22 minute read
Up Close & Personal
Page 20, Fire News, February 2022 Up Close & Personal
ACamden-Wyoming Fire Company firefighterat a structure fire in the 4500 block of New Jersey Drive.
- Submitted by Mike Steindl
January 10, 2022, Station 83 Millsboro and Station 85 Milton assisted Station 77 Georgetown on a residential house fire on Gravel Road.
- Submitted by Larry Gum
Agreat night of training at DSFS in Georgetown. Welcome to the new members that came out and thanks to all who participated.
- Submitted by Chuck Snyder
AWilmington Fire Department firefighterat a structure fire on East 30th Street.
- Submitted by Matthew Marsella
Firefighters from the Rehoboth Beach VolunteerFire Company. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Rehoboth Beach VolunteerFire Company firefighter battling a vehicle fire on December12, 2021, on Ramblewood Drive South and Munchy Branch Road.
- Submitted by Chuck Snyder
ACamden-Wyoming Fire Company firefighter at a trailerfire in the 8000 block of Willow Grove Road on November13, 2021.
- Submitted by Mike Steindl
Firefighters from Rehoboth and Lewes extricating a lone victim from a rolloverMVAon John J. Williams Highway.
- Submitted by Warren Jones
FireNews.com Fire News, February 2022, Page 21 Multiple Calls forFive Points
Recently, Five Points Fire Company Squad 17 was alerted to assist Cranston Heights Fire Company on a leaking propane tank on Old Hill Road in the Sedgley Farms development. Squad 17 dropped a supply line and advanced 300 feet of handline as a precaution. Crews were on scene forabout fourhours before the propane company secured the leak. Just afterreturning to the station around 1910, Ladder17 was en route to handle a medical emergency when they came upon a serious crash in the 600 block of South Maryland Avenue. Squad 17 also responded. There were fourpatients transported to the hospital. At 2220, Ladder17 was alerted to assist Wilmington Manoron a residential structure fire on Talbot Drive in the Chelsea Estates neighborhood. Crews arrived to fire showing from the rearof the house. Ladder17 completed primary searches, which proved negative, laddered the house and opened up forventilation. - Submitted by Charles Hayes
Working During Frida
Station 47 operating during WinterStorm Frida at an electrical hazard. The station also responded to an MVAand fourmedical assists during the storm.
- Submitted by Tom Williams
NCC*EMS
DriverInjured in Middletown MVARollover
On November26, 2021, at approximately 2215, the New Castle County Paramedics, along with the Port Penn Fire, Odessa Fire and Delaware City Fire, were dispatched to the area of Route 1 at the Lorewood Grove Road off ramp, in Middletown, foran MVAwith rollover. Units found a tractortraileroverturned, trapping the driver. The driverwas extricated in just under 15 minutes. The man was treated on scene by the New Castle County Paramedics forhead, extremity and possible internal injuries. He was transported to the Christiana Hospital, in Stanton, aboard Delaware State Police Trooper4, in critical condition. - Submitted by Abigail Haas
Pedestrian Struck in New Castle
On December15, 2021, at 1801, New Castle County Paramedics responded to assist Wilmington Manor Fire Company fora pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the 100 block of DuPont Highway in New Castle in front of the New Castle County Airport. The patient was transported by paramedics on board a Christiana Fire Company ambulance to Christiana Hospital in critical condition.
- Submitted by Abigail Haas
NCC Paramedics Respond to Entrapment in Townsend
On November6, 2021, at 2110, New Castle County Paramedics, in addition to ambulances from Odessa Fire, Volunteer Hose and Delaware State Police Aviation Trooper 4, were dispatched to assist Townsend Fire with an MVAwith entrapment on DuPont Parkway at Blackbird Landing Road. One patient was airlifted to Christiana Hospital by State Police aircraft in critical condition. Asecond patient was transported in stable condition. - Submitted by Abigail Haas
Man Extricated in Woods Road MVA
On the evening of December26, 2021, New Castle County Paramedics, Christiana Fire, Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder, and Delaware State Police Aviation were dispatched to the 900 block of Woods Road foran MVA with entrapment. Paramedics found one patient trapped in the vehicle, in care of Christiana Fire Company EMTs. The patient was trapped forapproximately 40 minutes and suffered multiple injuries to his extremities, with suspected internal injuries. The patient was treated on scene and transported to Christiana Hospital by DSPTrooper4 in critical condition. -Submitted by Abigail Haas
At 1730 on December15, 2021, New Castle County Paramedics assisted Minquadale and Minuqas with an MVA rolloverand entrapment on I-95 at I- 495. One patient was trapped for approximately 15 minutes before being freed by fire department personnel. The patient was transported to Saint Francis Hospital in Wilmington by a Minquas ambulance with New Castle County Paramedics on board.
