Honoring Our
A Publication of The Daily Star, Wednesday, Aug. 16 2017
2 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017 Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
The Chenango County Bureau of Fire and Emergency Management The Chenango County Bureau of Fire and Emergency Management is a department within the county of Chenango which reports to the Board of Supervisors. The fire coordinator acts as a liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the County Fire Service. Currently, the office is made up of one full-time coordinator along with 11 deputy coordinators. Several divisions make up the staff, within the Bureau of Fire. The office has an EMS Division, Fire Investigation Division (made up of nine fire investigators and two supervisors), Training Division (two supervisors along with county fire and EMS instructors), a Fire Prevention Division, Communications Division and a Specialized Teams Division. The supervisor of Special Teams supervises a Search and Rescue Team, High Angle Team, Dive Team and a Hazmat Team, all made up of volunteers from industry and fire department personnel. Our Search and Rescue Team is the largest of all of the specialized teams. These dedicated men and women are well trained and deployed to find persons whom are reported missing or lost. Our busiest times come during hunting season. Our team is often deployed to surrounding counties to assist their teams, in the search for mission persons. We work closely with the New York State Forest Rangers during these searches. Our office is a member of a Regional Hazmat Consortium in which we participate with Broome, Delaware and Otsego counties and the city of Binghamton Fire to collectively train, purchase equipment and re-
team of investigators works side-by-side with the local fire departments, law enforcement agencies and the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office in our fight against arson. We have a very good working relationship with the D.A.’s office and law enforcement. We train together and work together on every suspicious fire we investigate.
spond to hazardous material emergencies. Our hazmat team was sent to Walton last year to aid the Delaware County Hazmat Team with a spill. The staff at the Bureau of Fire provides training for local responders through the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, state Department of Health and county-level courses. Through these courses, we train fire and EMS personnel in firematic procedures and EMS services. We have several instructors who specialize in a wide variety of skills and techniques. Each of the instructors offers various techniques and services, unique to the topic being covered. Our Fire Investigation Team is made up of nine investigators, let by two supervisors. Our team is dispatched upon request of the incident commander to investigate the origin and cause of a fire. This team of investigators is certified by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control as Level 2 Fire Investigators. Our
Our agency responds to various incidents in the county, assisting local fire and EMS departments, law enforcement agencies and local governments, providing support, as an additional responder or provider, all the way through to the command staff levels. Our staff also provides emergency management support to local governments during times of storms or disasters. Our staff operates an emergency operations center to coordinate response, relief, recovery and mitigation efforts during a disaster. During large events, our dedicated staff helps plan and operate during the event to ensure the safety and security of the citizens who attend these events. All efforts are in cooperation with multiple other agencies, including law enforcement, at the state, county and local levels. This article was contributed by Matthew L. Beckwith, fire coordinator and director of emergency management with the Chenango County Bureau of Fire.
first responder noun
a certified, often volunteer, emergency, medical, or law enforcement officer who is the first to arrive at an accident or disaster scene.
Fire Chief Blaine Reiling Fred Bell Mike Bartusiak James Fowlston Jr John Fontaine Rick Woerter Ken Haynes John Tracy David Button Barry Jacobs Gerald Perry Jr. Tracy Chawgo Hans Franklin Ken Granger Frank Fowlston Kris Bartle Jansen Casscles Joe Mills Norman Wynn Kevin Christian William Wentworth
EMS/Rescue Captain Directory Afton EMS Bainbridge EMS Brisben Rescue Coventry EMS Earlville Rescue Greene EMS Guilford EMS McDonough Rescue Mt. Upton Rescue New Berlin EMS North Norwich Rescue Norwich Fire Oxford EMS Pharsalia Rescue Plymouth Rescue Preston Rescue Sherburne EMS Smithville Rescue Smyrna Rescue South New Berlin EMS So. Otselic EMS
Chris Luttinger Brad Larsen Wayne Criddle Kyle Wearne Vacant No listing Rod Sutton Rodney Preston James Browning Ken Wiggins Coo Contact the chief Contact the chief Melinda Natoli Bethanie Nichols Katie Dubois James Dean Dan Welc No listing Penny Eggleston Ron Brown Barbara Graves
Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Phone (607) 639-1040 (607) 967-3281 (607) 656-8130 (607) 656-4060 (315) 691-2211 (607) 656-9798 (607) 895-6814 (607) 647-5552 (607) 764-8350 (607) 847-6575 (607) 334-7500 (607) 334-3411 (607) 843-7951 (607) 647-5772 (607) 334-6805 (607) 336-7215 (607) 674-2204 (607) 656-4415 (607) 627-6666 (607) 859-2400 (315) 653-4455
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017
Department Afton Bainbridge Brisben Coventry Earlville Greene Guilford McDonough Mt. Upton New Berlin North Norwich Norwich Oxford Pharsalia Plymouth Preston Sherburne Smithville Smyrna South New Berlin South Otselic
3
Chenango County Fire Departments and EMS
