1st Responder News FDNY December Edition

This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of the New York City Fire Department PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

FDNY NEWS

WWW.1RBN.COM

DECEMBER, 2015

ALLEN EPSTEIN

On October 18, 2015, FDNY firefighters responded to 103 Street and 32 Avenue for heavy fire in a private home. Crews found fire on the first floor in the rear with extension to the second floor.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

ALLEN EPSTEIN

FDNY firefighters line up next to NYPD officers waiting for the remains of the officer

JEFF CRIANZA

Police officer killed In The Line Of Duty

ALLEN EPSTEIN

An NYPD housing officer was killed Tuesday night, October 20th, shot in the head by a triggerhappy perp during a chase and gunfight on a pedestrian overpass above the FDR Drive in East Harlem, police said. JUMP TO FILE # Officer Ran- 102115100 dolph Holder, 33, was shot in the forehead by th0e callous gunman, who had stolen a bike and was being pursued by cops along the promenade hugging the East River around 8:30 p.m., Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said.

The brave officer died at 10:22 p.m. at Harlem Hospital.

A suspect, shot in the legs, was arrested.

- JEFF CRIANZA

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Three alarms in Bronx taxpayer

On October 25, 2015, a three alarm fire ripped through a Bronx taxpayer. FDNY firefighters were alerted to the commercial fire at 358 Bedford Park Boulevard at Decatur Avenue. Fire was found in two stores in a 50x100 one brick commercial. Heavy fire was found throughout and through the roof with extension to exposure four. Two tower ladders, five lines and two multiverses were used to extinguish the fire.

Officer Randolf Holder

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DCPI

23 Engine FDNY HOUSES FDNY HOUSES by Larry Woodcock

Welcome to Midtown Manhattan, a place that never sleeps and will always be the heartbeat of New York City. This area contains some of the most world famous commercial real estate and recognized buildings. It is also home to one the city’s best looking firehouses, from an architectural standpoint.

23-Engine also known as the Lions Den, is located at 215 West 58th Street. A short distance from the firehouse at the intersection of 59th Street is Central Park West.

At Broadway and Eighth Avenue is Columbus Circle, named after Christopher Columbus. The circle was erected in 1892 as part of New York City’s celebration of the 400-year anniversary of Columbus landing in America.

It is situated at the Merchant’s Gate, Central Park’s Eighth Avenue entrance. The monument in the center of the circle was created by Italian Sculptor Gaetano Russo. The monument consists of a marble statue of Columbus atop a 70 foot granite column decorated with bronze reliefs of Columbus’ ships: the Nina, Pinta, and the Santa Maria.

It’s pedestal features an angel holding a globe. The circle has appeared in over one hundred movies and T.V. series’. It is also an award winner for urban excellence.

The first due area of 23-Engine includes Carnegie Hall located on Seventh Avenue and 56th Street. Built by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, it is one of the most prestigious places in the world for classical music. The 3,671 seat auditorium was built in 1891 and is divided into three separate auditoriums.

The main hall seats 2,800 and is named after Violinist Isaac Stern is extremely high. Visitors sitting in the top balcony must climb 137 steps to get there. As it is a New York City landmark building, it is also on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Engine-23 is one of the original companies in the FDNY. It was organized on October 6,1865 and it’s first house was at 153 West 68th Street. They moved to their current location in July of 1906.

My friend Mike Shepherd, who works in Squad 41 was off duty and working in Midtown Manhattan on 9/11 at his side job, welding. He heard about the first plane strike and like most of us, just thought it was a small plane and nothing but accidental.

After the second plane, he and everyone knew that it was no

accident. He was close to 23’s firehouse and went over there just as they were being sent. He told the lieutenant who he was, from what company, and he got on the rig with them.

As they headed down the West Side Highway, the towers came into view. The looks on the faces of the guys in the back with him told the story of how bad this looked and was about to get.

Mike wrote down his name and badge number and gave it to the firefighters across from him and he said what are you giving me this for? Mike said that this is going to be a bad job and a lot of people are going to die.

As they got to the scene, there was an extra turnout coat with helmet and gloves, but no pants or boots. Mike grabbed a roll up and was prepared to go in.

The lieutenant, who was covering that day, said that he couldn’t let Mike go in with them. He said to go the command post and find a chief, essentially saving his life. Mike survived both tower collapses and helped many people that day.

All five firefighters from 23Engine perished in the collapse.

