Spotlight on TFD's Building Inspection Program

Tacoma Fire Department Makes Opioid Overdose ‘Rescue Kits’ Available to Local Community Free of Charge

Tacoma, Wash. -- The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) is pioneering community distribution of free rescue kits containing the life-saving opioid overdose medication, Narcan, packaged as an easy-to-administer, fast-acting nasal spray. The free kits also include information about recovery programs available in the community.

“We want to move beyond simply treating opioid overdoses to treating the underlying addiction,” said Tacoma Fire Chief Jim Duggan. “After reversing a life-threatening overdose, TFD paramedics are well-positioned to provide referral information at a time when an individual might be most receptive to encouragement to enter a recovery program.”

After providing emergency treatment to an opioid patient, TFD paramedics would offer the patient or their companion a free kit.

“Included in that referral information is the phone number for our highly successful TFD CARES program,” said TFD Medical Services Officer Mike Newhouse. “Through TFD CARES, TFD nurses can help opioid patients navigate their way through the local healthcare system and find medical care for their addiction.”    

“We recognize that the distribution or later use of the free kits is not the end solution, but it serves as a mechanism to begin the conversation of access to care, treatment, and recovery,” said TFD Firefighter and Paramedic Kurt Gordon, who is coordinating the pilot program.  

According to the Washington State Department of Health, statewide, approximately two individuals die each day from opioid overdose. Locally, TFD has seen a 50 percent increase since 2013 in the administration of Narcan by paramedics for opioid-related emergency incidents.

This pilot project has been made possible through the Tacoma Fire Department’s partnership with the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute and the Point Defiance Aids Project. Funding comes from a statewide, five-year grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Requests for Service - December 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	December	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	88	1,603	1,605
Emergency Medical	3,208	37,998	38,009
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	734	7,909	7,169
Total	4,030	47,510	46,783

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

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

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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!