The Danger of Latex Baloons

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The Dangers of Latex Balloons: Good Fun Gone Wrong

Question: What can be so bad about balloons?

Answer: They are a potential choking hazard.

Of all children’s products, balloons are the leading cause of suffocation deaths, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. More than 110 children have died as a result of suffocation involving uninflated balloons or pieces of balloons since 1973. Most of the victims were under 6 years of age.

Suffocation can occur when a child inhales deeply to inflate a balloon and accidentally sucks the balloon into his or her mouth.

Completely inflated balloons do not present a hazard to young children, but they can immediately become dangerous if they pop. Discarded pieces of a broken balloon can pose threats if children chew on them or stretch the pieces over their mouths to blow bubbles. The balloon pieces can be drawn into the mouth, causing the airway to become completely blocked. It’s recommended that parents immediately make sure pieces of broken balloons are out of reach of children.

In 1995, the U.S. government enacted the Child Safety Protection Act that requires the following warning to be placed on any latex balloon or any toy or game containing a latex balloon:

"CHOKING HAZARD: Children under 8 years can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision required. Keep uninflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once."

Mylar balloons like those pictured below, are a safe alternative to latex balloons.

The article was written by Sandra Chinnici, RN, Answer Line nurse at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Veteran's Day 2012

Station 95 would like to wish all of those who have served or are serving to protect and defend this great nation, a Happy Veteran's Day.

Thank you for your service and commitment to your country.

We will never forget the brave and their sacrifice.

Salvage Covers Drill

  On Monday nights we drill. This particular Monday, a couple of weeks ago, had us learning about the proper use of salvage covers. Firefighters Anderson and Mallory were the instructors for the class.

Here, Firefighter Mallory, shows us how to make a water basin with the salvage cover.

Above, Firefighters Anderson and Hairston show how to make a water chute.

Above, Firefighter Heglin models how to hold a pike pole, while Lt. Varner looks on.

Cub Scout Pack 208 visit station

The station welcomed Cub Scout Pack 208. Firefighter Daniel Anderson showed the scouts Brush 95's hand tools and truck capabilities. Scouts loved the chain saw.

                               

 

The scouts here are being led by firefighter Bernie Bernsdorf on fire safety and what to do in case for an actual house fire.

Scouts also got to try on turnout gear and see Bernie don full turnouts and S.C.B.A. operation.

Here Daniel and Bernie  showed the scouts some EMS training including blood pressure, heart rate and how to check oxygen saturation using a pulse-ox monitor.

posted by LT. Robert Everman

Power Line Fire 10-19-12

Friday night's windstorm brought a power line fire for Engine 95. The fire which was located just south of Johannson and Orchard was above the transformer and the gusts of wind were causing the burning pole to fling embers into nearby trees and fields. Luckily no further fires were sparked, and Avista crews were quick to respond. The pictures below are of an Avista Lineman putting out the fire.

Photo Shoot

These guys just wanted to have a photo shoot after I updated their photos in the "Meet the Crew" section.

From left to right: FF Anderson, FF Colt and FF Hairston

Down Power Line 10/2/12

This last tuesday night, kept District 9 crews very busy. Most of our district was called to man the Beacon Hill Fire with City Fire. During the fire, Engine 95 was called along with Spokane Engine 18 to respond to a downed power line. The wind was causing all kinds of problems around the city.

When we arrived on scene, this is what we found.

Though the pictures are a little blurry, you can see the masive pine tree that crashed down on the house, landing right on a power line. On the inside of the house, the tree branches had punctured through the ceiling.

Luckily no one was injured, and Avista was quick to respond, releasing Engine 95 to go on stand-by until the Beacon Hill Fire was contained.