Fire Watch: Volume 12, Issue 2

NEW EQUIPMENT: MASSIMO RAD-57 PULSE OXIMETERS VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 2

Publications Agreement No: 41203011

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 12

|

ISSUE 2

IN THIS ISSUE 16

20

30

26

34

FIRE WATCH (ISSN 1715-5134) is published quarterly by the TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION 39 Commissioners Street, Toronto, ON Canada M5A 1A6 Tel: 416.466.1167 www.torontofirefighters.org E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org CHIEF EDITOR Frank Ramagnano MANAGING EDITORS James Coones & Suzanne Boss Tel.: 416.466.1167 Fax: 416.466.6632 E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org

5

President’s Message

7

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

9

Vice President’s Message

11

Chaplain’s Corner

12

Letters to the Editor

14

Hazmat 101: Proper Size-Up of a Hazmat Scene

16

Reflections on a Year Down Under

20

Care Enough To Wear Pink

22

Camp Bucko Has a New Home

24

New Equipment - Pulse Oximeters

26

Roll The Heavy

30

Member Profile on Ram Venkataramaiah

34

Hall Showcase on Station 343

39

Behind the Mask

42

Fit to Survive

44

3888 Recent Happenings

ASSISTANT EDITORS Mykhail Baehr, Marla Friebe, Rodney Johnston, Matt Rayner HA LL SH OW CA SE ON STATIO N 34 3

DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION Bryan Middleton

VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 2

FIRE WATCH PHOTOGRAPHER Mykhail Baehr & TPFFA Media Team CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL Agreement No: 41203011 PRINTED IN CANADA Copyright © 2016 Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association

On The Cover

ADVERTISING Please contact Bill Monson at 416-466-9180 ext. 322 or e-mail monson@torontofirefighters.org

Local 3888 conducted its most successful Care Enough to Wear Pink Campaign in 2016.

Read about it on page 20.

Merchant Card Acceptance

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, or otherwise without prior written permission from the publisher.

FIRE WATCH is an official communication tool of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association.

The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (TPFFA) does not assume responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by any contributor. Comments made by individuals may not reflect the official position of the TPFFA. Acceptance and publication of articles, advertisements, products and services does not indicate endorsement of same by the TPFFA, and the TPFFA assumes no responsibility for their accuracy.

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Publications Agreem

ent No: 41203011

Vo l u m e 1 2 | I s s u e 2 | F I RE WAT CH

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Working Together

as a Collective Voice

A

s you read this, we will have recently ended another election process. I would like to thank the membership personally on my acclamation to another term as your President. It is a tremendous honour to be your President and I am humbled to have been acclaimed. I will continue to work hard on your behalf and ensure that our Association is put in the best position possible to flourish. I congratulate my running mate, James Coones, on his acclamation as SecretaryTreasurer. It was well deserved and earned. I would also like to thank all of the members who put their name forward to be our elected representatives. It is no easy task to put yourself out there, and only through this process, can we continue to grow as an organization. Congratulations to the other Executive Board Officers that were acclaimed - I look forward to working with you again. At the time of writing this article, the results are not known yet but I am excited to work with the new Board and fulfill my mandate, for what will surely be another busy term.

We have a couple of members not seeking re-election and I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication to the membership during their many years of service. Mike Ogle has really stepped up as the Chair of the Ceremony & Bereavement Committee. He has been there for our members’ families at the time of their greatest need. He has elevated the committee and worked to ensure our members are given the respect they deserve. I wish him and his family all the best and thank him for all that he has done on behalf of our members.

Dave Holwell was our longest serving Executive Board Office, as well as Vice-

President with the former Etobicoke Fire Fighters. He has served on many of our committees and is ending his term by chairing our Human Relations Committee. This is an extremely challenging committee and Dave has conducted himself and represented our members to a high professional level. For my first term of office, Dave, with his experience, I came to rely on. Too many times to mention, I have reached out to Dave for advice and opinions and he has always been open to helping me. I am truly grateful for his time and on behalf of the membership, I thank him for his years of dedicated service to this membership.

These past few years have had their challenges and successes, as all years do. As I knew prior to taking the job, viewing it from outside is one thing, but experiencing it is nothing that one could fully prepare for. At the start of the term, I wanted to expand our members’ involvement. We have done that and there is still more to do. I believe it has been successful and it illustrates that when we work together as a collective voice, we can accomplish so much more.

As a union, we have an educated, diverse, and passionate member base, which is our biggest strength.

I will be following up on the Organizational Review Committee report and the recommendations it contains. We have started to implement some of the recommendations but there is a lot more to do. Developing a strategic plan was a recommendation and it is something I want to be able to have done early in 2017. We will continue to expand our communications and conduct more town hall meetings. We are moving forward with constitutional changes.

Frank Ramagnano

We will be moving to our new Association office in 2017 and with that comes expanded opportunity. We will be able to deliver education in many areas.

We will have additional storage space and thus can bring our external PR programs internal. I am excited about developing and having our own community response team to continue to help the various community groups we have in the past.

Once finalized, we will be able to fully communicate how we will be interacting with the community, transitioning from our bouncer program.

We have started building up from the foundation that was well established.

Each term it should be about expanding on the organization and improving from the previous levels. It is easy to get caught up in just completing the tasks before you and forgetting that we must also keep planning for the future. With the right planning in place, it will hopefully limit the unplanned tasks that would eventually present themselves. Hopefully two tasks we are currently dealing with will have positive closure in the first quarter of 2017. The TFS Operating Budget will be voted on first week in February and we are optimistic that a decision with regard to our arbitration award will be handed down by Spring.

I extend my sincerest wishes to you and your family for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

Frank Ramagnano President, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, I.A.F.F. Local 3888

Vo l u m e 1 2 | I s s u e 2 | F I RE WAT CH

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SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE I HATE OUR JOB OF FIREFIGHTING…

W

ell, truth be told, the above title applies only to one very specific aspect of this job. It is a component of the job that we all recognize as an inherent risk before signing on, and one that we know carries a much higher likelihood as a firefighter than if we were not a part of this great vocation. Yet, we still choose to enter the profession, despite the increased odds, because the many positive aspects of the job far outweigh this negative.

I’m speaking of course about cancer, a reality that so many of our members have had to deal with, either during their active years or during their retirement years. Since taking over the position of Secretary-Treasurer, I have attended far too many funerals for our members, where cancer was the resulting cause.

Unfortunately, the reality is, our job exposes us to a concentrated toxic soup of chemicals, under extremely adverse and unstable conditions. Even with the latest and best personal protective equipment, procedures and practices, there is no escaping having these harsh products of combustion permeate our bodies through inhalation, absorption and ingestion over the course of our 30+ year careers.

The fact is, we are susceptible to various types of cancer at a much higher rate than that of the general public. This is a fact that is conclusively supported through epidemiological, medical and scientific studies.

What are we doing about this?

Our Provincial Association (OPFFA) worked tirelessly for well over a decade to get Bill 221 passed in May of 2007. This initial Bill saw eight cancers (brain, bladder, kidney, colorectal, non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, ureter and esophageal) recognized under presumptive legislation; meaning that if you contracted one of these types of cancer and met the years of service criteria minimum that accompanies each, you would be presumed to have contracted it in the course of your duties as a fire fighter. Now, because of this Bill, you automatically receive all of the WSIB compensation and benefits you are entitled. No longer do you have to file a WSIB claim and fight that battle, in addition to the already tough battle you would fight against the cancer itself.

On April 30, 2014, after more vigorous lob-

bying by Ontario’s firefighters, the provincial government added six additional types of cancer (lung, multiple myeloma, breast, testicular, skin and prostate) to presumptive legislation.

This now brought our firefighters on equal footing with Manitoba, who had been blazing a trail with their presumptive legislation.

Going forward, there are many positive initiatives coming from the IAFF. At this year’s convention in Las Vegas, two important resolutions were passed with regard to the future of cancer within our profession: Resolution #44: That the IAFF and its affiliates strongly re-affirm our commitment of reducing the risk of toxic carcinogenic exposure; That the IAFF shall continue to educate, train, and heighten the awareness of the effects of the toxic and carcinogenic products of combustion to its members and the public; That the IAFF will continue to push for more scientific research into the effects of exposure to carcinogens on the job and will provide the best practices to affiliates and members to prevent unnecessary exposure to carcinogens on the fire scene and within the firehouse; That the IAFF will continue to support state and provincial legislative efforts to pass fire fighter cancer presumptive legislation.

Resolution #48: That the IAFF convene a Fire Fighter Cancer Research Summit; That the Summit invitees consist of researchers, physicians, epidemiologists, and subject matter experts in firefighting occupational cancer and fire environment exposures; That the objective of the Summit is to review the current studies and research in fire fighter exposures and its relation to occupational cancer, and to identify the research areas that are needed to strengthen the correlation between firefighting, exposures, and occupational cancer; That the needed research be prioritized and researchers identified; That the IAFF provide guidance and support to the researchers in their seeking funding to conduct the prioritized research.

From October 19th to October 22nd, President Ramagnano attended the Cancer Research Summit noted in Resolution #48 above. He seemed to have returned with a sense of optimism and told me that the Summit had been a worthwhile experience.

In particular, he was most impressed with the

James Coones

presentation by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong.

Dr. Soon-Shiong is the wealthiest physician in the world, worth an estimated $10 billion. He is trying to revolutionize the way in which we treat various cancers through the use of DNA sequencers and supercomputers.

Essentially, a patient will undergo genomic analysis that will sequence their DNA, proteins and cancer cells and then recommend the most effective and amenable drug treatment, or otherwise.

There are many great things happening in the world of cancer fundraising, research and treatment, and on the surface, Dr. SoonShiong’s vision and progress lends breathtaking hope to so many people throughout the world. However, it may still be years, decades or longer in the making.

In the meantime, I would encourage all members to consider downloading the three forms on our website under the “Member Resources > Forms” section, near the bottom of the list. They are the “Wellness Initiative Letter to Toronto Firefighters”, “Wellness Initiative Letter to Health Care Practitioner” and “Suggested Annual Medical Screening Components for Firefighters”.

Make an appointment with your GP, take these forms with you and push for any necessary procedures, as listed. If they are reluctant, consider seeking another doctor who will comply. After all, it’s your health; it’s your well-being; it’s your life.

James Coones Secretary - Treasurer, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888 Vo l u m e 1 2 | I s s u e 2 | F I RE WAT CH

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VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BUILDING AWARENESS OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS INJURIES

I

n April of this year, the Ontario Legislature passed Bill 163, which created a presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder, as diagnosed in first responders was work related.

