Emergency responders 15 times more likely to contract Covid

by Americas - Featured News

Research undertaken by ERG Open Research has claimed that emergency responders were 15 times more likely to have contracted during the first wave to hit New York.

The report states that “between 1/3/2020 – 31/5/2020, we observed that the COVID-19 infection rate among FDNY responders was 362/1000 – 15 times the NYC rate (24/1000).[1] EMS had over a four-fold increased risk of severe COVID-19 and a 26% increased risk of confirmed COVID-19 disease when compared with firefighters.

“It is likely that their higher-intensity COVID-19 exposures contributed to the increased risk and severity of COVID-19 illness. Although both FDNY firefighters and EMS responded to the pandemic-related surge in 9-1-1 emergency medical calls and followed the same PPE protocols,[4] EMS had greater COVID-19 exposure than firefighters due to greater COVID-related call volume and being solely responsible for patient transport, nebulization of bronchodilators and intubation.”

Emergency responders exposed to Covid

The increased exposure to potential Covid-19 patients would also mean that PPE for emergency responders would play a crucial role in keep them as safe as possible. “To protect healthcare workers, including pre-hospital responders, requirements of proper PPE use, environmental controls, influenza vaccination (to minimize additional medical leave, mischaracterization and potential additional comorbidity) and COVID-19 vaccination, when available, are all critical.”

The study included 14,290 of the 15,000 front-line workers at the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) and was funded by FDNY. Of those 15,000 more than 5,000 were either confirmed or suspected Covid-19 cases.

Spartan ER announces new Director of Sales

by Americas - Featured NewsPeople

REV Group, a manufacturer of fire apparatus brands including E-ONE, KME, Ferrara and Spartan Emergency Response, has announced that Chris Wade has joined Spartan ER as Director of Sales. Previously with E-ONE for 14 years, Chris held the roles of Aerial Sales Manager and Regional Sales Manager. Over the years, he also held prior positions with Spartan Motors and Ladder Tower, Inc.

“It’s a tremendous value to have someone of Chris’ calibre on our team,” said Mike Virnig, Vice President of Sales, REV Fire Group. “His strong work ethic combined with his vast experience and knowledge of the fire industry makes him the ideal candidate to lead our sales efforts within the Spartan ER family.”

“Joining a strong group of employees behind the distinguished lineage of the Spartan ER products is certainly exciting,” said Chris Wade. “I look forward to being part of the team effort to supply communities with best-in-class emergency vehicles.”

Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania and his MBA from St. Joseph’s University. Chris was also a Firefighter/EMT for the City of Reading, PA.

To find out more information about REV Fire Group or any of its apparatus brands, please visit www.revgroup.com/rev-group-best-fire-truck-manufacturers.

9/11 19th Anniversary – conducing the ceremony through COVID

by Americas - Featured News

In the days before the annual ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum that serves to remember those who were killed in the terror attacks 19 years ago, there is typically plenty of work that goes into setting up – but that setup looks a bit different this year.

While normal things like speakers will still be present for the reading of names, there will be no stages at the solemn occasion this year. Instead, hand sanitizer stations installed by crews in masks will dot the grounds in Lower Manhattan – a reminder that the COVID pandemic changes even in the most solemn of moments.

The museum said it wanted to find a way to balance safety and tradition this year.

“It was, how we could do it safely that became a question for us,” said 9/11 Memorial Museum Director Alice Greenwald. “We’ve always had a stage.  And we’ve seen too many examples of when you have a stage, people naturally gather.”

With no stage this year, family members have pre-recorded victims’ names, which will be streamed online Friday morning. Victims’ families can still gather in person at the memorial and hear the names of their loved ones read aloud, as groups will be safely spread out on the plaza’s eight acres. The ringing of bells, signifying each attack on Sept. 11, 2001, will still ring out too, complete with honour guard.

Other members of the public will be allowed on the grounds staring around 3 p.m. until midnight. All other large gatherings will be discouraged, although there is an unofficial ceremony at a corner near the World Trade Centre. The split in ceremonies came after a divide over the memorial’s decision to not have the names read in person, due to COVID concerns.

Vice President Mike Pence is expected to be at both the remembrances in the city, while Democratic nominee Joe Biden and his wife Jill will attend the observance at the memorial plaza before traveling to to Shanksville, Pennsylvania for the Flight 93 National Memorial. President Donald Trump will also attend the Pennsylvania memorial, however he and Biden will be present at separate times.

