Reasons NOT! To Go To The Gym

Reporting from off scene

(1) ... Old Chub Guy who doesn't care anymore:  you can easily recognize this guy by his low-hanging cow balls and shower sandals, this guy is usually between the ages of 70-90 and has lost all sense of privacy during WW11.  He may have been in shape at some point in his life.  But if there's one thing that you can be sure of, it's that if you're the only two people in the locker room, he will always sit right next to you.

(2) ... Physically fit Guy who makes you feel like a hobo:  He has tan skin, tattoos, this cool guy walks around naked right in front of you to flaunt his muscular physique.  (Shit! I would too, if I looked as good as he.)  You can usually spot this guy checking himself out in the mirror, often times flexing.

(3) ... Whale Penis Man:  You really don't want to look (and us guys shouldn't) but you do.  I mean, this guy's schlong is freak'n HUGE!  And here's how the secret look goes:  First you look away so it's not so obvious.  Then for what ever reason, you take a second look, probably just to make sure it wasn't his third leg.  Finally, you just nod your head as he walks past you as if to say, "Congratulations... motherf**ker!"

(4) ... 'That Guy' who doesn't know Canadian Naked Protocol:  My advise, just let this dude go.  There's no getting through to this guy as he struts around the locker room.  And even if you do speak his language, which you probably don't, you wouldn't want to insult his culture by asking him to cover up his body/wang because those guys have a tendency to blow shit up!!

(5) ... Some Normal Guy:  This guy is OK.  He's average size, not too flabby and he'll do anything he can do to avoid being seeing naked.  This includes such things as coverage tactics as:  putting his briefs on under the towel wrapped around his waist, changing in a stall, waiting for others to leave the locker room to remove his shirt/shorts or just exiting the locker room in his sweaty workout clothes.

There's no way the women deal with this shit! Or do they. All I know, is that I'm building a home gym ASAP!!

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Engineer aka: Chauffeur      
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Ladies - How To Care For a Sick Man

Reporting from Off Scene

It’s really not that hard ladies, to care for a man when he is ill. Surprise, surprise, you don’t need a nurse’s uniform (though he’d/I would like that) to take care of a sick guy. But you do need love, patience and the knowledge. Nevertheless, we men must be cared for PROPERLY, because prolonging our discomfort will also prolong yours! Oh, and because you love us, that’s why you want to nurture us back to good health.

My following medical advice is meant for minor illnesses only.

Step #1: If you notice your man starting to act odd, or if his voice sounds scratchy, or if he seems to be tired, take steps now to nip it in the butt. Get him to the bedroom. It’s ok if you have to bait him with sex. Just get him to go to bed! The only thing worse than a sick, whining man, is a sick whining man who’s also in a bad mood because he’s tired. (You know all about mood swings don’t you ladies? Ha!)

Step #2: Assess the situation. Ask him about his symptoms, and gather supplies quickly. Nausea requires a bowl or a puke bucket. A sore throat means cough drops. You get the idea?

Step #3: Get him set up on the sofa or his favorite La-Z-Boy chair with clean fluffy pillows, a comfy blanket, remote control, spare batteries, chilled glass of H2O and any erotic picture reading material he may want.

Step #4: Provide plenty of bland foods, like crackers, and put them within his easy reach. Also provide ginger ale, tea or fruit juice or any other beverage at his request.

Step #5: Dose him with some Tylenol, Aspirin, or Ibuprofen. Make sure he takes the maximum recommended dose, and encourage him to repeat as often as possible (per package directions, of course). If he’s feverish or in pain, he’ll make your life hell, so try to avoid this. Also, exclaiming, “Poor baby!” seems to alleviate some pain. Plenty of back rubbing also helps, all while wearing that nurse’s uniform. (The school girl uniform is rather creepy!!)

Step #6: Leave the house (or at least the room) if possible. He probably needs the sleep, and you’ll be ready for a break by this time.

Step #7: When you check in on him, enter quietly in case he’s sleeping. Remember, some sick men whine when they are awake. The goal is to encourage as much sleeping as possible. If he’s already awake, though, ask if he needs anything. Refill his drink, fluff his pillow, ask if he needs another blanket, restock crackers, ask if he needs more reading material and get him more cough drops or a cool washcloth. You don’t have to jump at his every whim, but keep in mind that if you’re nice to him now, he’ll be nice to you, too, when you’re feeling under the weather.

