This Week in EMS: Scores Killed in Australian Wildfires
At least 181 people were killed last weekend in the most devastating wildfires in Australia’s history.
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Australian Wildfire Deaths Expected to Exceed 200
At least 181 people were killed last weekend in the most devastating wildfires in Australia's history. Entire towns were wiped out in some of the 400 blazes, believed to be caused by arson.
The fires devastated wildlife as well, and an international sensation took place after a firefighter was photographed rescuing an injured koala bear. The bear has become a symbol of hope and a sort of love story as she recovers along with her new "boyfriend," another koala with scorched paws. For a sweet story as we approach Valentine's Day, follow the related links for more on "Sam."
A commuter plane crashed late Thursday into a suburban Buffalo home, killing all 49 people aboard and one person on the ground. Two neighborhood residents were being treated for injuries.
The 74-seat Q400 Bombardier aircraft, operated by Colgan Air, was flying from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey to Buffalo Niagara International Airport in light snow, fog and 17 mph winds. Details were still emerging early Friday.
Twisters Kill Eight in Oklahoma
In further U.S. disaster news, eight people we killed and 14 were seriously injured when uncommon winter tornadoes struck multiple locations in Oklahoma. Rescuers were out in force Wednesday looking through wrecked homes and businesses for additional victims.
One rescue included a woman found injured but alive under an overturned mobile home. Most of the deaths occurred in an area of mobile homes that was virtually wiped out, officials reported.
Hundreds Mourn Slain New York EMT
Hundreds of responders and residents from the region and beyond gathered Saturday to pay their final respects to EMT Mark B. Davis, 25, who was fatally shot Jan. 30 by an agitated patient.
Davis was a volunteer with the Cape Vincent and Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service squads and a part-time employee of Guilfoyle Ambulance. He was also training to become a paramedic at Jefferson Community College. Click for details and to view a photographic tribute.
Industry News
Free Training Video Provides First Line of Defense for Emergency Responders
Thanks to a recently released training video, emergency responders can learn about a free, valuable emergency response tool called CHEMTREC (CHEMical TRansportation Emergency Center) that has been serving the needs of emergency responders since 1971. CHEMTREC is a 24/7/365 emergency call center that provides immediate information and assistance to anyone involved in a hazardous materials incident.
Education Feature:
TRIAGE: The Cute, Cuddly Side of Disaster Response
Continuing on the theme of bears this week: at the Center for Domestic Preparedness located in Anniston, Ala., one innovative approach is using stuffed animals during triage training.
During a drill, what they find may be a furry experience: as they enter the mock explosion site, they find more than 75 stuffed animal 'victims' tagged with ages and symptoms. Time is of the essence and the students quickly decide which 'victims' are viable.
Featured Podcast:
Coming up next in the Open Airways series: "We got to the ambulance thinking it was going to be a typical sick person trip to the hospital. We went ahead and started the typical procedure ... we put her on the monitor. And the monitor showed a sinus rhythm. Well, sinus, but about 210. It went up to 250 as we were sitting there watching." George Perry discusses the importance of using consistent procedures during patient care and communication with the hospital.
Featured Job:
Paramedics, Critical Care Paramedics, EMT's and Communications Specialists -- Illinois and Texas
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