Probationary Firefighter/Paramedics Celebrate Milestone

Probationary Firefighter/Paramedics celebrate a milestone today as they achieve full rank with the department.

The culmination of a one-year hiring process, they have successfully completed an initial Recruit Academy and subsequent hands-on training and competency-based testing in fire suppression, emergency medical services, search and rescue and hazardous materials operations.

This is TFD’s first class of Firefighter/Paramedics established through lateral transfer.
 

Tacoma Firefighters raise $10,000 to brighten the holidays for 110 local families - 2017

For the past 29 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 $10,000 dollars to help more than 110 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 Tacoma Firefighter Dinean Stayk. "We are also very grateful for the generous support from active and retired Tacoma Firefighters throughout the years. Without their commitment to the community and this program, none of this would have been possible," said Stayk.

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

For additional information, contact Firefighter Stayk at (253) 370-9910.

Requests for Service Report - November 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	November	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	65	1,515	1,508
Emergency Medical	3,023	34,790	34,715
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	719	7,175	6,530
Total	3,807	43,480	42,753

HTML Tables

Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

A recipe for a SAFE and happy Thanksgiving!

Did you know that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires? Here is a recipe for a SAFE and happy Thanksgiving!

Requests for Service - October 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	October	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	100	1,450	1,417
Emergency Medical	3,282	31,767	31,652
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	676	6,456	5,922
Total	4,058	39,673	38,991

HTML Tables

Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Kidde Recalls Fire Extinguishers with Plastic Handles Due to Failure to Discharge and Nozzle Detachment

Please check your fire extinguishers!

For additional information visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Kidde.

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. Here are tips you can share with kids to reduce their risk of injury.

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. Here are tips you can share with kids to reduce their risk of injury.: Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. Here are tips you can share with kids to reduce their risk of injury.

Collaboration with UWT to improve Firefighter Safety

Fire Chief Jim Duggan has been working with the University of Washington Tacoma to improve firefighter safety. Here is an article on Dr. Matt Tolentino's projects. Dr. Tolentino is an Assistant Professor in UWT's Institute of Technology.

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill at 10:19 on October 19th, 2017

Tomorrow is the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill!

Millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover and Hold On at 10:19am on October 19 during Great ShakeOut drills. We are participating - hope you are too!

Requests for Service Report - September 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	September	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	175	1,350	1,326
Emergency Medical	3,095	28,485	28,472
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	603	5,780	5,278
Total	3,873	35,615	35,076

HTML Tables

Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Fire Prevention Week - 2017

It's Fire Prevention Week 2017! This year's theme: "Every second counts - plan 2 ways out"

Spotlight on Training - Trench Rescue

Firefighters on TFD’s Technical Rescue team are training on trench rescue operations. 

Objectives include using a "waler" system to protect an open space inside a trench, lifting a heavy object at the bottom of a trench, and working around obstacles to safely lift patients. 

“Trench rescue can be one of the most dangerous operations we respond to," said Captain Scott Nicholson. “Hands-on training helps our personnel be well equipped to save someone trapped and ensure firefighter safety during these high-risk operations.” 

TFD's Technical Rescue team is trained to conduct rope, trench, confined space, structural collapse and technical extrication in vehicle/machinery.

Requests for Service Report - August 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	August	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	223	1,175	1,201
Emergency Medical	3,291	25,390	25,518
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	669	5,177	4,701
Total	4,183	31,742	31,420

HTML Tables

Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

September 11 Remembrance - 2017

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

September is National Preparedness Month - 2017

This year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” It serves as a great reminder that we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and visit.

One of the keys to surviving a disaster is to have seven to 14 days’ worth of supplies on hand. Check out the following videos for details on the types of supplies to include in your disaster kit for home and work. For more detailed information visit, cityoftacoma.org/prepare and ready.gov.

Save the Date - September 11 Remembrance Ceremony

Tacoma Fire Department will honor the heroes and victims of 9/11 at a public remembrance ceremony beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017. 

Please join us at the Firefighter’s Memorial, 3301 Ruston Way, as the nation keeps its solemn vow that “we will never forget.” 

Registration is now open for CPR Sunday - 2017

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. 8, at Foss High School, 2112 S. Tyler St. in Tacoma.

In order to secure your preferred class time please register.

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.

Requests for Service - July 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	July	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	323	952	964
Emergency Medical	3,185	22,099	22,229
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	640	4,508	4,085
Total	4,148	27,559	27,278

HTML Tables

Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

TFD's collaboration with the University of Washington Tacoma

TFD’s innovative collaboration with the University of Washington Tacoma was highlighted at the annual conference of the International Association of Fire Chief’s, held last week in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Requests for Service Report - June 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	June	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	130	610	732
Emergency Medical	3,150	18,914	19,080
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	686	3,887	3,466
Total	3,966	23,411	23,278

HTML Tables

Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Fireworks and 4th of July Safety - 2017

Reminder:

• Personal fireworks use is banned in the City of Tacoma. 
• Violators are subject to a $257 fine and the confiscation of their fireworks. 
• Please call (253) 798-4721 to report suspected violations. 
• Tacoma Police Department will respond to fireworks-related calls as units become available. 