This important legislation would allow for the establishment of awareness, education and treatment resources for those emergency responders experiencing occupational stress injuries through their work across the province.

This recognition in Ontario now aligns with similar legislation in Alberta and Manitoba, with other provinces working to introduce their own legislation.

As an important part of laying the groundwork for further resources in this area, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Hon. Kevin Flynn recently hosted the first annual summit on Ontario’s PTSD prevention strategy with a goal of highlighting best practices and programs in recognizing and treating occupational stress.

Stakeholders from across all emergency services were invited to attend to provide their perspective and report on their particular organization’s efforts in establishing education, awareness and treatment resources for members experiencing occupational stress injuries.

This summit invited experts in the field to speak on ongoing research and education initiatives in this evolving field; however, it is acknowledged by researchers, that there is a lack of reliable, credible data and academic study available at this time. Much more research is needed and is ongoing.

There has been a deliberate move away from the use of the term ‘post traumatic stress disorder’ to the more accurate use of ‘occupational stress injury’. This term better reflects the nature and pathology of the impact of experiencing stressful situations in the workplace. While some experiences can be the result of single acute events, there is an acceptance of the cumulative effect of prolonged and sustained exposure to even non-traumatic incidents of occupational stress, which can produce similar symptoms and reactions in individuals. The impact of this condition on an individual’s health can

be equally as devastating as a significant physical injury.

While attention and awareness to this subject has received considerable focus in recent years, we know it isn’t something new. Most are aware of the terms ‘shell shock’ and ‘combat fatigue’ that those in military campaigns have experienced throughout history.

While it may have previously been perceived as a weakness for those who couldn’t ‘suck it up’, research has shown the real psychological and physiological effects of occupational stress injuries.

A key area across all services is the establishment of PTSD prevention programs to help prevent workplace situations, which can lead to PTSD. Research continues on strategies for building ‘resiliency’ in preparedness for stressful situations through education, awareness and peer support. Emerging programs provide preventative education through coping skills that can help first responders deal with stressful situations.

Last year, Toronto Fire Services, in cooperation with the Association, requested the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to conduct a needs and capacity assessment to investigate the current mental health and wellness needs of all TFS workers and their families, identify gaps and challenges in the system and help facilitate the development of a comprehensive mental health and wellness (MH&W) program.

The mental health professionals at CAMH engaged and interacted with our members in a number of ways, including station visits and focus groups with members and their families across all divisions.

Participants identified four areas that are key to a good MH&W program: support, education, intervention and credibility. We can report some progress in some areas of these key aspects of our MH&W program as we continue to improve available resources.

We have committed to expanding the capacity of our Peer Support team to increase the ability for our members to access this vital group. TFS has also committed to delivering the Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) program to all staff. This program is a comprehensive awareness and education initiative developed by the Canadian Armed

Damien Walsh

Forces, meant to address mental health needs throughout one’s career. It is widely recognized as a valuable tool and is being adapted and delivered to many emergency services agencies across the country.

As a result of the needs and capacity assessment, TFS contracted the services of CAMH to provide acute intervention resources for members in crisis. This enables any member in acute crisis to contact CAMH immediately, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and be connected to a mental health professional at CAMH, either in person through the Emergency Department at 250 College St, Toronto or by telephone.

A link to contact information at CAMH is provided here: http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/ care_program_and_services/ Emergency_Department/Pages/ guide_emergency_service.aspx

If you know anyone in crisis, please direct them to this valuable resource and contact our Peer Support team.

We must continue to expand the available resources for our members to ensure timely and appropriate help is there when we need it. We will look at every potential avenue to have those resources in place because it’s evident that there is a critical need to ensure we support mental health to the same extent as physical health.

I implore each of our members to look after themselves and those we work with every day- more than ever.

We must continue the dialogue on this issue without fear of having those difficult discussions in our workplaces, with our peers and our families.

Stay safe.

Damien Walsh, Vice President,

Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888 Vo l u m e 1 2 | I s s u e 2 | F I RE WAT CH

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Getting to know you...

I

started as a Toronto Fire Services Chaplain on July 1 this past summer—a high honour for me.

When I was asked to write an article for Fire Watch, I thought I would give some information about my family and myself.

I’ve been married 24 years and have three teenage daughters. In the fall of 2013, we moved to the GTA from the Northern Ontario mining town of Sudbury, so that I could become the lead pastor of a church in the City, in Toronto’s downtown core. The move to Toronto would definitely be one of the greatest adventures in my 23 years of being a pastor.

Our church is one street east of the St. Lawrence Market, on the corner of The Esplanade and George Street, on the main floor of a co-op building.

There’s nothing traditional about our church; our space is one large multi-purpose room with a small nursery in the back and two washrooms. Our facility won’t wow anyone; but the people are fantastic. Our people represent 27 nations and come from every social-economic demographic but we all stand together on level ground, nobody above another. A big part of my philosophy is to be engaged in our community, where we get our hands dirty and serve alongside our

neighbours. We participate in events with schools, bike tune-up days, kids’ sports camps, to name a few. We do an annual appreciation day for our local fire and police stations. We also serve a free meal in Regent Park every Saturday night to about 400 people and offer free clothing, donated by Moore’s Clothing for Men. It was through community involvement that I got connected with the Toronto Fire Services and heard about the need for a North Command Chaplain after Rev. David King retired.

I wish I could say that I’ve been a fire fighter in my past adventures, but the truth is I have never run into a fire or had to extricate people from crumpled vehicles. I have witnessed both and I have an admiration for first responders—I like what they represent, both individually and collectively, as a team; regardless of rank, gender or age, these people are willing to put their lives at risk at any moment for others. It’s a selfless sacrifice—and it touches a chord

NORTH COMMAND Reverend Ted Leck 647-461-4047 tleck@rogers.com

in my faith experience because that’s what I understand that Jesus demonstrated for all humanity. Along my travels, I’ve worked in different towns and cities, and in each community I had the privilege of connecting with police, fire or military services.

I’ve learned the effectiveness of a compassionate, listening ear to those who serve on the front lines. To be any kind of support or encouragement to emergency responders or our military friends is a privilege and honour for me.

If you are downtown, stop by. On most days the door of our church is propped open—and my desk is only five feet from the front door. I live by the principle of the open door and my door is open to any of our fire fighters and families serving our great city. I’ve already shared laughs and had fun getting to know some of the fire fighters in the TFS and I look forward to meeting the rest of the women and men of North Command in the months ahead.

Cheers, Ted. Vo l u m e 1 2 | I s s u e 2 | F I RE WAT CH 11

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I STRUGGLE TO FIND THE APPROPRIATE WORDS… To convey my gratitude towards the fire fighters of Toronto; both for responding as quickly as they did on the day of the fire and continued support afterwards with a cheque presentation at station 344. Sunday was a very special event for me personally, and I will certainly reference that reunion for many times to come in teaching Elsinore and Bowman the importance of courage, conviction, compassion, and community. You all will be heroes forever in our eyes.

A heartfelt thank you!

Michele

I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY...

To thank you for your generous support, and participation in our 2nd Annual Community BBQ, which took place at the Bridlewood Mall on July 23rd, 2016.

This year’s event was a tremendous success.

We had a record turnout of almost 1600 individuals, and received very positive feedback from the community. I deeply appreciate your willingness to continue to support my efforts in reaching out to our community. Your generosity and support greatly contributed to the success of the event and helped to make it a true Community Event.

Thanks again for your continued support, Arnold Chan Member of Parliament Scarborough-Agincourt Post Fire Assistance Program Presentation at Station 344 CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION: Awarded to Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, Local 3888 L.A.F.F. Thank you very much for your donation and participation at the 43 Division Community Picnic and Open House.

It was very much appreciated!

Superintendent Mark Fenton Unit Commander 43 Division

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GOOD DAY, We would like to thank the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association for your continued support as we work with children across the Niagara Region. This summer we will see 550 children and youth as our work expands too many other ministries throughout the communities in the other seasons. Many of the volunteers who help run the Day Camp work in local clubs where these children meet on a weekly basis throughout the year. Last year your gifts were much appreciated by the children.

As a camp that runs on volunteers we appreciate these donations. These gifts that we are able to give the kids makes a difference and speaks volumes!

We appreciate all you do to help the communities and families who are in need. Thank you.

Sincerely Tim & Gaye Hartwicke

THIS LETTER… Is a little late in coming to you as it has been very emotional to write.

On behalf of the De Amicis family, I need to thank you for the amazing support provided at Gino’s funeral. My sons and I were so well taken care of; it was like a friendly hug in our time of need.

The visitation and funeral were beautiful, dignified and professional. I was overwhelmed with pride for Gino because of how his firefighter family honoured him. Each and every firefighter who attended, emphasized to our sons, that family comes together and supports one another when needed. Our twins were proud and standing tall that day despite the sorrow in their hearts, I am so thankful that the Honour Guard took the boys under their wing and encouraged them throughout the two days.

Again, I cannot say thank you enough for all the assistance provided the days before and during the funeral and in weeks after when I needed more help. I am proud to be part of this amazing family.

Warmest Regards, Mary, Matthew & Patrick De Amicis

I JUST WANTED TO SAY… How great it was to have Toronto Fire Fighters at the event this year. They were a great team. I hope they had a great time. The event went very well and we were able to raise just under $30,000 net for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

I would also like to thank you for putting it all together, I know it can be tough sometimes getting people on board with something they have never done before.

Lastly I want to thank the union for the tremendous generosity with the donation that was given. It was unexpected but greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

I will be sending you some pictures and videos of your team racing.

All the best and again, thank you very much!

Joe Rizzello DEAR TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION: From all of us at Childhood Cancer Canada, thank you for your generous financial donation. Thank you for being a hero to the 10,000 kids in Canada currently battling cancer.

Always, The Childhood Cancer Canada Team

Vo l u m e 1 2 | I s s u e 2 | F I RE WAT CH 13

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BY KIRK FUDGE, TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 332-D

Y

ou are the first apparatus on scene and something just doesn’t add-up. As you take command of the scene and start to paint a picture for the rest of the incoming trucks, you start to unravel what has transpired and realize that you, your crew and the truck are all in the hot zone. What do we do now? Why did we park too close? How do we avoid the same scenario in the future?

