Thursday, December 21, 2017

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.
 



Thursday, December 14, 2017

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
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TFD Ladder with mission statement
Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

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!


Thursday, November 16, 2017

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
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TFD Ladder with mission statement
Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Thursday, October 19, 2017

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.


Wednesday, October 18, 2017

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!

Monday, October 16, 2017

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
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TFD Ladder with mission statement
Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Monday, October 9, 2017

Fire Prevention Week - 2017

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




Thursday, September 14, 2017

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.







Wednesday, September 13, 2017

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
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TFD Ladder with mission statement
Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Monday, September 11, 2017

September 11 Remembrance - 2017

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



Thursday, August 31, 2017

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.



Monday, August 28, 2017

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 Wayas the nation keeps its solemn vow that “we will never forget.” 


Tuesday, August 22, 2017

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.

registration

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.








Tuesday, August 15, 2017

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
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TFD Ladder with mission statement
Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

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.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

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
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TFD Ladder with mission statement
Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

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



Wednesday, June 21, 2017

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 TPCHDNational Weather Service and the Center for Disease Control.
National Environment Public Health Tracking Network

Thursday, June 15, 2017

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
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TFD Ladder with mission statement
Protecting People, Property & the Environment

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

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. 


Wednesday, May 24, 2017

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!




Friday, May 19, 2017

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.  




Thursday, May 18, 2017

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
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TFD Ladder with mission statement
Protecting People, Property & the Environment

Friday, April 14, 2017

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

Thursday, April 13, 2017

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
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TFD Ladder with mission statement
Protecting People, Property & the Environment

Thursday, March 2, 2017

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 
 

Friday, February 24, 2017

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



TFD Ladder with mission statement
Protecting People, Property & the Environment

Thursday, January 26, 2017

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.



Friday, January 20, 2017

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
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TFD Ladder with mission statement
Protecting People, Property & the Environment