Requests for Service - November 2016

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	November	2016 (YTD)	2015 (YTD)
Fire	91	1,508	1,702
Emergency Medical	3,063	34,715	33,519
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	608	6,530	6,160
Total	3,762	42,753	41,381

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Probationary Firefighters Celebrate Milestone

Probationary Firefighters celebrate a milestone today as they achieve the rank of Firefighter with the department.

The culmination of a one-year hiring process, Probationary Firefighters have successfully completed an initial 16-week Recruit Academy and subsequent hands-on and competency based testing in fire suppression, emergency medical services, search and rescue and hazardous materials operations.

On behalf of the citizens we serve, and the Tacoma Fire Department, congratulations!

2016 Tacoma Firefighters Christmas Project

Tacoma Firefighters raise $14,000 to brighten the holidays for 140 local families.

For the past 28 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 140 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 28 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 contact Captain Jim Lee at (253) 381-0851.

Requests for Service - October 2016

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	October	2016 (YTD)	2015 (YTD)
Fire	91	1,417	1,609
Emergency Medical	3,180	31,652	30,510
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	644	5,922	5,543
Total	3,915	38,991	37,662

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Great Shakeout 2016

Millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover and Hold On at 10:20 a.m. on October 20 during Great Shakeout Earthquake Drills!

Join them!

Details at www.shakeout.org/washington.

National Fire Prevention Week - 2016

It's #nationalfirepreventionweek and this year's theme is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”

• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
• Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms are in your home.
• To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.

Visit Fire Prevention Week for addition details. 

Dr. James G. Billingsley recognized for 49 years of service as TFD Medical Director

A message from Tacoma Fire Chief James P. Duggan.

At last night's Tacoma City Council Meeting, Mayor Marilyn Strickland recognized Dr. James G. Billingsley for his service as TFD's Medical Director and his dedication in supporting the Tacoma Fire Department, our members, and the community. 

In 1967, Dr. James Billingsley knocked on the door of our training center to ask whether the Tacoma Fire Department might be interested in starting a high-quality paramedic service to benefit the citizens of Tacoma. The answer must have been yes because the first TFD paramedic class would graduate in 1973, just one year after Washington State law changed to allow paramedics to perform physician-level skills without a physician being present on the scene of the emergency.

During his tenure with the Tacoma Fire Department, Dr. Billingsley has advised seven fire chiefs—a third of all the fire chiefs in the history of the department—assistant chiefs of EMS, medical services officers and, of course, every firefighter who has served as a TFD paramedic. In his role as our medical director, he has provided leadership, guidance, quality assurance, and medical oversight to ensure that the citizens of Tacoma received emergency care of the highest quality.

Dr. Billingsley’s involvement with the community has been broad and deep. He served as medical director of St. Joseph, St. Clare, and St. Francis hospitals and practiced pulmonary and critical medicine until 1999. He has been involved with the health department in tuberculosis treatment, and the Blood Bank as their medical director, serving as a board member for 25 years. He has been active in aviation, both as a pilot and as a medical focus. He served on the boards for Tacoma Twins Baseball and the Tacoma Youth Symphony.

We are grateful and honored that Dr. Billingsley’s longest involvement has been with the organization closest to his heart, the Tacoma Fire Department. We wish Dr. Billingsley the best as he begins his retirement at the end of this year. Although we will fill his medical director’s role in order to continue his legacy, Dr. James G. Billingsley will always be the patron saint of the Tacoma Fire Department and EMS patients in our community.   

1st TFD Paramedic Class 1973

Registration is open for CPR Sunday 2016!

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. 9, 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 - August 2016

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	August	2016 (YTD)	2015 (YTD)
Fire	237	1,201	1,433
Emergency Medical	3,289	25,518	24,391
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	616	4,701	4,350
Total	4,142	31,420	30,174

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Tacoma Fire Department is currently accepting applications for Lateral Entry – Firefighter Paramedic.

TFD is currently seeking highly qualified candidates who are eligible for a lateral hire as Firefighter Paramedics in Washington State.

This is your opportunity to join one of the most progressive, innovative and dynamic fire departments in the region. Our well-rounded Firefighter Paramedics function on the leading edge of pre-hospital emergency medicine, meeting the daily challenges that come with serving a busy municipal fire department.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the TFD team, check out the details and complete the on-line job application.

September 11 Remembrance Ceremony - 2016

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

National Preparedness Month - 2016

September is recognized as National Preparedness Month.

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 for work.  

Requests for Service Report - July 2016

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	July	2016 (YTD)	2015 (YTD)
Fire	232	964	1,244
Emergency Medical	3,149	22,229	21,332
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	619	4,085	3,751
Total	4,000	27,278	26,327

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When and when not to call 911

A message from our FDCares program.

