You Booze, You Cruise, You Lose!

Reporting From Off Scene

I'm dating a very lovely lady.  She's a package deal, comes with 5 hooligans (all under the age of 15 yrs.), not to be confused with halligans, although I wouldn't be disappointed if she had 5 halligans.

With the holidays upon us, there's absolutely no peace and quiet under her roof! None.  On my days off, I can be found over at her place. After a couple of days, we've managed to assemble things... broken a few things, fixed other things and we have played with a lot!

But I want to go back on shift.  I want to have 'adult conversations'. 

Of course, once I'm on shift, I miss her, and the kids - somewhat.  But then it hits me.  Some of my 'adult conversations' will be with citizens that we meet on scene and some of these adult conversations will contain phrases such as:  "You did what...??!!" or "How much did you say you had to drink??!" and I am pretty sure that I will have to ask at some point "What the hell were you thinking??!!!"

You know something, it's not that we firefighters get really pissed off when you/some people decide to use your livers as sponges and soak up way too much alcohol and end up in a tree... in your car or flipped upside down in a ditch. We don't get really depressed when your superman powers kick in and we have to use our kryptonite restraints to hold you on the stretcher.

But, you don't really want to be that guy with nothing more than a couple of bruises and a scratch on his arm standing next to the police car after we have had to shut down a highway to cut out a 17 year old girl and her 11 year old sister from the car that you ran off the road who just happened to be on their way home from a Youth Group meeting at church.  And do not yell at me while asking if I am going to help you because your scratch is bleeding.

Now that!  Will piss me off.

Drink all you want. Don't drive. Designated drivers are heroes in our eyes. Don't take the chance on wrecking someone else's life. 

Please.

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      Firegeezer
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Not Always as "Seen On TV"

Reporting From Off Scene:

If you have ever or if you would ever sit around a firehouse table and you spend any amount of time with a crew of firefighters, you could be crying one moment because we're telling you some heartbreaking story about trying to save a victim and not being able to do so.  The very next minute, you could be bent over in a laughing fit trying to catch your breath because we have another story about coming up on scene, and something extremely funny or bizarre that we witnessed.

It's true.  We are naturally good story tellers and we have many to tell you.  We realize that we have an abundance of stories, good and bad, to tell... enough stories to make many hour long TV shows from.  Firefighters can be quite the characters too, as we come from all backgrounds, genders, races and of all ages.  The entire psyche of (someone) who would go into work every day, put on their gear, and run into a building on fire is what attracts some producers and screen writers to want to make prime time TV shows about us.

Courtesy of Paul Combs

Just remember folks.  What you see on TV for the most part, is scripted.  The firefighters at your local firehouse in your neighborhood, are real men under those uniforms.

Firefighting is NOT as glamorous for these real men, as they seem to portray on TV.  They are sacrificing their quality of life at times.  As a firefighter, you're not going to make much money.  One might think that a guy that hurls himself into harm's way to save a complete stranger would get paid something a little more commensurate with the nobility of his occupation, but our reality isn't set up to work that way.  Because as a firefighter you don't need eight years of school and the brain the size of a watermelon to perform your job, you're never going to be flush with loads of cash.  You are also sacrificing much of your personal and social life.  The hours will often be long and grueling.  The firehouse that employs you is kind of your second home. At times, the only thing more dangerous than fighting a raging fire is... well... fighting fire on very little sleep.  Good luck with that!

The job of wearing a badge or a firefighters helmet can indeed be an ugly one so next time you catch yourself watching a TV show/series on firefighters/fire fighting, just remember that what you are watching does not necessarily depict the true nature and character of the firefighting service.

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    LadderJockey
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One Prescription That Really Works

Reporting From On Scene
Incident:  Medical Assist

The tones got us up just before 1 a.m. Someone needed our help, or at least they believed that they do. After donning my bunker pants I jumped into the rig, slipped into my seat and put on my headset. With not much more than a grunt I let our engineer know that all were on board and we were ready to roll. I was still trying to rub out the sleep from my eyes.

