The new Okanagan Falls waste water treatment plant

Fire practice last night consisted of a tour of the new Okanangan Falls Wastewater treatment site. Interesting, but smelly in places...hee hee

Here's a couple pictures of what's there.

As you can see here, one of the bioreactors isn't in use. According to Lisa, "it prefers to remain empty when not in use."

However as you can see here, the exterior of it has water in it. It's agitated regularly but this reactor is not in use.

Okanagan Falls runs on one reactor right now. It was interesting to see how the waste was filtered, fed bugs which kept the gases down and then after much filtering, recycling and filting (it gets done 3X I think she said) before leaving the plant.

According to the tour this plant is based on an all natural rinse, recycle, reuse process.

I've attached a link to the RDOS plans because it shows the details of the whole area.

The difference between failure and success - try and do

As a fire fighter I know that to try to do my best isn't good enough. I have to be able to do my best. Whatever that may be.

I should have catnaps more often! I've been struggling with a letter I wrote this morning to the President and CEO of  the corporation I work for concerning my enlightened journey through their businesses and realizing I don't fit in.

My thought as I lay there was, "The difference between failure and success are the simple words 'try' and 'do'. To try, one expects to fail. To do, one expects to succeed."

"Do or do not do, there is no try." Yoda had a huge affect on me as I was growing up. His words throughout the movies always hit deeper then just being a star on a show. Today this movie moment is no different for me then when I was a kid watching him for the first time.

"Attempting to pick up a piece of trash is really just not picking it up. Once you've picked it up then trying and not trying are irrelevant." Wayne Dyer

So in thinking this thought and remembering why I am who I am and do what I do. I felt better in knowing that I'd passed on information to the guy higher up the ladder. I couldn't just sit back and watch without doing something to make things better for the people under me. I might not be able to make a difference for myself but I sure was going to do all I could to make things better for others before I left the company.

I guess that's why I love being a fire fighter. I am doing what feels good for me. I'm being selfish. That being said... here's my thoughts on selfish. 

I'll leave you with another saying to remember, "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." Babe Ruth. Be selfish and keep playing the game.

Impossible simply means I'm possible.

Happy Canada Day from this fire fighter to your family

The title says it all. But I know that in my heart I have another word or more correctly, words to add.

This weekend is shaping up to be one big party across our amazing new country. Parties, fire works, good times with family and friends, a drink or two... you get the idea.

Be safe, have fun and see you tomorrow. K?

Now let the party begin! We're celebrating more than just Canada Day, we are celebrating a unique and diverse group of people that work, play and live together under one flag, peacefully.

Let's continue to work and play together. Start your blog here and join me in Denver for an event that will blow your mind!

It's all about prospective - tragedy or an adventure waiting to be explored

I was watching the video feeds, reading the stories and of course catching up on the Facebook postings/updates about Calgary under water and all the flooding. A couple thoughts came to my mind this morning, one was what this blog is titled - It's all about prospective. I mean yes, it's really awful what the Calgarians are going through and my heart goes out to each and everyone of them. However another thought comes to mind too and after watching this video about the flooding in Fernie, I realized that I'd hit the nail on the head.

Go ahead and watch the video, when you're done, stop here and take that step towards a new prospective in your life today.

Fire Practice and owning my own business aren't much different after all

It was a pretty good evening. Not what I expected from practice but it's what I needed. Lots of support from my parents and the guys at the hall trying to help me find where I need to be rather then just getting by. The guys at the hall want to see me succeed in this business so I can be around more and more time with my family which to them is more important then a job that is all consuming. My Chief said he thinks I'm losing too much weight and burnt out before my time.

Being the only female on the team has its advantages and disadvantages too. Being in the centre and everyone aware of me and my life is the same coin with two sides. I feel more grounded and understand better what I need to do. I'm going in the right direction, I just need to believe in myself. My deputy chief and the chief said, "Remember that feeling of climbing that ladder for the first time in your bunker gear?"

"Yes" Read more

My Response: A Letter from a Fire Fighter's Wife

Found this letter on Facebook today and wanted to share my response with you.