Requests for Service - June 2016

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	June	2016 (YTD)	2015 (YTD)
Fire	166	732	781
Emergency Medical	2,976	19,080	18,100
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	598	3,466	3,137
Total	3,740	23,278	22,018

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TFD earns AHA Lifeline Award

The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Award, the highest level of recognition for this program, 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 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 220,000 citizens served by TFD—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 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 electrocardiograms (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.

Spotlight on Training - Wildfires

TFD is gearing up for the summer fire season by practicing wildfire firefighting skills at Pt. Defiance Park this week. Crews are working on the specialized hose handling, suppression techniques, and mop up that are unique to large grass, brush and tree fires. They are also familiarizing themselves with the department’s new “Brush Truck” specifically designed for wildfire incidents. The 4x4 apparatus is equipped with a 400-gallon water tank, 10-gallon Class A foam tank, wildland hose and an 85 GPM pump. The size and versatility of the Brush Truck improve TFD’s ability to access fires in remote locations.

       

Fireworks and 4th of July Safety

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. 

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

For additional information please visit our website. 

Requests for Service - May 2016

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	May	2016 (YTD)	2015 (YTD)
Fire	200	566	506
Emergency Medical	3,375	16,104	15,084
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	556	2,868	2,587
Total	4,131	19,538	18,177

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Summer Heat - 2016

With the temperatures expected to reach 90 degrees this weekend, City of Tacoma Emergency Management recommends the following actions to minimize the 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 National Weather Service and the Center for Disease Control.

Requests for Service - April 2016

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	April	2016 (YTD)	2015 (YTD)
Fire	124	366	359
Emergency Medical	3,168	12,729	12,001
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	551	2,312	2,047
Total	3,843	15,407	14,407

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City Service Expo - tomorrow from 10-3 at the Tacoma Dome

We hope to see you tomorrow at the City Service Expo. Free parking. Lots of fun. Bring the family.

It's almost here - City Services Expo May 7th, 2016

Join us at the City of Tacoma Service Expo.

May 7, 2016
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tacoma Dome + Parking Lot

 Hope to see you there!

Requests for Service - March 2016

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	March	2016 (YTD)	2015 (YTD)
Fire	79	242	257
Emergency Medical	3,268	9,559	8,975
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	600	1,759	1,547
Total	3,947	11,560	10,779

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Early morning blaze at 21st & Commerce St.

Just before 1:00 a.m. this morning, crews responded to a reported fire in a parking garage/warehouse at 2134 Commerce Street (former Tacoma Steel Supply Company). Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames and smoke showing from the very large buildings constructed in the 1920/30's.

Given the size of the fire and the collapse of portions of the structure, a second alarm was initiated to bring additional resources to the scene. Approximately 60 personnel battled the blaze with aerial master streams and ground monitors. Three firefighters were treated for minor injuries and there are no additional injuries to report. Power to several nearby buildings was knocked out when the flames burned through lines on the South “C” Street side of the incident.

The fire remains undetermined at this time. Note - given the instability of the structures, the cause and origin investigation is delayed until it can be made safe to do so.

Checkout this cellphone video from warehouse #fire in @CityofTacoma near @uwtacoma @TacomaFire pic.twitter.com/Jm8JT9NE16

— KIRO 7 Jussero (@JJusseroKIRO7) April 17, 2016

Recruit Firefighters Celebrate Milestone

Recruit firefighters celebrated a milestone today with their completion of TFD’s academy. Working their way through a year-long training and evaluation process, graduates completed their initial 16 weeks of classroom, hands-on and competency based testing in fire suppression, emergency medical services, search and rescue and hazardous materials operations.

Having obtained probationary firefighter status today, they will continue their training and testing over the next 9 months. If successful during this phase, they achieve the rank of Firefighter in full standing with the department.

On behalf of the citizens we serve, and the Tacoma Fire Department, congratulations recruits!

Training Burn at 1710 S. Fawcett Avenue

Tacoma Fire is conducting a training burn today at 1710 S. Fawcett Avenue. Live-fire training in a controlled environment is a valuable tool in developing firefighting skills.

Recruit firefighters are practicing interior fire attack, hose handling, and observing fire behavior. Drills in the morning, with the final burn scheduled for the early afternoon. Flames and smoke may be visible from the area throughout the day.

Requests for Service - February 2016

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	February	2016 (YTD)	2015 (YTD)
Fire	73	163	146
Emergency Medical	3,040	6,291	5,819
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	542	1,159	1,003
Total	3,655	7,613	6,968

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Save the Date - City Services Expo

Join us at the City of Tacoma Service Expo.

May 7, 2016
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tacoma Dome + Parking Lot

 Hope to see you there!

Requests for Service - January 2016

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	January	2016 (YTD)	2015 (YTD)
Fire	90	90	79
Emergency Medical	3,251	3,251	3,039
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	617	617	518
Total	3,958	3,958	3,636

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Requests for Service - December 2015

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	December	2015 (YTD)	2014 (YTD)
Fire	83	1,785	1,405
Emergency Medical	3,212	36,371	34,647
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	492	6,210	5,615
Total	3,787	44,366	41,667

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