SKFR Quarterly Community Newsletter

Welcome to South Kitsap Fire and Rescue’s electronic newsletter. This newsletter will provide you with up to date information about your emergency medical, fire and rescue services in South Kitsap. Every three months, we will provide you with clear, concise and helpful information on how you can help yourself better prepare for most medical and fire related emergencies and disasters. If you would like to get additional information please see our website at http://www.skfr.org/ or phone us. If you know of someone who would appreciate this newsletter please feel free to forward it to them and encourage them to join the list. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter please click below to unsubscribe. Thank you!

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Do you know that South Kitsap Fire & Rescue has been providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the community since 1974? As a matter of fact, in 2004 South Kitsap Fire & Rescue responded to 8361 requests for emergency service and 6311 were for EMS. That’s 75% of our call volume. The majority of these responses were for injuries due to accidents, heart attacks and strokes. All of our Firefighters are either Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics. They respond to take care of your emergency medical needs and, if needed, transport you to the hospital of your choice. Last year we transported 3851 patients to local area hospitals. Our average out of service time for one emergency call is 80 minutes and many times we have several emergencies calls at the same time. Our EMS response time standards for the first arriving medic unit is 10 minutes for the suburban areas and 14 minutes in the rural areas 90% of the time.

Candle Safety
During 2002, candles in U.S. homes caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires, 130 civilian deaths, 1,350 injuries and $333 million in property damage. Two-fifths (40%) of the home candle fires started in the bedroom, resulting in 30% of deaths. Half (50%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left too close to the candle; 18% occurred after candles were left unattended or inadequately controlled; 5% were started by people (usually children) playing with the candle. Falling asleep was a factor in 12% of home candle fires.

Safety Tips:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire and place candles in a safe location where children and pets can not knock it off.

• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids like gasoline.

• Don’t allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.

• Store candles, matches and lighters up high and out of children’s sight and reach.

CPR

• Cardiovascular Disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.

• In 2003, 34% of the deaths in Kitsap County were directly related to Cardiovascular Disease. 

• Brain cell death begins to occur within 4-6 minutes from the time the heart stops beating. 

• Approximately 2/3 of sudden deaths due to Coronary Disease occur outside of the hospital within 2 hours of the onset of symptoms.

• 77% of heart attacks occur at home.

• 40% of patients with Ventricular Fibrillation (a non-perfusing heart rhythm) can be successfully resuscitated if CPR is provided promptly and followed by Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

• The CPR trained bystander is indispensable for optimal resuscitative efforts of the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victim.

Yes, you can make a difference. Less than 20% of the people who experience sudden cardiac death are resuscitated. The key to improved outcome for these victims is YOU, the bystander. If you recognize the emergency, call 911 and start CPR, the chance of survival can be greatly improved. Do you want to learn how to do CPR and save a life?

We offer free CPR classes to the public every fourth Wednesday of the month. Classes begin at 6:30 pm. For more information call 360-871-2411.

How to Prevent the Flu – Stop Germs, Stay Healthy!

• Cover your cough and sneezes.

• Wash your hands often (for 20 seconds with soap and warm water).

• Use alcohol based hand cleaner.

• If you’re asked to, wear a filter mask.

• Stay at home if you are sick.

• Get a Flu Shot.

• Remind your children to practice healthy habits, too.

Volunteer Opportunity:
South Kitsap Fire and Rescue is in need of volunteers available during weekdays, who can drive water tenders to emergencies and provide the water source for fire suppression in rural area.

Training requirements to perform this assignment will be provided at no cost to the volunteer and consists of two weekends initially and then monthly training sessions to maintain those skills.

This is a support function and does not involve actual firefighting skills and the inherent risks associated with firefighting.

If you are interested in providing this service to our community, fill out an application at our Headquarters Station at 1974 Fircrest Dr SE, Port Orchard, WA. For any additional information regarding this program please contact Battalion Chief Hartley at 871-2411.

Thank you!

On behalf of the SKFR I want to express our sincere thanks to every citizen who has called, written cards and letters thanking our Firefighter / EMT’s or Firefighters / Paramedics for the excellent service you received. It is truly a pleasure to serve you and while we are unable to answer each thank-you, we want you to know that it means a lot to hear from you on such matters. Have a safe Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year holidays, sincerely,

Wayne Senter, Fire Chief