Dispatch let us know that we were just going out for a medical assist, a lift assist to be more exact. Usually not a big deal, they are quite routine.

We got to the residence and an elderly woman met us at the front door. She walked us through their beautifully kept home back towards the bathroom where her husband had taken a nasty fall. His health has been deteriorating over the last couple of months to the point where he really shouldn't be walking. He had fallen, and he didn't have the strength to get back up.

We helped the elderly man up and into the bathroom. While he went about his business, we stayed in the other room and talked with his wife. She told us that they have been living in their home for the past 45+ years and she has no desire to move into a seniors residence.  She told us all about their 3 successful kids that were now spread out between Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario.  A couple of times she tried to get us to leave insisting that we didn't need to waste our time waiting for her husband, that she could see him back to bed herself.  I encouraged her to let us stay and make sure her husband could get back to his bed. She gave in.

I am glad that we stayed. The elderly man was able to use his walker and get less than halfway down the hallway before his legs gave out beneath him. We rushed to catch him, and carefully carried him to his bed. After another 10 minutes standing by his bedside, his loving aqnd doting wife explained to us that everything was as good as it could be for now.  So, I bid our farewell.

2 hours later we were just clearing a MVA (motor vehicle accident) when dispatch asked if we were able to take another call. It was at the same house we had been to for the medical assist earlier - lift assist.  Dispatch advised that the patient was unconscious. Knowing who it was and his medical problems, we were concerned that the elderly man wasn't just unconscious but dead.

Pulling up on scene, we found the ambulance had already made it there too. We walked in just in time to hear the elderly woman asking the Paramedics if they knew where we were. I popped my head around the corner and said we were right there. I explained that we had been out of position for the call and as luck has it, the ambulance made it to their residence faster than we did. Both the husband and wife were happy that we had finally arrived.

Turns out that her husband had his BP drop significantly. He was even weaker now than when we were previously out. His devoted and no doubt exhausted wife looked as if she was barely keeping it together. Clearly she was worried about where this downturn in health was headed. After making sure the patient was loaded into the back of the ambulance and in good hands, I quietly approached the worried woman.  I told her she looked like someone that needed a hug. She simply nodded her head and gave me a big hug.  While there isn't much we can do long term for her husband I hope that a simple hug and some kind words let her know she isn't alone in all this.

Sometimes, what people really need cannot be administered through medication/drugs. Compassion and understanding are available through hugs, no prescription needed... free of charge... available 24/7.  Not a quick hug, but where you hold on to a person for 3-4 minutes tightly so they can actually feel a genuine sincere embrace.

I'm sure we'll be back again.

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      Lieutenant
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Never A Dull Moment

Reporting From Off Scene

If you were to ask me what I find most rewarding about what I do for a living, it would be the obvious, helping people. We always get a rush when we step off the truck to hear someone shout "thank God you guys are here." It's a great sensation to feel needed and be able to provide some needed assistance to them.

If you were to ask me what I find most interesting in what I do for a living, it would be the fact that firefighting is an inspiring career in which there is "never a dull day". It’s never static. There are always things to achieve, new training and procedures to be implemented and new surprises to face. Our training and experience is always tested on a daily basis.

We attend medical assist calls, as we are trained to take care of patients, and can often get to the scene before an ambulance . We have water rescue units that help save people in trouble on rivers and lakes. We have high angle rescue teams that can rescue people from high buildings. We have hazardous materials units that take care of chemicals and materials that are dangerous. We have trench rescue units to help save people who are trapped when the ground collapses and the list goes on.

Chances are, if someone's in trouble, we're there to help them.

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    HoseMonkey
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Getting Into Heaven

Reporting from off scene:

It was with great sadness, that on Christmas Eve, three Firefighters passed away and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates.

"In honor of this holy season," Saint Peter said, "You must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven."

The first Firefighter fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter.  He flicked it on.  "This represents a candle," he said.  "You may pass through the pearly gates," Saint Peter said.