Step #8: Don’t harass him. Don’t bring up bills, stuff around the house that needs fixing, discuss anything that has to do with your mother, sister, your BFF, etc. Help him get comfortable, then get away from him. He’s probably already grouchy, so you’ll just end up fighting. Plus, the more you hang out near him, the more likely you’ll get sneezed on or puked on, and end up with the crappy illness yourself.

Step #9: If you think he’s going to need a doctor, make the appointment for him. Many men, for whatever reason, are resistant to the idea. By the time he feels bad enough to actually go, there will be no openings.

You see, it’s not that hard now is it to care for a man who is ill. Geeesh! No need to thank me for my helpful advice ladies, it`s the least that I could do to help you … help your man feel better.

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    LadderJockey
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Another Life's Lesson Learned The Hard Way

Reporting from on Scene
Incident:  MVA

If you don't have a valid driver's license, don't get behind the steering wheel of a vehicle of any kind.  If you are going to drive without a license, don't steal a truck because you don't have your own mode of transportation.

If you are going to drive a stolen truck without a license, don't drive while under the influence of narcotics. 

If you are going to drive a stolen truck without a license under the influence of some damn good narcotics, don't flash your vehicle's lights at an on-coming car without knowing if it is an RCMP high patrol unit or not.

If you are going to flash your truck lights at an RCMP officer's cruiser after driving a stolen truck without a license, and you decide to run, beware of those deep highway ditches along the Trans Canada Highway that may stop your high speed car chase.

All in a day's work/shift.

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      Firegeezer
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Few Words Left UnSpoken

Reporting From On Scene
Incident:  Medical Assist


Dear Xxxxxxxx:

Life is difficult, I get that, I truly do.  There are financial troubles, family conflicts, friendships that don't last, failed relationships, career disappointments that lead to you being unemployed, etc.  You lived in a home that was hardly suitable for human habitation because you lost the motivation to take care of yourself and your environment around you.

You can't cope.  You want out. You want to die and you understand what that means.  You want closure... the final end to it all.

So you try not once, but twice. Remember last time your sister called us? Remember who pulled you from your vehicle... in your garage, with carbon monoxide poisoning? 

Well, your plan failed again, and I am glad.  I'm not glad because you failed at life, but because you failed at dying.  I'm glad mainly because you're only 22 years old.  You have a whole life yet to live.

Your request has been denied.  You will not be getting an apology from me for doing what I did, messing up your plans for the second time.  You didn't have a DNR order then and you didn't have one two days ago.  I acted accordingly.  And not alone.

You see, the reason why you are sitting in the psych ward alive this evening is because a 'higher power' also didn't see it as a good day for you to die. 'His' hands were working my hands... as I worked on you.

Perhaps, you can now get the help you so desperately need and we won't have to respond to your third attempt.

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        captain
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Senior Firefighter/Paramedic

A Tale of Three Brothers

... Reporting From Off Scene

A guy walks into his favorite local pub. The bartender asks him, "What will you have?"  The guy replies, "Give me three cold beers!"

So the bar tender brings him three cold beers and the guy proceeds to alternately sip one, then the other, then the third until they're all gone.  He then orders three more.  The bartender says, "Sir, I know that you like them cold. You don't have to order three at a time. I can keep an eye on it and when you get low, I'll bring you another cold one."

The guy explains, "You don't understand my good man. I have two fellow firefighter brothers, one at a station in Alberta and the other in Ontario. We made a vow to each other that every Saturday we'd have a drink together, kind of a celebration that we made it through another week. So right now, my brothers each have three cold beers, and we're drinking together."

The bartender thought that it was a wonderful tradition.

Every week the guy went into his favorite local pub and ordered three cold beers. Then one week he came in and ordered only two. He drank them and then ordered two more. The bartender said to him, "I know what your tradition is, and I'd just like to say, that I'm sorry for the loss of one of your brothers."

The guy looked up at the bartender a little puzzled and then smiled, "Oh, my brothers are all fine - I quit drinking!"

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       Shadow
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On Going Lessons of a Probie

... Reporting From On Scene

Looking up at this rather tall and rugged looking man, I was told by my Captain on my very first day, that I am about to experience some real tough love, and to be very afraid of what's coming next!

I had done my homework prior to that morning, I knew he had a reputation, they referred to him as the 'Cast Iron Captain' for a reason.  So, yes Sir! I was trembling a bit in my boots as he pushed me to the side and walked on by me after our brief introduction.

If there is one thing that I am learning very quickly from being in the fire service, it's that you will be barked (yelled... shouted... hollered... etc) at from time to time (lesson 1). No matter how hard I try to be at my best, I'll screw up.  I will make a nincompoop move at sometime, somewhere (lesson 2). I'm a Probie, and so they all keep telling me.