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

For additional information, please visit our website. 

Summer Heat - 2017

With the temperatures expected to reach 90+ degrees this week, City of Tacoma Emergency Management recommends the following actions to minimize the health risks of hot weather throughout the 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 the TPCHD, National Weather Service and the Center for Disease Control.

Requests for Service Report - May 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	May	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	125	480	566
Emergency Medical	3,389	15,764	16,104
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	663	3,201	2,868
Total	4,177	19,445	19,538

HTML Tables

Protecting People, Property & the Environment

TFD Earns American Heart Association Lifeline Award - 2017

The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Award, their program’s highest level of recognition, 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 heart attack caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart.

TFD was recognized for its early and accurate interpretation of 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), which can determine if a heart attack is occurring, and for following EMS protocols derived from national guidelines. The correct tools and training allow firefighter-paramedics to alert the hospitals that an incoming patient will need immediate treatment in a cardiac lab. 

Mock DUI simulation brings safety message to Fife High School Students - 2017

TFD, Fife Police Department, Airlift NW and Fife School District teamed up today to participate in a "mock" driving under the influence (DUI) simulation at Fife High School. As a part of the powerful "Every 15 Minute Program," students have been learning first hand about the devastating consequences of unsafe driving choices.  

With students celebrating at their prom and graduation parties over the next few weeks the message is simple: PLEASE - DON'T DRINK/TEXT AND DRIVE!

Barbecue Grilling Safety

With the weather finally starting to warm up and since we are all a bit "rusty" (pun intended!) from this really long and wet winter, a friendly reminder on BBQ Grilling safety is in order.  

Requests for Service Report - April 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	April	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	84	355	366
Emergency Medical	2,976	12,375	12,729
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	613	2,898	2,312
Total	3,673	15,628	15,407

HTML Tables

Protecting People, Property & the Environment

Certificate of Commendation awarded for CPR/AED Intervention

Medical Services Officer Mike Newhouse awarded Certificates of Commendation to Emerald Queen Employees Anthony Santos, Joshua Ramsey, William Bales, and William Smith (not pictured) at a special gathering yesterday.

The four were recognized for performing CPR and using one of the Casinos Automated External Defibrillators to revive a patron that had suffered sudden cardiac arrest.

“Rapid intervention is critical. We are grateful that these four were able to act quickly to save a life,” said Fire Chief Jim Duggan.  

Information about free CPR classes is available from the Tacoma Fire Department. 

L to R: Anthony Santos, Joshua Ramsey, Medical Services Officer Mike Newhouse, William Bales

Requests for Service Report - March 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	March	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	84	271	242
Emergency Medical	3,139	9,399	9,561
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	610	1,925	1,761
Total	3,833	11,595	11,564

HTML Tables

Protecting People, Property & the Environment

Tacoma Fire Department graduates four firefighter/paramedics

Four Tacoma Firefighters graduated from our nationally accredited paramedic training program in a special ceremony this afternoon. The graduates successfully completed 18 months of rigorous academic coursework and hands-on training obtaining their National Registry Paramedic Certification.

Over the course of the program, each student worked their way through more than 5,000 pages of assigned reading, answering over 2,300 test questions on the material. The hands-on portion of the curriculum involved numerous clinical hours in the field and hospital settings and demonstrated competency in a variety of emergency medical techniques.

Class valedictorian Michael Steinhoff is the inaugural recipient of the Dr. James G. Billingsley Award for Academic Excellence.

The recently retired Dr. Billingsley served as the Tacoma Fire Department Medical Director for 49 years.  

Congratulations to all!

From Left to Right: Coordinator Chris Rock, FF/PM Amir Law, FF/PM Michael Steinhoff, FF/PM Andrew Yu, FF/PM Daniel Berg, Dr. Gerecht 

 

Requests for Service - January 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	January	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	111	111	90
Emergency Medical	3,472	3,472	3,251
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	703	703	617
Total	4,286	4,286	3,958

HTML Tables

Protecting People, Property & the Environment

TFD food drive supports YWCA - 2017

An annual event since 2003, Tacoma Fire Department is honored to support our local YWCA Women's Shelter. Firefighters and YWCA staff created a supply chain today to unload non-perishable staples, toiletries and infant care items that TFD employees donated to help support program participants in the coming months.

 Established in 1906, the YWCA Pierce County has devoted over a century to creating opportunity and safety for women and children in our community. A forerunner in the domestic violence service provision field, the YWCA established Washington State's first domestic violence shelter in 1976.

Requests for Service - December 2016

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	December	2016 (YTD)	2015 (YTD)
Fire	97	1,605	1,785
Emergency Medical	3,294	38,009	36,731
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	639	7,169	6,750
Total	4,030	46,783	45,266

HTML Tables

Protecting People, Property & the Environment