- Submitted by Abigail Haas
NCC Paramedics Respond to Rollover in Creek
On December7, 2021, New Castle County Paramedics, the New Castle County Swift WaterRescue Team and Delaware State Police Aviation Trooper4 were dispatched to assist Cranston Heights with an MVAwith rollover on Hercules Road at LancasterPike. Units arrived to find a single vehicle down a steep embankment on its roof and into a creek. The patient was out of the vehicle and was assisted up the embankment and transported by ground to a local hospital. - Submitted by Abigail Haas
NCC*EMS Surprise Visit
New Castle County Paramedic S/Corporal Katie Watts and Delaware State Police TrooperParamedic Sergeant Ted Stipa had the opportunity to reunite with Cole, a patient they treated in November. Aftersuffering a medical emergency, Cole was treated by both paramedics and airlifted to Nemours Children’s Hospital in Rockland. Opportunities like this are few and far between but are greatly appreciated by any first responderwho has the chance to visit with a patient. - Submitted by Abigail Haas
NCC Paramedics Participate in Cooke Elementary School Hero Day
Cooke Elementary School (in Pike Creek) hosted a Hero Day, giving students a chance to meet first responders who serve theirlocal community and say “Thank You.” Five years ago, Courtney Cicchini, a second-grade teacher started Hero Day to honorthe Wilmington firefighters who tragically lost theirlives at the Lakeview Road Fire. Today, the event encourages students to dress as theirfavorite hero and present thank you letters to local first responders. This year’s participating agencies included New Castle County Paramedics, Mill Creek Fire Company, Cranston Heights Fire Company, New Castle County Police, Delaware State Police and New Castle County 911. - Submitted by Abigail Haas
NCC*EMS 2 New NCC Paramedics Achieve Delaware Paramedic Licensure
Paramedic Madison M. Hartman and Paramedic Jake T. Martin successfully completed the Delaware Paramedic Field Certification process receiving theirbadge and paramedic insignia from Chief Logemann at EMS Headquarters on December8, 2021. Madison is a 2021 graduate of the Good Fellowship Ambulance and EMS Training Institute Paramedic Program in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and comes to New Castle County EMS from Saint Francis EMS where she worked as an EMT. Jake is a 2019 graduate of Virginia Tech where he earned a Bachelorof Science degree in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise. Jake was also Chief of the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad during his time in school. Madison will be assigned to EMS Platoon 2 and Jake will be assigned to EMS Platoon 3 both in field operations. NCC*EMS congratulates both Paramedics Hartman and Martin! - Submitted by Abigail Haas
State of DE EMS Medical Director “Walk-Out” after22 years
Dr. Ross Megargel, State of Delaware’s EMS Medical Directorfor22 years, retired from his post and was given a hero’s send off at Christiana Hospital. New Castle County Paramedics joined paramedics from Kent County Department of Public Safety, Sussex County EMS and the Delaware State Police Aviation Section as well as BLS providers, firefighters, medical directors, emergency physicians, Del Tech staff, Office of EMS Staff, friends, family and colleagues, on December14, 2021, to wish him well. Following his shift as an emergency physician at Christiana E.D., he was presented with several gifts and words of thanks from all present. Delaware State Police and Christiana Care Lifenet 6-1 provided fly overs to furtheradd to the celebration. - Submitted by Abigail Haas
WorkerFalls from Roof in Wilmington
On December20, 2021, at 0838, New Castle County Paramedics, Saint Francis EMS and Delaware State Police Aviation Trooper4 were dispatched to assist Wilmington Fire Department fora workerto fell from a roof in the unit block of Rockford Road. Due to the location in North Wilmington, time of day and distance from the level-one trauma center, aviation was used fortransport. The patient was transported in Trooper4 to Christiana Hospital in serious condition.