Because I work with a crew, if I make a nincompoop move, it will be noticed (lesson 3).  Hence, the "lets tear a strip off the Probie' comes into play and my pride takes a direct hit!  But, I quickly realized that these men have years of experience on me so they see things that I may not and to an extent, they seem to be able to predict things too (lesson 4). If things don't get straightened out when on scene, things can go down hill real fast (lesson 5) and that's why actions are quickly corrected (lesson 6). I've learned not to take things so damn personal (lesson 7), after all, they are only looking out for me (lesson 8) although some days, they make me feel like they are out to kill me.  Plus, they want to see us all go home safe at the end of the shift (lesson 9) and this takes priority over my pride (lesson 10).

As a Probie, this tough love is hard to swallow at times (lesson 11), but it's getting easier, and I haven't choked yet! I recognize it for what it is.

Two of the best accessories that a girl can own, is growing confidence and a halligan! (lesson 12)

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       Shadow
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Guess He Didn't Know

... Reporting From On Scene

Type of Incident:  MVA

Do you know that it is illegal to pass an emergency vehicle while it is driving with it's emergency lights and siren on? Well, it is around our neck of the woods.

DRIVER HANDBOOK STATES;  (direct from the book) "... When an emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire or police) is approaching you from any direction and is sounding a siren, you must yield the right-of-way by:  immediately moving clear of any intersection drive as closely as possible to the right curb or edge of the two-way roadway pulling right or left to the nearest curb on one-way streets stop until the emergency vehicle has passed and check that no other emergency vehicles are approaching.  You must not follow within 150 metres of any emergency vehicle that has siren or lights operating..."

Do you know Mr. Blue Ford Taurus, that if you pass our rig and swerve in front of us while we are on route to an elderly, extremely distraught woman trapped in an auto accident, you will not only possibly endanger someone, but really piss me off because my driver will be forced to slow down to avoid your rear bumper?

Do you know Mr. Blue Ford Taurus, that as you pass our said emergency vehicle you are in fact close enough for my driver to dictate to me your license plate number?

Do you know Mr. Blue Ford Taurus, that if I note your license plate number, and give it to a police officer working the wreck with an elderly, extremely distraught woman, said police officer might just get just as pissed off as we are?

And finally, do you know Mr. Blue Ford Taurus that it is possible for the police officer to follow up on a report of reckless driving and passing an emergency vehicle hours after the incident?  I bet Mr. Blue Ford Taurus guy, by now you do.  Because I followed up with said police officer and I happen to know that you have been ticketed, fined and will now have demerits on your license.

Sometimes, I just want to hug cops!!!

 Drivers, especially future drivers need to be taught a very important lesson:  The FIRE TRUCK is the big red vehicle.  Get off your iPhone, unplug the iPod from your ears, turn down the radio and stop listening to Lady Gaga or Usher or what the hell ever...quit applying your make-up, quit brushing or flossing your teeth, drink your beer AFTER (not before) you drive, quit texting your BFF, quit reading your paper, quit playing with your Tom Tom... look up, pay attention to driving!  The fire truck is the big red thing with flashing lights and making all the noise with sirens.

Seriously, what part of this do people not understand? YES! The rules do apply to you too Mr. Blue Ford Taurus. Emergency vehicles have sirens and lights for a reason and fire trucks ALWAYS have the right of way under every circumstance.  I've been saying it for years, the DMV shouldn't just be giving eye tests, they need to be giving IQ tests too because the bottom line is, that some people have driver's licenses that shouldn't.

Yes, we long for the days when our rigs will be equipped with phasers like those from the Star Trek series.  Push it... and ZAP!  Bad drivers vaporized!!

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        captain
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On the Breakfast Menu

... Reporting From Off Scene

Cereal.

We like our breakfast cereals.  They're a quick item on any breakfast menu, just about anywhere.  Perfect goodness when you are rushed, or simply not sure how much time you will have to sit down and enjoy a quick hunger fix.  But let me tell you, I absolutely hate it when I'm hungry in the morning and I have a huge craving for cereal, rush around like crazy in the kitchen, go through all the trouble of getting the cereal... the spoon and the bowl, only to realize that there's no damn milk in the fridge.  What??? No moo-juice??!! Then, I am forced to stand there like an idiot not knowing what to do with the cereal.

