INDIANA FIRE SERVICE NEWS

IF YOU HAVE A NEWS ITEM YOU WOULD LIKE POSTED PLEASE EMAIL INFORMATION TO rbrown@indianafirefighter.com

2009 EDITION

To All Indiana Firefighter.Com Users;

You have probably noticed by now that the website has not been updated since September 1^st, until now. This has been due to a glitch in the server. The server would allow content to be uploaded, however not allow users to view the updated content.

Technical support advised, that they have no idea why or how it happened, and have switched servers. What this mean to a computer illiterate person such as myself, I have no idea, other than apologize for the inconvenience.

I guess we get what we pay for, and this site is free. So for now just hang in there and understand were doing the best with the site that we have. Like many of you, I can fight fire, save lives, and operate technical equipment. However when the computer acts up, crashes, or glitches, I have to ask for technical support, and we all know how frustrating that is! What even worse is when they ask a question in computer tech, I often have to guess at what they want.

Once again, sorry for the inconvenience.

Respectfully

Randy B.

Emergency Management and Response

Information Sharing and Analysis Center

(EMR-ISAC)

INFOGRAM 39-09                                         October 1, 2009

NOTE: This INFOGRAM will be distributed weekly to provide members of the Emergency Services Sector with information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures.  For further information, contact the Emergency Management and Response- Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) at (301) 447-1325 or by e-mail at emr-isac@dhs.gov. 

Emergency Services Sector Information Sharing

According to the FBI, the three foiled terror plots announced last week now make 26 publicly known treacherous schemes that have been disrupted by law enforcement since 11 September 2001. The failed plans "demonstrate just how far information sharing has come since 9/11, but also demonstrate that the threat of terrorism has not diminished."

After reviewing a 29 September memorandum by the Heritage Foundation regarding this recent success of information sharing, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) appreciates the importance of more information sharing throughout the Emergency Services Sector (ESS). While state and local fusion centers have certainly helped increase the passage and availability of information, the Heritage Foundation asserts that "more needs to be done to continue and expand the free flow of information."

Increasing the expeditious movement of critical infrastructure protection, resilience, threat, and vulnerability information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ESS leaders, owners, and operators is the paramount EMR-ISAC mission. Nevertheless, there are hundreds of emergency departments and agencies that are not registered and subscribed with the EMR-ISAC to receive free sensitive and non-sensitive information.

Emergency organizations not participating in EMR-ISAC information sharing services may not be receiving consequential DHS information (For Official Use Only–FOUO) that could make a difference in their plans and operations before, during, and after a disaster strikes. (Note that there is a vetting/validating process to receive FOUO information). Therefore, to obtain a no-cost registration and subscription, send a request to emr-isac@dhs.gov with all pertinent physical and electronic contact information. Questions can be answered by calling 301-447-1325.

Communication and Public Health Emergencies

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) reviewed the “Communication and Public Health Emergencies: A Guide for Law Enforcement,” (PDF, 1.4 Mb) created by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), with support from the U.S. Department of Justice.

This Guide identifies the considerations that law enforcement executives should address in their public health communications plans, regarding internal communications (i.e., those that remain within the agency) as well as external communications (i.e., those that go to other agencies or the public). When examining the PERF document, the EMR-ISAC learned that much of the content is equally applicable to the chief officers of the fire and emergency medical services.

PERF is a national membership organization of progressive police executives from the largest city, county and state law enforcement agencies. It is dedicated to improving policing and advancing professionalism through research and involvement in public policy debate.

VBIED Update

National and international media sources have frequently reported about Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). For the benefit of Emergency Services Sector departments and agencies, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) reviewed the article “Car Bombs: First Responder Concerns” by Officer.com, and summarized its contents regarding the use of passenger cars, delivery trucks, parked and moving vehicles as VBIEDs.

Vehicles are used to transport and detonate bombs because of the following capabilities:

· Conceal large amounts of explosives.
· Deploy in an easy and mobile manner.
· Provide an internal power-supply, switches, combustible material, and fragmentation.
· Attract little attention when moving or parked and unattended.
· Detonation can be accomplished remotely or by a timer.

The following are indicators when a VBIED may be present:

· Grease or dirt marks around compartment areas may indicate vehicle has undergone
· Weight distribution is not normal–engine or trunk area is too heavy or suspension is weighted down.
· Unusual chemical or gaseous type odor is present in or around the vehicle.
· Unknown leaking substances are visible in or around the out of view compartments.

If you suspect a VBIED, the following guidelines may be helpful according to the reviewed article:

· Clear–Leave the immediate area.
· Cordon–Establish a safe evacuation distance based on the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Explosives Standards.
· Control–Use binoculars from a safe distance to maintain visual surveillance of the vehicle.
· Call–Your local bomb squad.

More information regarding VBIEDs can be found at the Homeland Security Knowledgebase.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is the 8th annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), with the theme of "Our Shared Responsibility." The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) verified that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Cyber-Security Alliance (NCSA), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) are the primary drivers of NCSAM, and coordinate to promote the importance of cyber security as a shared responsibility.

According to the NCSAM web page, our economy and much of the everyday infrastructure we rely on uses the web. The NCSA alleges that no individual, business, or government entity is solely responsible for cyber security. “Everyone has a role and needs to share the responsibility to secure their part of cyber space and the networks they use. Everyone needs to understand how their individual actions have a collective impact on cyber security.”

Electronic data networks are intimately linked to practically all elements of daily life in the 21st century, including critical infrastructure and key resources. NCSAM proponents maintain that growing reliance on networked operations and wireless data systems increases the potential for exploitation of gaps in electronic defenses.

NCSAM shares the following tips, which can be applied to protect emergency departments and agencies:

· Ensure that all computers have updated security software (anti-spyware, anti-virus, and firewall), web browsers, and operating systems.
· Set policy requiring employees to use long, complex passwords that they change at least every 60 days.
· Include or update cybersecurity practices in employee handbooks and insert policies regarding the use of mobile devices and laptops when offsite.
· Create a recovery or restoration plan in case you suffer a data loss.
· Make it policy to turn computers off at night and other down times.
· Delete unused and old data.
· Remain current on trends in cybersecurity and emerging threats.

The EMR-ISAC noted that additional information on how to protect your agency is available at www.staysafeonline.org or www.onguardonline.gov. Cyber crime reports are accepted at www.ic3.gov.

DISCLAIMER of ENDORSEMENT

The U.S. Fire Administration/EMR-ISAC does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked web sites, and does not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.

Fire Certification Bulletin

Based on the rules adopted by the Firefighters Board of Personnel Standards and Education the following changes have been in effect since January 15^th, 2009.

• Applicants are only allowed to take the same test three (3) times within a six (6) month period.
• It is mandatory for applicants to take the practical exam prior to taking the written exam.
• The student must meet all prerequisites to take any written exam. Example: To take Fire Officer I exam you must be certified in Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics and Instructor I.
• Only complete application packets for certification will be processed by the Certifications Section. Incomplete application packets will be returned to the sender.

Questions may be addressed to John Buckman at jbuckman@dhs.in.gov

John M. Buckman III, CFOD, GiFire

State Fire Training Director

302 W. Washington Street Room E-208

Indianapolis, IN 46204

IDHS NEW WMD/COUNTER TERRORISM WEB PAGE LINKS

For information on WMD/counter terrorism http://in.gov/dhs/2611.htm

For information on ICS/NIMS: http://www.in.gov/dhs/2559.htm

For information on EMA/PEM: http://www.in.gov/dhs/2618.htm

For information on WMD/out-of-state training: http://www.in.gov/dhs/2611.htm

2008 USFA LODD report highlights stress, crashes

Editor's note: The USFA's annual Firefighter Fatalities Report says stress or overexertion was the leading cause of firefighter deaths, and LODDs among younger firefighters usually involved vehicle accidents in 2008. What do you think about the findings and what should be done to reduce fatalities? Voice your opinion in the member comments section.

