Station Gossip the firehouse scene March … · collage of some of our pictures from the cruise on page 11. From Roscoe was Ken & Paula O’Dell, Oscar & Dean Presley, Bill & Joan

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The Firehouse Scene Page 12

Vol. 12 No.3 www.harlemroscoefi re.com March 2007

Station GossipOur prayers and best wishes go out to Deputy Chief Ike Schoonover’s wife Diane for a speedy recovery from her recent illness and hospital stay. Our prayers and sympathy to Lt. Jerry McCormick on the loss of his grandmather Edith Stevenson on March 1. Sorry about the misprint in the fi re department’s calendar. I have Daylight Saving Time as March 17, but as we know, it was March 11. Joe Koeninger was the victim during the recruit’s rescue training at the tower. He kids that he has a few issues with their technique.! :) Cowboy entertained us the other day with his views on how Ken is going to grow old. Baby count is back on with 2 - that I know of? As you read this paper you see more and more contributing articles by our fi refi ghters. This not only makes the Chief happy, but it makes for a more quality newsletter! New on-board this month is Lt. Chad Radke with “Association Announcements” and Lt. Alms with “Station Two News”. I am also looking for a Station Three and One fi refi ghter to report from their stations. Let me know if you are interested. And as always, if you have any ideas be sure to forward them to the Chief or myself.Keep the duct tape away from Jim Daughenbaugh. His daughter is learning to sleep in a big girl bed!Take time to rest and enjoy the company of friends. Value, honor and enjoy your family, no matter how strange they seem to youThank you to Ron Seeley, Ken, and Oscar for bringing in their cruise pictures for the collage on page 11. Although, I wasn’t able to use some of the pictures of Ken - he really did have a good time on this cruise! :) However, did you notice Captain Sabin’s sporting a new mustache, and that Oscar’s wearing a white Don Johnson style sport coat? Looking good Bill and Oscar! It really sounds like everyone had a great time and I hear our Chiefs were quite the entertainment making sure that everyone did. Ron Seeley says he’s ready to go again. Ah, the joys of retirement!

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“I get the window seat” has a whole new meaning!

You Know you are the Signifi cant Other of someone in EMS or the Fire Department When...

You have ever been stood up for a call.You have waited hours while they went on a “quick” call.You have a scanner and all of their frequencies.You take separate vehicles to family gatherings or other events in fear that you may be stranded there You have to dedicate a whole room for all the fi re memorabilia they has collected. Whenever you go on a road trip and have to stop at all the local fi re stations to meet the “guys” and fi nd out their average calls per year, and what apparatus they have. When he (and the rest of the EMT’s) beg you to have the baby at home so he/they can deliver you. When traveling with your child instead of looking at nice cars they say “Look, Ambulance - nice one, nice lights too”.When your 3 year old thinks that every fi re truck is Daddy and they want to be an fi refi ghter when they get big. When the burgers are done and your husband leaves for rolls only to return 12 hours later after a barn fi re.

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Harlem-Roscoe Fire PDPO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073

You may mail this newsletter fl at - you do not have to fold it...

the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection DistrictFire Chief Oscar Presley

Snow, Snow, & More Snow!There has been a lot of snow, and it has been an all too familiar site to see Squad 741 chasing off to an accident scene where extrication is needed. The Squad is the department’s heavy-duty rescue truck that carries state-of-the-art rescue tools and the power to operate them. This month’s centerfold has close-up pictures of those tools in use by the fi refi ghters at actual recent accident scenes.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11

Pickup Destroyed by FirePhotos by Chief Oscar Presley & Sheryl Drost

February 18, Firefi ghters responded to a report of a pickup on fi re at Hwy 251 and Forest Hills Road. Black smoke could be seen by fi refi ghters as they left the fi re station. They found a pickup fully involved with fi re that was parked on the east frontage road. The fi re was quickly extinguished, but the truck was a total loss.

Snow & Wind = TroubleAhh, fi nally, a winter like the ones I remember as a kid! We got it all this month, rain, ice, snow, and blizzard winds. There were plenty of accidents, but luckily not a lot of injuries. The pictures on this page show vehicles that got stuck in, or slid into the snow, and had to be helped out - and these are only a few of them!

Drifting snow played havoc on North/South roads all month. Willowbrook Road was completely drifted shut and the above driver didn’t make it through.

This car wasn’t able to stay on the road and was one of many that slid into the ditches on Willowbrook Road.

This truck hit a slick drifted area on Hwy 251 near Prairie Rose and slid into the ditch.

This minivan didn’t make the turn off Wagon Lane and ended up in a precarious position.

BirthdaysMarch4th John Donovan6th Christi Wilson Chaplain Jay Carr16th Aaron Miller18th Troy Vail21st Mike Morrison22nd Jay Alms23rd Radi Huggard29th Sheryl Drost

April 1st Jeff Ball10th Colleen Bloyer12th Ami Rafferty13th Chaplain John Powell14th Eve Salstrom21st Trustee Jim Burdick24th Paul Stanphill29th Snoopy

April Breakfast CrewMike Drost, Mike Morrison,Cathy Drye, Dan Borchardt,Matt Lane, Kevin Bouton,

& Joe Quast

Total Calls for 2007 345

The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.

Editor-in-Chief - Chief Oscar PresleyEditor, Layout, Writer, & Photographer - Sheryl Drost

Thank you to our contributing writers this month: AC Ken O’Dell, DC Kirk Wilson, Captain Don Shoevlin, Captain John Bergeron, Lt. Tom Aaker, Lt. Jay Alms, Lt. Jerry McCormick, Lt. Chad Radke, and Mike Huffman.Printer - Premier Printing

The Firehouse Scene newsletter is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second sunday of each month.