Each and every day, Toronto Fire apparatus respond to hazardous materials incidents. Most of the time, the call turns out to be what most deem a nuisance call, such as a natural gas leak. For all calls being dispatched as a hazmat level 1, 2 or 3, we can apply the same principles and make sure that we all return to the hall safe and sound.

Approach cautiously from upwind, uphill or upstream: -Stay clear of vapour, fumes, smoke and spills -Keep vehicle at a safe distance from the scene Secure the scene -Isolate the area and protect yourself and others Identify the hazards using any of the following: -Placards -Container labels -Shipping Documents -Rail car and road trailer identification chart -Material Safety Data Sheets -Knowledge of persons on scene -Consult applicable guide page

Assess the situation: -Is there a fire, spill or a leak?

-What are the weather conditions?

-What is the terrain like?

-Who/what is at risk: people, property or the environment -What actions should be taken?

-What resources are required?

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Each apparatus has the Emergency Response Guide (ERG) on the MDT and some of the trucks have a hard copy of the ERG for the Captain and crew to consult. We must be proficient in the use of this guide and understand where the information comes from.

If you are looking for in-service training ideas, pick up the ERG and do a simple table-top exercise using a commercial facility in your running area. Pick one chemical from that facility and familiarize yourself with all of the chemical and physical properties, and utilize the ERG to start mapping out your zones (hot, warm and cold).

The ERG classifies chemicals into family groups and if you look at the top of the orange pages and flip through them, you will notice that they follow the nine hazard classes in order, for the most part. The first guide you will encounter will be guide 111, which deals with unidentified products and the “DANGER” placard.

One of the first critical pieces of information comes from the Public Safety Section, which points out the immediate evacuation in all directions. If we are dealing with a product that is a solid, the ERG suggests an immediate isolation zone of 25 metres. To make it easier, especially in the middle of the night, figure out how long your apparatus is and start using the thought process of: how many truck lengths do I need to stay back?. For a product that is liquid in nature, the ERG calls for an immediate 50-metre zone and for gaseous products, 100 meters. Now I know what you’re going to say, “Really, you want us to stay back 333 feet from a natural gas call?” Not necessarily, but if you can smell the product, don’t park there. (uphill, upstream and upwind all come into play) All too often we hear radio updates that the first-in apparatus is reporting the smell of natural gas from the cab of their truck. If this is true, think of the outcome if the gas should ignite.

Where will the flames travel? That’s right, wherever the gas is being smelled. There is an excellent training video online called, “Texarcana Train Explosion,” where this is exactly what transpired.

Once we have parked our vehicles appropriately and maintained an isolation zone, we can continue to gather information regarding the scene, just as we do a size-up for a house fire. In the hazmat world, we call it the APIE

process. It is important to note that this is the exact same process as a size-up that we do several times a day at a “normal call” and should be done in relatively the same time frame.

Analyze - Knowledge of the area, pre-plans and previous experiences

Plan - Dispatch information, occupancy and location, container shape and size, placards, shipping papers

Implement - Establish scene control, ICS (IMS?), proper PPE, control actions, decontamination location

Evaluate - Identify benchmarks (TFS 10-minute updates) review incident priorities, rescue, incident stabilization, property conservation

As one of the most knowledgeable hazmat techs in North America, (who, by the way, has recently retired from TFS) Rick Brown always says, “I want to know if the product is going to go WHOOMPH!” The MSA CO detector will not tell you if you’re in a flammable environment! Nor will utilizing your olfactory sense.

Regardless of what form the hazardous materials may be, we need to treat each HAZMAT dispatch with the same integrity we would for a house fire. Apparatus placement is crucial to avoid contamination of the vehicle, as well as the responders. If you can smell it, you are in it!

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BY BRIAN PORTER, ACTING CAPTAIN, STATION 315-D

“Couldn’t have been better!”

This has been my standard response when asked about my fire fighter exchange to Adelaide Australia this past year. I didn’t think about it much, rather, my response just flowed off my tongue the first few times I was asked. It is as short and true a response I could give on the fly. Now that we have been back for a while, it has become a bit of an opening catch phrase, as I begin what is usually a much longer and more detailed answer to the question, “How was your exchange in Australia?’

What follows is my more complete answer - now that I’ve had a chance to actually do some reflecting on it.

Most of us within the TFS are aware that

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an exchange program exists. Occasionally , a letter or an article pops up in Fire Watch from someone who has participated in an exchange. You might have run into a firefighter out on a call who is sporting a “funny accent”. Or you may see someone out on the hockey rink who looks worse than a beginner and you’ve learned that it is ‘an exchange guy giving it a go’.

But, what is the Fire Fighter Exchange Program really?

From a TFS perspective, the program has been in existence since amalgamation in 1998. Since then, dozens of Toronto firefighters have gone on exchange to locations in Australia, Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany and New Zealand.

Of course, that means that firefighters from all of these countries have also come to Toronto. Within Canada, in addition to our program in Toronto, firefighters from Edmonton, Brampton, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Kamloops to name a few, participate in international fire fighter exchange programs.

At its core, the exchange is a professional development program. It is “an opportunity for fire department personnel to attain a higher level of professionalism, understanding and perspective.” It is a chance for participants to expand their knowledge and practical

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experience and gain an appreciation for the skills and unique practices of fire departments in other parts of the world.

The exchange is also an opportunity to build international relationships between departments, improve public relations and boost morale among members. These are benefits that apply not just to the individuals directly participating in the program, but also to those who interact and work closely with an exchange firefighter. And while the core of the program is professional, most of us have families and they go on exchange with us. The families and their experiences are an important component of the success of any exchange program as well. Uprooting your family from the comforts of their own surroundings, jobs, schools, family and friends and setting off to an unknown place is a little bit daunting. Its a journey of growth, learning and in many ways a leap of faith for everyone involved!

So, with all of this in mind and after many months of planning (there are dozens of details to sort out including contracts, visas, school arrangements, housing, flights etc…) and lots of emails and telephone conversations between our families, we myself, my wife, Carrie, and our daughters Lily (12) and Amelia (10) embarked on our exchange in July 2015.

Our exchange family was the Robinsons from Adelaide, Australia (Scott, Karen, Grace (10) and Nellie (7)). During one of our many planning conversations, Scott and I decided that it might be fun to meet for a pre-exchange visit en route to each other’s homes. Often, due to logistics and timing, exchange participants never get to meet face to face; but we were able to

make it work.

Conveniently for us, Hawaii is pretty much the halfway point between Toronto and Adelaide and this is where we spent a “get to know you” week t o g e t h e r.

What a great start to the year it was.

When we arrived in Adelaide, starting from the moment we walked off our flight, the courtesy and professionalism of the men and women of the South Australia Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS) was on full display. We were welcomed at the airport and delivered safely to our home for the year. My training and orientation period was efficient and well organized, as was my integration into an apparatus crew.

We all know that the brother/sisterhood of the fire service is legendary for its togetherness and camaraderie. The men and women of the SAMFS did themselves proud in this respect. As a team, they went above and beyond to make me and my family feel welcome and comfortable.

I was treated at all times like I was one of their own.

It was a year filled with new experiences.

Professionally, the biggest highlight was the opportunity I was given to train, and later ride, on an apparatus that is the first of its kind in the world. The Combination Aerial Pumping Appliance (CAPA) was designed and engineered specifically by and for the SAMFS. The training process was

comprehensive and challenging but by the end I was fully qualified and licenced by the government of South Australia as a CAPA operator. The roll out of these new apparatus in Adelaide (there are currently 3 in service with 3 more to come) attracted global attention.

There were a number of delegations that travelled from Asia, New Zealand and elsewhere in Australia to evaluate the CAPA for their own departments. A few times, I had the opportunity to be part of the group demonstrating the CAPA capabilities to these visitors. There were some funny moments during these demos, as a few visitors tried to figure out why a guy from Toronto, Canada was in Adelaide showing them this new truck.

Another work related highlight was the opportunity to receive some wild-land or bush firefighting training. In Canada, we often see news stories about the devastating wildfires that regularly occur in Australia. The area around Adelaide is subject to some of the worst bush fires in the country and the SAMFS is often called upon to help the Country Fire Service.

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The 2015/16 bush fire season was quite severe in other parts of Australia but in South Australia, and around Adelaide, it was milder than normal. There was however, one significant bushfire named “the Pinery Fire” that our crews were called out to respond to. I will say that I saw some things that day that were quite shocking. I saw some sights that as much as I might want to, will be hard to forget.

The fire lasted for eight days in total. By the time it was over, the fire had consumed more than 86,000 hectares of farmland and bush, caused two fatalities and over 90 injuries requiring hospitalization. Many towns and communities were at risk of being completely burned over and parts of several were. More than 90 houses, 400 other structures, 100 vehicles and 100 pieces of farm equipment were destroyed.

Over 60,000 livestock animals were killed and $50 million worth of crops destroyed.

Although it was a fire that lasted for

eight days, most of the significant damage occurred in one day, largely in one afternoon!

On the positive side, it was amazing how quickly people in South Australia rallied together after the fire was over.

Nearby cities and towns sent supplies and resources as quickly as were needed.

Neighbouring states sent firefighters and equipment to help deal with flare up fires.

Fundraisers were organized and people from all over South Australia donated time and money to the recovery. The entire process was well organized and well supported. Australians have a lot of practice pulling through events like these.

The whole experience left me feeling very fortunate that here in Southern Ontario, fires like this are not an everyday part of life the way they are around Adelaide and in Australia. (I should note that the

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Fort McMurray fires took place while we were in Adelaide. They made the news in a big way in Australia. So many people, firefighters and otherwise, reached out to us as those events were happening because Australians understand how devastating wildfires can be).

Medical response is not currently part of the fire service mandate in Adelaide.

The fire trucks carry much of the same first responder equipment that we do in Toronto. The firefighters receive annual training and recertification as first responders and are trained to a level that approaches ours in the TFS, but they rarely get called to use those skills. However, the SAMFS is currently looking very seriously at adding these duties to their role. Medical response was a regular talking point for me with the Adelaide firefighters. They were very interested to know how that worked for us in Toronto.

One final note on the working side of things is the car fires.

I can say with full confidence that I responded to more car fires during that single year in Australia than I have in my entire 20+ career in Toronto. I often asked for an explanation for this. The one that made the most sense to me was that the criminal penalties for car theft are quite severe in Australia. Car theft convictions result in prison time. So once done with removing the parts or joyriding the car, thieves use fire in an attempt to destroy the evidence.

Whatever the reason, I lost count of how many car fires I attended, although I was often reminded, “Canuck, you’re not even working at a station that gets a lot of car fires!

