THE FIREHOUSE SCENEIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

Station Gossip By Sheryl Drost - Editor

Seems Paul needed a little attitude adjustment one day at the fire station and the Chief was just the one to give it to him!

The 2011 Year-in-Review video that was played at the Appreciation Dinner has been placed on our website for all to enjoy. From the home page click on the fire truck that says On The Scene. www.harlemroscoefire.com

The annual dress blues photo shoot is over and the picture board at Station One has been printed and put up. I do have to say there were some funnies this shoot from the Chief using pens in his pockets to bulk up his chest to both Chief Shoevlin and DC Bergeron taking off their white shirts so we could get the last two paramedics pictures taken in uniforms.

The Trustee’s Award Dinner was very entertaining this year. Seems the award presenters must have all taken a silly pill. Then there sure was a lot of snuggling and we can’t forget the zipper issues!

Greg, Greg, Greg... time to go shopping.

Of all the things we wear, our expressions are most noticed.

Did everyone remember to change their batteries in their smoke and fire detectors when they set the time on their clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time?

Success that goes to your head usually pays a short visit!

Newly married FF Ryan Sarver was asked will he only celebrate his anniversary every four years, since he was married on Leap Day? Ryan says no, but every four years they plan on doing something extra special on leap day.

Adult Truths

I think part of a friend’s job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die!

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.

I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap as a toddler.

Bad decisions make good stories.

I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” Before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?

Sometimes I look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and I still can’t tell you what time it is.

The first testicular guard, the “cup” was used in hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize their brain was important too!

Can we all agree to just ignore whatever comes after blue ray?

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Station Funnies

All I did was tell them to snuggle a little so everyone would be in the picture. Sorry the picture is blurred a little, the photographer was laughing!

Award Dinner Dessert - Chocolate and ice cream!(Cold Stone Creamery!)

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com

March 2012 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Photo by Sheryl Drost

Awards DinnerPages 6&7

AccidentsPages 4&5

Birthdays

March4th John Donovan6th Christi Wilson Steve Shoevlin9th John Donahue16th Aaron Miller Adam Cox21st Mike Morrison22nd Jay Alms23rd Radi Huggard26th Nino Girardin29th Sheryl Drost

April 10th Colleen Bloyer24th Paul Stanphill25th Ryan Sarver29th Snoopy

Total Calls for 2012

407

Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist.

Editor-in-Chief - Don ShoevlinEditor & Layout - Sheryl Drost

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month. www.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

As we enter the month of March, I can’t help but think spring. There are three events that might help us do this. On March 11, we push our clocks ahead (Spring forward). Don’t forget to replace your batteries in your smoke detectors and CO alarms as well. On March 17th it is good Ol’ St. Patty’s Day, everyone is Irish aren’t they? Then March 24th is our annual spring dinner. I hope you

have the opportunity to join us for some good food in a relaxed atmosphere. We greatly appreciate your generous support and it is always a pleasure to meet and talk to everyone that evening. So how can we not think that spring is around the corner?

This last month we held our annual appreciation dinner. Thank you to the Trustees for a great evening. It was well-attended, the food was fabulous and everyone had a great time. The firefighters and support staff are so deserving of this event for all of their commitment and accomplishments throughout the year. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with these individuals and the board of trustees. The board always has the firefighters in the forefront of their minds. I can’t think of a time when we are discussing something that the question doesn’t come up of how it will help our firefighters. Without their commitment and support our accomplishments would be hard pressed. Colleen did a wonderful job coordinating everything. You will find pictures from the event and awards that were presented elsewhere in the newsletter.

As we continue to move forward with the ever changing demands for our service, I can promise you, that I will NOT lose sight of the responsibility of your safety. I will remain committed to the excellence, integrity, and caring in the performance of emergency fire, medical, and rescue services.

We could not have come as far as we have if it were not for your support. Our job is to continue to be proactive in Our Community and in our approach to services and training as we grow to the future. We remember the Duty, Pride, and Tradition not only of the fire service, but that of the Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District as a whole. And as always I invite you to tour our facilities, see the equipment, and meet the personnel who serve you. You can also keep up on the progress of your fire department by visiting our website www.harlemroscoefire.com

“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

New Fire Prevention Officer

Chief Don Shoevlin announces Lt. Ryan Alms has accepted the position of Harlem-Roscoe’s Fire Prevention Officer. Lt. Alms began the new full-time position on March 1.

His job responsibilities will be to oversee, promote and continue developing our Fire Prevention Bureau. Some of his

responsibilities include but are not limited to, fire inspections, fire investigation, department safety and public education. “Congratulations Ryan, we look forward to your contributions to our continued growth and success.” said Chief Shoevlin.

Chaplain DivisionBy Sheryl Drost

L-r HRFD Chaplains Chuck Hansel, Bob Clark, Bill Null, Sue Null, Everett Perterson, and Paul Meyers.

Fires, accidents and medical calls can be traumatic to not only the victims, but to the families, friends as well as the emergency responders. Harlem-Roscoe has had many Chaplains over the years, but are very fortunate to currently have six to help all involved on an emergency scene. They are all very committed group and some of them have advanced crisis training.