From the Chiefs Desks

By Chief Oscar Presley

We have endured an unusual winter season. After all the teasing I received on my prediction of 24 snows this season, it gives me great pleasure on all those snowfalls this month. I believe I am just about right on!

The Trustees agreed to purchase the two intercom systems I asked for. They will be installed on the two new Quints. This month we shall have a new group of personnel join us on March 24. We will need help on their house burn. We look forward to all the new personnel – their added response will be great.

We have several fi refi ghters lagging in their response to calls. You offi cers need to put a fi re under these people because I would like to keep them on the department. Remember, everyone is important and when you don’t respond it hurts, and someone else has to cover for you!

I think spring is coming in the next few weeks and with it warmer weather, lots of seminars, schools, dinners, and social events. Yes, you will be busy keeping things going. Thanks for your great support. Oscar

By Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell

On February 4, several of us going on the Association’s Western Caribbean Cruise Fundraiser departed H-R Fire Station #1 at 4am in a limousine headed to the Milwaukee Airport. The temperature was so cold, (-15 below 0) that the limo driver stopped and gave all the ladies blankets to keep them warm. When we landed in Ft. Lauderdale

Florida the temperature was a much warmer 75 degrees!

The ship departed at 4pm. We did get to watch the Super Bowl game on a big screen TV. When we arrived in Panama, most everyone took the train excursion along the canal. At the Costa Rico and Belize stops everyone took different excursions. The meals were great. If it was your birthday during supper you received a little cake with a candle and they sang happy birthday to you. Everyone in our group just happened to have a birthday during the cruise – Oscar had three! When we would get back on the ship after our excursions we would all talk about what we did. Everyone had a great time. On our return fl ight the most asked question was, “When and where is the next cruise going to be?”

There were 32 people in our group and again we would like to thank all of them for making this fundraiser a success. See the collage of some of our pictures from the cruise on page 11. From Roscoe was Ken & Paula O’Dell, Oscar & Dean Presley, Bill & Joan Sabin, Ron & Mary Seely, Jack & Sue Finlen, James & Margaret Arneds, and Michael, Kim & Anthony Pirello. From Machesney Park was John & Barb Rogers. From Rockford was Joan and Donna Kelley and Ray, Ben, & Austin Farruggia. From Freeport was Martha Pople and Betty Sterett. From Wisconsin was Charles and Colleen Lucas, and Craig and Sharon Vivian. From California was Patti Atkins. From Florida was Paul Johnson and Beverly Stout. And from Georgia was Susan Vanderheyden.

Station 2 NewsSecond to none!!!By Lt. Jay Alms

Sheryl asked me to write something to help fi ll the newsletter, because she was short on news this month. I’m not sure if I was her fi rst choice or if she was getting desperate!! Well

anyway, as the title reads, news from the south end.

Recently we had a new addition to our family, a new lieutenant. FF Jerry McCormick was promoted to Acting Lieutenant. Jerry is well deserving of this promotion for all the time and effort he has put into this department. Besides the driving division, Jerry has been training new recruits for many years. Congratulations Lt Jerry McCormick(788) and Lt Ron Klaman(729), we did not forget you, both well deserved promotions.

The guys at two are also waiting the arrival of our new Quint. With the growth in our district, especially the commercial growth in the 173 corridor and the I-90 access, we anticipate this unit will be responding as a fi rst due unit.

The shift-duty has also been welcome at the station. To have a unit roll literally minutes after a call is toned out, is comforting and reassuring to me that my family is in good hands, when the need arises.

Regarding the growth in our district, we are always faced with meeting the demands and the standards set forth by ISO. I was given the task of proving to the Chief and ISO that we can supply water for suppression in our rural, non-hydrant areas. We will be testing our skills with the new recruits when we burn the house on Rockton Rd. All our welcome and encouraged to hone your skills that may have faded over the years. Rural water supply, although seldom needed, is a critical component to what we do. Not only do we benefi t from unique training opportunities, the homeowner ultimately benefi ts on lower insurance rates.

Those of us at Station 2 appreciate all that the Chief and Trustees have done for us and will do in the future. We welcome the challenge to try and keep up with the growth and technology that faces us everyday.

Until next issue and thanks for stopping to read my article!!!Lt Jay Alms

Oscar Predicts…24 Snowfalls

1 left as of March 09, 2007Well, we have to admit he is getting pretty close. Oscar says that we will get that last snow. I guess we will just have to wait and see. We did get that April 1 snowfall a couple years ago.

ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCEMENTSBy Association President Lt. Chad Radke

Spring Dinner Saturday April 21, 2007 5-8pm

Tickets: Adults - $8, Child 5-12 - $4, Under 5 - FreeYes, it is that time of the year again, Spring Dinner planning ! The Spring Dinner Committee has met once already, and is in full force to make this year just as good as the last year. We need all of your input, negative or positive, so we can make this event a success. We also need everyone to help with work details and working the event. This is the fi rst of many events we have scheduled this year. The committee will meet March 13, 27, and April 10. Anyone is welcomed to attend these meetings with their ideas. Thank you, Lt. Chad Radke

The work detail schedule is as follows. Please mark your calenders.

April 16 Station 3April 17 Station work detailApril 18 Station 2April 19 Station 1April 20 Stations 1, 2, & 3

Texas Holdem Poker Fundraiser - March 25We also have another Texas Holdem night planned for March 25 at LT’S Bar South Alpine Rd. It will run from noon to midnight. Anyone interested in working please contact myself - Lt. Radke.

Pancake Breakfast April 1, 2007 @ Station #1 7am - noon

All funds from this breakfast will go to the Extrication Team. All help will be greatly appreciated.