Click link: Letter from a fire fighter's wife

My time is precious with my son, whom I see for a few days each month, but I too am a fire fighter. He knows when my pager goes off, no matter the time or day, I'll kiss his cheek and go on the call. He's proud of me and worries about me. When I get home after a call, he asks if I'm ok and gives me the biggest hug. If it's the middle of the night, he'll stir from his sleep to make sure I'm ok.

We, here at the hall, are paid volunteer members. This means we volunteer our time throughout the year and one day just before Christmas each year we get a pay check. It's not big but it helps. It's not easy and it's not complicated, it simply is a path we have chosen to take.

I'm proud to stand with the fire fighters from all over the world. They don't think they're heros but I know their big hearts often get in the way of time with family and friends, and their families see them as I do, they are our heros. Their lives are priceless just as you are.

Thank you to my family and friends for understanding why I do this. Because even as I gear up, you are always on my mind and in my heart. As I go out, know my partner has my back.

Keep the candle burning in the window, I'll be home soon.

Traffic control learnin

We were suppose to do the extracting practice last night instead three of us needed to start our traffic control course. After the MVA a couple nights ago where we needed certified traffic members, tonight became a priority.

It's really interesting... for the most part. A few things were no brainers, like the sign we carry, Stop and Slow, what it means and how to carry it. Some things were new to me. How to control traffic, keep safe and still be available for my crew and the people coming upon the scene.

We have a test and the practical in June.

While we were in class studying, the rest of the guys - minus the newbies that came - were outside getting us ready for next week's auto demolition. hee hee Can't wait! We get to practice on a SUV. One of the guys mentioned "Tammie's in the back" Oh fun... I think he was teasing, but if he means I'm in the vehicle then Superman better be there to rescue me :) I know, Fire fighters are superheros in bunker gear.

Have a good day everyone! 

Bike Rally and Kids Fair

Hanging out with the Chief and one of our Captain's today at the Fire Hall while we were waiting for the guy who organized our part in the kids fair to show up. Waited a half hour and he wasn't there. We waited longer, pulled the trucks out and got everything ready to take to the kids event...sigh nope it was a bust. No kids, no leader, no nothing.

Pretty trucks sitting in the sun, us in our matching Tees... we were just enjoying the company, music and visiting with the Fire Inspector. Other then that, nothing.

Here's Tim and I heading out exploring the neighborhood to kill time :)

As you can see, we were not in the least bored. Disappointed that we couldn't show off the trucks but we still go to hang out together. Best part of the weekend, spending it with my son.

Have a great Mother's Day weekend ladies! Guys it's your turn next month... hee hee

P.S. Just got back from playing with the Zodiac! We had a call out that required some of us to head to the water. O_o Something new to learn! Off we went. Three in the boat heading out to investigate the situation while two of us stayed with the truck and trailer. My partner told me some of the things that I'd be learning this summer and some of his experiences while we listened to the radio updates and waited for our mates to return.

My favorite part of the adventure? hee hee Yes, my captain called me a "big kid" and laughed at me. hee hee My partner told me "new recruits usually are the ones to tie up the zodiac when it comes back in." I asked how is it done? Do I walk out to the boat to bring it in, throw the tie, walk along the dock... we went over all the scenarios that he has seen it done. But as a newbie it was probably best if I just walk out in to the water and bring it in. Okie dokie... innocent and trusting off I go behind the truck, down into the water up to my knees and we get it on the trailer, hooked up and pulled out. Ha ha ha no one said a thing about it until we get back to the hall. Then my Captain called me a big kid... ha ha ha Shaking his head at me and laughing. I grinned and said tongue in teeth, "Squish squish" as I walked :P stripped out of my coveralls and hung them up to dry. Then I turned around and said "Water was warmer then I thought it would be."

I might have way too much fun learning all the new stuff but at least I'm learning and having fun :) Oh what adventures are waiting for me this summer!?! I can't wait!

So much for Oxygen practice, We tore a car apart

Now this was a fun night. I really should learn not to be surprised that the agenda is going to change from week to week with my fire hall.