The second Firefighter reached into his pockets and pulled out a set of keys to the fire hall.  He shook them and said, "They're bells."  Saint Peter said, "You may pass through the pearly gates."

The third Firefighter started searching  desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of woman's panties.

Saint Peter looked at the Firefighter with a raised eyebrow and asked, "And just what do those symbolize???"

The Firefighter replied, "They're Carol's."

 

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      Firegeezer
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Down On The Farm

Reporting from on scene
Incident:  Barn Fire

The other day was my first major barn fire experience, an entirely new experience.  My tasks varied
quite a bit.  Again, I was asked to assist the Accountability Officer and participated in mop up.  From the accountability standpoint, I learned very quickly the importance of reassigning men quickly and how to account for their whereabouts all while being glued to the IC's side.  Absolutely EVERYTHING from my initial training was enforced on this call.

Matter of fact, if you were to have looked up the meaning to the word 'exhausted', I am sure you would have seen my picture right there!  2 hours my friends... we were on scene!! 2 very busy hours.

For the record, the smell of burning hay and livestock is not the same as a true structure fire. This time, I couldn't wait to take a shower and get that smell off me and out of my hair in particular. Went out with a couple of members for hot chocolate a few hours later and couldn't help but ask "smell my hair!" like 12 times.  Oh, the joys of having long hair.

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       Shadow
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...7 Words of Wisdom from Years of Experience

Reporting From Off Scene

Some of life’s best lessons are learned at the worst times.  On the job, I have learned plenty, plenty of lessons not learned through training manuals or videos... of by sitting in a classroom or even through training exercises.


1.  We do receive thank you letters.  It just really sucks that they come in the form of obituaries for the most part.

2.  No matter how bad your cold is and how 'stuffed up' you are, never put Vick's vapor rub under your nose while on shift.  Vick's vapor rub opens up your nasal passages something wicked. One will have to be extra careful what they drink or eat after a bad call/smelly call because your memory will tie those smells together. To this day, I still can't eat salmon sandwiches.


3.  Cutting fiercely through a down filled jacket in a hurry in the back of a rescue unit makes one heck of a mess.  But, it makes for good conversation when you roll up to the ambulance bay doors at hospital looking like you just survived a massive pillow fight at a teenage slumber party.

4.  I can be tactful and should be, but I can also be the exact opposite when I don't necessarily need to be.

5.  People's perception of what an emergency is will never cease to amaze.  Hunger pains? Do you really need that ambulance/rescue unit?  Stubbed your toe two days ago and you still feel the pain... yup, better send the police and fire trucks.  Having a huge fight with your boyfriend and he's ignoring your silly ass? Yes, you better call 911 and tell dispatch he's not being responsive.  Oh yeah:.

"... Just so there's no misunderstanding, you beat the snot out of your wife and while chasing her to the bedroom, YOU tripped, fell, and knocked two teeth out and possibly sprained your ankle. And YOU ARE calling 911 yourself?..."  *see 4th words of wisdom from top of list*

6.  We get to see and experience some pretty nasty stuff while on shift, and it will affect our relationships. The sooner our spouses, partner, friends and family learn that sometimes we just need to be left alone or require that long lingering hug, the better off everyone will be.  It's OK to cancel dinner plans or go straight to bed after dealing with a suicide or not feel like watching a movie... attending a party... 'getting it on' after trying to contain a fire for three hours.

7.  MOST importantly, one should learn and remember to turn off their cell phone while on a call or when attending a formal meeting.  That catchy "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" ring tone will go off at the most inappropriate time. Trust me..........

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        captain
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Smoke Investigation

Reporting From On Scene
Incident:  Smoke From Unknown Location

The tones dropped.  We got a call to respond to numerous reports of 'smoke' in a residential neighbourhood.  One of the RP (reporting party) stated that he could see smoke in the distance but had no fixed address for us to report to.  Little did we know that as we were responding so was almost half of city's police force. We ended up with 3 or 4 vehicles running around with us looking for this fire.