By Jamie Thompson
FireRescue1 Editor

EMMITSBURG, Md. — Stress or overexertion and vehicle crashes were again the leading cause of firefighter LODDs last year.
The USFA's annual Firefighter Fatalities Report released on Friday gives an overview of the 118 firefighters — the same number as the previous year — who died while on duty in 2008.
Of the total, 52 firefighters died from stress or exertion and 28 firefighters were killed in vehicle crashes — half of which occurred in an aircraft.
"The causes of death among firefighters are well known and the steps necessary to protect firefighters have been studied and reported in numerous forums," United States Fire Administrator Kelvin J. Cochran said. "We must take the necessary steps to ensure, as much as possible, all firefighters return from every call, safely."
During a keynote speech at Fire-Rescue International in Dallas last month, the newly sworn-in administrator promised an aggressive approach to reducing LODDs.
In all 14 of the non-aircraft vehicle crashes in 2008, the firefighter killed was operating the vehicle. No seat belt was used in eight of the 11 cases where seat belts were available and the status of their use was known.
Of the eight drivers not wearing seat belts, six were fully ejected from their vehicles. In two crashes, the status of seat belt use is unknown or not reported.
The total breakdown of firefighter LODDs included 66 volunteer, 34 career and 18 wildland agency firefighters.
Further statistics reveal:

• There were five firefighter fatality incidents where two or more firefighters were killed, claiming a total of 18 firefighters' lives.
• Twenty-six firefighters were killed during activities involving brush, grass or wildland firefighting, more than twice the number killed the previous year.
• Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 75 firefighters.
• Twenty-eight firefighters died while engaging in activities at the scene of a fire.
• Twenty-one firefighters died while responding to, and three while returning from, emergency incidents.
• Twelve firefighters died while they were engaged in training activities.
• Thirteen firefighters died after the conclusion of their on-duty activity.
• Heart attacks were the most frequent cause of death for 2008 with 45 firefighter deaths.

The report outlines concern over the number of firefighter fatalities involving vehicle crashes, saying it is clear where mitigation and prevention efforts need to be focused in terms of younger-aged LODDs.
"The vast majority (92 percent) of young firefighters were riding in or operating motor vehicles (one bicycle) when they were killed," the report says. "Of these firefighters, 85 percent were responding to an incident. This is in sharp contrast to just 14 percent of all other firefighters killed since 1990 while responding to an incident."

The youngest firefighter killed in 2008 turned 17 less than a month before being killed when responding from his residence in a privately-owned vehicle to an automatic fire alarm at approximately 0047 hours.
He failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway striking an electrical utility box and several trees — the vehicle rolled several times. He was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from his vehicle, and was discovered dying at the scene by utility workers several hours later.
The report also focuses on the number of firefighters — 12 — who died in training activities.
• Two firefighters, one an instructor, experienced heart attacks while participating in two separate live fire training activities.
• Two firefighters suffered heart attacks during self-contained breathing apparatus drills at their respective fire academies.
• One firefighter's heart attack occurred in the station shortly after classroom training and another during what was reported to be particularly physically challenging training.
• One heart attack occurred while a firefighter operated a pump panel and was leading students through a flammable liquids fire scenario.
• One heart attack occurred while the firefighter was in transit to a training activity.
There were no heart attacks that occurred during or after fitness evaluations or physical fitness activities, according to the report. While two firefighters died during physical fitness activities, one was from blood clots in the lungs and the second was from acidosis and dehydration.

Burning Down the House? IRS Nixes Tax Deductions

by Meghan Barr
Friday, September 25, 2009provided by

The IRS is attempting to stop tax deductions for those who donate their homes to the fire department.

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio -- The battered house on Sherwin Road was put to good use before the fire department burned it to the ground.

SWAT teams barged through the front door in an exercise on dealing with domestic violence. Rescue crews scattered mannequins around the house and blew smoke through the halls to simulate a meth lab explosion. Firefighters set fires in one room after another and practiced putting them out. Then, in one last drill, they torched the whole place.

Five years later, though, a dispute still smolders over the homeowner's attempt to claim a $287,000 charitable tax deduction for donating the house to the fire department, which has burned down at least 32 such homes in Upper Arlington since 1988.

The Internal Revenue Service is trying to stop homeowners from claiming such deductions.

Lured by the prospect of free demolition, homeowners around the country sometimes offer their houses to the local fire department for training purposes. The department burns down the house, clearing the way for the owner to build a bigger and better home.

In court cases in Ohio and Wisconsin, the IRS is arguing that because such houses are already slated for demolition, donating them for fire training isn't an act of charity.

The dispute adds a new element of controversy to the decades-old debate over whether the risks associated with "live burns" -- more than a dozen firefighters have been killed in the past two decades -- outweigh the training benefits.

Fire chiefs say live burns supply invaluable training for volunteer departments, which make up the bulk of the nation's firefighters. And some fear that the tax disputes will discourage donors from coming forward.

Nobody tracks the number of live burns each year, but fire officials say they are increasingly rare because of mounting safety and environmental restrictions and because fewer homes are up for demolition in this slumping economy.

"We need to keep our skills current. Those opportunities are going to become fewer and farther between," said Fire Chief Mitch Ross in Upper Arlington, the wealthy Columbus suburb where the Sherwin Road home owned by James Hendrix burned down in 2004.

Churches, corporations and cities with vacant properties also donate buildings for fire training. Sometimes it is a dilapidated old barn, other times a sprawling suburban house. (The Hendrix home, not including the land, was appraised at $287,400).

It's impossible to know exactly how many people have tried to claim such deductions; the IRS would not comment.

Steven Willis, a professor at the University of Florida who studies income tax law, said a charitable deduction can be no greater than the value of whatever was donated, and a house given to a fire department has negative value, since the owner was going to have to pay somebody to get rid of it.

"The whole idea of a charitable deduction is that you give something to charity and you don't get anything back, right?" said Paul Caron, a tax scholar at the University of Cincinnati. "When you give $100 to the Catholic Church, you don't get anything for that $100."

The IRS maintains in court papers in the Wisconsin case that the homeowners do not qualify for a deduction because they are donating only a "partial interest" in their home, rather than the entire property. The agency also says homeowners are letting firefighters only use the property, not donating it in full.

But a lot of work goes into preparing a house to be burned down, including a detailed inspection by environmental authorities, said Terry Grady, a lawyer representing Hendrix, who wants the IRS to refund him $100,590 in "erroneously collected" taxes. Hendrix built a new house on the property.

"They have to, in fact, pay their mortgage off. They have to make sure there's no asbestos in the house," Grady said. "And you know, conversely, the benefits to the fire department are just immense."

Although the demolition is free, the homeowner is responsible for clearing away the debris.

ESPN commentator Kirk Herbstreit, who also lives in Upper Arlington, let firefighters burn his home in 2004. The former Ohio State football star's claim of a $330,000 tax deduction was rejected a year later. Herbstreit declined to comment.

A case similar to the Hendrix dispute has also unfolded in Chenequa, Wis., where Theodore Rolfs filed for a $76,000 tax deduction on his lakefront home that was burned in 1998. The trial concluded in 2006. Rolfs is still waiting for a verdict.

Rolfs, who had been told it was common practice to receive the deduction, was taken aback when the IRS rejected his.

"Their arguments didn't make any sense," he said.

At Rolfs' house, firefighters wheeled a truck down to the shore and practiced pumping lake water onto the flames, a crucial training exercise in Chenequa, which has no fire hydrants, said Rolfs' attorney, Michael Goller.

Environmental laws in some states ban live burns. In other states, most fire departments adhere to safety guidelines that say windows should be boarded up, floors inspected for sturdiness and shingles and carpets stripped away.

Three firefighters were trapped by flames and perished in a 100-year-old farmhouse in Milford Township, Mich., during a controlled burn in 1987. In February 2007, a fire recruit was killed in a training exercise in a Baltimore rowhouse.