4 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017 Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Firefighting a rewarding career Firefighting can be a rewarding career and exciting opportunity to serve one’s community. Firefighters protect homes and businesses when fires unexpectedly break out, saving millions of dollars in potential property loss. These invaluable workers also make emergency medical calls and may help preserve lives until paramedics or other medical services can respond. The United States Department of Labor reports that there are more than 300,000 professional firefighters across the country. More than 90 percent of all those firefighters are employed by local governments. Despite the risk involved in firefighting, many find it to be a very satisfying career. The requirements to become a firefighter vary depending on the locality, but people willing to put in the time and effort to become a firefighter can likely find a department that will give them a chance. The application process to become a firefighter can be competitive, and the training is physically demanding. The following are a few tips for men and women mulling a career as a firefighter. • Meet the basic requirements. Confirm the schooling and age requirements for the job. Depending on where they apply, firefighters may need to have high school diplomas or some college credits. Age requirements are common as well, as many departments mandate that applicants are at least 18 or 21 upon submitting their applications.
• Refrain from drug use and illegal activity. Firefighters must be physically fit and undergo a criminal background checks and drug screenings. • Undergo CPR and EMT training. Firefighters may be called upon in emergency medical situations. As a result, many firefighters are required to have an Emergency Medical Technician, or EMT, license. Even if a license is not a requirement, it is a helpful to have and may increase your odds of being hired. • Take fire technology courses. According to FireRescue1, a resource that features the most current news and analysis from some of the top experts in fire service, taking a semester of building construction and fire behavior can be helpful. Such coursework can educate prospective firefighters about how buildings are built and may make them more attractive candidates. • Speak to current firefighters. Visit a local firehouse to speak to current firefighters. Ask questions of the firefighters and get their impressions on training and testing. They may offer some job leads, and some may even offer some firsthand advice from their time in the field. • Become a volunteer firefighter. Volunteer as a firefighter while enrolled in training or while studying. This can provide you with a pretty accurate idea of what the job entails. Gaining hands-on experience prior to applying for a permanent position – or even if the decision is
Firefighting can be a rewarding career. made to keep volunteering – can be quite handy.
but he or she will gain experience
• Take the tests. Firefighting tests vary depending on the agency, but many include a written examination, oral interview and physical aptitude/agility exam. A person may not pass the first time around,
work on for future examinations.
and understand which areas to Becoming a firefighter takes commitment, physical and emotional strength and a willingness to help one’s community.
With much appreciation,
we honor our first responders.
5 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017 Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Firefighters work a fire at the Cooperstown Bat Company in Hartwick in April. File
Cooperstown Natural Foods 61 Linden Ave. Cooperstown, NY 13326 (Just past the high school)
(607) 547-8613
A full-service grocery store featuring natural and organic products Organic Produce Organic Meats Natural Supplements Natural Health and Beauty Aids • Many Gluten-free and Casein-free Foods • Vegan Ingredients Galore! • Specialty/Gourmet Items
Thank you to all the Men & Women who are first to the scene for help!
33 West Street, Walton, NY
607-865-6326
• • • •
Monday-Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 9am-2pm Sunday Closed
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9am-6pm; Fri. 9am-5pm; Sat. 9am-4pm (Inspections & repairs on all makes and models)
Visit Us At: www.klingerpowersports.com Klinger Power Sports is a Proud Member of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
6 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017 Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Delaware County Department of Emergency Services In 1991, the Delaware County Board of Supervisors realized the need to establish a full time centralized office to handle the changing field of emergency management. The Emergency Services Office was established out of the old Civil Defense Office, initially with a staff of one, and has evolved extensively over the past 26 years to where it is today. The Emergency Services Office has strived to fulfill its mission to improve the quality of the county’s ability to prepare, respond, recover, and mitigate lifechanging events which affect its nearly 50,000 residents. Currently, the office is charged with managing a multitude of tasks regarding emergency management. Below are some of our responsibilities: Fire Coordination: The Emergency Services Office is also home to the Delaware County Fire Coordinators Office. The county fire coordinator administrates the fire mutual aid plan, manages the state outreach fire training program pursuant to Subdivision 6 of Section 156 of the Executive Law and performs other duties according to local county policy. The county fire coordinator also acts as a regional fire administrator under the state fire administrator in times of activation of the Statewide Fire Mobilization Plan. County fire coordinators also provide assistance to the fire chief or other incident commander at scenes of emergencies in which mutual aid from other fire departments are requested.