And while we are on the topic of cereal, who the fudge monkeys decided that cereal should be so buoyant?  Seriously?  I'm talking about cereal that rises out of the bowl when you pour your milk in the bowl.  I mean, you put the cereal in the bowl and you're thinking to yourself that this will work perfectly... add some milk, only to end up with a disaster. Seriously, cereal maker people at Kellogg's or General Mills or even Quaker Oats, or Nestle... can you not just make cereal that is heavy enough to withstand a little milk?

Yup, we usually have a fair amount of cereal stocked up here at the station. Cereal is always available on the breakfast menu.  But hey... why is it that as soon as I take a mouth full of food, does someone feel the need to strike up a conversation?  I have to stop crunching in order to hear what they are saying and it's annoying having to sit there, for a minute or two, with half-chewed food in my mouth. I.AM.EATING.

And... who ever is putting their wet teaspoons in our nice clean sugar bowl and leaving those nasty lumps, which I have to pick out before putting the sugar on my cereal, KNOCK IT OFF.  We have loads of teaspoons in the cutlery drawer, they don't take ages to wash up so please, go ahead and use one to stir and one to take sugar.  Use four if you have to, I'm not worried.  Heck, I'll even wash up the spoons myself.  It's just bad manners, I mean, would I go into the bathroom and dip the toilet roll in the toilet water before returning it to the holder and expect you to use the sopping wet tissue?  YES! NO! So don't put your wet teaspoons in the sugar!

And... why is it so hard for some people to open cereal boxes the right way?  Instead, they rip all the flaps off the top of the box and it is impossible to close right.  Or even worse, they rip the inner plastic down the side so the cereal is all over the place in the box, and makes a mess when you try to pour it.  There shouldn't have to be instructions on how to open up a cereal box.

And... why do people have to say things they know will make someone else laugh while they are easting.  Then, that person bursts out laughing and sprays their half eaten food all over the place and laughs with their mouth hanging wide open or they end up choking on their food and coughing for the next 5-10 minutes.  I only have two words to say. "I'm sorry!"  But at least the milk didn't come out my nose... that time!

And you all though that enjoying a nice bowl of cereal would be an easy and simple concept, didn't you?

Apparently, not at this station.

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      Lieutenant
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More Words of Wisdom

Reporting From Off Scene

A very wise man once said to me:

"... Just remember. God gave you 5 fingers on your hand for a very good reason. Your 'pinky' is for your best friends, crew members and for promises that are to never go unbroken.  Your 'ring finger' is reserved for her and for proof that you'll be with her forever.

Your 'middle finger' is for those people that push you too far, it shows them how you feel.  Your 'pointer finger' when pressed against lips, silence most people, which helps to defuse angry moments and bring out a resolution.

Your 'thumb', well... it's for everyone, to let them know that you're going to be okay no matter what!..."

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        captain
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One "Click" Does The Trick!

... Reporting From On Scene

Type of Incident:  MVA

The other day, we were toned out to a MVA on the highway.  As we were rolling, it was reported as a rollover with two occupants trapped and the vehicle was 'smoking'.

When we arrived on scene, were were greeted by motorists who had stopped, who informed us that they had put out a fire with 2 fire extinguishers (long haul truck driver who had stopped upon coming up on the accident).  As we approached the vehicle from almost being dragged by these good Samaritans, we realized that this could be a 'cutter'.

I went into the highway ditch to check out our patients and to assess how badly the vehicle was, which had been traveling over 100kph (according to witnesses) when the driver lost control and rolled his vehicle into the ditch.  He WASN'T wearing a seat belt but his airbags (all of which deployed thank goodness) saved his life no doubt!  His passenger, was wearing his seat belt, was shaken up, but OK.

We found Mr. No-Seat-Belt bleeding from a head wound.  I started to assess our patient.  He was awake, looking straight at me, confused and in a lot of pain.  I checked the driver's side door to see if it would open, and it did with a little force.  So much for the cutters.

We placed the patient on backboard and slid him out.  He was quickly loaded into the ambulance to be transported to the city hospital.  His passenger, crawled out on his own.

Know safety - No pain!

No safety - Know pain!

Air bags Seat belts and air bags saves lives.  Buckle up every time folks.

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    HoseMonkey
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Awesome Quote of The Day!

...... Reporting From On Scene
Type of Incident:  Medical Assist

Older people, can take me by surprise at times.  For example, this older gentleman, who was being assisted by his in-home health care aid to get dressed so that he could be escorted from his small apartment to the waiting ambulance.  As we were standing in the hallway waiting for him to come out so we could escort him down a flight of stairs (stubborn gentleman wanted to walk himself out), his in-home health care aid pulled his underwear up a little too far... too fast:

"... Hey! Take it easy there Miss!  I'll have you know you just wrapped my jiblets around my tonsils!..."