Copyrighted, The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

NIMS RUMORS

A rumor has been circulating that the State of Indiana no longer recognizes FEMA NIMS certification for Mandatory Fire Certifications and written exam submittals.

This is untrue.

Up until December of 2008, fire fighters were sending the ICS 100, 200, 700, 300 and 400 certificates to IDHS and we were issuing an Indiana Firefighter NIMS certificate based on a cross-walk process.  We ceased issuing these certificates in December '08 under instructions from the Indiana Fire Board. Somehow our staff was misinterpreted when the State certifications were discontinued. 

IDHS longer issues a state certificate to duplicate a federal certification. The State does recognize FEMA NIMS courses and is simply saving your tax dollars by streamlining the certification program to better serve the public...

If there are any questions please feel free to contact me via the information posted below.

Professionally,

David P. Barrabee

Section Chief

Compliance and Special Projects

Indiana Department of Homeland Security

317.233.6116

dbarrabee@dhs.in.gov

www.in.gov/dhs

LODD

INDIANA FIRE CHIEF LINE OF DUTY DEATH-HEART ATTACK AT SCENE

The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Marion Township (Lawrence County, IN) Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Jim Zeeks died in the Line of Duty following heart-related issues while at a car crash scene this morning. Following a car crash near Mitchell (IN) in which a vehicle flipped numerous times, Chief Zeeks and his Firefighters arrived at the scene of the wreck, when Chief Zeeks reportedly suffered a heart attack. Members immediately started life saving efforts and he was rushed to a local hospital emergency room by EMS where he passed away.

As always, our most sincere condolences to all affected by the loss of Chief Zeeks.

Take Care-BE CAREFUL.

BillyG

The Secret List 8-16-09 / 0953 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Anyone can now look up an individual EMS, Fire, Blaster certifications by following the link below.

https://oas.in.gov/dfbs/emsonline/ems/person.do?method=personLookup

VERIFY AN INDIVIDUALS EMS or FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION(S) BY LAST NAME (view)

If you can’t get the link to work go to in.gov/dhs. On the left side of the home page under certification and then find  the EMS Certification or Fire Certification link you can find the look up screen.

Thanks to our in-house IT people for helping us to accomplish this.

John M. Buckman III, CFOD, GiFire

Chief

Indiana Firefighter Training System

Fire and EMS Certification

302 W. Washington Street Room E-208

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Direct 317-417-3695

Email jbuckman@dhs.in.gov

www.in.gov/dhs

www.indianafiretraining.com

Senator Sanders Introduces Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Support Act

Senator Bernie Sanders (D – VT) has introduced the Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Support Act of 2009 (S. 882) to promote retention and recruitment of volunteer emergency responders. The bill would authorize federal matching funds to state and local governments or nonprofit associations that provide benefits to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel.

“I’d like to thank Senator Sanders for introducing this important piece of legislation,” said National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “Retention and recruitment are the most significant issues facing the volunteer fire and emergency services today and it is important that the federal government support ongoing efforts at the state and local level to address these challenges.”

The number of volunteer firefighters in the country has decreased by about eight percent over the past three decades, even as the number of residents in communities protected by volunteer firefighters has increased. Additionally, approximately 50 percent of volunteer firefighters today are over the age of 40 compared to just 36 percent 25 years ago.

Under S. 882, the federal government would reimburse entities that fund benefits for volunteer emergency responders such as service award programs, travel and training reimbursement, health insurance assistance, life insurance, tuition and school loan forgiveness, and property tax reductions.

“Some states and local governments already provide these incentives, but, unfortunately, many communities that rely on volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, particularly in rural and low-income areas, cannot afford these benefits,” Sanders said. “This bill aims to support the best of what local fire companies want to do and what they know will work for them to attract and keep volunteers.”

New Indiana Law Recognizes Parkinson's Disease as Line-of-Duty Disability

SUSAN NICOL KYLE
Firehouse.Com News

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Firefighters, EMS personnel and law enforcement officers in Indiana who contract Parkinson's will now be eligible for enhanced benefits.

On Friday, Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the law that recognizes Parkinson's as a line-of-duty disability.

The measure officially goes into effect July 1, said Gary Coons, a former Indiana firefighter stricken with the disease at 33.

"We've been working really hard to get this recognized. I'm very excited that we succeeded," Coons said Tuesday, adding that Indiana is the first to pass such a law.

Since his diagnosis, Coons has devoted much of his time to reading research to learn as much as he can about the disease. He knew that would be vital when he approached legislators about sponsoring a bill.

Senator Jim Merritt and Delegate Mary Ann Sullivan initiated the legislation. Before long, however, many of their colleagues signed on as co-sponsors, Coons said.

"It had bi-partisan support," he said, adding that the issue passed the Senate by a 49-0 vote, and 97-2 in the House.

Prior to that, both committees passed the effort unanimously.

Coons said just prior to the House committee hearing, Sullivan watched firefighters in action battling a major fire that destroyed a luxury apartment complex.

She relayed her story to fellow representatives as the stench of the fire permeated the statehouse, located just blocks away.

Coons said both Sullivan and Merritt also told their colleagues what he says he learned through his research: that toxic exposure to burning chemicals can bring about early onset of the disease that usually strikes people in their 50s.

In 2005, he was the lead investigator of a large paint warehouse fire. The contents of the fire building included several paint trucks, painting materials, and paint chemicals, like toluene and carbon monoxide. He was exposed to many toxins during the three-day investigation, according to information posted on a website Coons founded -- FirefightersWithParkinsons.com.

Coons said it's important that firefighters wear SCBA while conducting overhaul. "You just don't know what you're being exposed to..."

Since word of his success at the legislative level has spread, he has been contacted by fire officials from other states who are anxious to get the measures started there.

Coons said it was heart-warming for him and other Indiana responders to receive the support.

He's also working with Viet Nam veterans for similar recognition.

Interim Guidance for Public Safety Personnel

May 1, 2009

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is issuing this guidance document to encourage all public safety disciplines to proactively prepare for a potential increased impact of the H1N1 Virus.

This document is not intended to provide protocol directives, nor is it intended to supersede existing guidance from your local public health department and/or medical director. The intent of this document is to provide interim guidance to Indiana’s Public Safety personnel, and will be updated as needed. Please refer to www.in.gov/flu for updated information.

Local government leadership must be prepared to work together with their public health and safety officials to make critical and time-sensitive preparedness and response decisions. After coming together, it is imperative that this group collectively seek and distribute accurate and timely information that provides clear guidance for actions to be taken by local public health and safety personnel. All entities must collaborate to ensure that they have the right information at the right time to continue their jurisdictional response efforts throughout the State.

Mitigation

• Practice social distancing, keeping a minimum of 5 to 6 feet between you and anyone you are conversing with, including persons you are interviewing.
• Continue to frequently wash hands and use alcohol based hand sanitizers.
• In efforts to keep from spreading illness, if you become ill please remain at your residence and avoid contact with other persons for at least 7 days after your initial symptoms begin or for 24 hours after your symptoms subside, whichever is longer.
• Avoid placing objects in your mouth that may have been in contact with a contaminated surface (example: ink pens).
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose.

Preparedness

• Obtain and frequently use hand sanitizers containing at least 60% (by volume) alcohol.
• Use a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) for cleaning surfaces and equipment, pre-packaged bleach based wipes may also be effective.
• Obtain an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to maintain needs of staff and escalating community response.
• Make tissues available, and utilize etiquette of coughing/sneezing into tissue and dispose of immediately following, then wash your hands.
• If tissues are unavailable, utilize your sleeve to cough/sneeze onto.

Response

• Victims or patients displaying runny nose, cough, congestion and a fever should have a surgical mask placed on them.
• Responders having close contact or providing patient care should put a surgical mask on and also wear disposable gloves.

