HOME | POLITICS | SPORTS | LIFE | SCI/TECH | OPEDS | HELPFUL TIPS
|
Apr. 11, 2005 In a recent interview, I talked in depth with a firefighter from my hometown, about a typical day at work. What I found out, is that there is no typical day. I am friends with quite a few of these brave men, (and women) and as the Law and Order promo says. "These are their stories." John wakes up each morning at five AM, to be to work by seven thirty. A shower, a cup of coffee, and he's ready to go. He kisses his wife and two girls, and he's off. It's a five minute ride to the station. He arrives at six fifty to begin his twenty-four hour shift. (He and his union voted on the twenty-four hour shift) It's what the "Members" wanted. He logs on at seven twenty five, all is quiet. At eight fifteen a call comes in about an elderly woman with trouble breathing. In this city, as in numerous cities in our county, Fire, Police, and EMS are all dispatched at the same time. As Engine One arrives, the Police and EMS are already on scene, and the services of the fire department are not needed, so Engine One clears the scene. Engine One arrives back to quarters at eight thirty-five. The guys retire to the "rec room" for some television. They have one of the cable news channels on and are watching with, not too much interest. Dave and Ben, the two firefighters that John is in charge of, head up to the weight room to work out. On Engine One, John is acting Captain, and Dave and Ben are his crew. This isn't one of the large cities like down in Boston, three men (or women) to an engine is plenty to do the job. At twelve twenty-two PM a call comes in for an MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) with injury. Engine One is rolling out the door, twenty-five seconds after the call comes in. The call is down the street, and John and the guys arrive quickly. As I pulled up behind them, I could see a car "mangled" against a stone wall. As I approach, I see John tending to the young victim, who was not badly hurt, but shaken up a bit. One minute later, the ambulance arrives, and evaluates the victim. Engine One stays on seen for a "wash down" (To hose down any fuel, or liquids that may have spilled on the roadway) Not exciting work, but something that has to be done. As the day rolled on into night, I counted the calls these brave and dedicated civil servants were called to: From that first call at eight fifteen till the last call on their shift at six thirty-five the next morning we had: twelve medical aids, five MVA's, two lock outs (People being locked out of their house), one attempted suicide, and a small grill fire. All in all, it wasn't a day as you see in the movies, because it's not a movie. I am glad everyday that these brave men and women protect our lives and property. I am proud of my friends that work long, hard hours each week. Keep up the great work, I thank you and love you all. Please pray for all of our firefighters throughout this great country. Thank You |
||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