Our EMT’s and firefighters are some of the most empathetic and comforting responders there are, but they have a job to do. And sometimes our officers have to assess an emergency scene and request a Chaplain to the scene. Our Chaplains have strong shoulders for comfort, great listening skills and are able to help family members figure out what happens next while letting the firefighters and EMT’s work. They also can help with resources.

They also keep an eye on fire personnel. It is obvious family and friends of victims may need a Chaplain, but some scenes may have an lasting affect later with the emergency responders. Debriefing after these scenes is a must.

These six individuals are committed to their calling and Harlem-Roscoe Fire personnel and our fire district are very grateful!

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

Ryan & Brianna SarverFebruary 29, 2012

Daisy Girl Scouts Tour Station One Photos by Sheryl Drost

Boy Scouts Take CPR ClassPhotos by Marcia Soppe

The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

Snow and Wind Play Havoc! Photos by Sheryl Drost

Above, Firefighters extinguish a car fire on Hwy 251 on March 2 during a snow storm.

Above, Firefighter Greg Wernick finishes putting out the car fire on Hwy 251.

Above, heavy wet snow on wires brings down a transformer on Burr Oak Rd. on March 2, causing quite a light show out in the woods before burning itself out. Above, Engine 705 heads to a smoke investigation on

Second St. during the snow storm on March 2nd.

Right, Snow covered Willowbrook Rd. proved too much for a driver as her car slid into the light pole at the Rockton Rd. intersection during a snow storm on Feb. 10.

SSSppprrriiinnnggg DDDiiinnnnnneeerrr

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters Association’s Annual Fundraiser

Saturday… MMMaaarrrccchhh 222444,,, 222000111222

5pm – 8pm HRFD Station #1 10544 Main St. Roscoe, IL

Menu: Roast Beef, Ham, Mashed

Potatoes, Cole Slaw, Vegetables, Dessert,

Milk and Coffee.

For carry out & local delivery:

Call 623-7867 The day of the dinner

Tickets: Adults - $8 Kids 5 to 12 - $4 Under age 5 - Free

The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

02/26/12 Perryville Rd. & Hwy 173

02/12/12 Hwy 251 & 173 02/16/12 Burden Rd.

02/11/12 Target parking lot

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

02/20/12 I-90 off-ramp at Rockton Rd. 02/21/12 Hunter Rd.

Continued from page 8 . . .

One of the crew members remembered the mother had five more children at home. Part of the history taken inside the store revealed that several other family members were in the passenger van earlier that day on a road trip. Although only the mother and two daughters were in the van recently, the crew learned the 14-year-old patient had slept in the van the night before, and a three-year-old male who was at home had also been in the van. Because of these details, the Farmington fire department dispatched a ladder truck, an engine and additional ambulances to the family’s home.

When they arrived at the house, they found the 3-year-old male, a female infant, 18-year-old and 9-year-old males and a 12-year-old female inside alone with several other adults.

The 3-year-old male was found “sleeping” on a couch and wasn’t able to be aroused with verbal commands. His inability to hold his head up and his altered level of consciousness continued to raise suspicions about CO poisonings. Head bobbing, lack of muscle tone and alertness and the inability to hold their head up are key indicators of a sick child.

The RAD-57 reading on the young male indicated 15ppm of CO saturation. The elevated levels coincided with symptoms presented by the first patient. Fortunately, none of the other family members had been in the van. The emergency crews evaluated the other adults and children in the home as a precaution and determined all were asymptomatic and had normal CO readings. Just to be sure, however, a firefighter checked the house thoroughly for CO and found no traces. The 3-year-old was transported on high flow oxygen. All patients were discharged without any serious problems. They will continue to be monitored for any long-term consequences from the exposure.

ConclusionEven as technology available to fire and EMS personnel increases in sophistication and function, it’s essential that the crews use their critical-thinking, scene-safety and assessment skills to know when to apply and interpret the devices. Whether it’s a 12-lead ECG, non-evasive CO monitoring or sampling the atmosphere with gas monitors, knowing when to apply these devices is the key to a successful outcome.

As illustrated by this case, it’s the level of investigatory and scene-assessment follow-up that can make a significant effect on morbidity and mortality in the field.

Syncope should trigger the full application of available equipment and technology, as well as an exhaustive interview by the EMS provider. In this case, the thorough scene and patient assessments conducted by Farmington crews prevented a catastrophic outcome for four patients. These CO poisoning cases could have gone undiagnosed, and a common call for near syncope easily could have been passed off without a definitive diagnosis. JEMS

Digging Through the AshesBy Capt. Mike Drost CFI

I have always liked to do jigsaw and word search puzzles and I have had an interest in science. Back in the 70’s when I started as a firefighter on North Park Fire, I was always fascinated by fire and wondered how fire could destroy some things and how some things would not be even if they were in the

same area. I started then to learn as much about fire behavior as I could and started to tag along with the State Fire Marshals when they came to investigate fires.