Points for Professionals to Discuss:

Emergency Medical Services & Fire Departments:

· Clean your:

o Apparatus (including surfaces such as the steering wheel, console, door handles [inside and outside the passenger compartment])

o Thoroughly clean the EMS/Patient Care Equipment

o Clipboards

o Communications devices

o Living quarters

o Headsets

o Equipment which has been taken into a treatment area (EMS bags, monitor, etc)

· Remember that face masks are only to be utilized for one patient encounter

Law Enforcement Agencies:

· Consider suspending roll calls, training events, and any inter-departmental gatherings which would enable H1N1 transmission; utilize e-mail or other media when available.

· Consider restricting all but essential persons to the Administrative Office environment.

· Repeatedly clean exposed surfaces of equipment (radio, clipboards, underside of door handles, etc.); pay particular attention to high-contact areas such as Squad rooms and/or Book-In/Intake areas, and Breath Test rooms.

· Consider restricting all inmate visitations.

· Make sure officers know to not enter a confined space where a suspected H1N1 patient is located; make every attempt to direct the patient to come outside; provide both the patient, the officer, and other responders with surgical masks.

· Jail kitchen staff should clean hands very often and disinfect surfaces frequently.

Public Safety Answering Points:

· Consider restricting access to all but essential persons.

· Do not share headsets.

· Clean telephone, mouse, and desktop surfaces repeatedly.

· Thoroughly clean all on-call books and other commonly accessed materials.

Discuss within your professional circles other actions your personnel might take to minimize risk of exposure and further transmission of H1N1.

Further considerations:

• Develop an alternative/modified vehicle response plan.
• Can you reduce apparatus to limit exposure of personnel?
• Develop/review alternate standards of care.
• What services may be limited?
• Develop/review alternate locations for medical treatment.
• Are there facilities where outpatient services can be established?
• Develop/review alternative staffing plans.
• Can volunteers supplement/backfill positions?
• Develop/review mutual aid agreements
• What assets are within your district?
• Develop/review continuity of operations plan.
• What business can be conducted remotely? Alternate sites?

Links:

Links to organizations are provided solely as a service to our Indiana public safety personnel. These links are not an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by IDHS, and none should be inferred. IDHS is not responsible for the content of individual organization web pages found at these links:

www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/cleaning_ems.html

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_ems.htm

www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/ems/PandemicInfluenzaGuidelines/

www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/ems/PandemicInfluenza/

Further information for Healthcare Providers:

Healthcare providers may call 1-866-233-1237 for direct contact with the Indiana State Department of Health. This number is not for public dissemination.

This virus is transmitted from an infected individual’s coughing or sneezing and subsequent inhalation by a recipient, or by a recipient touching where an infected person has coughed, sneezed, or touched. As a result, further transmission of this virus can be decreased by following the simple rule:

If someone else has “Touched” it, you need to Disinfect it!

IN SEARCH OF:

The Auburn Fire Department is searching for a good used ambulance or rescue type vehicle. Our intention is to convert this vehicle into a rehabilitation unit for emergency service personnel. Once completed, the vehicle along with support volunteer staff would be available to respond to emergencies, training, special events and any other situations deemed necessary to properly rehab emergency service personnel.

This program is being totally funded by local donations, so as you can imagine we are limited on funds. Any help, idea’s or suggestions would be appreciated.

Have A Great Day,        

Michael J. Good

Deputy Chief

Auburn Fire Department

902 South Grandstaff Drive

Auburn, IN 46706

260-925-8255

mjgood@ci.auburn.in.us

President Declares Major Disaster For Indiana 

Release Date: April 22, 2009
Release Number: HQ-09-041

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the State of Indiana.  The assistance will supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of March 8-14, 2009.

Acting FEMA Administrator Nancy Ward said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the State of Indiana by President Obama.  The president's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Allen, Carroll, DeKalb, Fulton, Jasper, Kosciusko, Lake, LaPorte, Marshall, Noble, Pulaski, White, and Whitley counties.

The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Regis Leo Phelan has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Phelan said that additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday until further notice.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

INDIANA BLUE LIGHT LAW BEING INFORCED!

This comes from Mike Gibson of the Cataract VFD and a former police officer. Below his email is the letter from the ISP and the current Indiana State Code for volunteers and blue lights.

I also contacted the State Police after a trooper I worked with mentioned ISP is starting to crack down on improperly displayed blue
lights. Having been a police officer for several years, I thought I knew what the law was, but the young guys don't seem to want to listen and put blue lights anywhere and everywhere.

Lt. Dean confirmed that the blue light law states that the lights must be one of three places: on the roof, on the dash (or windshield) or in/around the grill/bumper. That means NO blue lights should be mounted to where they are directly viewable from the rear or side. The only exception would be a lightbar, obviously.

Several people are running around with blue lights on their rear bumpers, on poles in a truck bed, in side windows of SUV's, etc.
Also, blue lights are limited to 4 lights. Multiple lights in a common housing (example: a dashlight with two lights) would count as one light. For the rear, taillight strobes are legal for anyone to run to the rear and are what are recommended for visibility. At a minimum, red lights cannot be visible from the front if you choose to add any additional
reds.

I thought you might want to pass this along to those on your mailing list as improperly displayed blue lights may soon end up getting
you a ticket or getting your lights seized. The trooper also stated that repeat offenders will have the chief contacted requesting their blue light privileges be revoked! If anyone's running blues on the back or setting up a new vehicle, make sure you have reds only on the rear! I can forward the e-mail from ISP if you (or anyone else would like). In the meantime, I've pasted it following this message.

Take Care & Be Safe,
Mike Gibson

 Indiana code is available online at www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code
http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code

Indiana code 36-8-12-11 is the statute regarding blue lights on private vehicles.  In the last 10 years there has been some changes to the law.  The lights are still courtesy lights only and may be used while enroute to scenes of emergencies or to the fire station. 

The light must have a light source of at least 35 watts. 

All lights must be placed on the: A) top of the vehicle; dashboard inside a vehicle, shielded to prevent distracting the driver; or C) front of the vehicle upon the bumper upon the bumper or at bumper level. 

No more than 4 blue light assemblies may be displayed on 1 vehicle, and each blue light assembly must be of the flashing or revolving type. 

A blue light may contain multiple bulbs. 

A blue light may not be part of the regular head lamps displayed on the vehicles. 

Alternatively flashing head lamps may be used as a supplemental warning device. 

Strobe lights or flashers may be installed into the light fixtures on the vehicle other than the alternating head lamps.  The strobe lights or flashers may be either white or blue, with the exception of red to the rear.

The ability to apply strobe lights to other fixtures to the rear does not seem to permit installation of any additional fixtures to the rear.  

In order to display a blue light on a vehicle, the volunteer firefighter must secure a written permit from the fire chief of the volunteer fire department to use the blue light and must carry the permit at all times when the blue light is displayed.

You may contact private legal counsel for further information. 
Susan Dean, Lieutenant
 Indiana State Police

Brian Moyer
Asst. Fire Chief
Coal City Comm. Vol. Fire-Rescue
Ph.: 812-236-0564
www.CoalCityVFD.com

Federal Public Assistance Approved for 6 Additional Indiana Counties

INDIANAPOLIS (April 6, 2009)-- Governor Mitch Daniels has received word that President Barack Obama has approved six additional counties for federal public assistance for damage sustained from severe weather that began January 26.

The additional counties approved for federal public assistance are: Jennings, Lawrence, Ohio, Posey, Ripley and Scott.

Public assistance means state government and local governments and certain non-profit organizations in these counties are eligible to apply for federal assistance to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and electrical cooperatives.

On March 5, the counties of Clark, Crawford, Dubois, Floyd, Gibson, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Orange, Perry, Spencer, Switzerland, Vanderburgh, Warrick and Washington were approved for federal public assistance.

IAFC MEMBER ALERT
Contact: IAFC Communications Department
703-293-0911 • www.iafc.org

Fire/EMS Safety Week
First of Four Key Areas: Safety - Emergency Driving

Fairfax, Va., Apr. 6, 2009... The IAFC and the IAFF are asking you to Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility. We’re calling on all fire/EMS departments and all IAFF affiliates to participate in the 2009 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week scheduled for June 14-20.