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Veronica from EZ Travel presents Assistant Chief

Ken O’Dell with a check from the monies raised by the recent cruise

fundraiser. Ken will be announcing the

amount at breakfast.


Accidents Photos by Chief Oscar Presley, Sheryl Drost and the 2/28 picture is courtesy of Northwest Fire

02/04/07 Middle Road 02/05/07 Rockton Road and Hwy 251 exit ramp

02/08/07 Forest Hills just north of Hwy 173 - No kids were hurt 02/27/07 Hwy 251 - Pedestrian hit

02/18/07 Ralston Road and Queen Oaks Drive 02/28/07 Rockton Ave.

02/20/07 Alpine Road 02/27/07 Belvidere Road north of Hwy 173

02/19/07 Dorr Road 03/02/07 6121 Elevator Road

EMS Corner By Captain John Bergeron

On February 14, at 0700 hours, Saint Anthony Medical Center Emergency Room (SAMC ER) began accepting 12-lead transmissions from Lifeline Ambulance. As this new system gets underway, there will be glitches which will need to be dealt with as they happen. The general policy and procedure has been rolled

out. Following is a brief outline of potential issues and changes:

SAMC ER is to be notifi ed when you are transmitting a 12-lead and your initial interpretation of the 12-lead. The process is to call the ECRN phone number. This phone number is to be used for informing the ER of incoming transmission of a 12 lead. This line may also be used for patient care issues requiring the involvement of the ECRN. If this line is in use, it will automatically roll over after 10 rings to another number. Both lines are recorded.The backup system if contact cannot be made via the fi rst number is to contact Med Com so they can transfer you to a dedicated line in the ER.After transmission of an EKG indicative of a STEMI and verifi cation by the ER Dr., the Cath Lab team will proceed to the ER. Patient condition and changes will warrant further 12-lead acquirement in the fi eld. While this information will be helpful, the ER has requested these 12-leads not be transmitted, but saved for the patient record. If you are unable to transmit, contact the ER by phone and present your interpretation.Inbound reports will be conducted as you would have normally done prior to the 12-lead implementation. The face to face verifi cation will take place between the medic and receiving RN. The QA sheet is initialed by the ER Doctor.The documents to be faxed to the EMS Offi ce, regardless of receiving facility:

a) Copy of 12 leadb) Completed QA Sheetc) Patient car report

For 12 leads which exceed the 5-minute benchmark, simply note on the QA Sheet the reason.As in past practice, if resources are lean, Dr. Billeter does not want crews being held at the ER’s to complete paperwork while an emergency situation goes unattended. Crews may need to return to the ER to complete incomplete talks related to their original call. The truck cell phone will automatically turn on when you attempt to transmit. The phone does not need to be in the fl ipped open position.Typically it takes 15-seconds to acquire and analyze the 12-lead. Transmission occurs in 1:45 seconds to 2 minutes. Transmission is obviously affected by signal strength which can be viewed on the phone.

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Are You Getting Enough Sleep?By Lonny Stark The Mystery of Sleep

Sleep requirements change throughout your life – A newborn baby may sleep about 16 hours each day. By age 4, a child is sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day. By age 10, the duration drops to about 10 hours a day. Adults average seven or eight hours of sleep, with the amount slowly declining to six hours as they age. Recent studies

confi rm what many of us already know—that we are becoming increasingly sleep-deprived. Even youngsters younger than 5 are getting shorted on sleep.

Sleepy-eyed animals – Sleep isn’t unique to humans. Even the fruit fl y, Drosophila melanogaster, spends up to 12 hours each day in slumber.

The best thing you can do in your pursuit of health and happiness is to get plenty of sleep. Going to school, working, taking care of kids and spending late nights in front of the TV or the computer—today’s busy lifestyles have conspired to leave many of us sleep deprived. It’s hard to resist squeezing in a few more hours of activity each night because, after all, what’s wrong with a little grogginess?

For busy people, sleep may seem to be a big waste of time. But a growing body of evidence shows that adequate sleep is more important than we ever thought. The impact of missed sleep may include short and long term mental impairment, an increase in accidents and shorter lives.

Although you may feel physically refreshed after a good night’s sleep, physical rest doesn’t seem to be the most important function of sleep. Surprisingly, our average energy use in calories is only about 10 percent less when we’re sleeping. The importance of sleep has more to do with the needs of our brains.

Evidence shows that the human brain is active during parts of the sleep cycle, processing new knowledge, retracing the day’s events, and rewiring itself to integrate these experiences with long-term memories.

If you have ever missed a night’s sleep, you might recognize these symptoms: the inability to remember things and to think clearly, slow reaction times, grogginess and moodiness. Missing another day or two of sleep would lead you to lose rationality and begin to hallucinate.

Studies have shown that disruption in sleep can have a greater impact than on-the-job stress in worker burnout. And even a small shortage of sleep can be risky if you have to work with dangerous equipment or drive an automobile.

Studies on rats show that sleep-deprivation caused weight loss (no matter how much they ate), increased infections (due to impaired immune function) and after a few weeks without sleep, death.

If that isn’t enough to make you re-evaluate your sleep patterns, consider this: sleep deprivation is one of the most effective weapons in the arsenal of the torturer


TRAININGBy Captain Don Shoevlin, Training Offi cer

The new recruit class will be graduating on Saturday, March 24. We will be conducting

a a live burn. We have a class of 16 that have put forth a lot of effort and time. They are all anxious to start contributing and responding with us. Each and every one of them will give their all. At the end of the day we will have a ceremony at Station 3 with the Trustees and Chief. Everyone is welcome to attend. I say, “A big thank-

you to all that assisted with the class.”

Along with the burn that day we will also be conducting a water shuttle for HRFD. The purpose is to practice for our ISO run later in the year. Lt. Alms is in charge of this drill. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. We will be posting a sign-up sheet at all stations.