In 1989 I joined Harlem-Roscoe Fire and continued my training in fire behavior and science. At that time we had the Northern IL Arson Task Force and I attended as many seminars and trainings as I could. I also was mentored by then Deputy Chief Richard Mackenthun. We also had a lot of fires as well as live training burns in the 90’s so I was getting plenty of hands on experience as well. I then took the three training modules to become a certified fire investigator though the IL State Fire Marshal’s office.

Fire investigation is not as exciting as fighting a fire can be and sometimes it is very demanding and somewhat of a tedious and methodical bore. But even today, 28 years of digging though the ashes later, I still love the challenge of discovering where the fire started. There are many times that the firefighters that fought the fire are back home in bed or at the dinner table with their families while we’re still on scene sifting through the ashes trying to solve the puzzle of origin and cause.

I have investigated fires in most of the elements that Mother Nature can hand out from sub zero to over 100 degrees. Fires can happen day or night and investigations can last hours and sometimes days. I have had to testify in court and have given many depositions.

The hardest and most demanding part to me is when I’ve had to help investigate a fire death or injury. It makes it more emotional and demanding on your skills. The family, the firefighters and the public in general need to know what happen and maybe help it from happening again. I have helped the IL State Fire Marshal (they are called in on all fatalities) investigate two fires with fatalities in my time as an investigator. One fire involved a child and a fire on Christmas Day that took the lives of an elderly couple.

Then there are the arsonists to deal with. Some are even repeat offenders. It could be a child, a teenager or an adult. I have had to deal with all three and have had successes in stopping the individual or individuals. Some were prosecuted and others received treatment for the behavior such as the case with most children.

We may also find that the fire started with an electrical or mechanical devise. Causes could be failure, misuse, fatigue or poor design. In time it may invoke a recall or a user updates or repairs and replacements of a product.

So if you where to put it in a nut shell, If you don’t like solving the puzzles of when, where and how a fire started by digging through the ashes in the most difficult weather and all the time’s during a day, then fire investigation might just not be for you. But for me, I still love the challenge.

Minivan Takes Drive on Bike PathPhotos by Sheryl Drost

A driver of a Chrysler Town & Country may have had an medical emergency as his vehicle left Main St. and crashed on Feb. 22.

The trail of damage shows the minivan left Main St. and traveled down the bike path in front of Zazu before coming to stop in the parking lot to the North.

Along the way the minivan sideswiped a telephone pole, took out a bike path bench as well as guide lines to another telephone pole.

EMT’s prepare to transport the driver to the hospital by ambulance as Roscoe Police officer investigates how the accident happened.

The bench that was hit was one the H-R Firefighter’s Association donated.

Ambulance Hit in AccidentPhotos by Sheryl Drost

Three personnel were returning from a call (no patient aboard) on Feb. 29 in C-14-Ambulance and were traveling south on Hwy 251 when they stopped for a red light at the Prairie Hill Rd. They sat helplessly as a Ford pickup and a Chrysler Concorde crashed in front of them. The force of the crash sent the pickup right at them, hitting the driver’s side of the ambulance. The Concorde traveled across Hwy 251 striking a light pole.

Luckily, the three seat belted personnel were unhurt. One of the EMT’s said later, “It happened so fast. We had no time to worry about being victims, we had to check on the other drivers.” They quickly radioed for more help and went into response mode. The driver of the pickup was unhurt, but the driver and child passenger in the Concorde needed help and were transported to the hospital with a second ambulance.

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EMS CornerBy Capt. Jay Alms

Thorough Assessment Saves Lives: How a complete scene and patient history assessment saved multiple lives.This article originally appeared in September 2011JEMS http://www.jems.com/article/patient-care/ems-providers-use-detective-skills-solve

EMS Providers Use Detective Skills to Solve CaseThe EMS headlines lately seem to weigh heavier on missed opportunities to make difference than on the exceptional work performed by emergency crews. The buzzword in EMS training these days also includes “critical thinking”- how we teach it, how we

ensure our crews practice it and why it matters so much.

Syncope or near syncope is a sentinel event in the human body and a tremendous opportunity for good detective work, because the symptoms require the skills similar to those needed to solve a complex puzzle.

Syncope is a temporary fall in blood pressure with a loss of consciousness. Near syncope is a temporary drop in blood pressure, resulting in the onset of weakness without a loss of consciousness. Syncope is responsible for one out of every 30 visits to the emergency department (ED). Many syncope or near syncope calls never make it to the ED for a full evaluation. A disruption in blood flow to the brain due to a loss of blood pressure results in a corresponding loss of oxygen to the brain, which triggers syncope. The detective work is about what triggered the fall in blood pressure

When the Farmington Fire Department was dispatched to a Safeway Store for a 14–year-old female who had passed out in the store, a mystery began to unfold. However, the crew’s solid detective work and critical thinking skills averted a potentially catastrophic outcome. On-Scene Detective Work When the Farmington fire unit arrived on scene, they found a young female on the floor, awake, lying in her mother’s lap. The patient was alert with no obvious severe or acute symptoms. The mother had described the event as a “fainting spell.”