The recommended focus of this year’s Safety Week will incorporate four key areas where standard operating procedures, policies and initiatives—along with the training and enforcement that support them—can limit fire and EMS personnel’s risk of injury or death:

• Safety: Emergency Driving (Enough Is Enough—End Senseless Deaths)
• Health: Fire Fighter Heart Disease and Cancer Education and Prevention
• Survival: Structural Size-Up and Situational Awareness
• Chiefs: Be the Leader in Safety

To support your planning, we’ll provide you with information about each of the 2009 key areas. Below is the first area for your consideration. Look for the second key area to be included in the May 1 On Scene.

First of Four Key Areas:
Safety: Emergency Driving
(Enough Is Enough—End Senseless Death)

During Safety Week, we encourage all fire/EMS personnel to demonstrate they are truly dedicated to protecting themselves and the lives and safety of others by adopting an individual safe-driving code.

Start by never driving above posted speeds any time you’re responding to or returning from an alarm or incident. Drive the fire apparatus or your personal vehicle with great respect for your coworkers and the community you serve, allowing for your safe arrival on the scene to provide assistance to others. Response times are important, but not at the expense of losing a life in the process.

It’s been proven time and time again that wearing a seatbelt save lives. Start by saving your own by wearing a seatbelt every time you ride in any type of vehicle! No exceptions! 

Driving through an intersection in front of oncoming traffic is one of the most dangerous things we do, putting all of the crew at high risk. You should always stop and ensure every other vehicle at the intersection sees your vehicle and allows you to drive through. Never assume they’ll stop for you. Look the other driver in the eye and make sure they are stopped to allow you to proceed. 

Keep watching the Safety Week website for more information on this year’s program and planning resources developed by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section.

-end-

 National EMS Memorial Service Releases Names of 2009 Honorees

Oilville, Virginia - The National EMS Memorial Service today released the names of the 91 individuals from 26 states to be honored at the 2009 National EMS Memorial Service to be held Saturday, May 23 in Roanoke,Virginia.

The National EMS Memorial Service has, since 1992, been honoring America's EMS providers who have given their lives in the line of duty.  The 91 individuals being honored this year join 423 others previously honored by the National EMS Memorial Service.

Each year, at a service held in Roanoke, members of the honoree's families are presented with a medallion, symbolizing eternal memory; a U.S. Flag which has flown over the Nation's Capital, symbolizing service to the country; and a White Rose, symbolizing their undying love.

The 2009 National EMS Memorial Service will be conducted at the First Baptist Church of Roanoke, Roanoke, Virginia.

In addition to the presentations made during the Service, each honoree's name is engraved on a bronze oak leaf which is added to the "Tree of Life," the National EMS Memorial.

Additional information on the National EMS Memorial Service is available from its web site at http://nemsms.org


National EMS Memorial Service 2009 Honorees

David A. Ashburn, 35, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Charles "Mac" Atteberry, 32, of Memorial Hermann Life Flight, Houston, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 17, 1999.

Kelly Bates, 38, of Reach Air Medical Services, Santa Rosa, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on December 23, 2003.

Kathy Batterman, 44, of Flight for Life, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on April 4, 1999.

Ronald C. Battiato, 41, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on October 15, 2008.

Darren B. Bean, 37, of University of Wisconsin Med Flight, Madison, WI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on May 10, 2008.

Barry M. Bennett, 49, of Cambridge Fire Department, Cambridge, MA, who died in the line of duty of complications from an on-duty exposure to an infectious disease on November 2, 2003.

Jana Eileen Bishop, 28, of PHI Air Medical Inc MED 12, Bryan, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on June 8, 2008.

James Bond, Jr., 46, of Flight for Life, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on April 4, 1999.

Connie C. Bornman, 57, of Middle River Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Company, Middle River, MD, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on May 17, 2004.

Ronald H. Bruneau, 61, of Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance Association, Wolcott, CT, who died in the line of duty of complications from an on-duty exposure to an infectious disease on August 17, 2007.

Stephen H. Bunker, 59, of Maryland State Police, Baltimore, MD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on September 28, 2008.

Marshall Butler, 46, of Mercy Air Ambulance, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 7, 2002.

Thomas C. Caldwell, 54, of Classic LifeGuard, Page, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.

Stephanie Callaway, 31, of Sussex County EMS, Georgetown, DE, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on June 17, 2008.

Merlin Casey, 66, of Mount Horeb Fire/EMS, Mount Horeb, WI, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on May 10, 2008.

Richard Chenault, II, 44, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Tom Clausing, 36, of Classic LifeGuard, Page, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.

Ana Coburn, 30, of Mercy Air Ambulance, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 7, 2002.

Diane Codding, 39, of Reach Air Medical Services, Santa Rosa, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on December 23, 2003.

Mark Coyne, 53, of University of Wisconsin Med Flight, Madison, WI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on May 10, 2008.

Kline DeWire, 44, of Susquehanna Health System EMS, Williamsport, PA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on December 17, 2007.

James Dodridge, 52, of Old Bridge First Aid and Rescue Squad, Old Bridge, NJ, who died in the line of duty after being struck at the scene of a call on March 15, 2004.

Lynn Ethridge, 35, of Memorial Hermann Life Flight, Houston, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 17, 1999.

Bruce S. Fletcher, 50, of Ashford Volunteer Fire Department, Ashford, CT, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on November 18, 2002.

Rupert Allen Fuller, 76, of Darlington-Gaskins Fire/EMS, Westville, FL, who died in the line of duty of a ruptured aneurysm while at the scene of a call on October 24, 2002.

Raul Garcia, Jr., 38, of Valley AirCare, Harlingen, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on February 5, 2008.

Michael "Boz" Garvin, 39, of Second Alarmers Association and Rescue Squad, Willow Grove, PA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on October 19, 2008.

Bob Giard, 41, of Regional One Air Medical, Spartanburg, SC, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 13, 2004.

Robert Gilmore, 60, of Polk County EMS, Bartow, FL, who died in the line of duty an on-duty cerebral vascular accident on July 5, 2003.

Robert Lamar Goss, 54, of Valley AirCare, Harlingen, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on  February 5, 2008.

Arthur Gotisar, 48, of Reach Air Medical Services, Santa Rosa, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on December 23, 2003.

Patrick J. Graham, 51, of Guardian Air, Flagstaff, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.

Terry A. Griffith, 35, of Northwest Texas Healthcare Lifestar, Amarillo, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 10, 2000.

Chris Hall, 34, of Garrard County EMS, Lancaster, KY, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on June 21, 2008.

Bruce W. Harrolle, 36, of Arizona Department of Public Safety, Phoenix, AZ, who died in the line of duty when struck by aircraft rotor on the scene of a rescue on October 13, 2008.

Gail Ann Hauck, 40, of Avera St. Lukes CareFlight, Aberdeen, SD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 9, 2002.

Harold Bradley "Brad" Haugh, 54, of Clinton Kickman County EMS, Clinton, KY, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on March 23, 2008.

Ronald Homes, 43, of North Platte Fire Department, North Platte, NE, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on August 6, 2003.

Dennis Hoyes, 65, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Dan M. Hunter, 49, of Hunter Ambulance Service, Inc., Meriden, CT, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on October 29, 2008.

Kalaya Jarbsunthie, 31, of Mercy Air Ambulance, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 7, 2002.

Chuck Jerpe, 47, of Mountain LifeFlight, Susanville, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on January 27, 2003.

James Just, 61, of Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles, CA, who died in the line of duty of an on duty aortic aneurysm on September 12, 2008.

Charles Wayne Kirby, 63, of PHI Air Medical Inc MED 12, Bryan, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 8, 2008.

Bruce Kosanke, 58, of Klum Ambulance Service, Kulm, ND, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on November 12, 2006.

Lisa M. LaBrusciano, 29, of DVA EMS/GCEMS, Flint, MI, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on September 16, 2008.

