rescues

The words no Firefighter wants to hear, "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" was transmitted last week at a house fire in Roanoke County (Va). "MAYDAY" is the term Firefighters use when their life or safety is in jeopardy and they are unable to remove themselves from the situation.

Teams face a wide range of scenarios including Rope / High Angle, Confined Space, Extrication, Swift Water, Trench, Cave, Heavy Equipment Rescue, derailments and more!

In the face of adversity, the members of L-1132 (and firefighters around the Country) accomplish extraordinary deeds in service of their fellow man. The room last Friday night (as is our firehouses everyday) was full of sacrifice and true Heroes.

I think the member who asked the question already realizes this ... otherwise, he wouldn't be seeking the advice he is (he's planning / preparing for these "bigger" firefighters to go down). Why are these members inside anyway? Why are they even on the Department? Is their potential heart attack, stroke or death worth the benefit of having them as members? THINK ABOUT THAT.

"Kevin O'Toole and Ethan Sorrell were trapped in a house fire on February 24th, 2012 in Prince Georges County Maryland. They were both riding Truck Company 9 of the Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department responding to a reported house fire in the first due response area of a closed firehouse. After making entry, conditions rapidly deteriorated causing Kevin and Ethan to be trapped and severely injured.

Less than a minute after removing the victim, the car became heavily involved in fire and was soon fully involved. Without a doubt, Firefighter McKinney's actions along that roadside saved a life!

Shortly after his size up, Captain Perdue transmitted that he had multiple victims hanging out of windows (of the upper floors) and the hallway / stairwell heavily involved with fire.

The Roanoke Fire / EMS Department runs with 3 members on an Engine and 3 on a Ladder (this includes the Chauffeur and Officer). This fire is just another example of their members doing extraordinary things under the worst of circumstances.

The good news is that none of the injuries sustained were serious and all 4 members were released from the hospital by late yesterday evening.

Unlike when the Derecho hit, we were not caught off guard. We were kept informed, given up to date projections / information and provided the necessary resources.