Last week, remember, we were suppose to run time tests on the oxygen tank and start teaching a couple new guys. Instead we got to use the jaws and a few other really cool tools on a car. MVA practice.

I used the small jaws, large cutters, and the hooligan, yes, I said it, hooligan. It's such a cool tool. I'll have to see if I can find some pictures of what some of our tools were that we used tonight.

But thanks to Mike, I have one picture of us learning. I'm number 35 :)

You can see the hooligan in Cam's hand beside me. In front of our instructor is the jack for the dash area. We were learning about added attachments, etc.

Smashing windows with a tiny pin (like a pen that has a spring in it instead of ink), cutting seat belts, supporting patiences, assessing who should come out first, second and last and who not to focus on. Yes, there are those who do get put last. Not because their lives are worth less but because those with a serious injury that will live come first. There is a procedure.

It was really exciting tonight. Time flew. When I was getting ready to use the large cutter on the roof the fun ended. LOL Really I didn't do anything! OK, you don't believe me. Well, it was just as I got the machine up to head level the hydraulic fluid line, burst from the equipment and showered me and Cam in juices. 

We had to call it a night. It was that time anyway... and strip down to wash our gear. Clean up our mess and then work on putting the car away and clean up the glass, fluids, etc.

By the time we were finished we were all pretty tired but grinning from ear to ear. It was truly a great evening of learning. Next week we are supposedly having a repeat night. We shall see :)

Until next time :)

Review and remember...O2 tank practice night

It's been 6 weeks since I was at a practice. I kinda felt like a fish out of water last night and it wasn't a pretty sight either. Between my nasty head cold and trying to work with oxygen tanks, I was being whipped.

But my partner and our fearless leader the Deputy Chief were patient with me. On and off, over, under and through. Up and down, in and around. Yeah, you're getting dizzy just reading that aren't you. Try doing that with ringing in one ear, muffled sounds in the other, stuffy nose and all the gear on including the protective hood and helmet ... What? Can you repeat that?... you get the picture.

To tell you the truth, it was still loads of fun and knowing that I was with my buds again and learning, remembering and retraining was so worth going even if I wasn't on top of my game.

Next we are suppose to be doing the oxygen tank time tests and getting ready to train the newbies. Yes! I'm going to help get the new guys in shape! Hee hee let the fun begin :D

Night all, see you next week!

Review Review Review... Cuz we do forget

Someone once said, "Learn the basics, practice the basics, master the basics." He was talking about Kung Fu but actually I think it fits in every part of our lives. If we don't learn to crawl how do we learn to walk? If we don't learn what a steering wheel is, how do we know when to use it?

It's no different in the Fire Hall. You, dear reader are probably unfamiliar with hoses, what they are made of, why they work the way they do. What the gadgets, bobbles, lights and twirly things are on the trucks, why ladders come in all different sizes shapes and know some collapse while others extend. All these are basics to know, learn and understand. But more important that we can learn, understand and master besides using our gear and equipment is how we connect with each other. If we don't have trust in each other's capabilities and confidence that our partner has our back, how can we fully do our job?

Uh yes, I do have a point to this. It was learned Wednesday night. Most of the guys were on a practice, climbing ladders, hauling up ropes, equipment, working as teams and communicating through the radio. 

I and our newest member of the team were reviewing what was on the trucks, where stuff was on the trucks, what each item was used for on the trucks and how to handle said equipment. After our fire call, short handed and we two were out there with the Deputy Chief, he had decided, and I was very relieved to learn, that we needed more reviews and refreshers on everything. Putting aside rope tying, wash trucks, hanging hoses, rolling hoses... you get the idea. Yes, they are important but we needed more practical practices and I for one was happy.

I love my time at the hall and I really appreciate the years of experience the guys all have. I am like a sponge wanting more knowledge. But there are times when I read my Fire Fighter manual, ask questions or go on a call-out, I feel inadequate. I know, silly and shows a lack of confidence. However, the more I learn, the more I don't know and the more I want to know, the more humble I feel. Being a part of the fire hall is not a temporary, sometimes I'll hang out and wear the T-shirt kind of volunteer. It's a life choice and life commitment. It affects not just where I live, work, play, who I associate with but who I am inside. 