On a personal note, the chance to live in a foreign country with my family for a year was a wonderful thing. Our children, took part in many activities typical of Australian children including joining the local surf lifesaving club, wearing a school uniform (with mandatory sun protecting hat) and learning how to play netball, handball and even a bit of cricket. We took in a few “footy” (Australian Rules Football) games

and in fact, Lily, Amelia and I became quite hooked on it. In true Australian fashion, we all picked different teams to support and watching games together was good entertainment.

It was fun to watch how excited and joyful the kids were over their first wild kangaroo, koala and emu sightings. They were just as intrigued, but slightly less joyful, about their first spider, snake and crocodile experiences. Seeing all of the unique Australian wildlife was pretty fascinating for us parents as well. We’ve all heard about how lethal some of the Australian critters can be. It turns out to not be that much of a problem. Once you learn the rules around how to get along with them, everything is fine. You learn a lot about yourself too, when you have to fend for yourself and make friends in a strange place. Brushing off your social skills and learning to fit in - and hopefully be a good ambassador for Canada along the way.

Between shifts and the kids school schedule, we took every opportunity to see the sights of Australia. It is a big country scenic and vastly beautiful. Ocean beaches, treeless plains, mountains, rainforests and endless miles of outback. We visited Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. We also took some trips to places that were well off the traditional tourist beat. In fact, we heard a few times from our exchange partners and others, “that is an interesting choice of a place to go” Perhaps this was their polite way of saying “your’re gonna go, where? Are you guys nuts?” Our most memorable trips were into the South Australian outback. The ‘outback’ is so much more than a big red dirt desert that we in Canada might imagine if we’d only ever seen it watching Crocodile Dundee.

It’s a place full of energy and life. A place that reveals itself in different ways every time you look off in a different direction.

It was a place that certainly left an imprint on all of us. We also used our time on the other side of the world to see New Zealand and to visit several countries in Asia.

As professional firefighters, we all know that one of the cornerstones of a career in the fire service is ongoing training and learning. Constantly striving to acquire new information, improve your skills and become a well-rounded professional firefighter as you advance in your career.

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While on exchange, I did gain knowledge and added to my skills as a firefighter. As a development experience, the exchange program was a success for me. I can also say with confidence that my Australian exchange partner came away from his experience feeling the same way. For both of us, it was a very beneficial professional experience and we are better firefighters for it.

Another stated goal of the program is the development and maintenance of international relationships between fire departments. As a result of a number of previous exchanges between Adelaide and Toronto, the TFS has an ongoing presence within the SAMFS. Adelaide is currently expanding their RIT program and are emulating many of the elements of the TFS RIT program. As Adelaide grows vertically, new high rise protocols are being taken up, and again, the SAMFS is adopting some TFS high rise firefighting protocols into their practices. These initiatives are the direct result of information gathered from firefighters who have either come

to Toronto or who have gone to Adelaide on exchange. I also witnessed some very strong personal ties between fire fighters who had first met through the program.

During my year there I heard of many trips taken to Canada by Adelaide fire fighters who, during those trips, stayed with or visited their exchange friends.

Clearly, in terms of building international relationships, the exchange program continues to be successful.

Finally, another central element of the program is to improve morale. For the people participating in the exchange, it is a once in a lifetime experience with distinct benefits for that individual firefighter and their family. But the impact of the exchange on morale is actually much wider. Upon my return to Toronto, it was immediately confirmed to me the positive impact an exchange firefighter had on the firefighters at my station. With a “visitor” present, crews were inspired to be more dedicated to their training, to pay more attention to the trucks and the daily work routines, in an effort to integrate Scott into the crew as efficiently and effectively as possible.

I understand that there was also a lot more off-the-job socializing taking place than normal, as people made an effort to show Scott and his family around Toronto and surrounding. The same effect was seen on my side of the exchange in Australia. I was told many times by many people that one of the things they love about the exchange program is that it reinvigorates the crews that the exchange firefighter gets to work with. And they were constantly offering to take us places and to show us around Australia.

So, with regard to the intent or the reason for running an international fire fighter exchange program, I am confident that my exchange with Scott was a successful one. We were both able to connect with and build on the core elements of the program.

We are better professional firefighters because of what we learned and did while on exchange. The morale of those who worked with and around us was elevated. We did our best to be good representatives of our own fire services and we came away with international friendships and connections that will last lifetime.

I know there are many firefighters out there who are very interested in the program and are wondering if it might be right for them. I have spoken to many of them since returning from my exchange.

At the time of this writing, the fire fighter exchange program is officially suspended. FCC #16063, dated April 24, 2016, states that “a review of the legal agreement and contract required for the exchange program is being undertaken.” However, very importantly, the FCC also acknowledges that the program is provided for in the collective agreement. As someone who has directly benefited from the program, I hope that it is reactivated soon and I will be doing everything I can to make that happen.

It would be a terrible shame to see the exchange program disappear after running successfully for almost 20 years. If you are someone who might be interested in doing an exchange or have previously taken part in one, it cannot hurt to make your voices heard on the subject. Let your union stewards and reps know how you feel about getting the program back into active status.

For my family and myself, it was an honour and a privilege to represent the TFS in Adelaide, Australia. We feel fortunate for the opportunity to have taken part in the exchange program. Thank you to the TFS Administration, the TPFFA and to the exchange program coordinator, Matt Cranswick, for everything you collectively did to make our exchange happen. Also, a huge thanks to the Robinson family for sharing this experience with us and for being such great exchange partners. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience to work, live in and experience life in a different part of the world. And as people continue to ask me about it, I will continue to begin my response the same way, “It couldn’t have been better!”

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he Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association has officially ended their Care Enough to Wear Pink campaign for the month of October!

In 2011, the TPFFA pledged to raise $100,000 for the Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre – A foundation that we strongly support, not only because its patients have full access to expanded facilities for breast care, but also because it is the largest cancer centre in Canada that is continuously improving and advancing its availability to breast cancer imaging, clinical care, research and trials.

Although Canadian men are susceptible to breast cancer, it is not a common diagnosis when compared to the percentage of women. The Canadian Cancer Society has confirmed that breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women and is the second leading cause of death from cancer; which is why supporting the Louise

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Temerty Breast Cancer Centre and raising awareness and educating our loved ones and the public on the effects of breast cancer (or any cancer for that matter) is so important.

To help initiate the campaign, all TPFFA members who purchased our Pink baseball cap and/or a Pink breast cancer awareness pin, were given authorization to wear those items for the entire month of October while on-duty. Leading the campaign through example, Local 3888 members wore their Pink caps & pins, both on-duty and off-duty, while a large portion also volunteered to sell them to the public at local community functions and events with ‘Louise’, our Pink fire truck, who was a huge hit with Torontonians; both children and adults alike.

Our members were kept busy not only appearing on Breakfast Television but also interacting with the public throughout the neighborhood’s of Toronto at various Loblaw’s stores, restaurants, Blue Jays games, musical concerts at the Air Canada Centre, community hockey tournaments, Steamwhistle Brewery, Women’s Half Marathon, CN Tower Climb and of course, the Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook.

There were even days where the Chair of our TPFFA Charity Committee, Gerlando Peritore organized personal home visits for victims of terminal breast cancer, who wanted to go for a ride in the Pink fire truck with some of our members.

Before initiating the Care Enough to Wear Pink campaign, the TPFFA had raised $77,300 of the $100,000 pledge. This year alone, we raised an incredible $62,359.32!

With the success of this year’s campaign, the TPFFA smashed through the $100,000 pledge level and raised a total of $140,545.88!

Special thanks to TFS Management, 3M, GTA Fleet Solutions, Century Signs, Loblaws, Comtech Fire Credit Union and all TPFFA members and groups who got involved and allocated their time and efforts to support a great cause during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For more information on the Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, please visit sunnybrook.ca.

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BY PAT HAYTER, TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 315-C

O

ntario’s one and only camp for young burn survivors has a new home! For one week each August, burn survivors between the ages of 7 and 17 come together from Thunder Bay, Windsor, Toronto, Ottawa and everywhere in between. This year, our campers, volunteers and special guests came to an amazing camp on the shores of Lake Wannamaker near the hamlet of McArthurs Mills.

Cedar Ridge Camp is a 100 plus acre facility approximately 40 km east of Bancroft that offers rustic, charismatic cabins perched over a cedar tree shoreline with crystal clear water. When you drive through the gate and enter this fabulous property, you pass a huge climbing wall, horse barn and paddock that is settled into the l andscape, with rock outcrops and berms of granite dotted throughout. Further along you are greeted by a single storey building with a loading dock, which is quite average looking. However, once you head around the side of this building, you think you have been transported to somewhere in the Mayan Riviera! The water looks turquoise for what seems like 100 feet, then it gets dark blue off in the distance - truly breathtaking not to mention surprising! As you descend down a gentle slope closer to the lake, you see between all the stoic cedar trees a very impressive dock in the shape of the letter F and at its furthest point, a large dive tower that stands at least 10 feet tall overlooking the bay. Standing on the outermost part of the dock, you look back towards the direction you came and you see the mess hall with glass from top to bottom, so everyone at meal time can look out over the lake. As you look to the west,

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you see all the bpys’ cabins, and to the east, you have all of the girls’ cabins. Many of the cabins are covered in a shroud of green foliage and earthy tones, and are only recognizable by the sounds of jokes and laughter heard resonating from the slopes of the forest‘s green abyss. This is truly an awe-inspiring camp, where the staff were just as incredible as the vistas overlooking the emerald land dropping gently into the blue, calm water. Cedar Ridge Camp offers so many fantastic activities for our campers to try: mountain biking, high rope courses, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, wood working, archery, climbing, basketball, soccer, volleyball to name a few. We, at Camp Bucko, have activities that we facilitate during the week as well. They include fishing, arts and crafts, zorb balls, bubble soccer, Beezer’s corner (board games, prerecord bracelet making, puzzles, books etc.) running and walking club. As you can see, there are many activities to ensure something for every one of our campers to try out and enjoy….oh yes, and of course, lots of opportunity for swimming!! We have a “morning dip” where you can head on down to the dock and jump in the lake to wake you up - not for the faint of heart but it is a busy place surprisingly! On the first day of camp, no activities are scheduled in the afternoon it is open waterfront from lunch until supper. The same goes for the last full day of camp in the afternoon.