Other changes involve the 9/11 Memorial and Museum itself. It will open Friday for family members after being closed for six months. On Saturday, it will open to the general public, with timed tickets and all social distancing rules required.

COVID concerns at first canceled The Tribute in Light, the beams of light that soar into the air. But Memorial officials, with state and donor support, have now worked to make sure the production crew is safe. The lights will shine starting Friday around dusk.

“We can integrate that loss and create transformation and beauty out of tragedy … This is about the community coming together and saying, ‘This means something to us so profound, we must have it,’” said Greenwald. “It is an unusual year. But what was never in doubt is would we commemorate. That was a given.”

Fire crews continue to battle California’s Creek Fire

by Americas - Featured News

Firefighters in central California are currently searching for people stranded by a fast-moving fire that has already burned an estimated 45,000 acres. The Creek Fire started Friday evening and, fueled by timber and dry vegetation, quickly jumped the San Joaquin River and blocked evacuation routes.

More than 200 people were rescued overnight as military helicopters plucked the stranded from the Mammoth Pool Reservoir in Sierra National Forest, where they were asked to shelter in place after fire blocked the one road leading out of the area. Most of those rescued had minor or no injuries, but several were transported to local hospitals and at least two were “severely injured,” the Fresno Fire Department said early Sunday.

“We do believe that there are still other people out in the wilderness, and when daylight breaks, we will be continuing those rescue operations to go out and try to find them and get them to safety as well,” Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue told CNN on Sunday.

Most of those rescued were flown to the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, where emergency responders had set up a triage center to prioritize treatment. At least six burn victims were admitted to Fresno’s Community Regional Medical Centre.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, which is located near the San Joaquin River and the communities of Big Creek and Huntington Lake. Fire crews face steep, rugged terrain and high temperatures, which make extinguishing the fire difficult, Sierra National Forest authorities said.

As of Sunday, the fire was zero percent contained, according to Cal Fire, as giant plumes of smoke up to 50,000 feet tall were visible from the air. Several areas in Madera County were under mandatory evacuation orders.

Social media showed videos of people escaping the flames. Smoke from the fire spread throughout the region, filling nearby Yosemite National Park and coloring the sky an eerie orange.

The Creek Fire is just the latest blaze faced by California in a devastating fire season. More than 7,000 wildfires, many sparked by lightning strikes, had already burned over 1.4 million acres by the end of August, Gov. Gavin Newsom said last month.

Larry Lacefield named Telgian Fire Safety President

by Americas - Featured NewsPeople

Telgian Fire Safety (TFS) recently announced the appointment of Larry L. Lacefield as President. In this position, Lacefield will maintain strategic and operational responsibility for all TFS business operations.

Lacefield is a dynamic and proven business leader with more than 20 years of successful experience leading high-impact, operational initiatives. As an innovative and growth-focused executive, he has an extensive background in guiding cross-functional teams and in the effective delivery of program objectives and quality service.

“Highly skilled in the development and implementation of strategy, operational capacity, risk management, and performance metrics, Larry’s leadership will ensure Telgian Fire Safety’s ongoing commitment to quality service,” says Telgian CEO James Tomes.

A retired U.S. Navy Master Chief, his military career in the Special Warfare Command included various global operational roles. In addition, he completed combat tours in the Middle East, Asia and many other areas around the world. Lacefield is the recipient of numerous military awards, including Meritorious Service Medals, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals and multiple combat operational award medals. As a keynote speaker for civilian and military organisations, he continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to our country and community.

In addition, he is a member of the Medical Science Liaison Society, as well as the American College of Healthcare Executives. Lacefield also holds the designation of Project Management Professional (PMP), is a Lean 6 Sigma Green Belt and holds Top Secret Clearance SCI.

Lacefield earned a Bachelor of Science from Touro TUI University and graduated from the US Naval War College with a degree in Executive Leadership and Organizational Leadership. Additionally, he holds a Master’s Degree in Global Business Leadership from the University of San Diego and completed the Management Development Program at the Harvard Business School San Diego Alumni Association.

www.telgian.com/

California wildfires: ‘a major disaster’

by Americas - Featured News

Over 14,000 firefighters are battling 585 fires that have now burnt nearly one million acres (400,000 hectares) as President Trump has declared that wildfires burning through homes and devastating precious forestry in parts of California are a major disaster and has released federal aid.