TRAINING New Rescue Tools
On November14, 2021, Pat Grubb of ESI Equipment, demonstrated Holmatro Rescue tools at the Five Points Fire Company. He discussed the history behind Holmatro, showed the various tool models available and explained the options available. After lunch, members were turned loose with the tools of theirchoice and reduced the practice vehicle to pieces within about 30 minutes. - Submitted by Charles Hayes
Controlled Burn Assist
Engine 47-4 and Tanker47-3 assisted Station 52 with the controlled burning of a chicken house on Milford Harrington Highway. - Submitted by Tom Williams
NCC*EMS Bike Paramedics Complete Fall Training
Did you know that New Castle County Paramedics have a Bike Team? Due to Covid restrictions in 2020 and 2021, you may not have seen them due to limited public events. They will be training throughout the fall and winterto prepare fora busy spring and summer2022, with many special event appearances throughout the county. Training not only involves physical riding, but how to care forand repairthe bikes and equipment. - Submitted by Abigail Haas
Clayton Starts 2022 Training
On January 17, 2022, Clayton 2nd Assistant Chief Alex Carrow presented the first training session of the year. The first session of each yearis a review of various policies and procedures and gives members an opportunity to ask questions. This year’s class covered SOGs, the state-wide Mayday policy as well as some company updates.
TRAINING Train, Train, Train!
Along with live fire training at DSFS-New Castle on November13, 2021, Hockessin volunteers and staff filled down time with more
training on handline deployment and othertechniques at the station. - Submitted by Mark Felicetti REHOBOTH BEACH TRAINS
RBVFC Trains on the Basics
Rehoboth Beach VolunteerFire Company (RBVFC) members trained on December 12, 2021, on some basic skills with newermembers. Great job by Assistant Chief Boslet, Captains Peters and Swarts; Lieutenants Barrett and Demott, along with the olderfirefighters guiding these folks forward and brushing up on skills. Thanks to all who came out on a cool beautiful day.
- Submitted by Chuck Snyder
CPR Re-Cert
Members attended a CPR Re-Cert Training Class held at Station 2 on November17, 2021. Thanks to all who came out and to DSFS forproviding instructors.
Training at DSFS
Agreat night of training at DSFS in Georgetown. Welcome to the new members that came out and thanks to all who participated.
- Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Cover Story
RBVFC Assists Lewes
Rehoboth Beach VolunteerFire Company (RBVFC) units assisted Station 82 Lewes with a house fire on Dove Knoll Drive in the Dove Knoll development off of Coastal Highway at approximately 0800 on November13, 2021. Units were on scene forapproximately 2-1/2 hours battling the blaze. No injuries were reported and the Delaware State Fire Marshall was investigating. - Submitted by Chuck Snyder
Elsmere Breakfast with Santa
On December12, 2021, the Elsmere Fire Company held theirannual Breakfast with Santa followed by the town’s Christmas parade which the fire company runs. The parade also celebrates the end of the 100th anniversary of the Elsmere Fire Company. There were 88 units in the parade. - Submitted by Frank Maule
Fitness Assessments for the Fire Service
For several years, the leadership of the Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association has been promoting CardioKinetics, a company that specializes in fitness assessments. Through the efforts of past-Presidents Kevin Wilson, Mike Rush and Andy Hall, the State Chiefs Association has funded fitness assessments to Delaware firefighters at no cost to the firefighters or their respective fire company. This program is near and dear to many within the Delaware Fire Service.
The State Chiefs Association is committed to promoting and continuously making efforts to fund this program. We are proud to say, members of all ages have participated in the program and have benefited from the knowledge they receive. Governor Carney has been quoted, saying about CardioKinetics, “Responding to emergencies is incredibly stressful, both physically and mentally. It is critical for first responders to understand these risks, and take every precaution to care for their own health. Regular physical activity and cardiac assessments, by Cardiokinetics, are vital to staying prepared and protecting all of us who depend on their brave service. Public safety professionals take on some of the most demanding and stressful jobs. Because of them, our streets, homes, and communities are safer. But they also work in some of the most unpredictable and volatile environment involving high-stress events, long hours working on little sleep and the sudden need for strength, speed and endurance.”