We had some informative and interesting visitors come to address the camp throughout the week. The OPP K9 unit did a chat and demonstration. The Ministry of Natural Resources fire attack team came and demonstrated forest firefighting and discussed the impor-

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tance and danger of forest fires and fighting them. The RCMP stopped by in their traditional Red Serge accompanied by a strong, patient horse. We had a flyover of a large Hercules aircraft from the Department of National Defense.

We had our annual visit and and lunch, donated by the BBQ guru, Ted Reader, with his 12-foot meatloaf stuffed with pulled pork and cheese. The best meal ever and more importantly, the kids loved it!!

As you can see, it is a super busy week, crammed full of very cool things for our campers.

It is tiring and draining but our only goal is to ensure our campers have the best week of their year!

Camp Bucko is only possible with the help of its volunteers, who donate a week of their summer to show these kids that they deserve the best, most amazing camp possible. We have volunteers from all walks of life and from all over the province - and many of them are burn survivors themselves. Some of them have even been campers at one time in our 21 year history and have come back as volunteers.

We also have nurses, social workers, dispatchers, printers, teachers, construction workers, students, retirees and many more. A large percentage of our volunteers are firefighters from Toronto, Ottawa, Pickering, London, Uxbridge, Clarington, and Markham. We even had a camper who missed the bus up to camp from Toronto and with one phone call to Toronto Firefighter Moe Doyle, he dropped everything and gave that camper a 6-hour roundtrip ride up to camp, even after a 24-hour. shift at a busy downtown hall. We also had two Toronto Firefighters, Dave Pineau and Mike Walsh, step up and give two of our campers a ride to and from the bus drop-off location near the airport, down to East York and then up to Markham! That is an amazing demonstration of commitment to your community and what dedication you have shown to your profession. You are great examples of what a true Firefighter does to help others. We thank you for this. We had great representation from the ranks of Toronto Fire, volunteering at camp this past August. They gave up a whole week to volunteer as cabin leaders, counselors, fishermen, referees and overall fun loving firefighters with a sense of duty and responsibility to our campers and Camp Bucko as a whole. A Special thank you to the following Toronto Firefighters…

Patrick Howlett 332 B Stacy Hannah 333 B Peter “Swede” Niraanen 345 C Dan Rooney 313 B Patrick Doyle 313 A Jay Stritmatter 114 D

Brad Meldrum 312 C Al Meyers 314 B Kevin Locke 331 C Ron McQueen (retired) Pat Hayter 315 C

A big thank you to all of the Toronto Firefighters that help out during the year with other Camp Bucko activities, fundraisers and dontations, ensuring we have the funding to show these very deserving kids a great week at the amazing Camp Bucko.

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NEW EQUIPMENT – PULSE OXIMETERS

Indicators for Oxygen Administration • SPO2 < 92% • SPO2 < 88% (COPD patients) • Confirmed/suspected exposure to carbon monoxide • Suspected airway burns or smoke inhalation • SCUBA accidents • VSA Patients • Respiratory failure or respiratory arrest • Airway obstructions • Sickle cell disease where patient complains of pain or shortness of breath

BY DAVE ARCHER, TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 323-D

In the previous edition of Fire Watch Magazine, it was mentioned that Toronto Fire Services would be acquiring pulse oximeters for all operational apparatus. This tool will help firefighters determine if there is a ‘medical need’ for supplemental oxygen, as it is now known that administering excessive oxygen can be harmful to patients.

On December 11, 2017, The Ministry of Health (MOH) Basic Life Support (BLS) Patient Care Standards, Version 3, will come into effect. This revised standard requires SPO2 (oxygen saturations) be taken as part of patient assessment, and details the indicators for administering oxygen. Utilizing pulse oximeters (during patient assessment) ensures that TFS is in compliance with the new MOH guidelines and current TFS Medical Directives.

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Massimo Rad-57 Pulse Oximeter The Request for Quote (RFQ) was still in progress when the last edition went to print, therefore the exact make and model was unknown at the time. In August of 2016, Massimo was awarded the contract to supply TFS with pulse oximeters. The model selected is the Massimo Rad-57.

This was the Professional Development & Training Division’s first choice, as it is one of the best devices available on the market.

The Rad-57 is very reliable and simple to use. It utilizes patented “rainbow technology,” which enables this device to measure SPO2 (oxygen saturation) in a non-invasive manner. A software upgrade can enable the Rad-57 to also detect carboxyhemoglobin (Carbon Monoxide levels in the blood). No other pulse oximeter can do this. Historically, medical responders and clinicians relied upon a patient’s signs and symptoms suggesting a carbon monoxide (CO) exposure/poisoning. Only then would a blood test be ordered to measure the patient’s carboxyhemoglobin levels.

But what about firefighters who are on scene of a fire? Despite wearing SCBA, firefighters are still at risk of being exposed to CO. Firefighters may not exhibit symptoms or their symptoms, are masked due to exhaustion, heat stress, illness or injury.

Therefore, a firefighter can potentially clear from a fire scene, unknowingly having an elevated level of CO.

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NFPA 1584: Standard on Firefighter Rehabilitation The newly updated NFPA1584 sets the standard for firefighter rehabilitation during emergency operations and training.

One aspect of NFPA 1584 is medical monitoring. In addition to assessing signs and symptoms (of a firefighter in rehab), a complete set of baseline and subsequent vitals will be taken.

Now included in the vitals will be SPO2 (oxygen saturations) and carboxyhemoglobin levels (CO%). The Massimo Rad-57 (CO enabled) will be able to accurately measure three of the required vitals (SPO2, Pulse rate and CO%).

Studies have shown that moderate or chronic CO exposure can have long-term health complications such as myocardial (heart) or central nervous system damage, while severe levels can be fatal.

Carbon Monoxide binds to our hemoglobin (Red Blood Cells) quicker and stronger than Oxygen. Once Carbon Monoxide binds to hemoglobin, it prevents oxygen from being absorbed; in essence, becoming an asphyxiate. Many times, CO poisoning can be overlooked due to minor or no symptoms. Furthermore, pulse oximetry can potentially give “false readings,” as the basic pulse oximeter measures only the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated. It cannot differentiate between oxygen or carbon monoxide. For example, a person who was exposed to CO may show a SPO2 of 96%, however some of the 96% could be carbon monoxide.

The Massimo Rad-57 (with software upgrade) can differentiate between oxygen and carbon monoxide molecules, thus giving a true reading of the firefighter’s carboxyhemoglobin levels right on scene. This is invaluable for firefighter rehab at fires.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF MASSIMO)

Carboxyhemoglobin and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Due to the prohibitive cost of $5,000 per upgrade, TFS will initially upgrade only two Rad-57 oximeters. These CO enabled pulse oximeters will be placed on Haz145 and Haz332.

These units already carry a variety of gas measuring devices, the Hazmat technicians are familiar with toxic atmospheres, and the Heavy Hazmat Trucks are dispatched automatically to all 2nd alarm fires and higher.

These upgraded pulse oximeters will be used for firefighter rehab only.

The roll out of the CO enabled devices will follow in the near future and will be implemented along with the new TFS firefighter rehab program, which is currently under revision.

Eventually, CO enabled pulse oximeters will be placed on all Squads and District Chief vans.

Conclusion

By December 1, 2016, all TFS operation apparatus will be equipped with the Massimo Rad-57 Pulse oximeter. This new equipment will enable firefighters to better assess patients and help determine if there is a ‘medical need’ for supplemental oxygen. In addition to providing better patient care, this new equipment ensures compliance with ever changing medical standards.

In the near future, the Rad-57’s on the Heavy Hazmat trucks will get a software upgrade and consumables to monitor carboxyhemoglobin (CO levels) in firefighters when in rehab sector. By using SPCO enabled pulse oximeters, along with a revised rehab program, firefighter health and safety will be further enhanced.

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BY KEN DE JONG, ACTING CAPTAIN, 445-A

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Roll the Heavyâ&#x20AC;? is a series of articles to inform members of the capabilities, equipment and limitations of the Heavy Rescue Squads. By sharing this informati on, we can better serve the citizens by fostering a professional, team approach.

This will improve the chances of a successful outcome in the many complicated and technical emergencies that we respond to.

Ice Water Rescue As we enter the cold weather season, it is a good opportunity to discuss the topic of Ice Water Rescue. This type of rescue usually involves a scenario where a victim has ventured onto ice that is too thin to support their weight and they fall through. In the urban environment, the common victims are dog walkers, who attempt to save their dogs on the ice and get trapped themselves or children who venture out on a dare or are ill-informed of the danger.

The conditions, techniques and equipment for Ice Water Rescue are very similar to Swift Water Rescue (and the two disciplines do meet when a victim gets trapped in fast moving rivers that have some ice present), but we will discuss additional Swift Water techniques in a later article.

Toronto has a surprising number of ice water environments ranging from small ponds to river ways to Lake Ontario. In all cases, the access and ability to affect a quick rescue is very important.

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The Toys The TFS divides its capabilities into three levels of response: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Trucks with Basic level training and equipment carry throw-bags and PFDs. Strategically chosen trucks with Intermediate level training and equipment carry throw-bags, PFDs and a reach tool. This Long Reach Telescopic Rescue Pole, made by Reach and Rescue, gives these trucks an added option while the remaining resources are inbound. Finally, the Advanced resources and training are provided by the five Squads, which carry an inflatable platform known as the Fortuna, or RDC (Rapid Deployment Craft,) made by Oceanid. To deploy these crafts, the crews must don dry immersion suits, PFDs and helmets, and must employ some rope work and tethers to remain in constant contact with the craft and shore.

From the lessons learned from the GO Train rescues during the flooding in Toronto in 2013, discussions are continuing about having a motorized boating component added to our rescue capabilities. While we do work in conjunction with the Toronto Police Marine Unit, response time and upper waterway coverage would be improved with this added component.

The Challenge The necessity for quickness is obviously due to the cold. It is common knowledge that hypothermia is a significant concern for the victim. Hypothermia is the reduction of the core temperature of the body and over time, will lead to cardiac arrest. Prior to the onset of hypothermia is the loss of motor function of the hands and fingers. For a victim in the cold water, this is life-threatening in itself because the victim cannot pull themselves out, can’t maintain their grip on a rope or pole and possibly can’t even keep hold of the edge of the ice.

Another possible challenge is the presence of a current. If the victim can’t maintain their position in the hole or ice, or if they move laterally when they fall through, they may not be able to stay in the open air and they will surely drown.

One small silver lining of Ice Water Rescue over water rescue in warmer temperature is a phenomenon known as the “Mammalian Diving Reflex.”