Firefighters, as part of their assessment regimen, applied a RAD-57 monitor on the patient to assess her pulse oximetry (SPO2) level. They were immediately surprised to have the device’s automatic carbon monoxide (CO) assessment alarm go off at 15% CO saturation, a parameter they didn’t initially consider based on dispatch information and “clear” air at the scene.

The first responder crews wondered whether the patient’s near syncope could possibly be from CO poisoning despite the fact that the setting and circumstances weren’t typical of the environment in which one would find a CO poisoning. Nevertheless, they became suspicious and pursued the logic to solve the discrepancy. CO treatment protocols were initiated, and crews placed a non-rebreather mask at 15 liters per minute (LPM).

Her 18-year-old sister was also present with their mother. Both remained in the store and were screened by the fire unit for CO. Elevated CO readings were identified on both of them (8-9%). The crews found out both were smokers. Even though both patients were asymptomatic, fire officials remained suspicious of a CO leak in the facility because the mother’s level was elevated above 5%, and the 18-year-old’s was even higher. So the Farmington fire crew pulled out its CO atmospheric assessment meters and checked the atmosphere in the store. No dangerous CO levels were detected.The ambulance crew then applied the traditional, basic pulse oximeter to assess the patient’s SPO2 reading, which was 96%. However, the RAD-57 reading on the youngest patient continued to be alarming.

The crew was convinced there was CO poisoning-although the mystery of the origin of the CO remained elusive-and decided to transport all three patients to the ED to be treated for CO poisoning.

DiscussionMany EMS/fire crews would declare a call of this nature “over” as

soon as the ambulance left to go en route to the hospital, and the mysterious CO alarm source would remain unsolved. This now becomes a moment of truth in which the human mind experiences something called cognitive congruence, or in plain terms: It just doesn’t make sense.

At some point during their assessment and “detective” work at the scene, a Farmington firefighter had gained a history from the mother that she had

purchased a used 1992 Ford Econoline van one week earlier. The Econoline has an engine cover located between the front driver and passenger area, which is best described as a large hump extending from the engine compartment into the passenger area.

The firefighter also learned that the family had been traveling in the van for several hours before stopping at the store. Firefighters located and checked the vehicle in the parking lotto attempt to find a source of CO.

One firefighter started the van and immediately heard the sound of an exhaust leak. A quick application of the air gas monitor presented a reading of 40 parts per million (ppm) within one minute, with the windows of the van open (15ppm is a dangerous level). The firefighters confirm the CO leak in the van and shut down the engine. The CO source had been located, so it would seem the mystery case was closed. Not quite.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7

Recognition Awards

The department’s Good Service Award is voted on by all fire personnel and was awarded to Lt. Doug Wolfe..

The Rookie of the Year Award is voted on by the Officers and went to Firefighter Chad Miller.

Fire Service Awards

Fire Service Pins: 20-yr to Capt. Tim Bergeron and Capt. Jay Alms (Pictured left) 15-yr to Capt. Tom Aaker, Joe Quast, Lt. Doug Wolfe and Colleen Bloyer. 10-yr. to Lt. Ryan Alms, Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake, John Donovan, Kelly Green, Lt. Virgil Johnson, Chief Don Shoevlin and Mark Soppe. 5-yr. to Rico VanderHeyden and Christi Wilson.

Medical Service Pins: 20-years to to DC John Presley for 20-years (Pictured left) and a 5-year service pin was presented to Rob Lukowski. New EMT’s Justin Harwood and Ryan Sarver, and new Paramedics, John Donovan, Josh Hoffland, Radi Huggard, Tom Lake, Rob Lukowski, and Steve Shoevlin were also recognized.

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Officers - Yep, that’s all of them in one picture!

Most Fire Runs 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place

Most Medical Runs 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place

Station One Capt. Mike Drost

DougWolfe

Marty Green

Tom Lake

Lt. Jerry McCormick

Lt. RamonaBaldoni-Lake

Station Two GregWernick

Paul Stanphill

Mike Helland

Mike Helland

GregWernick

PaulStanphill

Station Three BrandonTietz

SteveShoevlin

Lt. Bob Stark

BrandonTietz

Steve Shoevlin

Jeff Morris

Annual Appreciation Award Dinner Photos by Sheryl Drost

Trustees Jerry Ocker, Bart Munger and John Donahue hosted the department’s Annual Appreciation Awards Dinner on March 10 at the Forest Hills Lodge. After a delicious buffet meal catered by the Hoffman House the award ceremony began.

Left, Trustee Jerry Ocker welcomes everyone.

Honor Guard Lt. Jerry McCormick, Lt. Mike Huffman and Joe Quast begin the award ceremony.

Recognition PresentationsPresentations for years of service were given to three firefighters that retired in 2011: Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell (43yrs.), Jeff Ball (32yrs.) and Capt. Bill Sabin (17yrs.).

Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell retired with 43 years.

Jeff Ball retired with 32 years of service.

Capt. Bill Sabin retired with 17 years of service and is currently in Florida, but Chief Shoevlin gave the presentation and will present it to Bill when he returns.

The trustees recognized the three full-time personnel, Deputy Chief John Bergeron, Chief Don Shoevlin, and Administrative Assistant Colleen Bloyer.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7

Recognition Awards

The department’s Good Service Award is voted on by all fire personnel and was awarded to Lt. Doug Wolfe..