Benjamin Matthew Lang, 22, of Polk County EMS, Bartow, FL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on August 24, 2004.

Ricky LaPensee, 48, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Steven H. Lipperer, 39, of University of Wisconsin Med Flight, Madison, WI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on May 10, 2008.

Mickey C. Lippy, 34, of Maryland State Police, Baltimore, MD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 28, 2008.

Tonya Michelle Mallard, 39, of Waldorf Volunteer Fire Dept., Waldorf, MD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 28, 2008.

William "Bill" Mann, 31, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on October 15, 2008.

Mark E. Marvel, 46, of Seal Ambulance District, Indianapolis, IN, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on July 25, 2008. 

 Donna Lee Miller, 39, of Sun Star Paramedics, Largo, FL, who died in the line of duty after being struck at the scene of a call on December 29, 2004.

Edward P, Mueller, 50, of West Islip Fire/EMS, West Islip, NY, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on February 2, 2008.

Brain Neville, 32, of Baltimore County Fire Department, Towson, MD, who died in the line of duty of an on-duty cardiac event on October 16, 2008.

Michelle L. Newton-Smith, 29, of Delaware City Fire Company, Delaware City, DE, who died in the line of duty after being struck at the scene of a call on December 22, 2008.

Sandra Pearson, 38, of Air Evac Life Team, Rushville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on August 31, 2008.

Chester Ray Pierce, 27, of Medic One Ambulance, San Dimas, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on January 1, 2000.

John Pittman, 58, of Memorial Hermann Life Flight, Houston, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 17, 1999.

Jose Luis Ramirez, 36, of Far South Fire Department, Chapparral, NM, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on April 15, 2006.

Jeanette Roseberry, 27, of Mid Maryland Transports, Hagerstown, MD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on October 24, 2004.

Michael Russell, 52, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on January 28, 2003.

Michael Sanchez, 39, of Valley AirCare EMS, Harlingen, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on February 5, 2008.

Edward C. Sanneman, 33, of Northwest Texas Healthcare Lifestar, Amarillo, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 10, 2000.

Gregory Serena, 51, of New York City Fire Department/EMS, Brooklyn, NY, who died in the line of duty of complications from toxic exposure at World Trade Center on June 27, 2006.

Bill Serra, 59, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Leroy C. Shelton, 37, of Flight for Life, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on April 4, 1999.

David Sherfick, 40, of Brown Township Fire/EMS, Mooresville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on February 4, 2008.

Vania Shields, 33, of Wayne Township Fire Department, Indianapolis, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on September 25, 2008.

Clyde Shawn Shreeve, Jr., 36, of Guardian Air, Flagstaff, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.

Martinus "Martin" Spoor, 37, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Dixie Steckelberg, 60, of Lovilia Fire Department, Lovilia, IA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on December 18, 2003.

Lauren Eileen Stone, 30, of Northwest Texas Healthcare Lifestar,  Amarillo, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 10, 2000.

Gary L. Studer, 61, of Whitehouse Fire Department, Whitehouse, OH, who died in the line of duty of an on duty cerebral vascular accident on June 28, 2008.

Masaaki Suzuki, 39, of Avera St. Lukes CareFlight, Aberdeen, SD, who  died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 9, 2002.

James W Taylor, Jr., 36, of Classic LifeGuard, Page, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 4, 2008.

James Edward Taylor, 28, of Bonham Fire/EMS, Bonham, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on January 19, 2003.

Glenda F. Tessnear, 42, of Regional One Air Medical, Spartanburg, SC, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 13, 2004.

Rico Torres, 37, of Middle Island Fire Department, Middle Island, NY, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on July 4, 2008.

Sekou Turner, 28, of Alameda County Fire Department, San Leandro, CA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on May 22, 2002.

Rafael Vazquez, 42, of Palm Beach Fire/EMS, West Palm Beach, FL, who died in the line of duty after being shot on duty on March 3, 2008.

Roger Warren, 43, of Air Evac Life Team, Rushville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on August 31, 2008.

Stephanie Suzzane Waters, 27, of PHI Air Medical Inc MED 12, Bryan, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 8, 2008.

Raymond Watson, 50, of Mountain LifeFlight, Susanville, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 21, 2002.

Dell Waugh, 69, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on October 15, 2008.

Wade B. Weston, 38, of Air Evac Life Team, Rushville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on August 31, 2008.

David J. Wetter, 22, of Marthasville Community Ambulance District, Marthasville, MO, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on March 2, 2008.

Andrew J. Willey, 23, of Avera St. Lukes CareFlight, Aberdeen, SD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 9, 2002.

Kyle Robert Wilson, 24, of Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue, Prince William, VA, who died in the line of duty of burns received while attempting a rescue on April 16, 2007.

PLEASE HELP

Good Afternoon Gary,

We talked about NFPA Approved turnout gear for our firemen, at the AFG grant workshop, you told me to e-mail you on this subject. We had our meeting Monday night and explained to our membership we didn’t obtain a grant this round, disappoint was abound. However we are still in desperate need of 12 full sets of turnout, to outfit some current firefighters, and some new members we have brought on in the recent months, and are ready to start training.

You had mentioned that you may know where to obtain some gear at the meeting, I have sizes for everyone, is there help available?

Thank You

Rob Puckett

Anderson Twp Vol Fire

Milroy IN 46156

765-561-8486 Cell

ATVFD [atvfd@rsebroadband.com]

Gary

    This is Anthony Wadsworth  i am from the Williams Fire Dept.    I am wondering if you could help us to find some good used SCBA's that a dept might have and wants to give them to a small dept like us to help us out.        Thanks for your time.    My E-mail is anthony_wadsworth2001@yahoo.com

Anthony Wadsworth

CAN WE HELP?

The above emails were sent to me with hope that they could find some good used PPE that some of you may have in boxes in your department. If you can help the 2 departments, please contact them direct, via email.

Thanks

G

Gary W. Robison

Safety & Risk Management

Indiana Department of Homeland Security

Division of Fire & Building Safety 

1-800-423-0765  -  1-317-232-2227

Toll Free Fax- 1-877-866-3477

grobison@dhs.in.gov

nfirs@dhs.in.gov

www.in.gov/dhs

For Immediate Release

March 16, 2009

Victims of Severe Weather Urged to Report Damage

Toll-Free Number Now Available

INDIANAPOLIS - Hoosiers who sustained damage caused by severe weather, including wind and flooding beginning March 8 are urged to call a toll free number to report damage. The number (866-210-1925) is staffed from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST through Friday, March 20, 2009. Damage reports also may be made online via the IDHS web site at www.in.gov/dhs.

Callers will be asked to provide their name, address, phone number, damage to property and type of damage the property sustained. Losses can include structural damage to homes and loss of personal property.

Individuals calling will not be in conversation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Information will be used to help local emergency management agencies and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security preliminarily assess damage to determine if federal assistance can be pursued.  This is one of eight steps that must be taken to decide if we are eligible for federal assistance.  Below is the eight steps of the declaration process.

THIS REPORT IS NOT AN APPLICATION FOR ANY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Be sure to consult your local permitting official before starting any repairs!

**********************************************************************************************

The Declaration Process

When a disaster occurs, the following steps are followed:

Step 1.  Local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and other private interest groups provide emergency assistance required to meet immediate human needs and restore essential services vital to public health and safety.

Step 2.  At the same time, preliminary damage and impact information is gathered by local government and emergency officials and conveyed to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Emergency Operation Center.

Step 3.  If necessary, the Governor declares a state of emergency and invokes the state’s emergency plan to augment individual and public needs as required, including the use of the National Guard’s military resources.

Step 4.  When the state determines that the recovery appears to be beyond these combined resources, a request for FEMA to conduct a preliminary damage assessment is made.

Step 5.  FEMA personnel from the regional office responsible for the area where the disaster occurred are deployed and join state and local representatives to conduct joint damage assessments and submit the results to the Governor’s office.