With spring fast approaching, watch the training board for upcoming classes. Fire College and the Monroe Fire School are just a couple that will be forthcoming. Also, more outside department training will be starting. Thank you for the continuous support and efforts. Train to be SAFE.

Re-racking the fi re trucks the proper way is just one important skill the new recruits must learn.

The tower was used quite a bit with the new recruits training. Above, two new recruits bring out the “victim” after fi nding him in one of the smoke fi lled rooms.

The Panel By Lt. Jerry McCormick - Engineer

Hello to all. I hope this month’s letter fi nds you safe and looking forward to warm weather. The Drivers Division has set up three dates for H-R personnel to complete the obstacle course needed to drive the department’s vehicles. The tentative site for the course will be at the

Machesney Park Mall. However, this is subject to change. The fi rst obstacle course date will be with the ambulance and will be for EMS personnel only. We will then be holding two more obstacle course dates later this spring. On the later dates we will have an ambulance, engine, tanker, and mini-pumper on site. If you are an EMT, please make every effort to make the April 1 date. If you are unable to make the fi rst date, please sign up for one of the other dates. A list will be posted as to who needs the course and in what vehicle. If there are any questions, please forward them to any of the driving division members. Until next month, have fun and stay safe!

April 1 – 9am – 11am (EMS personnel only)April 28 – 9am – noonMay 6 – 10am – 1pm.

Training Snapshots

February 27 - Tool location on Heavy-Rescue Squad 741

February 20 - Offi cer tour of the new Tollway building.

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ON SCENE - ExtricationBy Mike Huffman

Glass ManagementThe purpose of glass management is to control the glass and in some instances gain access. Types of glass are:

LaminatedGlass made of layers of glass and plastic. Breaks into large shards and fragments.Stays together when broken.Used on windshields and some rear windows.Removed by sawing and cutting , and in some cases, removal of the molding.

TemporedSafety, resistance to breakage, breaks into tiny pieces. Used on side windows, rear windows, and many sun roofs.Remove w/ center punchEnhanced protected glass is made by bonding two sheets of glass sorrounding an interior of polyvinyl butral.Currently in bmw,mercedes,volvo, and infi nity.

PolycarbonateIs made from high strength carbon plasticUsed in very few vehiclesUsed in high end sports cars,porsche,viperMethods of removal - leave in place, roll window down if applicable.

Hurst Tool Care and Maintenance By Lt. Tom Aaker

Here are some things you can do after a call, during training, and while you are on shift to help keep our tools in top condition.

Daily Maintenance/Inspection� Inspect hose and equipment carefully for hydraulic leaks� Inspect hoses and couplings for wear and damage.� Check control valve operation for easy operation and free return.� Check inside frame for dirt and debris.� Be sure all parts are clean.� Check Jaws and all pins for damage.� Check the unit that all nuts, bolts, retainer rings and screws are in place and securely fastened.Storage� Protect unit against moisture.� Store in adequate space to prevent damage to hoses, connectors or tool itself.� CAUTION: Before storage, move thumb control in both direc-tions to equalize pressure in system.After Use Maintenance� Clean and lubricate, remove all debris and unknown liquids - road salt, junk liquids, grease, gasoline, etc.� Check for wear or damage on all parts.� Check that all fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws and retaining rings) are in place and securely fastened.

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Extrication SafetyBy Deputy Chief Kirk Wilson

Over the past several weeks, the department has had several motor vehicle incidents involving extrication. We, as responders, must be certain that all aspects of safety are addressed while performing auto extrication. Let’s start with Scene Assessment.

Responders should assure scene safety prior to starting extrication. We should be sure that moving traffi c is controlled or redirected to assure the safety of responders as well as for the patients we are treating. Assure that all chemical and fi re dangers are addressed. Vehicles leaking fuel require a charged hose line along with a dry chemical fi re extinguisher.

The use of full protective turn outs should be utilized while performing auto extrication. Eye protection such as safety glasses and the use of you helmet shield should be utilized as well.

Vehicle stabilization is a MUST. Use proper vehicle stabilization techniques prior to entering and or cutting a vehicle. Don’t forget the methods used to stabilize vehicles weather you use step chocks, wedges, high or low pressure air bags, or Rescue 42’s.

It is also wise to take control of the electrical system and remove the battery cables (if accessible). Do you know which cable to remove fi rst? While continuing with your vehicle size up, determine if the vehicle is equipped with SRS (Supplemental Restraint Systems). If you don’t know, always assume the vehicle is equipped with airbags and be aware they can deploy at any time. Keep in mind, just because you disable the electrical system, un-deployed airbags can still deploy. Remember your strike zones, 15 inches for the drivers side, 20 inches for passenger side, and 5 inches for any side airbags. Newer vehicles are also equipped with roll over protection systems (ROPS) which may deploy as well.

When the actual extrication process is started, assure that tools are working properly and have a back up tool ready. Make sure your victims and rescuer are covered with appropriate tarps or covers. Announce when you are about to take glass. EMS personnel working with the victim should reassure and explain the loud noises they are hearing. Prior to making cuts, “strip and peek” behind molding to assure you are not cutting into a restraint system or electrical cable. Take the time and cover all sharp objects after making cuts.

Removal of the victim should be a coordinated effort for both the EMS personnel and rescuers. Move your victim with great care unless conditions require the use of a “rapid extrication”. It is imperative that EMS and the extrication specialist work as a team to assure the victim is receiving the highest level of care.

I hope these tips remind you fi refi ghters of the importance of safety while working at incidents involving auto extrication. Please make sure all tools are in proper working order and most important of all, know your tools and their limitations. As always……..train hard………..stay safe!


Extricating . . .