The Rookie of the Year Award is voted on by the Officers and went to Firefighter Chad Miller.

Fire Service Awards

Fire Service Pins: 20-yr to Capt. Tim Bergeron and Capt. Jay Alms (Pictured left) 15-yr to Capt. Tom Aaker, Joe Quast, Lt. Doug Wolfe and Colleen Bloyer. 10-yr. to Lt. Ryan Alms, Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake, John Donovan, Kelly Green, Lt. Virgil Johnson, Chief Don Shoevlin and Mark Soppe. 5-yr. to Rico VanderHeyden and Christi Wilson.

Medical Service Pins: 20-years to to DC John Presley for 20-years (Pictured left) and a 5-year service pin was presented to Rob Lukowski. New EMT’s Justin Harwood and Ryan Sarver, and new Paramedics, John Donovan, Josh Hoffland, Radi Huggard, Tom Lake, Rob Lukowski, and Steve Shoevlin were also recognized.

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Officers - Yep, that’s all of them in one picture!

Most Fire Runs 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place

Most Medical Runs 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place

Station One Capt. Mike Drost

DougWolfe

Marty Green

Tom Lake

Lt. Jerry McCormick

Lt. RamonaBaldoni-Lake

Station Two GregWernick

Paul Stanphill

Mike Helland

Mike Helland

GregWernick

PaulStanphill

Station Three BrandonTietz

SteveShoevlin

Lt. Bob Stark

BrandonTietz

Steve Shoevlin

Jeff Morris

Annual Appreciation Award Dinner Photos by Sheryl Drost

Trustees Jerry Ocker, Bart Munger and John Donahue hosted the department’s Annual Appreciation Awards Dinner on March 10 at the Forest Hills Lodge. After a delicious buffet meal catered by the Hoffman House the award ceremony began.

Left, Trustee Jerry Ocker welcomes everyone.

Honor Guard Lt. Jerry McCormick, Lt. Mike Huffman and Joe Quast begin the award ceremony.

Recognition PresentationsPresentations for years of service were given to three firefighters that retired in 2011: Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell (43yrs.), Jeff Ball (32yrs.) and Capt. Bill Sabin (17yrs.).

Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell retired with 43 years.

Jeff Ball retired with 32 years of service.

Capt. Bill Sabin retired with 17 years of service and is currently in Florida, but Chief Shoevlin gave the presentation and will present it to Bill when he returns.

The trustees recognized the three full-time personnel, Deputy Chief John Bergeron, Chief Don Shoevlin, and Administrative Assistant Colleen Bloyer.

Minivan Takes Drive on Bike PathPhotos by Sheryl Drost

A driver of a Chrysler Town & Country may have had an medical emergency as his vehicle left Main St. and crashed on Feb. 22.

The trail of damage shows the minivan left Main St. and traveled down the bike path in front of Zazu before coming to stop in the parking lot to the North.

Along the way the minivan sideswiped a telephone pole, took out a bike path bench as well as guide lines to another telephone pole.

EMT’s prepare to transport the driver to the hospital by ambulance as Roscoe Police officer investigates how the accident happened.

The bench that was hit was one the H-R Firefighter’s Association donated.

Ambulance Hit in AccidentPhotos by Sheryl Drost

Three personnel were returning from a call (no patient aboard) on Feb. 29 in C-14-Ambulance and were traveling south on Hwy 251 when they stopped for a red light at the Prairie Hill Rd. They sat helplessly as a Ford pickup and a Chrysler Concorde crashed in front of them. The force of the crash sent the pickup right at them, hitting the driver’s side of the ambulance. The Concorde traveled across Hwy 251 striking a light pole.

Luckily, the three seat belted personnel were unhurt. One of the EMT’s said later, “It happened so fast. We had no time to worry about being victims, we had to check on the other drivers.” They quickly radioed for more help and went into response mode. The driver of the pickup was unhurt, but the driver and child passenger in the Concorde needed help and were transported to the hospital with a second ambulance.

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

EMS CornerBy Capt. Jay Alms

Thorough Assessment Saves Lives: How a complete scene and patient history assessment saved multiple lives.This article originally appeared in September 2011JEMS http://www.jems.com/article/patient-care/ems-providers-use-detective-skills-solve

EMS Providers Use Detective Skills to Solve CaseThe EMS headlines lately seem to weigh heavier on missed opportunities to make difference than on the exceptional work performed by emergency crews. The buzzword in EMS training these days also includes “critical thinking”- how we teach it, how we

ensure our crews practice it and why it matters so much.

Syncope or near syncope is a sentinel event in the human body and a tremendous opportunity for good detective work, because the symptoms require the skills similar to those needed to solve a complex puzzle.