This is a mechanism of the human body that extends the chances of survival after a long submersion in cold water. In our training, we refer to cases where the victim (usually children) can be resuscitated after 45 minutes of submersion. In a recent case in 2015, a 22 month old boy was without a pulse for 1 hour and 40 minutes and was revived with no neurological damage. For this reason, we continue our efforts even after the “normal” time for survival has passed.

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Roll The Heavy...Continued from page 27

The Approach Anybody that has taken a basic water rescue course knows the algorithm TALK, REACH, THROW, ROW, GO, TOW. These steps are presented from the lowest to highest risk to the rescuer – but also the lowest to highest control of the victim. When the victim may be too cold or weak to hold a rope or pole, the ROW or GO may be the only option left.

A first-in truck with the Basic level capabilities should be able to make verbal contact and attempt to talk the person into self-rescue (TALK). They would also have pike poles and ladders (REACH) and throw-bags (THROW). Under perfect conditions, an extended aerial device may also be a viable option for a contact rescue. Any attempt to venture out on the ice and perform a contact rescue (GO) without the proper PPE, equipment or training is strictly against SOGs. There are many documented cases of injury and death to rescuers that went outside their training in order to “do something.” With two Squads on their way, we must resist the temptation to act unsafely. Keeping the victim calm and securing and organizing the scene for incoming resources and medical assistance is paramount to a successful outcome.

Once on scene, the Squad personnel can be suited up and have the Fortuna inflated in minutes. Hot, Warm and Cold zones should already be established and crews should be organized for rope work, patient transfer and support.

Forethought should be given to transfer the victim from the Fortuna to an International Basket and then to an Ambulance stretcher. Rough handling of near-frozen skin can be very damaging, so the victim must be handled with care.

The Fortunas are very versatile for ice water rescues, as they can be paddled in open water or, if ice is present, the rescuers can stand in the openings and walk the craft along those sections of ice. Once near the victim, the rescuers can haul the victim through the opening and onto the platform. With the O.K. sign (a tap on the head), the rope crew then hauls the Fortuna to shore for quick transfer to medical services.

Squad personnel are also trained to venture out on the ice and perform contact rescues. This option has the highest risk, but allows direct contact and thus, the highest control of the victim. Again, with a connection by rope to the shore and a coordinated team approach, we have the ability to remove the victim from the water and get them to shore for quick medical attention.

What Else to Know This topic of rescue is governed by NFPA 1670 Operations and Training for Search and Rescue Incidents and NFPA 1006 Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications. Section 21 of the OHSA has Guideline GN6-3 Water and Ice Rescue which all support the TFS SOG G-WATR Water and Ice Rescue.

As you can see, we are well-equipped and trained to respond to scenarios involving ice and cold water emergencies. With proper practice and quick response, we can make our best effort to serve those in need of us.

Until next time - stay safe and we will see you on the pile.

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Member Profile on R

BY TONY MACDONALD, RETIRED TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN

R

am Venkataramaiah has been a Fire Prevention Officer at Station 332 with Toronto Fire Services since 2010. He came to us from the Communications Division at Oshawa Fire. Like so many of the members of Local 3888, Ram works hard to give back to the community and assist others in need.

He met his future wife, Terri, on a camping trip in August, 2007. He discovered that she had been living in Uganda, Africa the previous year, working for World Vision’s Humanitarian Emergency Affairs Team. He started discussing his upcoming trip to Africa and noticed how emotional it was for her, as she shared her stories and experiences. The people she had worked with had made a profound impact on her that would fuel her career path.

Terri now works for Habitat for Humanity Canada’s Global Village Program. She developed and launched Canada Builds, which enables Canadians to travel within Canada, volunteering on Habitat build sites. The program is now starting to accept international volunteer teams to come to build in Canada.

When an opportunity arose for Ram to join her to work on a build site, he was eager to help. Ram says, “Our first trip was to Ethiopia in 2013, and this is where I fell in love with Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village Program.

It is rewarding to meet the families and the local volunteers. Seeing how hard they work just to scrape by, yet they always have a smile on their faces and never complain. Habitat is a great charity and you can actually see your donations helping families.”

Ram, and all of the volunteers, raise money to pay for the trips. The money that is raised via donations from their own funds or from friends and family is tax-deductible. Their friends and family were so generous, that the money was raised for the Ethiopia trip in only a few months. The local gym held a garage sale for them, a baker friend and hair

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n Ram Venkataramaiah

PTAIN

dresser friend donated prizes to a silent auction; everyone is so thankful for all the consideration and help.

Ram also travelled with Terri, who was the trip leader, to Karwar, India with seven other people last year. The team was comprised of people from across Canada, from British Columbia to Newfoundland. Two of the people had met on a Habitat trip a few years ago and they only see each other on Habitat trips.

When they chose India as the country for the trip, Habitat India offered three possible regions: Goa, Pondicherry and Delhi. They chose Goa for the beauty of the area and rural location. Habitat India chose the village of Madikeri, in Karwar, as the build location. Coincidentally, this is the village where Ram’s great-aunt, Dr. Subhadra, practiced medicine. She was the only doctor for miles and she would provide all types of care, from general practice to births and surgeries.

It was also where his grandmother, mom and older sister lived. “It was great to give back to my family’s community.”

They worked on two houses for two different families. The first week was spent working on the foundation for a husband and wife and four kids. Hussein was a mason and Lalibe was a house maid. They managed to save enough money to purchase a plot of land behind one of the houses where she was working as a maid. They spent the week with Ram’s group, digging a three-foot-deep foundation and then moving 100 to 400 pound rocks into the foundation.

“It would take six of us to move a rock, by holding a corner or edge of a burlap sack and carrying it over to the foundation. While we were carrying the rock, Hussein would have us count in their local language, Kannada, “Ondu, eradu, muru.” When we put the rock down, Hussein would then move the rock by himself into position. I googled how much a four-cubic-foot piece of granite could weigh - upward of 400 pounds!”

“There were some smaller rocks that would take two of us to carry. Hussein would pick up the rock and place it on Lalibe’s head. She would walk over to the

foundation and drop it in.”

It is typically quite warm in the countries that Habitat builds in, as was the case in India. At one point, the locals brought in a fancy wedding tent to give the volunteers some relief from the sun and the 45-degree heat.

Part way through the week, Ram’s group was invited to the family’s home to learn how to make a simple roti and peanut chutney. They had rented a tworoom shed behind one of the houses that Lalibe worked in as a maid. Hussein and Lalibe lived there with two teenage daughters and a teenage son. They had an older daughter who was married and had moved out.

“Lalibe had saved money and purchased saris for each of the women on our trip.

In South Asian culture, it is customary to present a guest with a gift, usually a sari for women. Someone who is raising children and barely makes enough money to get by, saved and saved just to present us with a gift!”

At the end of the week, the foundation was finished. That meant that Hussein could apply for a grant to assist in finishing the rest of their house.

The team worked on another family’s home next, completing the front and rear porches. This family supported themselves by doing carpentry work and Ram got to see a door built by hand without power tools.

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Member Profile...Continued from page 31

A local charity has created a self-help group of approximately 100 women within the community. These volunteers learn different skills, like making desserts or clothing items that they can sell at the market to make money. This group votes collectively to determine who should get the next house that is being built. The owners of the next house then put in over 500 hours of “sweat equity,” to work alongside the volunteers from Habitat.

Sweat equity doesn’t necessarily have to be physically building a Habitat home.

One woman in Ethiopia had lost an arm and part of her other hand, rescuing a three-year-old child from a fire. Since she could not help with building her home, she created gardens and grew a lot of food to feed the volunteers.

Just before going to India, Ram took a Habitat team to Prince Edward Island. One of the volunteers is the site superintendent for Habitat HaltonMississauga and occasionally he plays Santa at birthday parties. Ram says, “Traveling with Santa on vacation was awesome. So many people come up to get their pictures with him and the looks on kids’ faces - priceless. One of the volunteers, Victoria, traveled with her dad and had never done anything like this.

By the end of the week she was shingling the roof with one of the other volunteers.

My father-in-law usually goes overseas for four to six weeks to work on churches, through Operation Mobilization. He was skeptical that a team could form a bond in a week, however, he was pleasantly surprised by the end of the week. I think he made some long-lasting friendships and he was able to see the value in his daughter’s mission.”

“I have travelled to many parts of the

world, on organized tours, at resorts, visiting family, touring with friends and exploring with my wife. I really enjoy meeting new people and learning about their culture and lifestyle when I travel. A Global Village Habitat for Humanity trip is so different from any of my other trips.

I learned to communicate with locals without using words. I tasted foods that I will probably never get to try again. There are so many stories and cultural things that I would never have witnessed had I not gone on a Global Village trip. I did not know what to expect when I accepted the invitation to travel to Ethiopia for my first global village trip. At the end of that trip, I had bonded and made friends with

a bunch of people. I can still picture their faces, their smiles and their jokes, and I miss them. Every Habitat for Humanity trip since then has been the same. I can still picture the smiles on the faces of my teammates and the locals from all of the countries I have been to with Habitat. I would never have imagined that saying goodbye on the last build day would be so hard. The staff at Global Village Canada tells us that by making the trip and supporting the local people in whichever community you decide to travel, gives them hope that they are not alone in their struggle and that, as a global community, we do care.”

“I am currently working at Station 332 with great people that I respect and learn from every day. Working at a fire station lets me interact with the crews and there are lots of laughs. I have learned a lot from what the fire crews do. It helps me in my job, explaining to people how their lives may be at risk, and also how the firefighters face extra dangers by what the occupants do with their home or business.”

“I love working for TFS Fire Prevention because I feel that I am making a difference in the safety of people’s lives. It doesn’t matter if I am inspecting a cockroachinfested rooming house or a multimilliondollar condo, I treat everyone the same. I want everyone to be safe from fire. Fires are going to happen and we try to make sure that if they do, people don’t get hurt or lose their life.”

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STATION 343

BY BERNICE HALSBAND, TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 343-C

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 343!

M

My Fire Station turns 100 years old this year and it prompted the community around us, as well as my crew, to do some research.

A few weeks ago, local writer and historian, Gerry Condotta, came to our hall for a station tour because he was writing an article for the Village Magazine about the 100year anniversary of the hall. He brought some very interesting facts to our attention. From 1910 until 1916, when our hall was completed, the original, temporary hall was right next door, where we watch our neighbouring Portuguese family pick veggies out of their garden in the summer or sit on their porch as we leave for, and come back from calls.

