Captains Corner

The subject of this months captains corner is ReHab. As firefighters, we encounter dangers that come with the service we provide keeping our community safe. When the tones go off indicating a run and before we step on the apparatus the members adrenaline instantly increases and at times to dangerous levels. Before arriving at the scene, dispatch reports back Confirmed working structure fire and now adrenaline flows even faster. We arrive on scene and go to work. This work first consists of pulling hose and tools from apparatus in preparation of fire suppression. Here is where we face the ultimate danger, right? We encounter intense heat with toxic smoke, at the same time we now have a building that has been structurally compromised ! Roofs sagging, floors giving way, electrical and gas hazards, just to name a few. You would think this in its self is what injures and kills most
firefighters every year. Guess again..
Last year, 54 out of 87 firefighters were victims of heart attacks!
In that percentage 34 % were volunteer members. More than half of those did not have there episodes on scene but were stricken later.
Our jobs put us into extreme and profound physical and phycological situations. Our heart rates increase and decrease at uneven intervals with respiratory following the same erratic patterns ! Just imagine that you are wind sprinting, doing push ups and repeating , all the while having 100 pounds of gear on and inhaling toxic smoke ! Believe me your body is being ravaged. Yet, when you are ordered into rehab you frown and ask…why me? Are the officers or member in charge picking on me?
Guess again.
Not only will you be giving your body time to rest and hydrate, you can be checked out! Your blood pressure ,heart rate and respiratory can be taken. If found to be abnormal you can be treated and possibly saved ! Remember, most heart attacks occur after the incident and no symptoms noticed. However, I would bet money that a good percentage never went to have first aid check them and if they had I’m sure it would have changed the number on most of these percentages. Listen, you can look at it this way…when the fire is out we clean up our equipment and make sure it’s in the best shape it can be in preparation of the next run. So why wouldn’t you do the same for the most important piece of firefighting equipment – YOU ! Just sayin. Stay safe brothers and sisters.
Respectfully,
Lieutenant Ken. ξ