So back to the basics... I may feel inadequate for now, but that will change with reviewing, listening, learning and mastering. Just as these guys were all rookies once upon a time, I too will become a master. 

Busy Night: Fire, Labor Cramps, MVA Oh my!

I had just hung up the phone from talking with my son when a page came in about a structure fire. Sounded serious, building on fire, possibly spreading through the trees and grass. Propane tanks in the building and equipment.

Okay... I'm just getting over a cold/flu and not completely up to par in strength but when you get a page you go! I'd imagined that I would be staying at the hall because I still haven't been completely trained on fires and what use am I today?

Apparently a lot useful. Hee hee I had the pleasure, (adrenaline rush kicking in here) of riding on the first truck on scene. Was putting on air tank when the Deputy Chief said not to bother. He had something else in mind for me. Once at the base of the driveway a local drives into the area and a woman, jumps out freaking out about her grandparents. I look at DC and he just nods and waves his hand at me. I turned to her and proceeded to talk with her. She really wants to get up to the house to see her grandparents. I told her we couldn't let her do that until we knew what was happening. Once everything was under control then we could help her get closer. She started to feel cramping, yes she was pregnant and the anxiety was starting to take hold. I gave her instructions on taking deep breaths and relax so  she didn't go into premature labor. Fires and labor just wasn't in our plan but we could have worked with it. I'd prefer not to. One new experience at a time for me, thank you very much.

We talked about her pregnancy and she seemed to calm down a bit so she went back to her truck and waited. She was feeling twinges and I warned the Captain. He said he'd keep an eye on her. I then turned to the Deputy Chief for further instructions and he had me check the size of hose we neede for the hydrant. I get the information to him and someone came to double check my sizing. It was correct :)

Then DC had me grab the hose and follow the truck up with it, letting him know when it gets tight. Hydrant hose in hand I proceeded to follow him up the hill. He then asked me to hook up the hose to the truck at the top of the hill and get it ready for the hydrant to be opened. Ok, I've not done this before! He mentioned, hose wrenches... uhhhhh where? Oh to the right. Ok, got them. Then at some point he swore, don't worry it wasn't me he was mad at, adrenaline rush here people! I softly said, "Sorry sir, never done this before. Might not be the most experienced but I can learn fast. Tell me what you need." He looked at me, smiled and gently told me how to hook things up while he unrolled more hoses. The attack team was getting the hoses to the fire while another member hooked up the two attack lines to the truck. By the time DC and I got the main hose hooked up, the attack lines were ready to go. "Let her rip!" DC hollers into the radio.

I never knew structure fires could be sooooo loud. It was deafining. I just assumed they would be like a fire in the fire place or pits... was I wrong.

After we attacked the fire got it out and did our perimeter check. DC pulled me aside and said I did good for a first timer. I was proud of our team. We were short on members and the three of us rookies kept our heads and did what we had to do. Four members stayed on scene for a couple hours while the rest of us were sent back to the hall.

Smile :)

Back at the hall we were undressing and just as I was hanging up my gear, putting on my shoes, we got an MVA call. Here we go again! Something new and sounded really serious. I looked at my Chief, he nodded and said, "Go". I grabbed my gear and donned it again. Hopped into the truck and off we went. Get almost to the scene when we were cancelled. Ugh, turn the truck around and head back home.

It's now 3:30AM and I'm finally slowing down. Think I'll sleep in today.

CPR Practice on Dummies

As you can imagine, having read my blogs about being a volunteer fire fighter, this isn't just another night of serious learning.

If you call, wise cracking, hilarious boys, timing their breathing and pushing on a dummy's chest, serious learning. I'd taken ECE many years ago and had a pretty good idea what we would be doing on the baby dummy.