EMS Coordination: It is the duty of the coun-
CPR and advanced cardiac training to over 2000 people a year. 911 Coordination: The 911 coordinator manages the county 911 dispatch center along with its 12 full time staff and is also responsible for the county 911 addressing program.
ty EMS coordinator to provide oversight, logistical support and expertise to Delaware County’s EMS personnel, EMS training programs, EMS agencies, hospitals, and related emergency service and health organizations to assure effective delivery of quality prehospital care and transport of the sick and injured. The county EMS coordinator is also Delaware County’s New York State Bureau of Emergency Medical Services contact person and is the responsible person for running the county’s EMS training program under the state course sponsorship. The county EMS coordinator also is responsible for maintaining the county’s American Heart Association Training Center which provides
Emergency Management: Delaware County leads New York state in federally declared disaster declarations. Since 1953, there have been 34 federally declared disasters in Delaware County. The Emergency Management Office works in conjunction with the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency during these times of hardship to get municipalities and families the assistance they need. The Emergency Management Office also works during non-disaster times on the County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and the County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. With everything above, the Emergency Services Office works very closely with the county’s 30 volunteer fire departments, 16 volunteer EMS agencies and four paid EMS agencies on a daily basis. Without them, our jobs would be exponentially more difficult. The Delaware County Department of Emergency Services is proud to work hand in hand with all of the fire and emergency medical responders which call Delaware County home. This information was submitted by Delaware County Emergency Services Director Steve Hood.
A BIG THANK YOU
TO ALL OF OUR FIRT RESPONDERS, YOUR EFFORTS ARE GREATLEY APRRECIATED.
Diner
COOPER TIRES
Open Breakfast & Lunch
MAJOR & MINOR REPAIRS on most FOREIGN & DOMESTIC Vehicles! Open Mon - Fri Closed Sat & Sun
File
Christopher’s Restaurant on state Route 23 in Oneonta is seen in flames in April.
VISIT OUR
607-433-1226
Open: Monday - Saturday • Closed Sunday 458 Chestnut St., ONEONTA
1-607-267-4792
www.actionlubesodajerks.com
HONORING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS
Fire Chief Dale Tait Mike Sarubbi Robert Sweeney Michael Pietrantoni Robert Burgin Al Donner Fred Utter Daren Evans Shaun Rynearson Richard Bell Rodney Keesler Dave Briggs Todd Wickham Thomas Worden Donny Speenburgh Jeff Slauson Rolland Bojo, Jr. Josh Mason Gene Rosa Gary Mott Brad Hitchcock Matt Rittlinger Ken Davie Shawn Sands Dave Gill Matt Taylor AJ Vamosy Anthony Dedominicis Chris Kinney Robert Brown
EMS Chief or Captain Laurie Andrews NO EMS AGENCY Connie Spielman Margaret Wilson Roberta Burgin NO EMS AGENCY Paul Merwin Shawn Kauffman Nate Tuttle Tammy Reed NO EMS AGENCY Peter Blue NO EMS AGENCY Naomi Buel Larry Vanvalkenburg NO EMS AGENCY Donna Muthig NO EMS AGENCY Carol Bowker Jessica Rall Cindy Chandler Joe Aulino Barbara Palmer NO EMS AGENCY Ryan Hejnal Terry Huyck Michelle Phoenix Pat DiNardo
Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Phone (845) 676-4588 (845) 586-4621 (845) 586-3003 (607) 538-9095 (607) 832-4864 (607) 498-4309 (607) 278-5523 (607) 746-2221 (607) 467-2894 (607) 363-2235 (607) 363-7697 (607) 278-5444 (845) 254-5221 (607) 829-6822 (607) 588-7547 (607) 326-3999 (607) 637-3431 (607) 538-9601 (845) 586-1717 or 4419 (607) 265-3870 (607) 746-8725 (607) 432-3344 (607) 326-7691 (607) 561-2312 (607) 369-7750 No phone in station (607) 652-7241 (607) 829-8222 (607) 865-48101 (607) 865-5014 or 4958
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017
Station Andes VFD- 13001 Arena VFD – 13002 Arkville VFD – 13003 Bloomville VFD – 13004 Bovina VFD – 13005 Cooks Falls VFD – 13006 Davenport VFD – 13007 Delhi VFD - 13008 Deposit VFD -13009 Downsville VFD - 13010 East Branch VFD - 13011 East Meredith VFD - 13012 Fleischmanns VFD - 13013 Franklin VFD – 13014 Grand Gorge VFD - 13015 Halcottsville VFD - 13016 Hancock VFD - 13017 Hobart VFD - 13018 Margaretville VFD -13019 Masonville VFD - 13020 Meridale VFD – 13021 Pindars Corners VFD – 13022 Roxbury VFD – 13023 Sidney VFD – 13024 Sidney Center VFD – 13025 South Kortright VFD- 13026 Stamford VFD – 13027 Treadwell VFD – 13028 Trout Creek VFD - 13029 Walton VFD – 13030