"Jiblets" aka:  family jewels, testicles, guy sack, hanging pleasure, nuggets, etc...

She immediately apologized.  I had to turn and walk down the hall, trying hard to muster my laugh, only to end up getting the hiccups of all things.

That's my kind of Geezer. (Hey, I'm going to be one too someday.)  I wouldn't want them wrapped around my tonsils, either.

I love assisting older people (at times), they often crack me up.  One has to appreciate the oldies that speak their mind!

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      Firegeezer
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Check This Out...

... Reporting From Off Scene

Here's a game we found, not sure how again, or why someone may have been searching/Googling 'baby drop'... but this game popped up in the search.  I think that I need a little more practice, based on the number of 'splats' I have.  I suggest that you try it, it's kind of fun, a great way to kill a few minutes of your life that you will never get back.

The laughing babies are funny as hell.

• Click on the link below.
• Then click on the blue square/screen that appears.
• Click again.
• Click a third time to start the game.
• Use your arrow keys to move the firefighters, to help them catch the babies.

Baby Drop Game

Those silly nuns shouldn't be dropping those babies from the windows like that.  Then again, I guess there wouldn't be a game then.

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      Lieutenant
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Another Life's Lesson Learned The Hard Way

... Reporting From On Scene
Incident Type: MVA

Don't drive while intoxicated.

If you must drive while intoxicated, don't speed.  If you must speed while intoxicated, don't text message your friends.

If you must speed while intoxicated while text messaging your friends, don't be surprised if you end up behind bars when you are found guilty of several charges, including criminal negligence, dangerous driving and impaired driving causing death.

Another life tip to consider. 

I wonder, is a painful process necessary in order for us to really learn the lesson? Is getting burned the only way we learn to respect fire and hot ovens?

Unfortunately, I think the answer is sometimes, yes.

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Engineer aka: Chauffeur      
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Rescuing a Heroine

... Reporting From On Scene
Incident Type: Medical Assist

We were responding to a call just a few blocks away from our local rural hospital.  Over the howl of the siren we heard from dispatch that we would be responding for a fall victim.  These types of calls are usually fairly minor. An elderly person (in most cases) falls, is bruised and a little battered but is overall fine.  Every once in a while you get someone that falls and smacks their head damn good causing a cerebral bleed.

We arrived on scene to find an older lady being helped by several bystanders.  The 64 year old woman had been walking to the hospital, where she volunteers four times a week... and has been doing so for the past 11 years!  While walking to her destination, the sidewalk reached up and tripped her.  She managed to stop her fall with her forehead.

The entire time we were there, she kept making jokes.  She thought that it was ironic that she was going to be checking in as a patient herself and not there to visit her patients as she normally does.  It was nice to see such a big smile on her face despite the rather large bleeding gash she received from the fall.  She had split her head open just below the hairline above her left eye.  She would most likely need a few stitches.

As we took her vitals and finished cleaning her up, her mood turned to more somber.  She advised us that in over 11 years as a volunteer at the hospital, she had never been late for a shift because she knows how much her patients look forward to her visits... how much the nurses have come to rely on her as a second pair of hands.

I assured her that when she shows up in our red and white rescue chariot, they would forgive any tardiness.

No one should be more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.  In my opinion, she's definitely a Heroine!

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        captain
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Playing Tribute To Our Fallen

... Reporting From Off Scene

More than 5,000 visitors are estimated for this year's fallen firefighter memorial ceremony in Colorado, Springs.  People come across the United States and Canada to honor firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

A complete list of fallen fire fighters to be added to the Wall of Honor is found here.

The IAFF members being honored this year died in the line of duty between June 1, 2013, and June 1, 2014. In addition, IAFF members who died prior to June 1, 2013, but were reported during the past year, also will be honored.

The 28th Annual IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial service will be broadcast live via streaming video on Saturday, September 20. The ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado, officially begins at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time.

No one wants to see more names added on the wall.  None the less, the IAFF and Colorado Springs Local 5 are committed to making the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial ceremony an uplifting experience for the families, friends and loved ones that celebrates the lives, dedication and accomplishments of those who made the ultimate sacrifice... for this, we salute them!

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Engineer aka: Chauffeur      
      ╚════════════════╝

Life Lesson Learned The Hard Way

... Reporting From On Scene
Incident Type: MVA

We highly recommend that people stay in school. And later in life, get a decent job.

If a person can't get a decent job, try and find something better to do than sell old bullet casings.