Their bodies were never found. As there were many incredible stories that day and many that I have heard from guys I know on the job, this one really makes one think how things in life play out.

Mike knew these five guys for all of fifteen minutes that day and will remember them for the rest of his life. The men of 23-Engine, like so many others that day, entered into those buildings knowing that they might not make it back from this one.

23-Engine, one of the first companies established in the Fire Department in the City of New York has had ten line of duty deaths protecting the citizens of New York City, and though they are gone, their legacy and their sacrifice lives on.

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

December, 2015

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LARRY WOODCOCK

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Residential sprinklers versus firefighter safety STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

JEFF CRIANZA

Lower Manhattan All Hands On Friday morning, October 9th, Manhattan transmitted the box for a structure fire at 155 Duane St. Upon arrival of Engine 7, they transmitted a 10-75 for heavy smoke from a four story OMD. Firefighters found a large amount of books on the first floor burning. The fire was knocked down fast and the building was vented.

On August 13th, the New York City Council passed legislation that requires the installation of automatic fire sprinklers in pet stores that house animals for 24 hours.

The deadline for compliance is December 2016.

The councilman sponsoring the bill, Councilman Corey Johnson was quoted as saying the sprinklers will save the lives of animals and firefighters who attempt to rescue them.

Contrary to Mr. Johnson’s concerns for firefighters, on August 19, the New York State Codes Council, after extensive lobbying by the construction and realtors association, failed to adopt requiring the installation of residential sprinklers in all new one and two family homes.

The Code will still require residential sprinklers in wood frame construction that exceeds two floors above grade. Needless to say, this was a disappointing defeat for the New York fire service, which had waged its own lobbying campaign in support of the requirement.

Executive Director Jerry DeLuca of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) commented, “I am deeply disappointed that in voting to remove residential sprinklers from the statewide building code, members of the Code Council have chosen to put profit ahead of safety.”

On October 13, the Minnesota Court of Appeals overturned the residential sprinkler requirement that required the installation of residential fire sprinklers in all newly constructed homes in excess of 4500 square feet. The Builders Association of the Twin Cities had initiated the appeal of the requirement by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry claiming the 4500 square foot size was an arbitrary figure and unsupported.

The Minnesota Court issued the following statement: “We are mindful today that we are declaring a rule adopted by an administrative agency of the state invalid. We do not do so lightly, but rather thoughtfully and unanimously. Nevertheless, we are bound to apply the law.”

The executive director of the Builders Association of the Twin

Cities also issued a statement: “Safety is the highest priority of Minnesota builders, and we are proud that new homes in Minnesota are among the safest in the nation.

The sprinkler mandate would not have changed that safety record, but it would have made homes more expensive for Minnesota families. The Court’s decision to invalidate the sprinkler rule confirms what the public, legislature, and code experts have overwhelmingly stated all along, the sprinkler mandate is arbitrary and not supported.”

A few key issues in the debate over residential fire sprinklers is the additional cost for purchasing a new home requiring sprinkler installation when most homes require smoke detectors which do an excellent job in alerting the residents to exit the home in a timely and safe manner.

Also, that the older homes will not be required to have sprinkler systems thereby presenting a greater loss of life hazard than the newer constructed homes.

I don’t think so!

The modern constructed homes burn faster and hotter due to contents and materials and the collapse dangers are increased by the use of truss construction in floors and roofs, posing an increased life hazard to firefighting personnel.

The answer to this issue is for firefighters to operate from exterior positions, avoiding any possibility of being trapped in a collapse.

Over the past few years, the concern for firefighter safety has increased due to the economic climate of the nation.

The reductions in staffing in many municipal departments and the decrease in volunteer firefighters could be offset to some degree by the installation of fire sprinklers in the home.

It would seem that with the reduced number of firefighters, there would be a far greater justification for residential sprinklers.

If all the newly constructed homes that have been built over the past 25 years had been required to have residential sprinklers installed, maybe we could face the present economic crisis and firefighter cutbacks feeling a little more secure about the safety of firefighters and the people residing in those homes.

New York City Councilman Corey Johnson was concerned with not only saving lives of animals, but firefighters also.

Till next time stay safe and God Bless!

For additional columns

by Chief Campbell, visit our website at www.1rbn.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

December, 2015

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

IN SERVICE

If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

JOHN HOPPER

FDNY Rescue Medic Ambulance is a 2014 International TerraStar

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Heavy fire in a private home BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

FDNY Engine 308 Hose Wagon, former Satellite 3, was converted by the FDNY shops to carry a full hose bed of 6” LDH for response to an incident at Kennedy International Airport, where there are no hydrants on the tarmac.