7
Delaware County Fire Departments and EMS
8 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017 Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Safe driving tips for teen drivers Earning a driver’s license is a milestone in a young person’s life. Teenagers typically take to the open road without adults riding shotgun between the ages of 16 and 18, depending on where kids live. Although this can be an exciting time for them, it’s also a time that can change the family dynamic. Parents may have mixed feelings about their children getting their drivers’ licenses. Although many parents recognize the convenience of having another licensed driver in the house, it’s understandable if moms and dads are weary about inexperienced children behind the wheel.
Such fears are not unfounded, as vehicular fatalities remain the leading cause of death for many teenagers. In the United States, teens are three times more likely to crash per mile driven than adults, according to data from Allstate. The Canadian Automobile Association states that drivers in Canada between the ages 16 and 19 years have a fatality rate that is more than four times as high as that of drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 and nine times as high as that of drivers between the ages 45 and 54. To help reduce the propensity for crashes, injury and death, families can work together to focus on safe driving tips. • Take a safe-driving course. Any licensed driver can benefit from a safe-driving course. Check with the department of motor vehicles to find an approved list of driving courses available. In addition
TREMPERSKILL COUNTRY STORE Just a few miles away from town and a walk to the Pepacton!
Live Bait, Groceries, Gas, Beer and Home Cooking
Thank you to all who serve and protect! MON.-SAT. 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SUN. 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M.
845-676-3244 For Early Bait: 845-676-3541 1024 County Highway 1 Andes, NY 13731
to providing valuable safety tips, enrollment in these courses may entitle people to discounts on auto insurance. • Stay off of the phone. Texting and making phone calls reduces alertness on the road. That loss of focus, even if only for a few seconds, can result in drivers driving the equivalent of an entire football field without having their eyes on the road. Avoid mobile devices while driving. Pull over to make a call if there is an emergency; otherwise, leave the phone out of reach in a backseat. • Use the headlights. Many cars now feature daytime running lights. For those that donÕt, engage the headlights when driving. Using headlights increases visibility and helps other drivers see approaching vehicles, even during the daytime. • Leave plenty of time. Rushing around to make it to class or other
appointments can lead to speeding and other dangerous driving habits. By leaving extra time, drivers will not feel stressed or rushed. • Limit distractions behind the wheel. Novice drivers may become easily distracted by the radio or even other passengers. Until they gain ample experience, teen drivers should keep passengers and noises to a minimum. • Stick to easy parking for now. New drivers can opt to park in spaces that have plenty of room or allow for pulling out (rather than backing out). This can improve visibility and reduce the risk of hitting other vehicles. Driving is exciting for newly licensed teens. but parents must emphasize the importance of defensive driving to their young drivers.
So Much Appreciation for the First Responders in Our Area.
9 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017
File
FUEL OIL • GASOLINE • KEROSENE DIESEL FUEL • AIR CONDITIONING
24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE 365 DAYS/YEAR FREE WRITTEN ESTIMATES FOR HEATING SYSTEMS
607-432-6633
3919 State Highway 23 • West Oneonta, NY 13861
www.reinhardthomeheating.com
Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Firefighters work in freezing temperatures to extinguish a fire at the Milford United Methodist Church at 89 North Main Street in Milford in March.
