Fire and Rescue Chief’s Monthly Report

From Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin O’Brien

Fire Chief’s Report # 2012- 11

October 11, through November 12, 2012

Calls for Service
This Report             YTD

*Year to date responses have increased 9%

Fire Chief’s Goals and Priorities for 2012

• Execute the mission of OIFR through direction of the Board of Commissioners
• Establish and maintain fiscal accountability for all OIFR operations
• Effectively lead the people of OIFR
• Provide management and oversight for all operations, equipment, facilities, projects and programs for OIFR
  • Station 24 Completion
  • Wildland Risk Analysis
• Immersion into the operations, culture, and customs of OIFR
• Foster open and clear communications with the Orcas Island Community and our surrounding partners in emergency response
• Evaluate the current operations and organizational structure
• Monitor and plan for the future

Notable Alarms
Aid Call: We assisted an adult male with a significant cardio vascular problem. The man was treated and transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham via Island Air Ambulance. (Due to weather, Airlift Northwest was unable to fly).

Simultaneous Aid Calls and Off Island Transport: We assisted an adult female for a neurological issue. The patient required transport to St. Joseph’s hospital in Bellingham. Due to weather, the patient was transported by an OIFR medic unit via Washington State Ferries. At about the same time we assisted an adult female who had experienced trauma from a fall who was transported by an OIFR medic unit via Washington State Ferries at the same time.

CPR: We assisted an adult male who was reported to be unconscious and unresponsive on a jobsite. OIFR personnel performed CPR and other medical procedures however; the patient did not respond and was pronounced dead at the scene.

CPR: OIFR personnel assisted an adult male who was reported to be unconscious and unresponsive. OIFR personnel performed CPR and other medical procedures however; he did not respond and was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Walk-In” Aid Call: We assisted a juvenile male with a traumatic injury. The patient was treated and we arranged for additional treatment at a local medical clinic.

Cat Rescue: We were dispatched to a neighborhood in Eastsound to assist with a cat stuck in a tree. With little risk to the responders, the feline was successfully rescued.

Dog Rescue: We responded to the Obstruction Pass area for the report of a dog stuck in a culvert. On arrival, responders found a small dog trapped in a storm drain. With the handy use of a salmon net, the pooch was successfully rescued and reunited with her family.

Semi Truck Incident: Our units responded to the Orcas Ferry landing area for the report of a semi truck accident. On arrival, we found a large “van line” style moving truck that was stuck on the side of the road. The semi was successfully removed from the shoulder with no injuries to people or damage to property.

News and Events
Our personnel provided EMS standby assistance at the Tripple Ripple Run events in Moran State Park.

We hosted Mr. Tim Ordwing and other community members involved in Mr. Ordwing’s rescue for coffee and discussion at Station 21.

Chief O’Brien taught a public health class to the Tenth Graders and Orcas Island High School.

Chief O’Brien and DC Shepler participated in a county-wide emergency management exercise at the San Juan County EOC in Friday Harbor.

In preparation for the Orcas Ferry Terminal Closure we positioned a reserve aid unit near the Shaw Island Ferry Terminal. During the week of the closure, there were no unusual challenges presented with our operations.

Orcas Viking football season has ended with a successful season. Members from OIFR have been involved as volunteer staff for the team including Capt. Rita Harvey (Trainer/Field EMT), Bob Nutt (Field EMT), Bob Phalan (Field EMT), Rich Harvey (Field EMT), Rachel Harvey (Field EMT), George Schermerhorn (Field EMT) Lindsay Schirmer (Scoreboard Operator), Mik Preysz (EMS Supervisor), and Chief O’Brien (Asst. Coach, Trainer, Field EMT).

On Saturday, October 27th from 10:00 a.m. until noon we hosted a successful Volunteer Recruitment Open House at Station 21 (Dick Doty’s famous maple bars and doughnuts were served!)

On Halloween we hosted a haunted house at Station 21 where we provided public safety items and treats for our visitors.

We conducted an EMS transport drill with the US Coast Guard where we rendezvoused with their 45’ patrol boat and crew at the Obstruction Pass Dock and transferred four simulated patients accompanied by our paramedic and three EMTs. The patients and OIFR crew were successfully transported to the county dock at the Orcas Ferry Terminal. After the drill, the Coast Guard crew joined us for a station tour and lunch at Station 21.

We hosted Salmonberry School for a tour of Station 21 and taught fire and life safety practices.

Chief O’Brien visited Kaleidoscope Preschool and taught fire and life safety practices.

Looking Ahead
Administrative Assistant Lindsay Schirmer will visit the Valley Regional Fire Authority to observe their operations and administrative practices.

We are initiating an “in-house” promotional process for Station Lieutenant. Currently, we have vacancies at Stations 22 and 27.

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue continues our recruitment campaign for firefighter.