FDNY Incident Management Team is a 2006 LDV

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

FDNY Engine 273 – a 2009 Seagrave with Mets pinstripes that is first due at Citifield.

On October 18, 2015, FDNY firefighters responded to 103 Street and 32 Avenue for heavy fire in a private home. Crews found fire on the first floor in the rear with extension to the second floor. The truck company opened up the roof and cockloft and the main body of fire was knocked down quickly. Three hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.

BOB LONG

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

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All hands fire in Manhattan

JOHN HOPPER

Second alarm in the Bronx On Friday, October 9, 2015 at approximately 6:50 p.m., Bronx companies turned out to 985 East 163rd Street for a report of a smoke condition on the fifth floor. Units arrived on scene to find fire on the top floor of a five story 230x75 occupied multiple dwelling. Battalion 3 transmitted a 10-75 and requested an extra engine and truck. The fire quickly spread up a pipe chase into the cockloft. Battalion 3 immediately transmitted a second alarm. The fire was located in the cockloft and was quickly knocked down. The incident was placed under control with an approximate 45 minute duration.

On Friday, November 6, 2015 at approximately 12:05 p.m., Manhattan dispatchers started receiving multiple calls for a fire in a store at 604 West 207 Street and Broadway in the Inwood section of JUMP TO FILE # 110915105 Manhattan.

Four engines, two trucks and Rescue 3 were assigned due to the amount of calls.

Engine 95 quickly arrived on scene and transmitted a 10-75 for fire through the roof of a taxpayer.

Battalion 19 arrived on scene and put All Hands to work and requested an additional engine and truck.

The fire was located in the duct work of this one story 75x100 restaurant. The fire was knocked down with the help of three hand lines, two in the building and one on the roof.

All searches were negative and the incident was placed under control with an approximate 50 minute duration.

- JOHN HOPPER

JOHN HOPPER

Vehicle News

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Small job in second floor apartment On November 7, 2015, FDNY firefighters were alerted for a fire in an apartment at Greene and Irving Avenues in Brooklyn. Crews arrived at the three brick mixed dwelling to find a small fire in a rear apartment on the second floor. One hose line was used to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

FDNY Engine 294 is a a 2016 KME (shop # KP 16024)

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

December, 2015

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ALLEN EPSTEIN

Manhole fires in Queens

ALLEN EPSTEIN

On October 27, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched for multiple manhole fires at Gates and Woodward Avenues in Queens. Units checked for carbon monoxide in the nearby buildings and awaited utility crews. Firefighters stoodby with a line and were quickly able to contain the fire.

Three alarms needed in Forest Hills On November 9th, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to a very large house on fire at 112d Street and 68th Drive in Forest Hills, Queens. Firefighters arrived to find a fully involved large house, which was under construction.

JUMP TO FILE #110915102 A full collapse occurred very early, prompting a second alarm upon arrival. Three towers were

used along with two deck guns and six hands lines to protect exposures two and three. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- ALLEN EPSTEIN

Vehicle News

Two of a number of 2015 International TerraStar/Wheeled FDNY Engine Co. 75 received a new KME 2000-gpm/500- FDNY Ladder Co, 27 operates a 2013 Ferrara 100-foot Coach Rescue Medic ambulances sold to the FDNY by gwt pumper. rear mount.

Campbell Supply Co. LLC JOHN M. MALECKY

RON JEFFERS

RON JEFFERS

RON JEFFERS

RON JEFFERS

RON JEFFERS

FDNY Ladder Co. 56 operates a 2013 Ferarra 100-foot FDNY Engine Co. 42 has been assigned a 2015 KME FDNY Engine Co, 46 operates a 2015 KME 2000rear mount aerial ladder.

2000-gpm/500-gwt pumper. gpm/500-gwt pumper.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

Season of Change EMS ISSUE

CHELLE CORDERO

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Top floor fire in Queens On October 15, 2015, FDNY crews were dispatched to 100 Street and 42 Avenue for a small fire on the top floor of a three brick. One hose line was used to quickly knock it down.

FDNY

Overnight fire in Chelsea

Overnight on the morning of October 20th, FDNY a fire on West 17 Street in Chelsea evoked a fifth-alarm response form FDNY. There were no civilian injuries.