Infant dummy we have at the hall

The bigger dummy, no arms or legs, pretty much bodiless accept for the chest and head was different then I'd expected. Some assembly was required... hee hee

This is the model we have at the hall for the adult CPR practice

Learning 30:2 and 15:2, differences between adults, infants, kids, 100 compressions per minute and then including alone or with a partner can be a bit overwhelming in a regular classroom. However with this team I got a kick out of listening to them making jokes and even asking reasonable questions before I could even ask. Its all fun and games with my Hall and yet in all the fun and games I have learned so much from the regular members. And as with all learning, the more I learn, the more I don't know, the more I want to learn :)

Have a great read and see you next time.

Serious fun tying knots...especially with my crowd

Can you get into trouble when you are learning to tie knots? Apparently so... at least with my fellow fire fighter members. You want to know what I mean right? Ok, here's what happened at practice.

All fun in the hall, but it was serious fun including lots of practice, practice, practice. You know that saying "Practice makes perfect"? Well, it's actually more accurate to say "Perfect practice makes perfect."

I had been away for the introduction to knot tying and so I took the rope home for a couple weeks with handout and book on tying certain knots. Knowing me, you realize I would practice my little heart out to make sure I had it down pat.

You guessed it! I practiced really hard and made sure I knew what knots where what and what each one was used for. Such as Clove Hitch, Bowline, Butterfly Knot, Figure Eight and the double Figure Eight, just to name a few I learned...

Now, when I get to the hall Wednesday night, I bring my tools for learning, quite confident that I had them down pat...test time... Start panicking anytime now!

Instructor: "I want to see a Double Fisherman's knot. Go!"
Me: "A what?" Grab book and start looking through the pages. I'm sure I don't remember that page! Sweating. Not really, but the drama keeps you reading...

Instuctor: "Tammie, you having a problem?"
Me: "I must have missed that page in my book."
Instructor: "Here let me show you."
Sweet! Whew!

Oh that one's easy!!!

Practiced that one a few times. Next the Instructor says, "Show me your Figure 8 Double Loop."
Me (mumbling): "Uhhhhh right, no problem. I know the Figure 8, how much more difficult is the double?"

Sneaking up on me the Instructor bends down and says, "How's it going Tammie?" Hmmmm now do I panic or do I look at him and stick my tongue out? Hee hee  Yes, I chose to cross my eyes at him and stick my tongue out...So far he isn't asking for knots that I was told to study at home! I'm sure it's a conspiracy!!!

Nice! He showed me the knot... easy peasy...

Then he says, "Ok everyone show me your Clove Hitch with a couple half Clove Hitch."

Ok this should be easy because I remember the clove hitch. By this time the Deputy Chief sitting beside me is getting bored and quickly did his knots, got up and went to do something else. Can't look at his stuff anymore :(

Someone piped up as to why I was getting so much help? Hee hee Instructor mentioned I hadn't been there for the introduction to knots and needed to catch up. But it wasn't really hard to learn and being a fast study, he didn't spend much time with me.

Then we have to proceed to put two of the knots together. The Double Fisherman with the Clove Hitch and half Clove Hitch. Combining? Really? Uhmmm ok, it's 8:30 PM and my brain shuts off at about 5! I'm suppose to remember and combine at this hour? hee hee

All in all the knots were easy and fun. Until one member came over to me and said, "Here's a knot you can use on your significant other. Put out your hands." This isn't looking too good, for me...should I be worried? Have no idea what it's called, but it was fun to learn and made lots of people laugh. Comments from the peanut gallery not included. Use your imagination :D Let's just say it's kinda like the handcuff knot only more wraps involved...hee hee

We then went out and practiced our knots on the equipment. Talk about a laugh-athon! I learned lots and of course my usual 100 questions in the evening didn't all go unanswered. I was even able to make a couple members laugh. Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back :)

Well, that's it for this week,s practice.

A couple fun...for me...call outs

Since being back from my trip to Bella Coola, we've had a few call-outs.  A couple of them were what I would call, routine. If a first responder call can be called routine. hee hee

Though I must say I was pretty excited, not over-the-moon-with-joy excited but excited none the less about getting the chance to attend an MVA. I got to do the paperwork at the scene. It was very minor compared to what could have been. Not sure exactly because...well... let's just say that the guy driving the ambulance decided to overtake us and pass us on the highway. The ambulance got there first and we pulled in a couple seconds behind him.