Syncope is a temporary fall in blood pressure with a loss of consciousness. Near syncope is a temporary drop in blood pressure, resulting in the onset of weakness without a loss of consciousness. Syncope is responsible for one out of every 30 visits to the emergency department (ED). Many syncope or near syncope calls never make it to the ED for a full evaluation. A disruption in blood flow to the brain due to a loss of blood pressure results in a corresponding loss of oxygen to the brain, which triggers syncope. The detective work is about what triggered the fall in blood pressure

When the Farmington Fire Department was dispatched to a Safeway Store for a 14–year-old female who had passed out in the store, a mystery began to unfold. However, the crew’s solid detective work and critical thinking skills averted a potentially catastrophic outcome. On-Scene Detective Work When the Farmington fire unit arrived on scene, they found a young female on the floor, awake, lying in her mother’s lap. The patient was alert with no obvious severe or acute symptoms. The mother had described the event as a “fainting spell.”

Firefighters, as part of their assessment regimen, applied a RAD-57 monitor on the patient to assess her pulse oximetry (SPO2) level. They were immediately surprised to have the device’s automatic carbon monoxide (CO) assessment alarm go off at 15% CO saturation, a parameter they didn’t initially consider based on dispatch information and “clear” air at the scene.

The first responder crews wondered whether the patient’s near syncope could possibly be from CO poisoning despite the fact that the setting and circumstances weren’t typical of the environment in which one would find a CO poisoning. Nevertheless, they became suspicious and pursued the logic to solve the discrepancy. CO treatment protocols were initiated, and crews placed a non-rebreather mask at 15 liters per minute (LPM).

Her 18-year-old sister was also present with their mother. Both remained in the store and were screened by the fire unit for CO. Elevated CO readings were identified on both of them (8-9%). The crews found out both were smokers. Even though both patients were asymptomatic, fire officials remained suspicious of a CO leak in the facility because the mother’s level was elevated above 5%, and the 18-year-old’s was even higher. So the Farmington fire crew pulled out its CO atmospheric assessment meters and checked the atmosphere in the store. No dangerous CO levels were detected.The ambulance crew then applied the traditional, basic pulse oximeter to assess the patient’s SPO2 reading, which was 96%. However, the RAD-57 reading on the youngest patient continued to be alarming.

The crew was convinced there was CO poisoning-although the mystery of the origin of the CO remained elusive-and decided to transport all three patients to the ED to be treated for CO poisoning.

DiscussionMany EMS/fire crews would declare a call of this nature “over” as

soon as the ambulance left to go en route to the hospital, and the mysterious CO alarm source would remain unsolved. This now becomes a moment of truth in which the human mind experiences something called cognitive congruence, or in plain terms: It just doesn’t make sense.

At some point during their assessment and “detective” work at the scene, a Farmington firefighter had gained a history from the mother that she had

purchased a used 1992 Ford Econoline van one week earlier. The Econoline has an engine cover located between the front driver and passenger area, which is best described as a large hump extending from the engine compartment into the passenger area.

The firefighter also learned that the family had been traveling in the van for several hours before stopping at the store. Firefighters located and checked the vehicle in the parking lotto attempt to find a source of CO.

One firefighter started the van and immediately heard the sound of an exhaust leak. A quick application of the air gas monitor presented a reading of 40 parts per million (ppm) within one minute, with the windows of the van open (15ppm is a dangerous level). The firefighters confirm the CO leak in the van and shut down the engine. The CO source had been located, so it would seem the mystery case was closed. Not quite.

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02/26/12 Perryville Rd. & Hwy 173

02/12/12 Hwy 251 & 173 02/16/12 Burden Rd.

02/11/12 Target parking lot

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

02/20/12 I-90 off-ramp at Rockton Rd. 02/21/12 Hunter Rd.

Continued from page 8 . . .

One of the crew members remembered the mother had five more children at home. Part of the history taken inside the store revealed that several other family members were in the passenger van earlier that day on a road trip. Although only the mother and two daughters were in the van recently, the crew learned the 14-year-old patient had slept in the van the night before, and a three-year-old male who was at home had also been in the van. Because of these details, the Farmington fire department dispatched a ladder truck, an engine and additional ambulances to the family’s home.

When they arrived at the house, they found the 3-year-old male, a female infant, 18-year-old and 9-year-old males and a 12-year-old female inside alone with several other adults.

The 3-year-old male was found “sleeping” on a couch and wasn’t able to be aroused with verbal commands. His inability to hold his head up and his altered level of consciousness continued to raise suspicions about CO poisonings. Head bobbing, lack of muscle tone and alertness and the inability to hold their head up are key indicators of a sick child.

The RAD-57 reading on the young male indicated 15ppm of CO saturation. The elevated levels coincided with symptoms presented by the first patient. Fortunately, none of the other family members had been in the van. The emergency crews evaluated the other adults and children in the home as a precaution and determined all were asymptomatic and had normal CO readings. Just to be sure, however, a firefighter checked the house thoroughly for CO and found no traces. The 3-year-old was transported on high flow oxygen. All patients were discharged without any serious problems. They will continue to be monitored for any long-term consequences from the exposure.

ConclusionEven as technology available to fire and EMS personnel increases in sophistication and function, it’s essential that the crews use their critical-thinking, scene-safety and assessment skills to know when to apply and interpret the devices. Whether it’s a 12-lead ECG, non-evasive CO monitoring or sampling the atmosphere with gas monitors, knowing when to apply these devices is the key to a successful outcome.