Forecast high winds are threatening to drive flames into more populated areas as foul air blankets the state. At least six people have died and thousands have evacuated.

Most of the destruction has been caused by three large fire complexes in mountainous and wooded rural areas.

On Saturday 22nd August, California Governor Gavin Newsom said the SCU Lightning Complex fire south and east of San Francisco was the third-largest in the state’s history.

Video tweeted by the governor showed burnt tree stumps against the reddened fumes-filled sky and plumes of white smoke rising from ash-laden ground.

An evacuation order on Saturday extended to thousands of people in the Bay area near San Jose and warned others to be prepared to abandon their homes at short notice.

Exhausted firefighters continue to battle the flames, with some working 72-hour shifts in the dangerous, hot conditions, reports AP news agency. “They’re scrambling for bodies” to help fight the fires, an official in the city of Fresno told Reuters news agency.

In California’s oldest state park, flames scorched redwood trees that began their lives more than 2,000 years ago. The historic visitor centre of Big Basin State Park was burnt to the ground and officials say some trees, which tower as high as 330ft (100 metres), have fallen as the area was “extensively damaged”.

The state faces a more acute shortage of personnel than usual – the coronavirus pandemic has depleted a fire-fighting corps made up of prisoners, which has helped the state battle blazes since World War Two, due to early releases from jail.

At least 43 people including firefighters have been injured, and hundreds of buildings have burned down and thousands more are threatened.

After doubling in size on Friday, the fires continued to grow moderately on Saturday and firefighters made some progress in containing the flames.

More than 12,000 dry lightning strikes started the blazes last week during a historic heat wave in which thermometers in Death Valley National Park reached what could be the highest ever temperature reliably recorded.

The largest wildfire, called the LNU Lightning complex, is in the prominent wine-growing areas of Napa and Sonoma north of San Francisco and is just 15% contained, CalFire said on Saturday.

Further south in Santa Cruz county, 115 homes have been destroyed and some residents evacuated.

Firefighters dug a fireline around the University of California Santa Cruz campus as flames came within a mile of the buildings and surrounding area.

Gov Newsom has requested help from as far afield as Australia and Canada. Firefighters, engines and surveillance planes raced in from US states including Oregon, New Mexico and Texas.

Although California is used to wildfire, the governor called the fires unlike anything the state had seen before. “If you don’t believe in climate change, come to California,” he tweeted on Saturday.

With more than 650,000 coronavirus cases, California also has the highest number of infections in the US, and some evacuees have said they are afraid to go to emergency shelters.

US agencies have updated disaster preparedness and evacuation guidance in light of Covid-19. People who may be required to flee have been to told to carry at least two face masks per person, as well as hand sanitiser, soap and disinfectant wipes.

Emergency shelters are enforcing social distancing rules and mask wearing, and have even given individual tents to families to self-isolate. Some counties are seeking to set up separate shelters for sick evacuees or anyone who is found to have a high temperature.

‘Firenado’ warning issued as Loyalton wildfire spreads across California

by Americas - Featured News

A rare fire tornado – or “firenado” – warning has been issued over the weekend in California due to wildfires burning near the Nevada border.

The Loyalton fire, named due to its proximity to the city, has prompted evacuations and jumped a highway on Saturday (15th August), forcing firefighters to protect drivers who tried to avoid the flames.

The National Weather Service (NWS) based in the Nevada city of Reno tweeted that the “extreme fire behaviour” was expected to continue and a fire tornado could follow.

The NWS defines a “firenado” as an “extreme weather phenomenon that can occur with rotating fire columns” and erupts when rising heat from a fire is caught by gusts of wind that change direction, similar to a traditional tornado. It ultimately makes for particularly dangerous conditions as winds combine with smoke plumes.

The Loyalton fire started in Sierra County in the Tahoe National Forest early on Saturday (15th August) and by 5pm, it was estimated to have grown to 20,000 acres and was only 5% contained as it spread toward Reno.

Video captured by firefighters showed the flame burning towards the Interstate-395 highway. The Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue department tweeted about a “close call” with cars that were left “stuck on the road” as the fire jumped the highway.