No we don't know why the driver felt he had to or what the point of it was. We still had to deal with the car and helping getting the accident victim into the ambulance. I've never had so little information to put on my paperwork since joining the fire hall...hee hee Command on duty said he's had less. I did however ask the RCMP officer, who attended the accident, for a name, address and he even gave me the victim's age. I was glad for that at least. 

Another new experience for me was just the other day we had a call-out for a bush fire. Weeee!!! something I haven't dealt with yet. On with the bunker gear, in the truck I go...wait, which address is it? We are given two. Ok, Engine 171 is going one way, Rescue 171 is heading the other way, let's see if we can head the fire off at the pass...ughhh... NOT!

We can see the smoke up in the hills across the river from us. The Captain in our truck, R171, calls to Command and informs them where we can see the fire. Yes, Command was on scene and sees it. He's already sent one man, Mikey, up the hill to inspect. Doesn't look like much, but we can't get the trucks up there, we'll have to hook up a couple miles of hoses if we have a situation that needs attending.

Finally R171 heads to join E171 at the correct location. Command informs Dispatch of the situation.it' It's just a smouldering burn pile a guy is actually watching. No permit, the guy gets a warning...not the first time this has happened apparently. We're not needed.

What can I say? It was was still pretty cool! I didn't get out of the truck once. But had time to sit with my fire partner while we took pictures with our cell phones of each other and of the goings on around us. Here are a couple fun pictures for you guys. Have a great week! More to come as always.

Electricity...the Invisible Killer

We had a pretty intense but facinating lesson in safety around electricity and downed power lines. In the video at http://www.electricity.ca/theinvisiblekiller/ you will see where a police officer touches a car in the effort to help and he himself gets killed. This blog is more serious and perhaps not as funny to read as my others but I'm hoping if I can save at least one life, let it be yours or your kids'.

If you are working around
powerlines, trimming trees or painting the side of your house, please contact your local power company for advice on the best and safest practices. If you are working around lines, trimming trees or painting the side of your house, please contact your local power company for advice on the best and safest practices. 

Ideally you want to be a minimum 1 power pole distance away from the downed line. the ground is charged by the current and can kill you at any zone. The video link above demonstrates this.

If you see a car accident on the road, don't get out of your vehicle to go help. You could be come a casualty yourself. If there is no emergency vehicle in sight, call 911 and report it. Stay in your vehicle until you are given instructions from the emergency team at the scene. You'd be surprised at how many people try to be a good samaritan and end up getting seriously hurt or dead themselves.

As my instructor for the electrical safety program says "When in doubt, Don't." 

Take care of yourselves and I'll see you on the next blog date.

Four of us volunteered to show a group of kids and their parents through the Fire Hall today. The kids were aged younger then 3 up to 12 years old. The tour took only an hour of our time, but I'm sure those kids on the truck, hearing the siren and see the lights come on on the truck, will remember this all their lives. I love my job! Kids grinning ear to ear, excited to sit in the driver's seat is just an example of what a fun I have here at the Hall.

Birthday boy Riley, sitting in the new truck.

The group listening to one of the Captains explaining the function of a pumper truck.

Here the group is seeing what's being held behind closed doors of our Rescue truck.

Kids getting a taste of how loud the siren is and seeing the lights going on the truck. You can see one plugging her ears. It's pretty loud out side, and here we are in the hall :)

Call out and fire practice back to back

Just after 6 we got a call out for First Responder, Fire Practice is at 7. Feeling almost normal after a week of migraine symptoms but actually a nasty flu, no longer contagious, I figured I'd go. Need the practice.

Yes! It was something different! 5 of us in a truck, drive across the street from the hall and oh by the way, possible heart attack! Ok, I'm not certified to help so I get to truck sit. Sweet, I can do this. I'd seen Lyonel block the driver's wheel many times, that I can handle. Out of the truck I go, grab the blocks and put them in place. Done, guys have gone in with equipment. Now what? I'm standing guard, pacing rather...ta de dum ta de dum... Stop on the side walk glance up the road, down the road, glance in the dark, chilly evening towards a couple people walking by... smile, nod, while I'm thinking, "this is boring. Where's the ambulance? Did I hear the radio in the truck? What's going on? Is the patient ok? What's taking so long? Ugh, can we go to practice now? I'm sure it's 7!"

