Inland Northwest Trauma Conference 2012

 This year I was privileged to be able to attend the Inland Northwest Trauma Conference. It was an great opportunity, filled with lots of information. I was even able to pick up a really cool concussion assessment tool for the engine. While at the conference, Spokane Valley Fire Department had an extrication demonstration in the parking lot, and when asked for volunteers, I couldn't help but raise my hand. What did I get in return? Take a look and see.

 

That's right! I got a C-Collar and was extricated via the KED, a device that allows the firefighter to pull the victim out in a sitting position, without having to slide a backboard in. 

And here I am getting strapped to a backboard. What you can't see, is that my legs are still bent in the sitting position, and would stay like that until they release the thigh straps.

 A colleague of mine from Davenport Ambulance, was also in the car with me and was extricated via a backboard.

Pie Night 2012

Tuesday the 17th was "Pie Night" at the grange next to the fire station. Each year, the grange asks the volunteers to man a booth and handout information on fire safety, fire prevention and to allow the citizens to meet their local firefighters.

 FF Anderson along with Lt. Borders manned the booth this year.

 

We had a few kids get in the spirit and tried on our helmets to see how heavy they really are. Pie Night was a success, lots of people turned out. Thanks to the grange for allowing us to participate.

Wild Fire Season News

As the weather heats up, many parts of the country prepare for a busy fire season. I saw this story yesterday and thought it relevant to share.

Western states prepare for dangerous fire season

Associated Press

Posted on April 12, 2012 at 1:02 PM

Updated yesterday at 1:03 PM

DENVER (AP) — A prolonged drought and record-breaking temperatures have many Western states preparing for another active — and dangerous — wildfire season.
In some places, that season is already under way. Colorado had a deadly wildfire last month. Other Western states have reported hundreds of smaller fires.
Officials in California and other states say that grass, brush and forest didn't get the winter soakings that allows them to retain water — and put off fire. That could mean a busy wildfire season that normally doesn't kick in for much of the West until May or June.
Federal meteorologists say nearly all of the Southwest is experiencing drought. And that's coming off a year in which Arizona and New Mexico experienced their worst wildfires on record.

http://www.krem.com/news/national/147211285.html