Historically, approximately half of all firefighter line-of-duty deaths have been caused by heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. We want to work together to reduce these numbers. Please reach out to the State Fire Chiefs to set up your CardioKinetics appointment today. As leaders within the fire service, we should all promote fitness assessments for our brave men and women. Their health and wellbeing is a priority. - Submitted by Brian Reedeer, President Delaware State Fire Chiefs
New Chapter of SPAAMFAA Forming for Delaware
My good friend, past-Chief Phil Pennington of the Bowers Fire Company, has begun organizing this chapter. The DelMarAntique Fire Apparatus Association had theirfirst meeting at the end of October. They had about 18 people attend to select the name of theirchapter. The physical area to be covered is Delaware and Maryland from the Chesapeake to the Atlantic Ocean. They will meet once a month until they get the groundwork down as to when and where they will be located. They will be meeting on the last Sunday of odd months. They are working on the bylaws and application to SPAAMFAA. There are a lot of antiques in the DelawareMaryland vicinity. Good luck folks, and I hope to see some of you at one of the national SPAAMFAA conventions. - Bob Romig. Pres. FABB
KC*EMS Kent County Department of Public Safety Announces Two Promotions
The Kent County Department of Public Safety is pleased to announce the recent promotions in the EMS Division of Captain Justin Conrad and Deputy Chief John A. Tinger, both who assumed their new roles January 1, 2022.
Captain Justin Conrad began his career with Kent County in 2014 as a Paramedic I. During his tenure, Justin was promoted through the ranks to a Paramedic Corporal, Paramedic Field Training Officer, and Paramedic Sergeant. He also served as the Power Unit Workgroup Supervisor. Justin is now the Operations Captain for the EMS Division. In his new role, Justin will manage and coordinate all operations for the division.
Deputy Chief John A. Tinger began his career with Kent County in 2006 as a Paramedic II who served as a Paramedic Field Training Officer before he was promoted to Administrative Captain in 2010. His new role as the Assistant Director of Public Safety - EMS Division, is to perform responsible management, technical, and administrative work and to supervise the overall operation and direction of the highly technical and advanced life support service of the Emergency Medical Services Division. - Submitted by Kelly Pitts
SCEMS Sussex County EMS Trains with PartnerAgencies forWaterRescues
Sussex County EMS, in conjunction with the Bethany Beach Fire Company, hosted joint trainings focused on various types of waterrescues that are presented in the area. Agencies participating were Sussex County EMS, Bethany Beach, Millville, Lewes, Roxana fire departments, Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol, Delaware State Police, and the Department of Natural Resources and PWCs (personal watercraft), and rescue buoys. Scenarios included a surf rescue with cardiac arrest at the Delaware Seashore State Park, multiple trauma patients from a boating accident that were treated and transported from a sandbarnearthe Indian RiverInlet, and a pediatric resuscitation station held at Bethany Beach Fire Company’s main station. The training allowed participants to become more familiarwith each agencies capabilities and resources improving future rescue efforts. - Submitted by Glenn Marshall Sussex County EMS Announces Promotions
Sussex County EMS is pleased to announce that following promotions:
To the rank of Paramedic II, Chloe Hornberger, Katie Hughes, Ian McClure and Kalina Petkova. Aparamedic II has demonstrated strong clinical and operational skills in addition to successfully completing the testing process to promote.
To the rank of Paramedic III, Maria Berdan, Jason Hansen and Amanda McCloskey. Aparamedic III assists the district supervisor with daily operations and fills their field position when the supervisor is off. - Submitted by Glenn Marshall
SCEMS Sussex County EMS Awards Ceremony
Sussex County EMS hosted a modified 2020 awards ceremony due to current social distancing guidelines. Awards were presented jointly by Sussex County EMS (SCEMS), Sussex County Volunteer Ambulance Association (SCVAA), and Sussex County Paramedic Association (SCPA). We congratulate all the winners.