If a person can't get a decent job or find something better to do than sell old bullet casings... consider getting the bullets out of the casings by shooting them NOT by sticking them in a vice and hammering the ends.

If this very same person can't get a decent job, find something better to sell than old bullet casings, or empty the casings the normal way... surely don't shoot yourself in the stomach.

I can type faster than some people can think!

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      Lieutenant
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Better PTSD Legislation Needed

Here we sit, patiently waiting... for our province to soon pass legislation making it easier for police officers, firefighters and paramedics to qualify for Worker’s Compensation. British Columbia and Alberta have already passed legislation to change that. Our province is studying the issue, and Ontario is also looking at it.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as we know it, can lead to depression, substance abuse and other problems but for most, even if some come forward for help, that diagnosis does not presently qualify them for compensation. 

... Illustrator Paul Combs brings the facts to life if his drawings.

As a senior firefighter/paramedic, I had experienced alcoholism and prescription drug addiction, and now less than 2 years from retirement, I still struggle a bit with effects my career has had on my life, on my very being. I consider myself to be a survivor but one of my biggest fears, that more firefighters will parish by their own hands.

Without a doubt, there needs to be more clinicians trained in dealing with the firefighter mindset specifically to save these at risk men and woman. I know first hand from experiences that more progress can be made one-on-one and face-to-face in a short period of time than any forced rehab can ever accomplish.

It's time that departments and those 'higher powers to be' start investing in saving their men and women by treating them more as an investment as real people under this uniform... and stop thinking of them as a liability to be dealt with and pushed aside.

 Here's to hoping that Manitoba will soon follow British Columbia and Alberta and bring about a positive change to our legislation... so that we may rescue our own before it is too late!

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        captain
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Going Back In Time

... Reporting From Off Scene

City of Brandon, Manitoba Canada Municipal Heritage Site
Central Fire Station

- as seen back then!

The Central Fire Station was constructed in 1911 and stands on the very same site of its 1882-1893 predecessor.  It was designed by one of Brandon’s most prominent early architects, W. A. Elliott. The addition of a tower, was suggested by his young son Egbert. The cost of the building ranged between $37,000 to $40,000.

The architecture of the Central Fire Station combines Chateauesque style with an Italianate tower. Red brick, a steeply pitched roof with protruding dormers, and wrought iron balconies beneath the brackets of the bell tower make this an impressive structure. The main portion of the 2½ storey brick and concrete structure was built of semi fire-proof construction with 13 inch thick walls set on heavy concrete floors with a basement below.

The Italianate tower contained a large fire bell, known as “Coronation Bell” named in honor of the coronation of King George. The bell was manufactured in West Troy, New York with a weight of 4,400 pounds, a base of 62 inches and a range in the key of “C”. It was removed in 1971 to reduce the stress on the tower and is currently being stored.

 

... as you would see her today!

The old fire hall no longer serves its intended purpose and waits empty for its fate. Now that it’s empty, maintenance of the building seems to be lax which is a pity since it is a fine example of architectural blending producing unique results. The destiny of Central Fire Station remains in limbo.

All I can say, is that to demolish this classic would be a crime against beauty.

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    HoseMonkey
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This Kitchen is CLOSED

... Reporting From On Scene
Incident Type:  Residential Structural Fire

At 4:23PM we responded to a reported house fire.  First on scene, we found flames and heavy smoke showing from both floors of the two story wood framed 1750 square foot single family home.  Our crew extinguished the fire with hand lines and completed primary and secondary search and rescue.

The occupants were alerted to the fire by smoke alarms and were able to evacuate with only minor injuries and rattled nerves.  Thankfully, the working smoke alarms activated in this situation, because given the heavy volume of smoke and fire, this could have easily been a tragic outcome.

For anyone out there that wishes to down play the importance of working smoke alarms, fell free to email us at crew14.members@gmail and we will gladly have this family contact you and argue the facts.

As most of us know, more fires begin in the kitchen than almost any other room in the home.  In fact, residential cooking has always... and still continues to be one of the leading causes of fire-related deaths.

Being safe is in our own hands when at home. We can only hope that more people will make it their mission, not to live in unsafe conditions, by ensuring that their smoke detectors are working properly.

Smoke alarms - a sound that we can all LIVE with!

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      Firegeezer
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School Fire Drills - High Priority This Week

... Reporting From Off Scene

This week is going to be a busy week.  Schools are generally considered a fire safe place to be.  That however, doesn't mean that fire drills are not necessary.  I am a firm believer the first days of school are very critical for establishing procedures for school fire drills and the reasoning behind each procedure. And with that said, we have 5 rural Elementary Schools, 4 rural Junior High Schools and 2 rural High Schools in which both myself and FireGeezer will be on hand to provide assistance/support, recommendations, review fire safety legislation with school staff so that they know their responsibilities and obligations when it comes to managing fire safety at their school, answer their questions, etc., during these fire drills.