Step 6.  If the state judges that this survey data indicates full recovery is beyond available capabilities, the Governor submits a written request to the President through FEMA’s regional office asking that federal aid be provided under a major disaster or emergency declaration.

Step 7.  Following a FEMA regional and national office review of the request and findings of the joint damage survey, the Agency’s Director provides the President with an analysis of the disaster conditions and a recommendation course of action.

Step 8.  From this information the President declares a major disaster or emergency exists in the state, or FEMA advises the Governor of a denial of the request. 

###

Contact

John Erickson or Rachel Meyer, (317) 234-6713, pio@dhs.in.gov

News from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, D.C. 20207

For Immediate Release Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 345-4407

March 12, 2009 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

Release #09-151 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Kidde Recalls to Replace Fire Extinguishers Due to Failure to Operate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)

Name of product: Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers

Units: About 167,000

Distributor: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C.

Hazard: The pressurized cylinders in the recalled fire extinguishers could lose pressure and fail to operate. In the event of a fire, this failure could put a consumer and property at risk.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers with model numbers FX340SC, FX340H, FX340GW, XL5MR, FX210R, FX340SC-2, FX210W, XL2.5TCZ-4, XL2.5TCZ-3, XL5TCZ-1, E-340-3 and with manufacture dates between September 2007 and April 2008. “Kidde” and the model number can be found on the label on the front of the extinguisher. The

manufacture year is on the bottom of the extinguisher. If your extinguisher is one of the listed model numbers and is marked with the year 07 or 08, contact Kidde to determine if you have a recalled extinguisher.

Sold at: Department, home, and hardware stores nationwide from October 2007 through April 2008 for about $35.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect the pressure gauge.  If it points to the red zone, contact Kidde to receive a free replacement extinguisher.  If the gauge is not in the red zone, but you have questions about an extinguisher within the listed model numbers, please contact Kidde for additional information. 

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kidde at (888) 345-4407 between

8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.Kidde.com

STOP, DROP, ROCK ‘n’ ROLL

Don't Miss It - April 23, 2009!

Over the past eight years, Stop, Drop, Rock 'n' Roll has played an important part in helping us honor and support the families of America's fallen firefighters. It is a chance for firefighters to give back to the fire service and have fun at the same time!

This year, Stop, Drop, Rock 'n' Roll will be held during FDIC on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at the historic Indiana Roof Ballroom. The evening, held in association with the Safety Components First Responders 911 Foundation, includes music featuring Cowboy Crush and Full Turnout, fun, food and refreshments, and a live auction.

For More Information Visit: www.StopDropRockNRoll.com

President Declares Major Disaster For Indiana

Release Date: March 5, 2009
Release Number: HQ-09-029

» More Information on Indiana Severe Winter Storm

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Indiana to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm during the period of January 26-28, 2009.

FEMA Acting Administrator Nancy Ward said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Obama.  Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organization on a cost-sharing basis for Clark, Crawford, Dubois, Floyd, Gibson, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Orange, Perry, Spencer, Switzerland, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Washington counties.  In addition, federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties statewide.

Ward named Regis Leo Phelan as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Phelan said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

Person Down in Auto/New way to commit suicide

All,

Thanks to Chief Dave Traiforos for passing the following information on the Group.

Capt. Dave

The following has been provided to me and I think it important enough to pass along to one and all.

Person Down in Auto/New way to commit suicide

Recently a new way to commit suicide has been discovered by mixing two chemicals that can be bought over the counter at local stores.  They are Bonide – a sulfur spray used as an insecticide for fruit trees and hydrochloric (muriatic) acid.  Once mixed, the chemicals produce heat and a flammable, noxious gas that causes the subject to pass out and the heart stop within minutes.  The process appears to be quick and painless.  Two recent cases, one in Pasadena, California and the other at Lake Allatoona in Bartow County, Georgia, involved young men in their early 20’s. Both were found locked inside their cars with the chemicals.  Each left a note on the car warning anyone around of danger.  The car at Lake Allatoona had been taped to prevent gas from escaping.

Does this sound like a routine call that most of us would respond to and take similar action?

It’s Sunday morning 0730 hours, you respond to a person down in auto.  You locate a car in the empty parking lot of a business.  The engine and med unit pull up near the vehicle and personnel see a person inside that appears to be asleep or unconscious.  Wearing safety glasses and medical gloves, you walk up to the car and knock on the window.

The patient does not respond to your knock on the window, and the doors are locked.
What action will you take?  Will you hurry to make patient access?  Will you use a lockout tool, center punch, or halligan to make entry?

You make access, a rush of warm air comes out of the vehicle and you smell a sharp odor.  You have just become a victim and have been exposed to a noxious possibly fatal gas.

What could you have done differently? You are the first-in unit.  How should you respond to this type of incident?

1.   Do not become complacent!  Your response should be similar on every call.
2.   Be well trained, know your job, do your job.
3.   Start your size-up from the time a call is dispatched.
4.   Establish a strong command and control the scene.
5.   Don’t go rushing in.
6.   Survey the scene.    
7.   Does the scene look routine?
8.   Do you see anything unusual?  (Example:  A note on the window, containers inside the vehicle and taped windows or vents).
9.   Is the scene safe?
10.  Wear the appropriate PPE.
11.  Establish a Hot Zone.
12.  Develop a plan of action and coordinate activities.
13.  Call for additional resources.  (Hazmat Team, PD, etc.)
14.  Did PD arrive prior to FD and become contaminated requiring emergency decon and first aid?

The call listed in the first paragraph of this document started as a routine person down call.  This type of incident can easily expand into a full blown Hazardous Materials Incident with a multijurisdictional response.  Be aware of this new way to commit suicide and don’t become a victim.  Use common sense and stay safe.

To review a newspaper article and pictures regarding the suicide in Pasadena, California, visit:
http://beaconmedianews.com/2008/08/26/23-year-old-man-commits-suicide-with-chemicals-inside-2003-vw-bug/


To review a newspaper article and pictures regarding the suicide in Barton, Georgia visit:
http://www.daily-tribune.com/index.cfm?event=news.view&id=674BB0CD-19B9-E2E2-676EC6D537211BFE

IAFC MEMBER ALERT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: IAFC Communications Department
703–293–0911 • www.iafc.org

2009 Safety, Health and Survival Week Theme Announced:
Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility

Fairfax, Va., Feb. 3, 2009... The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) are pleased to announce the theme Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility for the 2009 Safety, Health and Survival Week, scheduled for June 14-20.

We encourage all fire/EMS departments to devote this week to reviewing safety policies, evaluating the progress of existing initiatives and discussing health and fitness. Fire/EMS departments should make a concerted effort during the week to correct safety deficiencies and to provide training as needed. An entire week is provided to ensure that each shift and volunteer duty crew can spend one day focusing on fire fighter safety, health and survival.

Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility encourages chiefs and fire/EMS personnel to focus on what they personally can do to manage risk and enhance their health and safety. This year’s theme reflects the need for personal responsibility and accountability within a strong safety culture.

“Fire fighter safety is a full-time job for all of us, all of the time. We can’t rely on someone else to do it for us. It takes personal commitment,” said IAFC President Chief Larry Grorud, CFO, MIFireE.

“The Safety, Health and Survival Week is an opportunity for IAFF members and their fire chiefs to take defensive action against dangers that can be controlled or prevented and make a long-term commitment to staying safe and healthy,” said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.

Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder, chair of the IAFC’s Safety, Health and Survival (SHS) Section said, “While some fire fighter injury and death cannot be avoided, so much of it can be, and it so often falls to each of us taking responsibility for ourselves and each other. A very critical factor in success is the role of fire officers and chiefs developing policy, providing training and enforcing the policy based on training to each and every member. The IAFC SHS Section proactively leads and supports any department, anywhere, in accomplishing these goals.”