They usually wave at us and the kids sometimes

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come by and sing us a song or show us a dance.

Since I took over writing these Hall Showcase articles from Matt Dunn a few years ago, I’ve often wondered about these old halls. What I wonder about the most is what was around when each hall was built and what this city looked like back then.

When firefighters first stepped into the freshly painted, modern (for the time) fire hall that had no character imbued into it yet, what did Station 25’s run area look like? What did Toronto look like?

The history of Toronto Fire stations is complicated and convoluted. Station 343 is ‘Old 25’. By no means does this mean it was only the 25th hall to be built.

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Since the founding of the City of York, fire stations have been built and torn down, relocated and repurposed. When Old 25 opened its doors, the fire stations in Toronto weren’t all where they are today, nor are they necessarily numbered to reflect chronological order. For example, in 1910, Hall 25 was next to the current 1916 incarnation. Ascot Hall was numbered Hall 27, even though it was finished in 1913. It’s a difficult thing to wrap your head around, since some lower-numbered halls were built later than others with a higher number.

TORONTO IN 1916

When you consider the political, social and technological zeitgeist of the nineteen-tens, a few things are important to remember: World War I was in full swing and the romanticism of what was supposed to be a weeks-long ‘phony war’ had faded as communities realized that the men they had sent to the front weren’t coming back. The TFD was no stranger to losing firefighters to the war, but at the same time, grew stronger with the experiences the soldiers brought back from the military, as it helped shape the culture of the fire department that we know today.

We are hearkening back as far as 1912, where there were still fox hunts on horseback, muddy dirt roads and farms along St. Clair and Bathurst (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, ft1244_it1059). Crawford Street was not yet buried, its path still led to the massive gothic revival, original Trinity College, before its relocation to its present spot in 1925 (Reed, T.A. (Ed.) (1952). A History of the University of Trinity College, Toronto, 1852–1952 University of Toronto Press).

We know from archival photos that the Don River flooded in March of that year and Dundas St. (then named Wilton Ave.) at River St. was submerged (https://cabbagetowner. com/tbt-don-flood-mar27-1916/). The section of Bay St. north of Queen was known as Terauley St. and Bay itself had been renamed from the original Bear St. Dundas St. wasn’t stitched together by joining Wilton Ave, Beech St., St. Patrick St., Agnes St. Crookshank St. and Anderson St., and Czar St wasn’t incorporated into Charles Street yet. (http://www.blogto.com/city/2012/03/the_lost_street_ names_of_toronto/).

We also know that construction on the Prince Edward Viaduct, now named the Bloor Viaduct, was in full swing.

Europe had been at war for two years and it would be two more before the peace treaty was signed at Versailles. In 1916 the people of Toronto had been using electricity for

30 years; it had crept its way into the homes of Torontonians in the late 1870’s and the Toronto Hydro-Electric System was introduced in 1911 in an effort to provide the city with standard electricity rates (http://www.blogto.com/city/2013/09/a_brief_ history_of_the_first_electricity_company_in_toronto/).

Hall 25 originally had plans for a hayloft and a place to keep the horses, as it was being built during a major shift from horse-drawn engines and ladders to motorized vehicles; the original haylofts and stables were scrapped. Toronto’s first motorized pumper was an American LaFrance, type 12, hose and chemical combination in 1917, but the department already knew that that was the future of the firefighting.

Unlike other fire halls built during 1910 the sign on the front of the hall was poured in concrete instead of the previous method of using masonry. This sign was completed during WWI, which could leave one to speculate whether or not this was due to budgetary constraints, something all Fire Departments will experience, even in modern times.

In 1916 the Toronto Fire Chief earned $4,500 ($87,886.36 today, when adjusted) Deputy Chiefs came in at $3,300 (or $64,450), there were no Assistant Deputies or Platoon Chiefs, and District Chiefs made between $1,800 (or $35,154.55) and $2,200 (or $42,966.67),

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Station 141...Continued from page 35

Captains $1,300 (or $25,389.39), Lieutenants $1,150 (or $22,459.85), and Firemen $1,100 (or $21,483.33) (fifth year), $1,000 (or $19,530.30) (fourth year), $900 (or $17,577.27) in their third year), $800 (or $15,624.24) in their second year, and $700 (or $13,671.21) in their first year. (http://www.bankofcanada. ca/rates/related/inflation-calculator/) Financial information regarding the cost of living in 1916 was not statistically accessible, so I’m jumping back two years to help give a relatable comparison for the cost of living during 1914: The cost of shelter today is almost double what it was 100 years ago, and food prices have risen even more; A loaf of bread that cost 6 cents in 1914 now goes for $2.92, six quarts of milk for $16.84 and sirloin for $20.12 a kilo. At $3.30 a dozen, eggs are a relative bargain. Rent came in at $20.15 (or $429.64), bread at 6 cents (or $1.31), 6 quarts of milk at 53 cents (or $11.58), 2 lbs of sirloin steak at 49 cents (or $10.71). There was one telephone for every 3 Canadians.

Canada’s population in 1914 was 7,206,643 of which 376,538 lived in Toronto. A breakdown of ethnic origin in 1914 also shows the following top four ethnicities: 54% British, 28.5% French, 5.5% German, 1.8% AustroHungarian. Compared to today where we claim more than 200 ethnic origins, 13 of them with at least a million members.

The British are still the majority at 11 million (http://www. theglobeandmail.com/news/what-life-in-canada-was-likebefore-the-first-world-war/article19342310/).

THE DIRTY BIRD and THE CAT CAME BACK THE VERY NEXT DAY

All that history aside, no mention could be made of ‘Old 25’ without mentioning the KFC across the street. 343 is located on a residential street; it’s fairly inconspicuous and it’s not well known to most people until you tell them ‘it’s the one with the KFC across the street’. That’s when people’s eyes light up at the thought of the smell of fried chicken.

Just as quickly, that light is extinguished by the thought of perhaps one too many buckets of said chicken. We’ve often joked of having a Maltese cross with an image of the Colonel in the middle as our station patch.

There is a legend at 343 that there used to be a cat mascot

belonging to the hall. It would come and go as it pleased, as cats usually do. I’ve heard this story from several different sources with several different time-frames of when this mystery cat appeared and disappeared. There is still a cat that wants to come by today, named Lazlo.

THE RUN AREA TODAY

he area 343 serves is a busy community that is densely populated with sections of high-rise buildings. The Hillcrest Village is a beautiful area where there are spectacular vintage homes occupied by single-family residence (mostly uppermiddle class). Closer to the fire hall you’ll find more middle class homes, but most nearby neighbourhoods are a solid mixture of social classes along with the nursing homes on Maplewood and Tyrell.

Over the past few years St. Clair has become one of the worst traffic nightmares in the area due to the streetcar tracks. We end up having to do something called ‘riding the rails’. It feels odd driving on the tracks and the ins and outs of safe rail travel require practice. Westbound, the tracks take a dip at Dufferin and if you’re not careful you could easily be derailed. We also go down the streetcar tracks in order to access St. Clair West Subway station.

The area, known as Wychwood, Bracondale Hill or Hillcrest Village depending on who you ask, has the typical challenges of any Toronto fire hall. From TCHC, bedbugs, language barriers and traffic to access problems and rooming houses, it’s got it all.

IN MEMORIAM The station felt the loss of Acting Captains Peter Czulinski in 2012 and Gino DeAmicis this year.

Peter, who wished for his death to be a boost to cancer awareness in fire fighters, passed on May 3, 2012, four months after diagnosis. Gino celebrated his 25th anniversary on his first hospitalization date and had turned 50 on the second. He passed on August 11, 2016, 5 months after being diagnosed.

There’s a certain cruel melancholy when I look at the building that I have become attached to over the past year and a half. Today, it’s my home, but if it stands the test of time the way it has over the past 100 years, it will continue to house future generations of firefighters long after I have passed on. The only reminder of my tenure will be etched into a 100-year-old hose tower where I proudly take my place among all the other forgotten fire fighters of Old 25 and Station 343.

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Letter from the Editor…

Lynn Pezzelato

Hurt or Injured? As I borrow one of the themes featured in this edition’s article, I think back to the annual Corporate Joint Health & Safety Committee (CJHSC) event that I attended in September. I am glad I did, as the keynote speaker presented on Resiliency, another theme featured in the article below, and very befitting for this issue of Behind the Mask. Putting a face to resiliency, it is commonly known as “one’s ability to return to original form.” For my own personal resilience, I make every effort to establish goals and bring purpose to my life, believe in my abilities, embrace change and be optimistic.

TORONTO FIRE SERVICES / TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS' ASSOCIATION L 3888

PEER SUPPORT / CIS RESPONSE TEAM CONTACT SHEET 416-338-9327

On-Call Team Lead TEAM MEMBER

CONTACT #

CARY STATHER 233/D LYNN PEZZELATO/Administrative Services JOHN DRIMMIE 225/C LOUISE CHEN 131/C BRIAN MCALINDEN 232/B RODNEY JOHNSTON 226/B ANDREW GLIOSCA 143/B

289-314-8100 647-409-3135 905-903-2574 416-723-8374 416-723-8376 647-223-2121 416-676-3105

HUGH DOHERTY UNION OFFICE

416-433-0446 416-466-1167

345/D L3888

CHAPLAIN

HUGH DONNELLY TODD RILEY BARRY PARKER

City EAP - 416-392-6633

CONTACT #

East West South

416-450-8372 416-318-9167 416-271-7540

24 hr Line EMAIL cstather@sympatico.ca lpezzela@toronto.ca johndrimmie@gmail.com lchen@toronto.ca bmcalinden@me.com rj3111@hotmail.com gliosca@ymail.com

hdoherty@torontofirefighters.org mail@torontofirefighters.org

EMAIL hughdonnelly@rogers.com tsriley@teksavvy.com bparker@stpaulsbloor.org

Various other ways to build resiliency were outlined in the keynote presentation and as I edited the article below, written by one of our Peer Support members, I quite like how he connected building resiliency with events, situations and issues experienced by both new firefighter recruits and seasoned fire veterans, and how he tied it in to the Mental Health Continuum Model.

I’m keeping my editorial very brief, so as not to steal Brian’s thunder in the article that he crafted so well. Read on…

Communications - 416-338-9001

TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER - Volume 12 Issue 2 Fire Watch FireWatch Volume 12 Issue 2 v15.indd 39

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The Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR): Hurt or Injured?