John Mittelstadt, a meteorologist at the NWS, told NBC News the “erratic” nature of the wildfires made their trajectory difficult to predict.

The warning came as firefighters also battled at least five wildfires in Colorado – one of which was reportedly the largest in the state’s history.

As of Saturday night, firefighters were dealing with extremely challenging conditions, including hot temperatures, some difficult terrain and highly flammable fuel.

The wildfires in California and Colorado have been put down to a multi-day heatwave across much of the western US, and Mr Mittelstadt said conditions such as these could lead to more “firenados” in future.

He said: “These conditions can lead to more firenados for sure. Everyone need to be very alert and very careful not to create any sparks so that we can avoid any human-caused fires.”

Allison delivers fire trucks to the U.S. army fleet in Germany

by Americas - Featured News

The U.S. Army in Germany recently added eight Scania structural pumper P410 B4x4HZ trucks with Rosenbauer-body and Allison 4000 Series™ fully automatic transmissions to its fire fleet. The vehicles, featuring the new CP 31 Crew Cab, are powered by a 302 kW (410 hp) diesel engine combined with an Allison 4000 Series™ fully automatic transmission. They will be stationed at different locations across Germany.

The U.S. Army has procured this vehicle configuration for the last 10 years, partly because of the advantages of a standardised fleet for staff training and vehicle maintenance, but also due to its positive experience with Allison transmissions over the past three decades.

Operate Water Pump Via The Power Take-Off

“So far, the transmissions have fulfilled all requirements of the U.S. Army with regards to performance, operation and maintenance,” said Sigurd Mack, Fire Protection Specialist at the U.S. Army Installation Management Command’s European Headquarters in Sembach near Kaiserslautern. “This also applies to the integrated hydraulic retarder and the Power Take-Off with the pump and roll function. It enables us to manoeuvre the vehicle safely and, at the same time, operate the water pump via the Power Take-Off – which is indispensable for efficient firefighting. For our operations and emergency responses good acceleration, easy handling and robustness are essential.”

According to the American NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 1901 (Standard for Fire Apparatus) directive for firefighting vehicles, fully automatic transmissions are mandatory for heavy firefighting vehicles. In its solicitation, the U.S. Army does not only specify fully automatic transmissions, it also identifies bespoke emergency vehicle transmission software.

“A fully automatic transmission will only properly benefit the driver during operation if the shift pattern is tuned to the vehicle and the transmission works together effectively with the driver. It has to meet the specific mission for emergency response,” said Mack.

Improved Acceleration and Higher Average Speed

Allison fully automatic transmissions differ from other technologies. Among other factors, they have specially developed shift calibration programs for the fire and rescue application. When combined with continuous power-shifting, this results in improved acceleration, higher average speed and faster response times.

The transmissions shift smoothly at precisely the right moment, allowing the driver to concentrate fully”

The fully automatic Allison transmission with its patented torque converter and Continuous Power Technology™ multiplies engine torque during vehicle start-up and acceleration. Gear changes are made without interruption, resulting in the smooth transfer of power to the drive wheels and maximum efficiency between engine and transmission.

“The transmissions shift smoothly at precisely the right moment, allowing the driver to concentrate fully on the road, which contributes significantly to accident prevention,” said Mack.

“In addition, to have competent and highly skilled service technicians, as well as spare parts service locally available greatly limits down time and contributes to our readiness,” said Mack. “The transmission manufacturer infrastructure has also supported our goals so far in this regard.”

Reliability and Durability In Extremely Difficult Conditions

The oldest Allison transmissions in the fire brigade of the U.S. Army in Germany have clocked up over 30 years of service

Allison fully automatic transmissions have demonstrated their outstanding reliability and durability under extremely difficult conditions and are consequently used by numerous fire brigade fleets worldwide. There are currently about 70 Allison fully automated vehicles in the fire truck fleet of the U.S. Army in Germany.

The oldest Allison transmissions in the fire brigade of the U.S. Army in Germany have clocked up over 30 years of service. In 2007, the drivetrain components from 12 older Amertek 2500L trucks were removed and installed into 12 overhauled firefighting trucks, so called “glider kits.” The Detroit diesel engines and Allison HT 750 DRD transmissions of the Amertek 2500L trucks, which at that time were already around 25 years old, were fitted to a new HME 1871 SFO chassis with a body made by Hensel.

