston Way. This year marks the 14th anniversary of this tragic event. 

The program will include speeches by Mayor Marilyn Strickland, Tacoma Fire Deputy Chief Toryono Green and Lieutenant Ray McCormack of FDNY.  

Please join us as the nation keeps its solemn vow that “we have not forgotten.” 

National Preparedness Month - September 2015

National Preparedness Month starts on September 1! This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”

Each week will focus on a different type of emergency and how you and your family can prepare. Don’t forget to be counted by adding your preparedness activity to the America’s PrepareAthon! website www.ready.gov/prepare.

• Week 1: September 1-5 Flood
• Week 2: September 6-12 Wildfire
• Week 3: September 13-19 Hurricane
• Week 4: September 14-26 Power Outage
• Week 5: September 27-30 Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day (September 30 )

For more details about National Preparedness Month, visit: www.ready.gov/september.

Collision results in leaking fuel tanks on two locomotives

At 10:32 Firefighters responded to a report of two locomotive engines making contact in the 2300 block of Cleveland Way. Crews arrived to find one engine off the tracks, and fuel spilling from the diesel tanks on both engines that had been compromised in the collision. 

Crews worked quickly to set up containment to capture as much diesel (est. 3,000 gallons) as possible and assessed and transported one patient from the accident with minor injuries.  A third party environmental company will work throughout the day to remove the fuel and contaminated soil at the site.

Requests for service report - July 2015

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	July	2015 (YTD)	2014 (YTD)
Fire	463	1,244	863
Emergency Medical	3,232	21,332	19,988
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	614	3,751	3,172
Total	4,309	26,327	24,023

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Registration is now open for CPR Sunday 2015

CPR Sunday is an annual community event offered free-of-charge to anyone interested in learning the basic life-saving skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). On the second Sunday in October each year, participants are taught the fundamentals of CPR and then given the opportunity to practice with CPR manikins and Automated External Defibrillators (AED). 

CPR Sunday will be held Oct. 11, at Foss High School, 2112 S. Tyler St. in Tacoma.

In order to secure your preferred class time please register at CPR Sunday.

What Attendees Can Expect

• More than 50 certified Basic Life Support instructors
• 1 1/2 hours of classroom training and 1 hour of hands on training
• Four class options: 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, or 2 PM
• Practical training with CPR manikins and AED's.

What Attendees Will Learn

• What happens when you call 9-1-1
• Patient assessment
• One rescuer adult/child/infant CPR and obstructed airway
• Automated external defibrillator use
• Foreign body airway obstruction management
• Essentials of a home first aid kit
• CPR-related information/reminder list for home and wallet

Note - this class is "Citizen Level CPR" and does not meet the Washington State Health Care Provider Level card requirements.

Reminder - firefighter application period ends two weeks from today!

If you or someone you know is interested in a career with the Tacoma Fire Department, we are currently accepting applications to establish a candidate eligibility list. The deadline for submitting your application is August 28, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.

Apply Here

Swan Creek Park Fire

Update: 8:00 AM - August 14.

As of Friday morning, the fire in the park is 100% contained. Firefighters from TFD and Central Pierce Fire and Rescue will be working hot spots throughout the day. No evacuations have taken place and no houses are currently threatened.
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At approximately 7:00 PM August 12, firefighters responded to a reported brush fire in the south central portion of Swan Creek Park. First arriving companies from Central Pierce Fire and Rescue (CPFR) found a large fire burning in the under brush and trees. Crews from CPFR and TFD returned to the scene today to battle the approximately 5 acre blaze that was firmly entrenched in a steep ravine adjacent to the creek bed.

Preliminary indications are that the fire was ignited during one of yesterday afternoons lightning strikes. Operationally, fire lines have been created with a bulldozer where accessible and firefighters have carried in wildland hose lines and tools to attack the fire. There are currently no evacuations or structures threatened, and no injuries to report. Smoke may be visible for a few days before the fire is fully extinguished.

Requests for service report - June 2015

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	June	2015 (YTD)	2014 (YTD)
Fire	275	781	575
Emergency Medical	3,016	18,100	17,040
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	550	3,137	2,648
Total	3,841	22,018	20,263

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1000 Man Family March and Festival

Save the date:  join us for the 1000 Man Family March and Festival on Saturday August 1, 2015.