As illustrated by this case, it’s the level of investigatory and scene-assessment follow-up that can make a significant effect on morbidity and mortality in the field.

Syncope should trigger the full application of available equipment and technology, as well as an exhaustive interview by the EMS provider. In this case, the thorough scene and patient assessments conducted by Farmington crews prevented a catastrophic outcome for four patients. These CO poisoning cases could have gone undiagnosed, and a common call for near syncope easily could have been passed off without a definitive diagnosis. JEMS

Digging Through the AshesBy Capt. Mike Drost CFI

I have always liked to do jigsaw and word search puzzles and I have had an interest in science. Back in the 70’s when I started as a firefighter on North Park Fire, I was always fascinated by fire and wondered how fire could destroy some things and how some things would not be even if they were in the

same area. I started then to learn as much about fire behavior as I could and started to tag along with the State Fire Marshals when they came to investigate fires.

In 1989 I joined Harlem-Roscoe Fire and continued my training in fire behavior and science. At that time we had the Northern IL Arson Task Force and I attended as many seminars and trainings as I could. I also was mentored by then Deputy Chief Richard Mackenthun. We also had a lot of fires as well as live training burns in the 90’s so I was getting plenty of hands on experience as well. I then took the three training modules to become a certified fire investigator though the IL State Fire Marshal’s office.

Fire investigation is not as exciting as fighting a fire can be and sometimes it is very demanding and somewhat of a tedious and methodical bore. But even today, 28 years of digging though the ashes later, I still love the challenge of discovering where the fire started. There are many times that the firefighters that fought the fire are back home in bed or at the dinner table with their families while we’re still on scene sifting through the ashes trying to solve the puzzle of origin and cause.

I have investigated fires in most of the elements that Mother Nature can hand out from sub zero to over 100 degrees. Fires can happen day or night and investigations can last hours and sometimes days. I have had to testify in court and have given many depositions.

The hardest and most demanding part to me is when I’ve had to help investigate a fire death or injury. It makes it more emotional and demanding on your skills. The family, the firefighters and the public in general need to know what happen and maybe help it from happening again. I have helped the IL State Fire Marshal (they are called in on all fatalities) investigate two fires with fatalities in my time as an investigator. One fire involved a child and a fire on Christmas Day that took the lives of an elderly couple.

Then there are the arsonists to deal with. Some are even repeat offenders. It could be a child, a teenager or an adult. I have had to deal with all three and have had successes in stopping the individual or individuals. Some were prosecuted and others received treatment for the behavior such as the case with most children.

We may also find that the fire started with an electrical or mechanical devise. Causes could be failure, misuse, fatigue or poor design. In time it may invoke a recall or a user updates or repairs and replacements of a product.

So if you where to put it in a nut shell, If you don’t like solving the puzzles of when, where and how a fire started by digging through the ashes in the most difficult weather and all the time’s during a day, then fire investigation might just not be for you. But for me, I still love the challenge.

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Snow and Wind Play Havoc! Photos by Sheryl Drost

Above, Firefighters extinguish a car fire on Hwy 251 on March 2 during a snow storm.

Above, Firefighter Greg Wernick finishes putting out the car fire on Hwy 251.

Above, heavy wet snow on wires brings down a transformer on Burr Oak Rd. on March 2, causing quite a light show out in the woods before burning itself out. Above, Engine 705 heads to a smoke investigation on

Second St. during the snow storm on March 2nd.

Right, Snow covered Willowbrook Rd. proved too much for a driver as her car slid into the light pole at the Rockton Rd. intersection during a snow storm on Feb. 10.

SSSppprrriiinnnggg DDDiiinnnnnneeerrr

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters Association’s Annual Fundraiser

Saturday… MMMaaarrrccchhh 222444,,, 222000111222

5pm – 8pm HRFD Station #1 10544 Main St. Roscoe, IL

Menu: Roast Beef, Ham, Mashed

Potatoes, Cole Slaw, Vegetables, Dessert,

Milk and Coffee.

For carry out & local delivery:

Call 623-7867 The day of the dinner

Tickets: Adults - $8 Kids 5 to 12 - $4 Under age 5 - Free

Birthdays

March4th John Donovan6th Christi Wilson Steve Shoevlin9th John Donahue16th Aaron Miller Adam Cox21st Mike Morrison22nd Jay Alms23rd Radi Huggard26th Nino Girardin29th Sheryl Drost

April 10th Colleen Bloyer24th Paul Stanphill25th Ryan Sarver29th Snoopy

Total Calls for 2012

407

Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist.

Editor-in-Chief - Don ShoevlinEditor & Layout - Sheryl Drost

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month. www.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

As we enter the month of March, I can’t help but think spring. There are three events that might help us do this. On March 11, we push our clocks ahead (Spring forward). Don’t forget to replace your batteries in your smoke detectors and CO alarms as well. On March 17th it is good Ol’ St. Patty’s Day, everyone is Irish aren’t they? Then March 24th is our annual spring dinner. I hope you

have the opportunity to join us for some good food in a relaxed atmosphere. We greatly appreciate your generous support and it is always a pleasure to meet and talk to everyone that evening. So how can we not think that spring is around the corner?