TRAININGBy Captain Don Shoevlin, Training Offi cer

The new recruit class will be graduating on Saturday, March 24. We will be conducting

a a live burn. We have a class of 16 that have put forth a lot of effort and time. They are all anxious to start contributing and responding with us. Each and every one of them will give their all. At the end of the day we will have a ceremony at Station 3 with the Trustees and Chief. Everyone is welcome to attend. I say, “A big thank-

you to all that assisted with the class.”

Along with the burn that day we will also be conducting a water shuttle for HRFD. The purpose is to practice for our ISO run later in the year. Lt. Alms is in charge of this drill. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. We will be posting a sign-up sheet at all stations.

With spring fast approaching, watch the training board for upcoming classes. Fire College and the Monroe Fire School are just a couple that will be forthcoming. Also, more outside department training will be starting. Thank you for the continuous support and efforts. Train to be SAFE.

Re-racking the fi re trucks the proper way is just one important skill the new recruits must learn.

The tower was used quite a bit with the new recruits training. Above, two new recruits bring out the “victim” after fi nding him in one of the smoke fi lled rooms.

The Panel By Lt. Jerry McCormick - Engineer

Hello to all. I hope this month’s letter fi nds you safe and looking forward to warm weather. The Drivers Division has set up three dates for H-R personnel to complete the obstacle course needed to drive the department’s vehicles. The tentative site for the course will be at the

Machesney Park Mall. However, this is subject to change. The fi rst obstacle course date will be with the ambulance and will be for EMS personnel only. We will then be holding two more obstacle course dates later this spring. On the later dates we will have an ambulance, engine, tanker, and mini-pumper on site. If you are an EMT, please make every effort to make the April 1 date. If you are unable to make the fi rst date, please sign up for one of the other dates. A list will be posted as to who needs the course and in what vehicle. If there are any questions, please forward them to any of the driving division members. Until next month, have fun and stay safe!

April 1 – 9am – 11am (EMS personnel only)April 28 – 9am – noonMay 6 – 10am – 1pm.

Training Snapshots

February 27 - Tool location on Heavy-Rescue Squad 741

February 20 - Offi cer tour of the new Tollway building.

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ON SCENE - ExtricationBy Mike Huffman

Glass ManagementThe purpose of glass management is to control the glass and in some instances gain access. Types of glass are:

LaminatedGlass made of layers of glass and plastic. Breaks into large shards and fragments.Stays together when broken.Used on windshields and some rear windows.Removed by sawing and cutting , and in some cases, removal of the molding.

TemporedSafety, resistance to breakage, breaks into tiny pieces. Used on side windows, rear windows, and many sun roofs.Remove w/ center punchEnhanced protected glass is made by bonding two sheets of glass sorrounding an interior of polyvinyl butral.Currently in bmw,mercedes,volvo, and infi nity.

PolycarbonateIs made from high strength carbon plasticUsed in very few vehiclesUsed in high end sports cars,porsche,viperMethods of removal - leave in place, roll window down if applicable.

Hurst Tool Care and Maintenance By Lt. Tom Aaker

Here are some things you can do after a call, during training, and while you are on shift to help keep our tools in top condition.

Daily Maintenance/Inspection� Inspect hose and equipment carefully for hydraulic leaks� Inspect hoses and couplings for wear and damage.� Check control valve operation for easy operation and free return.� Check inside frame for dirt and debris.� Be sure all parts are clean.� Check Jaws and all pins for damage.� Check the unit that all nuts, bolts, retainer rings and screws are in place and securely fastened.Storage� Protect unit against moisture.� Store in adequate space to prevent damage to hoses, connectors or tool itself.� CAUTION: Before storage, move thumb control in both direc-tions to equalize pressure in system.After Use Maintenance� Clean and lubricate, remove all debris and unknown liquids - road salt, junk liquids, grease, gasoline, etc.� Check for wear or damage on all parts.� Check that all fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws and retaining rings) are in place and securely fastened.

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Extrication SafetyBy Deputy Chief Kirk Wilson

Over the past several weeks, the department has had several motor vehicle incidents involving extrication. We, as responders, must be certain that all aspects of safety are addressed while performing auto extrication. Let’s start with Scene Assessment.

Responders should assure scene safety prior to starting extrication. We should be sure that moving traffi c is controlled or redirected to assure the safety of responders as well as for the patients we are treating. Assure that all chemical and fi re dangers are addressed. Vehicles leaking fuel require a charged hose line along with a dry chemical fi re extinguisher.

The use of full protective turn outs should be utilized while performing auto extrication. Eye protection such as safety glasses and the use of you helmet shield should be utilized as well.

Vehicle stabilization is a MUST. Use proper vehicle stabilization techniques prior to entering and or cutting a vehicle. Don’t forget the methods used to stabilize vehicles weather you use step chocks, wedges, high or low pressure air bags, or Rescue 42’s.

It is also wise to take control of the electrical system and remove the battery cables (if accessible). Do you know which cable to remove fi rst? While continuing with your vehicle size up, determine if the vehicle is equipped with SRS (Supplemental Restraint Systems). If you don’t know, always assume the vehicle is equipped with airbags and be aware they can deploy at any time. Keep in mind, just because you disable the electrical system, un-deployed airbags can still deploy. Remember your strike zones, 15 inches for the drivers side, 20 inches for passenger side, and 5 inches for any side airbags. Newer vehicles are also equipped with roll over protection systems (ROPS) which may deploy as well.

When the actual extrication process is started, assure that tools are working properly and have a back up tool ready. Make sure your victims and rescuer are covered with appropriate tarps or covers. Announce when you are about to take glass. EMS personnel working with the victim should reassure and explain the loud noises they are hearing. Prior to making cuts, “strip and peek” behind molding to assure you are not cutting into a restraint system or electrical cable. Take the time and cover all sharp objects after making cuts.