At one point one of the squad vehicles got in our way. As we approached him from behind, our Captain laid on the horn for shit and giggles.  The officer realized that the lower part of our bumper was about equal to the roof of his squad car. Needless to say, he quickly got out of our way. While doing so, we could almost hear him shriek, "AAAHHH! I'm going to get steam rolled by a red and white truckzilla!!!"

A couple of kids were spotted running through the neighbourhood, quickly apprehended by some officers for questioning, they admitted to starting a small bush-fire in a local park and directed the officers to the location. We followed.  After all was said and done and the fire was completely extinguished, they were chewed out by about 4-5 cops and and our Captain.

* I am happy to report that no one was shot, tasered or killed by police officers during this event.

However, there was a lot of man power for a couple of kids. As the last squad car was leaving I asked him why the large showing of police force. He said that they were having a slow day and the call sounded like it might be good.

Further proof that some cops wish they could be firefighters!

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    LadderJockey
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Homeowners Built Themselves a Coffin

Reporting From On Scene:

Incident:  Trailer Fire

Just a quick post to share this experience about the other day's small trailer fire.  We got dispatched to a fire on the side of a mobile home and upon arrival, we found a small amount of smoke and fire outside the main entrance to a residential trailer/mobile home as well. The fire was small enough that we managed to knock most of it down with a water can before the hose-line was even charged.

As we made entrance through the main doorway, there was quite a bit of smoke in the mobile home. We saw children's toys tossed around the living room, so we immediately went to the back of the trailer and searched the one crib and beds for people, which they were all apparently outside and counted for.  In an attempt to clear some of the heat and smoke, I went to the kitchen window and tried to open it. No go.  That damn thing wouldn't budge an inch!  I went over to the living room window but couldn't open that window either because the window crank was missing.  I pushed hard against the frame and noticed that the entire window appeared to possibly be glued shut.  In the midst of me pushing, I pushed hard enough that my hand broke through the glass, so we had a small vent hole now although my intention was never to cause that damage.

As we walked through the rest of the mobile home, the guys outside finished their search for fire extension, we noticed that every single window in that entire trailer was securely glued shut using possibly rubber cement.  To begin with, there was only 1 entrance/exit in this trailer (the second entrance/exit was blocked by a huge entertainment unit) and the windows were very small and high off the floor.  By gluing all of them shut the homeowners essentially built themselves a coffin. 

This family clearly needed a refresher course on the importance of developing and practicing a fire escape plan.  They certainly did not have two ways out of every room or even the trailer.  

That evening, they were just damn lucky.

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    HoseMonkey
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We All Scream For Ice-Cream

Reporting From Off Scene:

When it comes to the Fire Service, I think that most of us who are in, would agree that we have a weak spot for sugar.  You know, just like cops and their jelly filled donuts.  Our weakness around here is ice-cream and that includes all flavors and all brands.  No, we do not discriminate against the cold stuff ... not even when our winter temperatures dip below - 39 Celsius or close to -38.2 Fahrenheit.

But, it's more than just that. For example, when a Probie has her/his first fire, she/he owes everyone on the crew ice cream.  In all reality, any time a Probie has their first of anything, they owe ice cream.  I remember one Probie who tried to get out of owing ice cream after the crew members had already picked the flavor, by saying that it wasn't their 'first'.  While this might have been true, but by this time, the rest of the crew had already picked out the flavor and were expecting big scoops thrown into bowls and given to them.  (When it comes to this crew, you would have better luck at stopping a raging river with your bare hands than try and change their minds about having ice cream.)  This Probie was reminded that it was his first fire on that particular date with this crew.  In other words, he owed ice cream and he better pay up or he'd feel our wrath.

Another time where you might owe ice cream is when:

• You get your picture in the paper.
• If you're on the news.
• If you screw up.
• If you run the wheels of the engine along the curb or anything of that nature.
• And the list goes on.

The nice thing about this unwritten rule is that it applies to everyone.  So, anytime a firefighter gets promoted, yes, he owes ice cream to the rest of the crew.

Anyways, I just thought that you'd like to know one of the reasons that we often struggle with our waistline.

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      Lieutenant
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