Scrap Metal Fire Response

Firefighters responded to a reported scrap metal fire at a recycling business located at 1902 Marine View Drive at approximately 3:30 this afternoon. The first arriving companies found a fire that had ignited in a large pile of scrap material. Operationally, crews established master streams to contain the fire and plant personnel used a grappling hook machine to pull the pile apart to get at the core of the fire to extinguish it. The fire took over two-hours to bring under control and there were no injuries to report.

Fireworks and 4th of July Safety

TFD encourages you and your family to attend a public fireworks display to enjoy fireworks.

Reminder:

All Fireworks are illegal in the City of Tacoma. 

Violators are subject to a $257 dollar fine and the confiscation of their fireworks. 

Please call (253) 798-4722 to report suspected violations. 

Tacoma Police Department will respond to fireworks related calls as units become available.

Requests for Service Report - May 2015

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	May	2015 (YTD)	2014 (YTD)
Fire	147	506	406
Emergency Medical	3,083	15,084	14,161
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	540	2,587	2,202
Total	3,770	18,177	16,769

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Tacoma Fire Department earns national EMS award

In May, Tacoma Fire Department received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Award for implementing operational and quality improvement procedures that expedite treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.

Every year, more than 250,000 people nationwide experience a STEMI, or ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, a type of heart attack caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication.

Fortunately for the more than 218,000 citizens served by Tacoma Fire—including those living in Tacoma, Fircrest, Fife and Fire District 10—the firefighter-paramedics and firefighter-EMTs work closely with Tacoma General Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center as part of a comprehensive emergency cardiac care system. “This system benefits our citizens who have a STEMI-type of heart attack each year, as well as those who experience other serious cardiac conditions,” said TFD’s Medical Service Officer Mike Newhouse.

TFD was recognized for its early and accurate interpretation of 12-lead ECGs, which can determine if a heart attack is occurring, and for following protocols derived from national guidelines. The correct tools and training allow firefighter-paramedics to rapidly identify a STEMI patient and alert the hospitals that an incoming patient will need immediate treatment in a cardiac lab. This gives the hospitals time to assemble a specialized cardiac team to treat the patient.

“While Tacoma Fire is working hard with its partners to decrease the time to care for STEMI heart attack patients, many still wait too long before calling 9-1-1 with heart attack symptoms. For example, they may have unexplained chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, or dizziness or sweating” Newhouse said.

Live-Fire Training in Fife

On June 22 TFD conducted a structure fire training burn at 3914 Pacific Hwy East, Fife.

Live-fire training in a controlled environment is a valuable tool in developing firefighter skills. Training burns also help TFD comply with the states requirements for live-fire training. Firefighters practiced interior fire attack, hose handling, observing fire behavior, and recovering trapped firefighters.

TFD’s training center staff coordinated the regulatory aspects of the burn.

Extreme Heat Safety Strategies

With the temperatures soaring, City of Tacoma Emergency Management recommends the following actions to minimize the risks of hot weather this summer.

Adjust your attire and activities to limit heat exposure and exertion!

If you are going out, plan to wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing that covers as much of your skin as practical. Limit your exposure to direct sunlight between 10AM and 4PM, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.

Drink plenty of water before you become thirsty and rest in the shade before you become tired!

Water is normally the best drink during hot weather, and you'll need more than you think. Avoid soda, alcohol, or caffeine as they can make the heat's effect on your body worse. Symptoms of dehydration and heat illness may include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, nausea, muscle cramps, headache and vomiting.

Consider a cool place to visit or stay during the hottest part of the day.

Libraries, (note that Tacoma libraries are closed on Sunday and Monday) theaters, shopping malls and community facilities such as senior centers and parks may offer an air-conditioned refuge.

Many heat emergencies occur to people exercising, working or staying alone. Use a buddy system and check on elderly, disabled or at-risk neighbors on a regular basis. If you suspect someone is experiencing a medical emergency from extreme heat exposure, call 9-1-1.

Never leave children, pets or dependent adults alone in a hot car.

Even with the windows down, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can quickly rise to lethal levels.

More detailed heat safety information can be found at National Weather Service and the Center for Disease Control.