10 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017 Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Otsego County Department of Emergency Services The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services is responsible for several facets of Public Safety. The office is dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of, and visitors to, Otsego County through the provision of training for fire and EMS volunteers as well as maintaining and administering an integrated Emergency Management program designed to assure a safe environment through prevention, mitigation, readiness, response and recovery to natural and/or man-made disasters. The office also oversees the administration of the county Homeland Security Program and Health and Safety Program. The office is staffed by Emergency Services Coordinator Arthur Klingler, who is assisted by three deputy fire coordinators for field responses across the county, an administrative assistant who oversees the daily office functions and supports a homeland security coordinator/ county safety officer, who is shared with another department. As the county fire coordinator, the office works with New York State Fire to schedule courses relevant to today’s fire service. The courses are delivered by state fire instructors in various locations throughout the county. As a state Department of Health course sponsor, the office supports Emergency Medical training at various levels, ranging from Emergency Medical Responder to Emergency Medical Technician III. The classes have historically been held in either Cooperstown or Oneonta, but an outreach class is being taught in Gilberstville this year in an attempt bolster volunteer ranks in that area of the county. The office also serves as a program adminis-
determined the cause of each fire or explosion which the fire department or company has been called to suppress. The fire coordinator and/ or deputy coordinators will work with any fire department that requests assistance in determining the cause of any fire in their respective districts.
trator of the American Heart Association CPR program. This sponsorship allows the county to teach adult, child and infant CPR and choking as well as a first aid class that covers several potentially life-threatening emergencies that can be aided by family members or others in the time of need. The CPR and first aid classes are taught by certified instructors who volunteer their time to teach. Fire coordinators are automatically dispatched to any fire that requires more than one fire department to engage in fire suppression. The coordinators respond to act in support roles to the fire chief or officer in charge at any call, not to assume command of that call. They offer any assistance that may be needed and work with the host department. General Municipal Law 204 states a responsibility of the fire chief is, to the extent reasonably possible, to determine or cause to be
In the emergency management role, the office serves as a resource to the municipalities within the county. In the event of a large scale disaster, the Emergency Operations Center can be activated. This allows for one central location to be utilized by all responding organizations under a unified command structure to facilitate a rapid, organized and all-encompassing approach to provide services needed by the general public. The office can also provide guidance to municipalities, school districts and others to plan for and mitigate any potential difficulties that may be encountered. Along with this facet of public protection the county also has a “Hyper-Reach� program that residents can sign up for to allow for rapid dissemination of important public safety messages. We encourage all residents to visit https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw. jsp?id=40002 to sign up for this free service. This service allows emergency messages to be delivered to your home telephone, work phone, cell phone or e-mail to alert you to an emergency that may impact you. This article was submitted by Otsego County Emergency Services Coordinator Arthur Klingler.
Phone
Squad or First Responder Unit Captains Aaron Vanburen Victor Jones (ES) Deb Klingler (ES) Rick Kelly (ES) Edward Lentz (ES) Debbie Gross (ES) Caren Kelsey (ES) Laura Bryant (FRU) Jim Martin (ES) No EMS Agency Clover Bobnick (ES) Kathy Weisenbarger (ES) No EMS Agency Patrick Pidgeon (ES) Nic Brent (ES) No EMS Agency Ralph Wellington Sr. Jody Sperbeck (ES) Gale Kimsey (FRU) Craig Hysack (FRU) Cynthia Ackerley (ES) Nancy Cooper (FRU) Captain (FRU) Art Layton (FRU) Ethel Mills (FRU) Captain (FRU) No EMS Agency David Leclair (FRU) Sidney Chase (ES)
Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
(607) 264-8221 (607) 547-2761 (607) 397-8889 (607) 965-8020 (607) 547-5469 (607) 965-8536 (607) 783-2520 (607) 293-7741 (607) 547-8091 (607) 433-2906 (607) 547-5664 (607) 286-9492 (607) 263-5500 (607) 433-0997 (607) 433-3480 (607) 988-7911 (607) 847-8127 (315) 858-0850 (607) 638-9017 (315) 858-3138 No Telephones (607) 369-9150 (315) 855-2542 (607) 988-2542 (315) 855-4404 (315) 822-6388 (607) 638-9075 (607) 263-2211 (607) 432-1310 (607) 397-8032