This last month we held our annual appreciation dinner. Thank you to the Trustees for a great evening. It was well-attended, the food was fabulous and everyone had a great time. The firefighters and support staff are so deserving of this event for all of their commitment and accomplishments throughout the year. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with these individuals and the board of trustees. The board always has the firefighters in the forefront of their minds. I can’t think of a time when we are discussing something that the question doesn’t come up of how it will help our firefighters. Without their commitment and support our accomplishments would be hard pressed. Colleen did a wonderful job coordinating everything. You will find pictures from the event and awards that were presented elsewhere in the newsletter.

As we continue to move forward with the ever changing demands for our service, I can promise you, that I will NOT lose sight of the responsibility of your safety. I will remain committed to the excellence, integrity, and caring in the performance of emergency fire, medical, and rescue services.

We could not have come as far as we have if it were not for your support. Our job is to continue to be proactive in Our Community and in our approach to services and training as we grow to the future. We remember the Duty, Pride, and Tradition not only of the fire service, but that of the Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District as a whole. And as always I invite you to tour our facilities, see the equipment, and meet the personnel who serve you. You can also keep up on the progress of your fire department by visiting our website www.harlemroscoefire.com

“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

New Fire Prevention Officer

Chief Don Shoevlin announces Lt. Ryan Alms has accepted the position of Harlem-Roscoe’s Fire Prevention Officer. Lt. Alms began the new full-time position on March 1.

His job responsibilities will be to oversee, promote and continue developing our Fire Prevention Bureau. Some of his

responsibilities include but are not limited to, fire inspections, fire investigation, department safety and public education. “Congratulations Ryan, we look forward to your contributions to our continued growth and success.” said Chief Shoevlin.

Chaplain DivisionBy Sheryl Drost

L-r HRFD Chaplains Chuck Hansel, Bob Clark, Bill Null, Sue Null, Everett Perterson, and Paul Meyers.

Fires, accidents and medical calls can be traumatic to not only the victims, but to the families, friends as well as the emergency responders. Harlem-Roscoe has had many Chaplains over the years, but are very fortunate to currently have six to help all involved on an emergency scene. They are all very committed group and some of them have advanced crisis training.

Our EMT’s and firefighters are some of the most empathetic and comforting responders there are, but they have a job to do. And sometimes our officers have to assess an emergency scene and request a Chaplain to the scene. Our Chaplains have strong shoulders for comfort, great listening skills and are able to help family members figure out what happens next while letting the firefighters and EMT’s work. They also can help with resources.

They also keep an eye on fire personnel. It is obvious family and friends of victims may need a Chaplain, but some scenes may have an lasting affect later with the emergency responders. Debriefing after these scenes is a must.

These six individuals are committed to their calling and Harlem-Roscoe Fire personnel and our fire district are very grateful!

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Ryan & Brianna SarverFebruary 29, 2012

Daisy Girl Scouts Tour Station One Photos by Sheryl Drost

Boy Scouts Take CPR ClassPhotos by Marcia Soppe

THE FIREHOUSE SCENEIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

Station Gossip By Sheryl Drost - Editor

Seems Paul needed a little attitude adjustment one day at the fire station and the Chief was just the one to give it to him!

The 2011 Year-in-Review video that was played at the Appreciation Dinner has been placed on our website for all to enjoy. From the home page click on the fire truck that says On The Scene. www.harlemroscoefire.com

The annual dress blues photo shoot is over and the picture board at Station One has been printed and put up. I do have to say there were some funnies this shoot from the Chief using pens in his pockets to bulk up his chest to both Chief Shoevlin and DC Bergeron taking off their white shirts so we could get the last two paramedics pictures taken in uniforms.

The Trustee’s Award Dinner was very entertaining this year. Seems the award presenters must have all taken a silly pill. Then there sure was a lot of snuggling and we can’t forget the zipper issues!

Greg, Greg, Greg... time to go shopping.

Of all the things we wear, our expressions are most noticed.

Did everyone remember to change their batteries in their smoke and fire detectors when they set the time on their clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time?

Success that goes to your head usually pays a short visit!

Newly married FF Ryan Sarver was asked will he only celebrate his anniversary every four years, since he was married on Leap Day? Ryan says no, but every four years they plan on doing something extra special on leap day.

Adult Truths

I think part of a friend’s job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die!

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.

I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap as a toddler.

Bad decisions make good stories.

I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” Before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?

Sometimes I look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and I still can’t tell you what time it is.

The first testicular guard, the “cup” was used in hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize their brain was important too!

Can we all agree to just ignore whatever comes after blue ray?

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Station Funnies

All I did was tell them to snuggle a little so everyone would be in the picture. Sorry the picture is blurred a little, the photographer was laughing!

Award Dinner Dessert - Chocolate and ice cream!(Cold Stone Creamery!)

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March 2012 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Photo by Sheryl Drost

Awards DinnerPages 6&7

AccidentsPages 4&5