By Brian McAlinden, Acting Captain Stn 232, Peer Support/Critical Incident Stress Team

In the last issue of FIRE WATCH, Behind the Mask presented the R2MR program levels and the Mental Health Continuum Model

that will help emergency responders recognize potential mental health issues and manage them based on the symptoms that one may encounter. It is this same model and the action plan that I would like to expand upon in this edition.

“Are you hurt? Or, are you injured?” I heard that line in a movie once and I think it is not only a valid question, but it’s also very applicable when encountering a critical incident stressor. Occupational Stress Injury is a leading contributor to Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Thankfully, with the assistance of our Association, our provincial government has recognized this and presumptive legislation is in place to help those who develop PTS. I ask myself, “Can we provide preventative measures that help our members before the situation becomes so severe that the critical incident develops into PTS?“ I am a volunteer with the Peer Support/Critical Incident Stress Team and it is not uncommon for members of our team to meet with or have people call us with anxiety issues about the job, yet cannot quite put their finger on a source or cause. Another common concern that our members have is the exposure to a “bad call” and occasionally we will hear, “Will this cause PTS?” In some situations, stress may manifest itself in the form of occupational expectations from colleagues and co-workers, as well as from family and friends. Whether you are fresh out of recruit class, a seasoned, first-class firefighter or a volunteer on a youth sports team, your training, experience and profession will often indicate that you are a specialist in emergencies! After all, we are an “all perils” response unit. If you don’t believe me, just watch the first five or ten minutes of any local news program. Firefighters are routinely the subject of many daily local news segments. Your friends and family know this and if a problem surfaces, they will often look at us as someone who can provide a solution. Co-workers may look to you as “the new guy” for answers, since you are fresh out of school or recruit class and should have all of the latest and greatest training and knowledge. As a senior firefighter, you may be looked upon as the person who has been in the field, the “seasoned veteran” who has had many calls and experiences under his/her belt that, should the occasion arise, can provide answers or a game plan for the emergency situation that has unfolded. To me, these are significant pressures that

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one has to face, just for being in our profession!

I am certainly not a Mental Health Professional and do not pretend to know the absolute answer to the question, “Will this incident cause PTS?” However, I do feel that as an emergency responder, we should prepare ourselves appropriately, so that when we experience a “bad call,” or our occupational expectations demand appropriate actions, that we will be better equipped and more resilient to the effects of occupational stress injury.

It is said that practice makes perfect. Personally, I agree with this statement. By practicing our skills as firefighters in an emergency response situation, we are not only better at performing our job, we should be better suited to manage mental stressors when events do not unfold in the manner we would like them to – because, the reality is, there are incidents where people die, despite our best intentions and efforts. By being proactive and professional, we are trained to provide the best care for those in need and no one would ask anyone to do more than their best. Firefighters are “fixers.” When we cannot resolve a problem, it does bother us. Yet, it is much easier to rationalize an unfortunate outcome, knowing we did so with our best effort and intention. Understandably, for some firefighters, it is very difficult to come to terms with an unintended outcome because we have trained so hard. In this instance, what should we do? Part of any First Responders’ mental health awareness should start with the understanding that our profession, our job – the task at hand, is not a Hollywood script. There will be incidents that we respond to that will result in ways we prefer them not to, or that do not have a happy ending. We must remember that we did not cause the incident to occur, we are trying to play catch-up with a clock that started ticking before we ever knew there was a problem. By providing a dedicated, professional, and dignified service to those in need, in the most critical of moments, we can try to make sense of situations that may in fact be so randomly senseless.

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The next question we should ask ourselves is, are we hurt or are we injured?

If you find yourself or a crew member in conflict with their own thoughts during or after a critical incident response, a review of the mental health continuum model may help us understand what may be going on. By examining the mental health continuum model, we see that the scale goes from healthy to ill and a number of reactions are listed in each phase. By identifying with each phase and the related signs and symptoms, we potentially take action to mitigate future problems, or at the very least, realize that we have moved past being hurt and have become injured.

Getting hurt or injured and seeing others hurt or injured is never fun; no one likes it. However, when we persevere, we stand a much greater chance of getting better. It will take time and what also matters is what we do with the time. For example, if I were to cut my hand badly, it will take time to heal and it is relatively easy to see the wound, blood loss and swelling – that’s the reaction part. To deal with the limitation of movement, physiotherapy is required and use of the hand may be part of the injury phase. If it were to become infected, it would need to be tended to by a medical doctor and would enter the illness phase. With physical injuries, all phases are easily identifiable. On the contrary, mental health injuries are not easy to qualify. If a person is unaware of the different phases of the mental health continuum, it may be difficult to understand, and one may not process their own reaction optimally. An example may be replaying/re-living the event over and over in one’s thoughts, or the inability to sleep. In some situations, people have been known to self medicate with drugs or alcohol, and when that does not solve the issue - and it never does - the person experiencing the critical incident progresses from being hurt and injured to becoming ill and potentially, disabled…

so early detection is always your best bet.

Learning to identify and be aware of the differences between being hurt and being injured, and understanding where the two conditions sit on the mental health continuum, will help us to be able to very quickly identify issues before they become problems. Using this model as a guide is a positive way to help our newer members and veteran firefighters alike, learn how to manage personal reactions to critical incident stress situations. By building resiliency in ourselves and among our teammates, I believe we will all be better able to handle stressful situations.

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Fit to SURVIVE TRAINING FOR RECOVERY

BY ALEX BOERSMA, ACTING CAPTAIN, 415-A

Common Myth: Exercise makes you bigger, faster, stronger and fitter.

Reality: Exercise makes you smaller, slower, weaker and less fit.

Think about it. If you do a workout consisting of lots of bench press and push-ups, will you be stronger in bench press and pushups right afterward? Of course not. In fact, immediately after the workout you will actually be able to push less weight on the bench press and perform fewer pushups. Depending on how difficult the workout was, it may take you days to regain your full pushup and bench press potential.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the thing.

Exercise sessions, if programmed correctly, will usually be designed to push your musculoskeletal and/or cardiovascular systems near the limit of their current capacity. Each time you train, you try, in some way, to make the current training session just a little bit more challenging than the last. If you do this just right, then each training session will result in minor damage to your muscle fibres and/or depletion of the energy systems which delivered oxygen and fuel to those muscles. As a result of this damage and depletion, your muscles end up temporarily weaker and the ability of your energy systems to fuel subsequent exercise is temporarily compromised.

Recovery from exercise makes you bigger, faster, stronger and fitter The damage to your muscles and the depletion of your energy systems signal your body that it needs to get bigger, faster, stronger and fitter. If you provide your body with the appropriate amount of rest and recovery, it will respond to the exercise session by building bigger muscle fibres, by figuring out how to produce more force out of the existing muscle fibres, and by making the muscle fibres more

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efficient at using energy. However, if rest and recovery are less than optimal, your body will not respond as favourably. Instead, it will respond with classic symptoms of over-training such as weakness, injury, illness and lethargy.

How long it takes for a given individual to recover from an exercise session is highly variable and depends on a number of factors related either to lifestyle or to the exercise session itself. (See figure 1) If we expect our bodies to respond favourably to exercise, we must ensure that exercise session factors are always balanced with lifestyle factors.

Unfortunately, as firefighters, we often have limited control over many of those lifestyle factors. None of us are getting any younger, fire hall nutrition is usually less than ideal, stress can be insidious, quality sleep is rare, and many of us do not devote enough attention to conditioning our aerobic systems.

That being the case, it becomes imperative that we recognize the limitations of our lifestyles and program our exercise sessions accordingly.

High intensity sessions (sessions where strength,

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power, anaerobic or aerobic capacity are pushed near their limit) must be tempered either by rest or by lower intensity sessions designed to promote recovery.

For those of you who do not like to take a day off….ever…..there is good news. It turns out that active recovery is far more effective than passive recovery. In other words, doing something the day after a difficult workout is better than doing nothing…..but only if you do the right something!

their ability to recover. But there are some simple steps we can take to ensure we get as much benefit as possible out of our workouts.

We must begin by recognizing that more is not always better when it comes to exercise. Once we understand that “all out, all the time” is rarely the best way to reach fitness goals, we can begin to think about different ways of promoting recovery and how we can fit them into our lives and our workouts. The chart below outlines some simple guidelines for designing an effective recovery workout.

Even better, if you do it the right way, a recovery workout can do much more than just get your muscles moving again. Certainly, one of the primary goals of such workouts is to get blood and nutrients flowing to those tired or sore muscles. But the exercises you select to get that blood flowing are entirely up to you. As an example, we know that range of motion and movement quality can be considerably impaired after a tough workout. Why not design your recovery workout to include exercises which promote mobility, stability and quality of movement?

We also know that an efficient aerobic energy system can significantly impact our ability to recover from strenuous exercise. The aerobic energy system is the energy system that fuels almost everything you do with the exception of very short and intense bouts of activity. More importantly, it fuels recovery, either between those short bouts of intense activity or between the workout sessions themselves. The low intensity associated with recovery workouts can be ideal for developing this all important energy system. Why not design yours to help develop it?

Clearly, programming exercise sessions of appropriate intensity and duration can be a complex issue, particularly for firefighters whose responsibilities and schedules can wreak havoc with

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3888 RECENT HAPPENINGS

A cheque for $1,000 and toys were presented at Station 344 on September 14th, to the Bergevin family who had fallen victim to a house fire and sadly lost many of their belongings.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Fire Station 346 had its 103rd anniversary this year and celebrated by having historical displays of the stationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evolution and various Toronto Fire artifacts. In addition, TPFFA fire fighters hosted activities and information sessions for the public, while educating little Torontonians on fire safety and encouraging them to participate in Junior Firefighters Day and Fire Services Day.

Several of our TP FFA Members attended the annu al IAFF Fallen Fire Fighters Mem orial in Colorado Springs, Co. and presented IAFF flags to the famili es of Local 3888 fallen fire fighters .

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TPFFA Members & Retirees enjoying a hot summer day on August 4th at the 7th Annual Charity Golf Classic at Royal Woodbine Golf Club.

Once again, members of the TPFFA Dragonboat Team fielded a group of runners who raced against the Toronto Police Association, Toronto Paramedic Association & OMERS Private Markets in the Toronto East General Hospital Danforth Dash Bed Race! Another great day to support a good cause and bring the neighbourhood communities together.

Local 3888 honours and remembers our members who have passed away, during the Toronto Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial on June 12th. Supporting the families and friends of the fallen, we demonstrated how we are united behind them and acknowledge those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, while serving the citizens of Toronto.

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