Sussex County EMS Awards • EMTof the Year East District - Casey Daisey • EMTof the Year West District - Leah Croy • Emergency Communication Specialist of the Year - MattCranford • EMS Nurse of the Year - Hannah Remo • EMS Physician of the Year Dr. Mackenzie Hay • Support Staff of the Year - Jason Booros • FTO of the Year - Amanda McCloskey • Supervisor of the Year - Ellie Mitchell • Administrative Excellence - Jordan Dattoli • Paramedic of the Year - Dustin Richards Caring People (presented to non-emergency service personnel fortheiractions) • Six individuals who placed themselves in harm's way to extricate an unresponsive person from a burning vehicle at an accident scene saving the person’s life. • Rehoboth Beach Starbucks for their continued support and appreciation throughout the year. • The families of emergency responders and healthcare providers whose support allowed us to keep going through the pandemic. • Georgetown Starbucks for their continued support and appreciation throughout the year. • Abusiness owner who performed CPR on a co-worker saving his life, secured an AED for the workplace and resuscitated the same individual a second time utilizing the purchased AED. His efforts allowed the person to say thanks for saving me again before he was transported. Sussex County Ambulance Association Awards • Fire Chief of the Year - Jason Hudson • Paramedic of the Year - Leah O’Boyle • EMTof the Year - Thomas Jefferson III • EMS Supervisor of the Year - Jason Hudson • Clifford E. Lee Award - Mark Chapman • Police Officer Appreciation Award - Trooper Nate Klhar. - Submitted by Glenn Marshall
DELAWARE STATE FIRE SCHOOL Fire School DirectorRobert Newnam
Announces His Retirement
Director Robert ‘Biff’Newnam has announced his retirement, effective the end of January 2022. After serving as a field instructor, Director Newnam has been a full-time employee of the school since 1991, beginning as a Training Administrator where he oversaw many of the courses still in use today.
In 2007, he was appointed by the Fire Prevention Commission as the fourth Director of the Delaware State Fire School. As Director, he has seen the staff expand to 11 training administrators, three maintenance personnel, and five office staff, many whom he hired and all of whom had started since he began working there.
In his tenure, the buildings have had major renovations and additions along with the addition of two divisions. The most recent addition was a computer lab that is used for Blue Card simulations, officer programs, and NREMT testing. Another technological improvement included conferencing equipment to supplement online learning programs, which was utilized in the pandemic to help continue delivery of programs to students.
He also promoted getting youths involved in the fire service with the Junior Fire Camp program and getting more young women involved supporting the Camp Fury Delaware.
Director Newnam has been involved in many changes, be it technological, political, or social. He has overseen many capital projects, adapted the school in the practices and equipment of the fire service, and has progressed with the changes in the emergency medical services of the state as they continue to evolve. He has continued to work to keep up with current methods and was willing to take chances if it meant improving the school and its programs. He encouraged staff to keep up on current safety measures and work to be in the forefront of health issues such as firefighter cancer, developing policies for the use of wipes in training, and other cancer reducing efforts like the elimination of the use of AFFF products.
The director leaves a legacy of change for the better at the Deleware State Fire School. His continued diligence to maintain the motto of “Excellence Through Training” will always be remembered and hopefully be carried on. - Submitted by Michael Lowe
DSFS Completes Re-Accreditation
On November17 and 18, 2021, Delaware State Fire School staff, working with representatives from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, saw the Fire School complete its five-yearre-accreditation. This review assures the school meets all requirements fortesting delivery and that tests meet NFPAstandards. We thank IFSAC and the representatives from Connecticut and British Columbia fortheirprofessionalism and forhelping validate ourprograms.
- Submitted by Michael Lowe
Tips on Ice Rescue and Safety
The Delaware State Fire School and the Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association along with your local fire departments would like to remind citizens that the best way to avoid an ice emergency is to always be careful around the water during icing conditions. The basic rule is NO ICE IS SAFE ICE. Any type of ice formation is subject to failure. Ice rarely forms in a unified thickness. Ice may be 12 inches thick in one area and a couple of inches thick only 10 feet away. Extreme cold may not mean that the ice has strength. Ice formed quickly may have cracks that can cause it to weaken.
Temperatures rising may take several days to warm the ice sufficiently. Being a skilled swimmer may not ensure your safety in the event you fall through the ice. Someone who has fallen through the ice can be aided by equipment such as ice awls, ice staff, car keys, pens or some other sharp instrument as these will be needed to help with grip.
Another interesting fact is that if a person falls through ice and goes under the surface they will see light and dark above them. They will want to rise towards the light. This may be a fatal mistake since the ice reflects the light. The hole will be in the dark area.
Use a strong kicking action alternate with jabbing a gripping device to ease out of the hole in the ice. Once out of the ice do not stand right away, rather roll away from the hole until a firm surface is reached.
Someone who falls through the ice is ain life-threatening situation. Therefore, always use caution around the water in winter and prevent accidents from happening.