Recommended activities and materials will incorporate four key areas where standard operating procedures, policies and initiatives—along with the training and enforcement that support them—can limit fire/EMS personnel’s risk of injury or death:

Safety – Emergency Driving (Enough is Enough—End Senseless Death)

1. Lower speeds—stop racing to the scene. Drive safely and arrive alive to help others.

2. Utilize seat belts—never drive or ride without them.

3. Stop at every intersection—look in all directions and then proceed in a safe manner.

Health – Fire Fighter Heart Disease and Cancer Education and Prevention

1. Don't smoke or use tobacco products.

2. Get active.

3. Eat a heart-healthy diet.

4. Maintain a healthy weight.

5. Get regular health screenings.

Survival – Structural Size-Up and Situational Awareness

1. Keep apprised of different types of building materials and construction used in your community.

2. Develop a comprehensive size-up checklist.

3. Always complete a 360° walk of the structure to collect valuable, operational decision-making information.

4. Learn the practice of reading smoke.

5. Be familiar with the accepted rules of engagement.

6. Learn your accountability system and use it.

7. Master your tools and equipment.

8. Remain calm and concentrate.

Chiefs – Be the Leader in Safety

1. Become personally engaged in safety and make it part of your strategic vision for the department.

2. Be willing to make the tough decisions regarding safety policies and practices and their implementation.

3. Hold members of the organization accountable for their safety and the safety of those with whom they work.

4. Ensure that resources are available to accomplish activities safely and effectively.

Keep watching www.iafc.org/safetyweek for more information on this year’s program and planning resources developed by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section.

The Components Necessary for a Successful Health Testing Program
Download the free report here

You may be starting a health testing program for regulatory compliance, or you may be seeking ways to benchmark and improve the health of your staff through a wellness program. Whatever the purpose for the program you are looking to launch or continue, there are nine vital components to ensuring its success.

Including nine secret components can mean the difference between an excellent health testing program and a mediocre one.

View the free report:
The 9 Secret Components Of The Best Health Testing Program.  Download it here!

INDIANA BOARD OF FIREFIGHTING PERSONELL STANDARDS AND EDUCATION

UPDATED RULES

The Firefighting Board rule is final today and may be viewed at http://www.in.gov/legislative/iac/20090114-IR-655080429FRA.xml.pdf.

INDIANA FIRE SERVICE BILL WATCH

Some Bills to watch this session.

Pays to be educated and aware of how some of these affect us as first responders.

Please see attached or visit:

http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2009&request=all

COMMENTARY

INDIANAFIREFIGHTER.COM

WELCOME 2009:

Sunday January 4^th 2009, As I write this the Fire Service has already started off this year 3 LODD’s with possibly a 4^th according to reports from Chief Billy Goldfedders Secret List. NOT A GREAT WAY TO GREET A NEW YEAR!

At Last count 2008 Ended with 114 LODD’s.

The month of December reeked Havoc on many across the United States with Multiple Ice Storms, Snow Storms, and Heavy Rain. Storms brought Flooding, Downed Trees, Downed Power Lines, Heavy Icing, Treacherous travel, and Loss of Life.

The holidays have come and gone and the economy has dwindled to a snail’s pace. Many have lost their retirements, and savings plans, and municipalities are cutting deeper which are forcing many Fire Departments into Dangerous Positions!

However: DESPRATE TIME’s DO NOT CALL FOR DESPRIATE MEASURES!

The Fire Service CANNOT afford history to repeat itself!

The Indiana Fire Service has made some great progress on improving the fire service as a whole. However the State of Indiana still allows fire departments to use “Undertrained” Firefighters not meeting the minimum National Level Firefighter Training Requirements to respond to emergency calls.

As of January 1^st 2009 the State of Indiana Minimum Firefighter Training Requirements Still DO NOT MEET the Minimum Nationally Recognized Minimum Training Standards for Firefighters, “NFPA 1001 Professional Qualifications for Firefighters”, 2005 Edition.

Recent history has shown that Chief Officers, Line Officers, and Individual Firefighters are now being held accountable for their negligence of lack of knowledge and training. It is also time to hold your legislators accountable for the same negligence for failing to provide legislation that Requires Accountability and Minimum Training Requirements meeting the minimum Nationally Recognized Training Standards for ALL Firefighters, including Chief Officers and Line Officers.

The Indiana Fire Service MUST Hold Their Legislators ACCOUNTABLE!

As we move into this new year, I urge you to Stay Informed, Be Prepared, and Protect Each Other!

Stay Low, Stay Safe, and ALWAYS EVERYONE GOES HOME!

Respectfully

Randy Brown

www.IndianaFirefighter.com

To:     EMS/Fire/EMA Personnel

From: Chief John M. Buckman III

Re:     Recertification EMS

Date:  01/02/09

The IDHS Certification Staff led by Section Chief Jim Abraham has processed ALL completed recertification applications received by 12/31/08 and put certificates back in the mail to the applicant as of 1/2/09.

Those applicants who did not submit the complete data required will be receiving a letter in the next week stating what and how the application is deficient.

Check the website to determine your certification status. In the month of December over 8000 certificates were printed and sent to Fire/EMS/Blaster personnel for a variety of certifications.

Many thanks for dedication and perseverance in processing the recertification applications goes to Jim, Karen, Candi, Shelly, Regine, Barb, Sue and Joyce.

We also would like to thank those who sent their completed recertification applications in early as it helped us in processing.

IDHS

Frequently Asked Questions 12/29/08

Question – I have never received my PSID number – how can I get my number?

Answer – email psidquestions@dhs.in.gov and we will provide an answer within 72 hours.

Question - Why can’t I get a duplicate copy of the PSID certificate?

Answer – We have expended our postage budget. We spent over $40,000 mailing PSID certificates.

Question - When I get my PSID number I look on the State website at my personal record it shows some incorrect information. What do I do?

Answer – Send the corrected information via email to psidquestions@dhs.in.gov. WE WILL NOT change information without written documentation. Do not call the office to make database changes.

Question - Do members of Amish communities need a photo ID to be able to take a State written test?

Answer – Yes, there is no exception for religious beliefs on the photo ID requirement.

Question - I am trying to find out about persons under 18 receiving their first responder certifications. I was told by my previous instructor that persons as young as 14 could now become certified first responders.
I was told by someone else, that they would not get their certifications until they were 18 and if they took the class before they were 17, they would have to retake the class to become certified at 18, because they only have one year to get their certifications.
Answer – we do certify individuals at age 14 if they have completed a commission approved first responder course and passed the State written and practical skills examinations. 836 IAC 4-3-2 Certification standards Authority: IC 16-31-2-7; IC 16-31-3-14; IC 16-31-3-14.5; IC 16-31-3-20 Affected: IC 16-31-2-8; IC 16-31-3

Question - Gary this is **** ***** from the *** ********** Fire Dept. and I was trying to find out some info on training. The word going around is that each member will have to have 20 hrs. of training a year or they will lose their Cert.. If you can help me that would be great? I'd like to find a hard copy if this is true so i can present it to the members of the Dept..

Answer - Absolutely NOT TRUE. There are no rule changes being proposed. It would certainly help us if we knew who starts these rumors or where they heard them from.

Question - Is the new requirement for six hours adult education an additional six hours or part of the 30 hours already required?

Answer - It is part of the 30 hour requirement NOT ADDITIONAL hours.

Question - What will count toward the six hour requirement for continuing education?

Answer - The Board of Firefighter Personnel Standards and Education at their January meeting will discuss expectations in an effort to provide guidance to the Fire Instructors.

Question - When will I have to begin reporting this six hour requirement as part of the recertification process?

Answer - The Board of Firefighter Personnel Standards and Education at their January meeting discuss expectations in an effort to provide guidance to the Fire Instructors.

Question – Can I still get mandatory student manuals free of charge?

Answer – Yes. When you register the course you may request books for each registered student FREE of CHARGE..

Question – I am teaching the technical rescue awareness curriculum. Can I still get student manuals?

Answer – Yes. When you register the course you may request student books and they are FREE of CHARGE.