Fire Chief Martin Field, Jr. Jim Tallman John Keever (FRU) Mike Hume Mike Thayer Keith Woodbeck Dave Robinson Ray Miller David Bryant Justin Hill Doug Roberts Don Eckler Charles Henness Jim Cox Patrick Pidgeon Joseph S. Hurlburt Dwayne Jackson Tom Hallock Pete Comino Chad Mclean Mike Fassett Jeremy Hilton Robert Jones Dan Mugford Gary Ray Jeff Wilson Ralph Ritton Winnard Fraser Walter Schmitt, Jr. James Empie
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017
Station Cherry Valley VFD Cooperstown VFD East Worcester VFD Edmeston VFD Fly Creek Fire District Garrattsville VFD Gilbertsville VFD Hartwick Co#1 VFD Hartwick Co #2 VFD Laurens VFD Middlefield VFD Milford VFD Morris VFD Mount Vision VFD Oneonta FD Otego VFD Pittsfield VFD Richfield Springs VFD Schenevus VFD Schuyler Lake VFD Springfield VFD Unadilla VFD Unadilla Forks VFD Wells Bridge VFD West Edmeston VFD West Exeter VFD Westford VFD West Laurens VFD West Oneonta VFD Worcester VFD
11
Otsego County Fire Departments and EMS
12 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017 Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Firefighters work the scene of an apartment house fire on Main Street in Laurens in January. File
The Cooperstown Motel is seen in flames in August, 2016. File
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017 Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Emergency responders, which includes the police, firefighters and paramedics who are the first to arrive at the scene of an incident, are in the business of protecting others and helping to save lives. These workers are on call during natural disasters, technological failures, terrorist attacks, and many other potentially traumatic events. Emergency responders are the unsung heroes of many communities that they work hard to keep safe and secure. While emergency responders are heroes, it’s important that people know these brave men and women sometimes need assistance, too. The pressure and stress associated with being an emergency responder can sometimes be overwhelming, and it’s times like that when emergency responders need help. Comprehensive statistics on stress-related medical conditions among first responders are difficult to tabulate because many incidents go unreported or unshared. However, pressures of the job and post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can take its toll on paramedics and law officials. EMS World reports that, between January and September of 2014, the United States had around 58 documented fire/ EMS suicides. In Canada, 25 first responders were known to have committed suicide in a five-month period in 2014. Addressing the stress of being an emergency responder can help responders and their families better cope with the pressure and stress of the job. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that all workers involved in first-responder activities should help themselves and others to reduce the risk of stress-related psychological and physical health
13
Emergency responders need support, too
effects from their jobs. Certain symptoms and behaviors may present themselves when emergency responders are having difficulty coping with the demands of the job. These symptoms may include: • Changes in sleeping patterns • Passive or fatalistic behavior • Frequent conflict and argumentative behavior • Limiting social networks and general withdrawal • Poor problem-solving abilities • Poor concentration • Inability to rest • Self-medicating with alcohol While there is no single method to cope with the physical and psychological demands of a first reponder’s job, a combination of therapies can help. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that re-
sponders need to take care of their own health to maintain the constant vigilance they need for their own safety. These steps can put workers on the right track. • Form a support network in which each responder looks out for one another. Knowing support is available can be a big help. • Take frequent breaks to clear the mind and rest the body. Try to take breaks away from a work area. • Accept what cannot be changed, such as chain of command or long hours. • Take advantage of mental health support services when they are made available. Recognize that it is not indicative of weakness to discuss difficult emotions.
Recognizing that emergency responders are not invincible and may need some emotional support can be the first step in getting these workers the help they need and deserve. • Maintain a healthy eating pattern and try to get adequate sleep. • Exercise, which can reduce feelings of stress and be a healthy way to clear the mind and strengthen the body. Recognizing that emergency responders are not invincible and may need some emotional support can be the first step in getting these workers the help they need and deserve.