Emergency Medical Services have consistently evolving protocols in the quest to provide superior prehospital care for every patient.

In the past few months, significant updates have included the re-introduction of tourniquets, far less reliance on backboards, and updated AHA CPR guidelines.

Some of these guidelines have already been put into practice, but it is up to the individual agency to ensure that all providers are updated and utilizing new protocols in a timely fashion.

Key updates regarding tourniquets: Tourniquets have always been a part of practice, but were generally reserved as the “last resort” in potentially life threatening bleeds.

Under the update, attempts to control bleeding begins with a sterile dressing and direct pressure; hemostatic dressings can be applied directly to the site in severe or arterial bleeds and covered with sterile dressings before applying direct pressure.

Elevation and pressure points are no longer advised if bleeding is not controlled with direct pressure. If the wound site is accessible for tourniquet use (i.e.: extremities), then a tourniquet may be used as the first-line of treatment to control bleeding.

Recent studies have suggested that patients experience better outcomes in cases of severe bleeding when tourniquets have been used properly and applied quickly.

When applying the tourniquet, follow manufacturer’s guidelines and always apply the tourniquet proximal to the wound site.

Do not remove the tourniquet once it has been applied unless instructed to do so by medical control.

Monitor the wound site for signs of profuse bleeding through the dressings.

The tourniquet should be tight enough to prevent distal pulses. If bleeding is still not controlled, a second tourniquet should be applied ap-

proximately one to three inches proximal to the first.

One of the contraindications of using a tourniquet except as a last resort is if the patient has a Hemodialysis catheter/AV fistula in the limb.

Key changes regarding the use of backboards: Healthcare providers will assess high or low risk spinal injury patients to determine whether spinal motion restriction or traditional spinal immobilization is recommended.

Studies have shown that there are negative effects of prolonged spinal immobilization on a hard backboard including increased pain, higher risk of aspiration and skin ulcerations.

Spinal motion restriction can include the use of a cervical collar and securing the patient to an ambulance stretcher. The purpose is to reduce the patient’s movement and prevent further injury to the spine.

All patients suspected of spinal injury need to be assessed and monitored for signs of altered mental status, complaints of pain, and numbness or tingling of extremities.

The highest level of medical personnel caring for the patient will make the determination regarding the use of a cervical collar or not.

Key updates in CPR guidelines: The American Heart Association has issued new 2015 guidelines for Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation for both the professional and the layman. There are slight, but important changes to all levels of CPR and for all ages.

The most significant for BLS healthcare providers administering adult CPR includes minimum and maximum rate of compressions, previously 100+ per minute now becomes 100 to 120 per minute; depth of compressions was at least twoinches and is now no less than twoinches and no more than 2.4-inches; breathing and pulse should be assessed at the same time in order to minimize the time to initiate compressions and breaths; and limit interruptions in chest compressions to less than ten seconds for assessments, transport or other distractions.

The compression/breath ratio remains 30:2 however if an advanced airway is in place, one rescue breath should be given every six seconds while continuous chest compressions are being delivered.

Additional columns from Chelle Cordero can be found at www.1rbn.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

December, 2015

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ALLEN EPSTEIN

Two garages burn in Queens On October 25, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched for a fire in two garages at Lakewood Avenue and Princeton Street in Queens. Units were able to make a quick knockdown using two lines. No extension was found to the house.

JOHN HOPPER

Second alarm in Manhattan On the morning of Friday, October 30, 2015 at approximately 10:30 a.m.,, Manhattan companies turned out to 25-27 West 38th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues for a reported ceiling collapse.

Engine 65 arrived on scene first due and reported to Battalion 8 that they had one black tag victim and one red tag victim.

A minor collapse matrix was assigned due to the ceiling collapse and the red tag victim being trapped.

Battalion 8 put All Hands to work and requested the buildings department to respond, the rear of this five story building had collapsed.

JUMP TO FILE #110315104 Division 3 requested another Rescue Task Force. Manhattan dispatchers asked Battalion 8 if he would like a 10-60 (Major Emergency) to be transmitted. That was confirmed.

Field Comm arrived on scene shortly after and transmitted a 1060 Code 1, which requires a second alarm.

After three hours of shoring and stabilizing, the red tag victim was removed and quickly transported to a nearby hospital.

- JOHN HOPPER

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Fire in Queens private house On October 23, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to a house fire at 108 Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. Fire was found in the rear of the private house, which was under construction with extension to exposure four. Five hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY