Saturday, June 12, 2010

Life Imitates Art - Great Rescue by E-15!

A couple of weeks ago we had these billboards put up around Spokane. It was to thank the citizens of Spokane for their passage of the EMS Levy:


We wanted to say thanks, and not just for the vote of confidence for firefighters. We really wanted to drive the point home that their Yes vote was a vote to care for their fellow citizens in probably the most tangible way you can care for another. And that is certainly worth thanks. Engine 15 did the voter's will yesterday, in a very tangible fashion.

From what I heard, it was quite a crowd that met them as they got off the truck, and started screaming at them - and not in a happy, "Gee we're glad to see you" kind of way. But, 15's crew put on their SCBAs, charged the lead and did the work amidst a pretty out-of-control, emotionally-charged scene. We've all been there, during the fire calls, the medical calls, the car wrecks, etc. where your crew is in-control, focused and working hard to mitigate the problem, while all around you folks are understandably swept up in the moment. They do all they can to invite you to join them in their fervent frenzy - much to the detriment of the task at hand. Great job E-15 for keeping your cool and getting the job done.

Amazing too, with as busy an engine that 15's is, that they were even in the firehouse when the call came in. Usually staffed with only a crew of three, we were extra yesterday, so they were able to have a fourth on E-15. With our recent cut backs and with even more slated, it was a lucky roll of the budgetary dice yesterday, coupled with an outstanding crew's exemplary work, that saved that kid's life.

For the few of those who wondered, during the EMS Levy campaign, why our fire department is also the deliverer of emergency medical services, yesterday was a great example of one reason why - seamless firefighting, rescue and resuscitation. It works.

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