Each year, each  of these schools has on an average of 8-10 fire drills to ensure that the students become accustomed to safe, calm and orderly evacuation in case of an emergency. Once again, this year, we will be leaving each Elementary School with a 'Book Bundle' (valued at over $45) to be added to their school library.  Of course... the books are based on fire safety and awareness.

I remember being in school not too long ago, and I remember our fire drills.  I am happy to see a change, one major change is that our rural department has been asked to participate in these fire drills at least twice a year.

I would be curious to know if other departments participate in school fire drills too. For us, it's a great way to stay connected to our folks/kids in our rural communities!

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       Shadow
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Good Service = Repeat Customers

... Reporting From On Scene
Incident Type: MVA

We were toned out the other afternoon for a fall to a nearby residence, literally just down the road from the station.  It is the second time this month that we have been at his home, and it's only the 14th of September. The gentleman who lives there is in his early 70's and has a long list of medical problems.  We were toned out today because he had fallen, couldn't get up, possibly broken ankle.  (The last time we were called out to his residence for a medical assist, he had fallen and severely twisted the other ankle).

We quickly ran through our assessments but as we did, I could see our patient was getting frustrated.  I could almost hear his thoughts as I looked at his facial expressions, I pictured him saying "Why are you asking me all these insane questions when it's obvious that I may have broken my ankle?" (That's our job, to ask questions... besides the poking and probing.)

I wasn't too concerned with the badly twisted/possibly broken ankle as much as I wanted to know why or what may have caused him to fall.  I finally got it out of him that he had been feeling dizzy just before he took his fall.  Just about that time, I noticed while during his assessment that his blood pressure was too low. An IV was started to give our patient some fluids to bring up his blood pressure while his ankle was splinted with a vacu-splint and placed on an ice pack for the pain and swelling while we waited for the ambo to arrive.

We helped load our repeat customer into the ambo for his trip into the city.  When secured, I told him that if he wanted to see us so bad, next time just stop by the station, we're just down the road.

He gave us a thumbs up, laughed and said that he appreciated the invite.

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      Lieutenant
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This is How We Roll

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    HoseMonkey
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Keep Out of Reach

... Reporting From On Scene
Incident Type: MVA

Whew!  It's been one of those weeks.  Emotions this week were swerving high and low like a roller coaster.  There's no other words to put it other than, this.week.sucked.ass!

No. I did not have a bad hair day.  Even if I had, I doubt I would have turned to a hair straightener for a quick fix, not just because I don't have enough hair to entertain the thought of needing one, but because these damn things are hazardous.

This is one YouTube video that is worth watching:

 

Hair straighteners can reach temperatures of up to 220C (428F) and can remain scalding hot for up to eight minutes after they have been switched off.  Young children especially, can easily pick up or accidentally step on a hot hair straightener left on the floor or grab one from the bathroom counter top... opening them up and wrapping their small hands around/in between the thongs.  As children have much thinner skin than adults, these burns can be quite deep, perhaps even cause permanent scarring.

 Let me tell you (from first hand experience) if you cannot already imagine, small kids and any kind of styling iron are a bad combination.  Have you ever tried to grab hold of a young toddler who is rolling around on the floor kicking and screaming trying to get away from their pain??!?  Well, let's hope you never have to experience such a case as we did.

We held him trying to console him, cooling his hand and trying to evaluate the extent of the damage.  Then we wrapped his hand in gauze.  Landen quickly ripped it off.  We tried again and he quickly ripped that one off too.  Then we wrapped both his hands so that his left hand would not be able to remove the bandages from the right hand.  That came off too but it took him a little bit longer to do so, all while he cried 'owie!'  So one more time - both hands wrapped up, then ace bandages wrapped around both hands.
 
Gratefully, the pain medication kicked in pretty quickly and the tears stopped.  He was quite entertaining as he was clearly not feeling the pain as bad once we had him loaded and ready for his trip to the Children's Hospital in the city.

There are those people that love to say things like, "...It happened before I knew it..." or "...It happened in a split second..." then they like to blame it on the inanimate object... they THEY put there in the first place.  The Human Race.  You gotta love us.

This seemed just common sense to us, but these days it's almost as if some people seem to be so involved with themselves they don't stop to always consider what could be dangerous to others.  I don't mean to indict all parents but come one, anybody knows to keep hot things out of kids reach, don't they?