Removal of the victim should be a coordinated effort for both the EMS personnel and rescuers. Move your victim with great care unless conditions require the use of a “rapid extrication”. It is imperative that EMS and the extrication specialist work as a team to assure the victim is receiving the highest level of care.

I hope these tips remind you fi refi ghters of the importance of safety while working at incidents involving auto extrication. Please make sure all tools are in proper working order and most important of all, know your tools and their limitations. As always……..train hard………..stay safe!


Accidents Photos by Chief Oscar Presley, Sheryl Drost and the 2/28 picture is courtesy of Northwest Fire

02/04/07 Middle Road 02/05/07 Rockton Road and Hwy 251 exit ramp

02/08/07 Forest Hills just north of Hwy 173 - No kids were hurt 02/27/07 Hwy 251 - Pedestrian hit

02/18/07 Ralston Road and Queen Oaks Drive 02/28/07 Rockton Ave.

02/20/07 Alpine Road 02/27/07 Belvidere Road north of Hwy 173

02/19/07 Dorr Road 03/02/07 6121 Elevator Road

EMS Corner By Captain John Bergeron

On February 14, at 0700 hours, Saint Anthony Medical Center Emergency Room (SAMC ER) began accepting 12-lead transmissions from Lifeline Ambulance. As this new system gets underway, there will be glitches which will need to be dealt with as they happen. The general policy and procedure has been rolled

out. Following is a brief outline of potential issues and changes:

SAMC ER is to be notifi ed when you are transmitting a 12-lead and your initial interpretation of the 12-lead. The process is to call the ECRN phone number. This phone number is to be used for informing the ER of incoming transmission of a 12 lead. This line may also be used for patient care issues requiring the involvement of the ECRN. If this line is in use, it will automatically roll over after 10 rings to another number. Both lines are recorded.The backup system if contact cannot be made via the fi rst number is to contact Med Com so they can transfer you to a dedicated line in the ER.After transmission of an EKG indicative of a STEMI and verifi cation by the ER Dr., the Cath Lab team will proceed to the ER. Patient condition and changes will warrant further 12-lead acquirement in the fi eld. While this information will be helpful, the ER has requested these 12-leads not be transmitted, but saved for the patient record. If you are unable to transmit, contact the ER by phone and present your interpretation.Inbound reports will be conducted as you would have normally done prior to the 12-lead implementation. The face to face verifi cation will take place between the medic and receiving RN. The QA sheet is initialed by the ER Doctor.The documents to be faxed to the EMS Offi ce, regardless of receiving facility:

a) Copy of 12 leadb) Completed QA Sheetc) Patient car report

For 12 leads which exceed the 5-minute benchmark, simply note on the QA Sheet the reason.As in past practice, if resources are lean, Dr. Billeter does not want crews being held at the ER’s to complete paperwork while an emergency situation goes unattended. Crews may need to return to the ER to complete incomplete talks related to their original call. The truck cell phone will automatically turn on when you attempt to transmit. The phone does not need to be in the fl ipped open position.Typically it takes 15-seconds to acquire and analyze the 12-lead. Transmission occurs in 1:45 seconds to 2 minutes. Transmission is obviously affected by signal strength which can be viewed on the phone.

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Are You Getting Enough Sleep?By Lonny Stark The Mystery of Sleep

Sleep requirements change throughout your life – A newborn baby may sleep about 16 hours each day. By age 4, a child is sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day. By age 10, the duration drops to about 10 hours a day. Adults average seven or eight hours of sleep, with the amount slowly declining to six hours as they age. Recent studies

confi rm what many of us already know—that we are becoming increasingly sleep-deprived. Even youngsters younger than 5 are getting shorted on sleep.

Sleepy-eyed animals – Sleep isn’t unique to humans. Even the fruit fl y, Drosophila melanogaster, spends up to 12 hours each day in slumber.

The best thing you can do in your pursuit of health and happiness is to get plenty of sleep. Going to school, working, taking care of kids and spending late nights in front of the TV or the computer—today’s busy lifestyles have conspired to leave many of us sleep deprived. It’s hard to resist squeezing in a few more hours of activity each night because, after all, what’s wrong with a little grogginess?

For busy people, sleep may seem to be a big waste of time. But a growing body of evidence shows that adequate sleep is more important than we ever thought. The impact of missed sleep may include short and long term mental impairment, an increase in accidents and shorter lives.

Although you may feel physically refreshed after a good night’s sleep, physical rest doesn’t seem to be the most important function of sleep. Surprisingly, our average energy use in calories is only about 10 percent less when we’re sleeping. The importance of sleep has more to do with the needs of our brains.

Evidence shows that the human brain is active during parts of the sleep cycle, processing new knowledge, retracing the day’s events, and rewiring itself to integrate these experiences with long-term memories.

If you have ever missed a night’s sleep, you might recognize these symptoms: the inability to remember things and to think clearly, slow reaction times, grogginess and moodiness. Missing another day or two of sleep would lead you to lose rationality and begin to hallucinate.

Studies have shown that disruption in sleep can have a greater impact than on-the-job stress in worker burnout. And even a small shortage of sleep can be risky if you have to work with dangerous equipment or drive an automobile.

Studies on rats show that sleep-deprivation caused weight loss (no matter how much they ate), increased infections (due to impaired immune function) and after a few weeks without sleep, death.