14 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017
Employ simple fire prevention measures to maximize safety Did you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, most people have a false sense of security regarding house fires, believing that they would have approximately six minutes to evacuate their home in the event of a fire? In reality, smoke and fire spread rapidly and can overcome occupants in less than three minutes. When a fire occurs, there’s no question that time is critical. The good news is there are several important steps you can take to maximize your escape time. With the following measures in place, you’ll create critical protection for what matters most — your home and family. 1. Install smoke alarms. You should have one in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. For the best protection, make sure all smoke alarms are interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 2. Inspect and clean smoke alarms monthly. Replace batteries in spring and fall. To clean the alarm, open the cover and gently vacuum the interior. 3. Prepare and practice a fire escape
plan. Draw a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of every room – especially sleeping areas. Discuss the escape routes with every member of your household, and agree on a meeting place outside your home in case of emergency. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. 4. Select building materials that provide passive fire protection. Passive fire protection is part of the core of the building and helps control fire by limiting its spread. One very effective form of passive fire protection is the installation of insulation. When adding or upgrading insulation, look for products made from naturally fire-resistant, inorganic materials. A favorite among builders, contractors and homeowners is a stone wool insulation called Roxul Safe “n” Sound, which offers fire resistance up to 2,150°F. Its melting point is higher than the temperature of a typical house fire, which means it will stay in place longer to provide passive fire protection when every second counts, allowing more time for safe evacuation and for first responders to arrive.
• Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Only one in five home fires were reported during these hours. • One quarter of home fire deaths were caused by fires that started in the bedroom. Another quarter resulted from fires in the living room, family room or den. • Three out of five home fire deaths happen from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. • In 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 367,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,745 deaths, 11,825 civilian injuries and $6.8 billion in direct damage.
U.S. Fire Administration
WE HONOR ALL OF OUR FIRST RESPONDERS AND WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE Gary Moore Frank Rumenapp
343341
Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
FAST FACTS ABOUT
Your High Quality
425 Chestnut St., Oneonta
All Phases
Body Shop
(607) 432-1160
of Auto Body Repair
Snow removal
Driving Exercise extra caution when driving on roadways during the winter, as they may contain ice or snow. All it takes is a small coating of precipitation on roadways to make driving treacherous. Wet-looking roadways may be wet, or they may be covered by ice, and it’s difficult to tell the difference with the naked
warmed. Mild hypothermia is also possible indoors, typically when the elderly spend several hours in poorly heated homes. Winter may be beautiful, but it also can be hazardous. Taking precautions and using common sense help avoid dangerous situations.
Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Winter can be a beautiful time of year, particularly when freshly fallen snow blankets the landscape. However, winter is also a time fraught with potential peril. The same winter weather that makes landscapes so pristine can make roads and walkways – and even being outside – dangerous. The U.S. Department of Transportation says weather-related vehicle crashes killed 6,253 people last year and injure more than 480,000 per year. These accidents most often occur when roadways are wet, snowy or icy. Yet, winter driving is not the only seasonal hazard. Here are some common winter activities and how to avoid getting hurt when engaging in them.
Shoveling or removing snow by various methods can be strenuous work, taking even those who feel they are in good shape by surprise. A 2011 study conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that an average of 11,500 snow-shoveling-related injuries and medical emergencies were treated in U.S. emergency departments each year from 1990 to 2006. Lower back injuries, falls, injuries to the arms and hands and cardiacrelated injuries account for many of the incidents sustained while removing snow. There’s also the risk of injury from collisions with pedestrians and snow plows. Plows and bobcat-type devices can cause serious injury. Exercise caution when operating such machines.
than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Wear appropriate clothing to prevent hypothermia, which may not produce any initial symptoms. If shivering stops or confusion and slurred speech set in, severe hypothermia is in effect and a person should be moved indoors and gently
Roof snow removal Removing snow from a roof can be a dangerous prospect. Always use the appropriate equipment, which includes telescoping poles, rather than climbing on slippery roofs. This may be a job best left for a professional, who will have fallarrest systems and nonslip safety boots.
Dressing for conditions Venturing outdoors for winter fun may be enticing, but never put your health at risk for the sake of fun. The Mayo Clinic says hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when the body loses heat faster
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017
eye. Always slow down and assume you are driving on ice. Make every effort to improve visibility. This includes checking windshield washer fluid levels and ensuring windshield blades are in good working order.
15
Safely avoid potential winter hazards
File
Firefighters work at the scene of a fire on Delhi’s Main Street in August, 2016.
16 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16, 2017 Honoring Our First Responders - THE DAILY STAR
Clapper Construction, LLC
Thank you to all the men & women who are first to the scene to help! A Special Thank You to All the Otego First Responders!
Specializing in Roofing Fully Insured
(607) 434-1512 www.clapperconstructionNY.com Otego, NY