None the less, it is truly a blessing that the burns were not any worse and it's amazing how in time, young kids can heal.

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        captain
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Guaranteed Stress Relief Technique

People are always asking me how I handle the load of stress that I do. I tell them that if they are ever having a rough day, here's a stress management technique I use and recommend... as it was recommended to me.

The funny thing is that it really works.

• Picture yourself near a quiet stream.
• The birds are softly chirping in the nearby trees.
• No one but you knows of this secret place.
• You are in total seclusion from the hectic place called 'the world'.
•  The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity all around you.
• The water is a crystal clear turquoise.
• You can easily make out the face of the person you're holding under water.

See, you're smiling already.

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    HoseMonkey
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Daily Dose of Words of Wisdom

... Reporting From On Scene
Incident Type: MVA

Don't drink twice the legal alcohol limit.  If you are going to drink twice the legal alcohol limit, don't drive.

If you decide to drive after drinking twice the legal alcohol limit, don't keep doing it after your 2nd DUI ticket.

If you are on your 3rd DUI ticket for drinking twice the legal alcohol limit, it's probably easier to just pull over instead of slamming into several parked cars, destroying a peaceful neighbourhood at 2:20AM, and then trying to flee from the police before crashing into a tree.

It would make our day/morning much easier too!  But we realize that this is not about us... it's about 'your' free complimentary ticket straight to lock up!

Seriously? What ever happened to good old-fashioned walking stumbling or crawling home?

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      Firegeezer
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'Tribute in Light'

The symbolism of the twin beams of light as they thrust skyward from the site of the once majestic twin towers in New York is obvious to all who see them.  The first time I saw those twin lights on my TV screen, I thought... damn!!!  What a wonderful tribute, what a magnificent way to celebrate and remember the lives of the nearly three thousand souls who dies there on 09/11.  As their family and friends know, these lights carry a very deep heart-warming message of both encouragement and defiance that is far beyond the power of any of our well meaning attempts to comfort them.  But there is more to it than that.

Look again at these Twin Tower lights.  Notice this as I do... American placed them there.  Americans turned them on. And, in addition, Americans aimed them toward the heavens where God, who is the source of our strength, lives.

We need to remember and reflect on the fact that terrorism can only live in darkness.  Light destroys darkness.  Obviously, these awesome lights of these Twin Towers symbolize America's determination to destroy terrorism's darkness with light... so everywhere people have the hope of living in peace and freedom.

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        captain
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This 9-11, many bloggers will post tributes. This is our tribute…

In memorial events and in our hearts we will continue to remember the countless emergency service personnel, families, friends, and neighbours whose lives were lost or completely altered forever on 09/11.

09/11 was a tragedy. Although we are many miles away, we have not forgotten what transpired on that day.  We will never forget that day.

09/11 has become a transition for some families, who have now turned from mourning to preserving memories of their loved ones through good deeds.  The heroic acts of all those killed trying to save others this September morning spawned a growing movement.  The goal is now to ensure that future generations remember not just the horror of the attacks, but also the extraordinary outpouring of humanity during those days, weeks, and months that followed.  It was the worst possible day imaginable for some, and in some ways, a remarkable day too, in the way in which people responded.  Let us not remember this day for the evil acts of violence targeted at fear, panic and death. Rather, let us remember the human spirit, the brotherhood of mankind, and the goodness that not only New Yorkers but Americans and people all around the world have dedicated to saving our most precious resource:  LIFE!!!

Let us pause and remember our heroes in special uniforms, those brave souls not in uniform... who died trying to help so many souls - our first responders... firefighters, police, paramedics... and let's remember those doctors, nurses... countless others including civilians who rose to offer assistance without hesitation.  And, let us remember those left behind - mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, ... the children, etc... who were left behind to carry on without their loved ones.

In memory of all those lost and forever missing from the events on September 11, 2001... at the
World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the thwarted mission that landed in Pennsylvania.  We shall forever be united in courage, grief and faith.

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        captain
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FireHouse Cooking Goes Wrong

... Reporting From Off Scene
  
FF Warren:  "We need to start eating better around here.  So are you guys alright with vegan bread?"

FireGeezer:  "I wasn't aware that there were any animals in bread, unless grain has become a form of life that must be suddenly be preserved."

FF Warren:  "I'm going to make everyone a meal that's nothing but vegan bread, yellow mustard and what-not."

Captain:  "Why don't you just cut off our heads and call it a complete f**king day!?"

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       Shadow
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