If that isn’t enough to make you re-evaluate your sleep patterns, consider this: sleep deprivation is one of the most effective weapons in the arsenal of the torturer

BirthdaysMarch4th John Donovan6th Christi Wilson Chaplain Jay Carr16th Aaron Miller18th Troy Vail21st Mike Morrison22nd Jay Alms23rd Radi Huggard29th Sheryl Drost

April 1st Jeff Ball10th Colleen Bloyer12th Ami Rafferty13th Chaplain John Powell14th Eve Salstrom21st Trustee Jim Burdick24th Paul Stanphill29th Snoopy

April Breakfast CrewMike Drost, Mike Morrison,Cathy Drye, Dan Borchardt,Matt Lane, Kevin Bouton,

& Joe Quast

Total Calls for 2007 345

The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.

Editor-in-Chief - Chief Oscar PresleyEditor, Layout, Writer, & Photographer - Sheryl Drost

Thank you to our contributing writers this month: AC Ken O’Dell, DC Kirk Wilson, Captain Don Shoevlin, Captain John Bergeron, Lt. Tom Aaker, Lt. Jay Alms, Lt. Jerry McCormick, Lt. Chad Radke, and Mike Huffman.Printer - Premier Printing

The Firehouse Scene newsletter is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second sunday of each month.


From the Chiefs Desks

By Chief Oscar Presley

We have endured an unusual winter season. After all the teasing I received on my prediction of 24 snows this season, it gives me great pleasure on all those snowfalls this month. I believe I am just about right on!

The Trustees agreed to purchase the two intercom systems I asked for. They will be installed on the two new Quints. This month we shall have a new group of personnel join us on March 24. We will need help on their house burn. We look forward to all the new personnel – their added response will be great.

We have several fi refi ghters lagging in their response to calls. You offi cers need to put a fi re under these people because I would like to keep them on the department. Remember, everyone is important and when you don’t respond it hurts, and someone else has to cover for you!

I think spring is coming in the next few weeks and with it warmer weather, lots of seminars, schools, dinners, and social events. Yes, you will be busy keeping things going. Thanks for your great support. Oscar

By Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell

On February 4, several of us going on the Association’s Western Caribbean Cruise Fundraiser departed H-R Fire Station #1 at 4am in a limousine headed to the Milwaukee Airport. The temperature was so cold, (-15 below 0) that the limo driver stopped and gave all the ladies blankets to keep them warm. When we landed in Ft. Lauderdale

Florida the temperature was a much warmer 75 degrees!

The ship departed at 4pm. We did get to watch the Super Bowl game on a big screen TV. When we arrived in Panama, most everyone took the train excursion along the canal. At the Costa Rico and Belize stops everyone took different excursions. The meals were great. If it was your birthday during supper you received a little cake with a candle and they sang happy birthday to you. Everyone in our group just happened to have a birthday during the cruise – Oscar had three! When we would get back on the ship after our excursions we would all talk about what we did. Everyone had a great time. On our return fl ight the most asked question was, “When and where is the next cruise going to be?”

There were 32 people in our group and again we would like to thank all of them for making this fundraiser a success. See the collage of some of our pictures from the cruise on page 11. From Roscoe was Ken & Paula O’Dell, Oscar & Dean Presley, Bill & Joan Sabin, Ron & Mary Seely, Jack & Sue Finlen, James & Margaret Arneds, and Michael, Kim & Anthony Pirello. From Machesney Park was John & Barb Rogers. From Rockford was Joan and Donna Kelley and Ray, Ben, & Austin Farruggia. From Freeport was Martha Pople and Betty Sterett. From Wisconsin was Charles and Colleen Lucas, and Craig and Sharon Vivian. From California was Patti Atkins. From Florida was Paul Johnson and Beverly Stout. And from Georgia was Susan Vanderheyden.

Station 2 NewsSecond to none!!!By Lt. Jay Alms

Sheryl asked me to write something to help fi ll the newsletter, because she was short on news this month. I’m not sure if I was her fi rst choice or if she was getting desperate!! Well

anyway, as the title reads, news from the south end.

Recently we had a new addition to our family, a new lieutenant. FF Jerry McCormick was promoted to Acting Lieutenant. Jerry is well deserving of this promotion for all the time and effort he has put into this department. Besides the driving division, Jerry has been training new recruits for many years. Congratulations Lt Jerry McCormick(788) and Lt Ron Klaman(729), we did not forget you, both well deserved promotions.

The guys at two are also waiting the arrival of our new Quint. With the growth in our district, especially the commercial growth in the 173 corridor and the I-90 access, we anticipate this unit will be responding as a fi rst due unit.

The shift-duty has also been welcome at the station. To have a unit roll literally minutes after a call is toned out, is comforting and reassuring to me that my family is in good hands, when the need arises.

Regarding the growth in our district, we are always faced with meeting the demands and the standards set forth by ISO. I was given the task of proving to the Chief and ISO that we can supply water for suppression in our rural, non-hydrant areas. We will be testing our skills with the new recruits when we burn the house on Rockton Rd. All our welcome and encouraged to hone your skills that may have faded over the years. Rural water supply, although seldom needed, is a critical component to what we do. Not only do we benefi t from unique training opportunities, the homeowner ultimately benefi ts on lower insurance rates.

Those of us at Station 2 appreciate all that the Chief and Trustees have done for us and will do in the future. We welcome the challenge to try and keep up with the growth and technology that faces us everyday.

Until next issue and thanks for stopping to read my article!!!Lt Jay Alms

Oscar Predicts…24 Snowfalls

1 left as of March 09, 2007Well, we have to admit he is getting pretty close. Oscar says that we will get that last snow. I guess we will just have to wait and see. We did get that April 1 snowfall a couple years ago.

ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCEMENTSBy Association President Lt. Chad Radke

Spring Dinner Saturday April 21, 2007 5-8pm

Tickets: Adults - $8, Child 5-12 - $4, Under 5 - FreeYes, it is that time of the year again, Spring Dinner planning ! The Spring Dinner Committee has met once already, and is in full force to make this year just as good as the last year. We need all of your input, negative or positive, so we can make this event a success. We also need everyone to help with work details and working the event. This is the fi rst of many events we have scheduled this year. The committee will meet March 13, 27, and April 10. Anyone is welcomed to attend these meetings with their ideas. Thank you, Lt. Chad Radke

The work detail schedule is as follows. Please mark your calenders.

April 16 Station 3April 17 Station work detailApril 18 Station 2April 19 Station 1April 20 Stations 1, 2, & 3

Texas Holdem Poker Fundraiser - March 25We also have another Texas Holdem night planned for March 25 at LT’S Bar South Alpine Rd. It will run from noon to midnight. Anyone interested in working please contact myself - Lt. Radke.

Pancake Breakfast April 1, 2007 @ Station #1 7am - noon

All funds from this breakfast will go to the Extrication Team. All help will be greatly appreciated.

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Veronica from EZ Travel presents Assistant Chief

Ken O’Dell with a check from the monies raised by the recent cruise

fundraiser. Ken will be announcing the

amount at breakfast.


Pickup Destroyed by FirePhotos by Chief Oscar Presley & Sheryl Drost

February 18, Firefi ghters responded to a report of a pickup on fi re at Hwy 251 and Forest Hills Road. Black smoke could be seen by fi refi ghters as they left the fi re station. They found a pickup fully involved with fi re that was parked on the east frontage road. The fi re was quickly extinguished, but the truck was a total loss.

Snow & Wind = TroubleAhh, fi nally, a winter like the ones I remember as a kid! We got it all this month, rain, ice, snow, and blizzard winds. There were plenty of accidents, but luckily not a lot of injuries. The pictures on this page show vehicles that got stuck in, or slid into the snow, and had to be helped out - and these are only a few of them!

Drifting snow played havoc on North/South roads all month. Willowbrook Road was completely drifted shut and the above driver didn’t make it through.

This car wasn’t able to stay on the road and was one of many that slid into the ditches on Willowbrook Road.

This truck hit a slick drifted area on Hwy 251 near Prairie Rose and slid into the ditch.

This minivan didn’t make the turn off Wagon Lane and ended up in a precarious position.

Use

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The Firehouse Scene Page 12

Vol. 12 No.3 www.harlemroscoefi re.com March 2007

Station GossipOur prayers and best wishes go out to Deputy Chief Ike Schoonover’s wife Diane for a speedy recovery from her recent illness and hospital stay. Our prayers and sympathy to Lt. Jerry McCormick on the loss of his grandmather Edith Stevenson on March 1. Sorry about the misprint in the fi re department’s calendar. I have Daylight Saving Time as March 17, but as we know, it was March 11. Joe Koeninger was the victim during the recruit’s rescue training at the tower. He kids that he has a few issues with their technique.! :) Cowboy entertained us the other day with his views on how Ken is going to grow old. Baby count is back on with 2 - that I know of? As you read this paper you see more and more contributing articles by our fi refi ghters. This not only makes the Chief happy, but it makes for a more quality newsletter! New on-board this month is Lt. Chad Radke with “Association Announcements” and Lt. Alms with “Station Two News”. I am also looking for a Station Three and One fi refi ghter to report from their stations. Let me know if you are interested. And as always, if you have any ideas be sure to forward them to the Chief or myself.Keep the duct tape away from Jim Daughenbaugh. His daughter is learning to sleep in a big girl bed!Take time to rest and enjoy the company of friends. Value, honor and enjoy your family, no matter how strange they seem to youThank you to Ron Seeley, Ken, and Oscar for bringing in their cruise pictures for the collage on page 11. Although, I wasn’t able to use some of the pictures of Ken - he really did have a good time on this cruise! :) However, did you notice Captain Sabin’s sporting a new mustache, and that Oscar’s wearing a white Don Johnson style sport coat? Looking good Bill and Oscar! It really sounds like everyone had a great time and I hear our Chiefs were quite the entertainment making sure that everyone did. Ron Seeley says he’s ready to go again. Ah, the joys of retirement!

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“I get the window seat” has a whole new meaning!

You Know you are the Signifi cant Other of someone in EMS or the Fire Department When...

You have ever been stood up for a call.You have waited hours while they went on a “quick” call.You have a scanner and all of their frequencies.You take separate vehicles to family gatherings or other events in fear that you may be stranded there You have to dedicate a whole room for all the fi re memorabilia they has collected. Whenever you go on a road trip and have to stop at all the local fi re stations to meet the “guys” and fi nd out their average calls per year, and what apparatus they have. When he (and the rest of the EMT’s) beg you to have the baby at home so he/they can deliver you. When traveling with your child instead of looking at nice cars they say “Look, Ambulance - nice one, nice lights too”.When your 3 year old thinks that every fi re truck is Daddy and they want to be an fi refi ghter when they get big. When the burgers are done and your husband leaves for rolls only to return 12 hours later after a barn fi re.

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Harlem-Roscoe Fire PDPO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073

You may mail this newsletter fl at - you do not have to fold it...

the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection DistrictFire Chief Oscar Presley

Snow, Snow, & More Snow!There has been a lot of snow, and it has been an all too familiar site to see Squad 741 chasing off to an accident scene where extrication is needed. The Squad is the department’s heavy-duty rescue truck that carries state-of-the-art rescue tools and the power to operate them. This month’s centerfold has close-up pictures of those tools in use by the fi refi ghters at actual recent accident scenes.

Documents

Station Gossip the firehouse scene March … · collage of some of our pictures from the cruise on page 11. From Roscoe was Ken & Paula O’Dell, Oscar & Dean Presley, Bill & Joan