Glider Kits Used For Multi-Purpose Vehicles For Firefighting

“In the USA, general vehicle overhaul is a recognised procedure for vehicle maintenance and service life extension. The engines and transmissions, especially in fire trucks, are still in relatively good working condition and have proven to be very reliable, even after a long period of time. This contributed to the decision for a service life extension,” said Mack.

Compared to a new purchase, the “glider kits” helped to save approx. 80,000 – 100,000 USD per vehicle without compromising the functionality. The “glider kits” are used as multi-purpose vehicles for firefighting and for providing technical assistance.

www.allisontransmission.com/

NVFC offers webinars, virtual training and in-person courses on fire services

by Americas - Featured News

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) offers dozens of on-demand webinars, live virtual trainings, and in-person courses on a variety of key fire service topics.

Until in-person trainings can be offered again, the NVFC is pleased to announce an afternoon of live, virtual training providing a condensed version of our popular in-person full-day course offerings focused on successful departments. The NVFC Virtual Leadership Symposium is sponsored by the Motorola Solutions Foundation.

Fire And Emergency Services

The training sessions will take place on Friday, August 14, from 1:00 – 5:30 pm ET. Registration is required; attendees can choose to attend one or both courses.

  • Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services
  • 1:00 – 3:00 pm ET
  • Instructor: Chief Jeff Cash

Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission and improve your department. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help the department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. New retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions.

  • Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success
  • 3:30 – 5:30 pm ET
  • Instructor: David Lewis

The NVFC published the textbook Volunteer Fire Service Culture – Essential Strategies for Success as a guide to fire service leaders who desire to change their department’s culture and attitude towards personal health and safety. This training delves into key points from the guide to reinforce the need for change and provide a roadmap for implementation of change to improve the health and safety of volunteer fire and EMS responders.

www.nvfc.org/

Pierce secures order from Hall County Fire Services, Georgia

by Americas - Featured News

Pierce Manufacturing Inc. has secured an order from Hall County Fire Services in Georgia. Sold through Pierce dealer, Ten-8 Fire Equipment, the order includes eight Pierce Enforcer Pumpers and one Ascendant 107’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder. The new fire apparatus will support the department’s efforts to standardise its fleet to allow personnel consistency in their response and service delivery.

“Our fire department covers 429 square miles with diverse response districts from rural to suburban,” said Christopher Armstrong, Fire Chief of Hall County Fire Services. “We respond to a variety of hazards, and standardisation and continuity in our operations are crucial to fulfilling our mission. Both the excellent customer service provided by Ten-8 Fire Equipment and the quality of Pierce apparatus contributed to our decision to execute this significant order.”

Hall County Fire Services’ new fire apparatus will feature:

Pierce Enforcer Pumpers

  • Extended cab and raised roof
  • 750-gallon tank with low hose bed
  • 1,500 GPM Waterous Pump
  • Detroit Diesel DD13 525 HP Engine
  • TAK-4 Independent Suspension
  • Side roll and frontal impact protection
  • Multiplex electrical system with Command Zone screen
  • Additional storage cabinetry for EMS equipment

Ascendant 107’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder

  • Enforcer chassis with extended cab and raised roof
  • 500-gallon tank
  • 2000 GPM Waterous Pump
  • Detroit Diesel DD13 525 HP Engine
  • TAK-4 Independent Suspension
  • Side roll and frontal impact protection
  • Multiplex electrical system with Command Zone screen
  • Single rear axle configuration
  • Additional storage cabinetry for EMS equipment and extrication tools

“Our team is honoured that our longstanding relationship with Hall County Fire Services continues with an order of such magnitude for their community,” said Guy Binion, sales representative for Ten-8 Fire Equipment. “The eight pumpers and aerial ladder offer the desired level of standardisation of apparatus operation, training, and vehicle maintenance, as well as superior manoeuvrability, innovative design, and essential safety features. We are confident the new fire trucks are the optimal choice for the department’s response area.”

Hall County Fire Services’ new fire apparatus will support the work of 369 personnel,16 stations, and an annual service call volume of over 25,000 per year. Delivery of the eight pumpers and the aerial ladder is expected to take place in December 2020.

www.piercemfg.com/