Well, needless to say Ambulance did get there, guy was taken to hospital and we went back to the hall. 20 min from start to finish! Really? It felt like an hour!! I asked the driver, "So? What happened? Is he going to be ok? How come he was walked out? Wasn't a heart attack? What happened?" He laughed and answered my questions with, "It's ok, not a heart attack, just taking him to make sure though."

Actually it was kinda fun. I never knew what the driver went through while waiting for us to come back out. He really is left in the dark. I'm, of course, a curious duck and ask way too many questions and often get the patient older member answering me with sighs and sometimes I'm sure they feel like patting me on the head and telling me to go get a cookie so they have quiet again.  Just like the kid going "Huh? Well? Huh? Can I?" while hopping from one foot to the other and back again, clapping hands in excitement.

As for practice I still asked lots of questions. We were practicing the gear up, air tanks on, masks, etc. I did really good. My best time was 1:27. Some of the older members were 1:42, etc. But I was happy, I held my own.  One guy did it in :58. Which is awesome!

Next week we have to make sure we're read up on Power Line practices and regulations. Cool!

Attended My First Structure Fire

A call to a shop on fire the other night.

As you can see it doesn't take long for the building to be gone. Most of the time the guys were there to contain the fire, keep it from spreading to other buildings. 

Some of the debris after the fire was out. You can see the wet foam all over the place.
The concrete retaining walls were still steaming long after we left.
It takes hours for the concrete to cool down.

You can see me working with the pike while my partner is  hosing things down, keeping everything cool. Long night but it was a great experience for me to be able to see how things are done.

5 Call-outs This Weekend

Busy weekend for call-outs, at least Friday night and Saturday were busy. Sunday was just the way we like it... Quiet.

I got to go for the ride-along on the CO2 alarm call-out. In a mobile home the alarm kept going off and the couple worried about what was happening, did the smart thing, went to the neighbour's place and called us. Our Captain on scene went around and did an inspection before calling "All Clear". He let the owners know the alarm needed to be replaced (had been installed in the 80s) and they could go back in. Smoke detectors and CO2 detectors have an average 6-10 year life span. The best way to know is to look in where the battery is. It should have the date to replace there. Batteries should be replaced at least twice a year. This particular detector was hardwired into the mobile home and had no date. Still these types should be replaced after 10 years. Contact your local fire department if you have more questions or more information about the type of detectors you have in your home.

Another  of the call-outs from Saturday wasn't fun. Withdrawal from drugs isn't a pretty sight, even prescription drugs can be a problem. If someone has multiple prescriptions to take it can be a bit confusing as to which ones to take and when to take them. The pharmacies have a great idea with blister-paks for those on multiple prescriptions but it still can be overwhelming even for the spouse to monitor all the time. And tiring.

After a busy, adrenaline rush and crash day Saturday I think we all deserved a good rest day, Sunday. I know I did and I wasn't hands on as much as the others on the calls. With all the listening to, learning and writing down, let alone remembering (yes, I've been told I'm going to be tested on this stuff...lol) I am more aware this job isn't just about getting involved in the community. It's a big responsibility and not glamourous all the time.

Yes, I love to wear the bunker gear and proud to wear the uniform, but I also take it very seriously while I'm on the job. Jokes and cute pictures aside (you can see some of them on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/TLynneWrites ) I really believe that Volunteer Fire Fighters do an amazing job and deserve the respect and admiration of the community that we do see coming in because we give up a social life to be there on call 24/7. But we wouldn't be who we are if we didn't do this job.

The guys I work with are awesome and I'm sure each of your Fire Halls have a great team there too. So if you get the chance today, thank your local Fire Fighters for being willing to give up some of their own time to help you stay safe.

First Practice of the Year

Fire practice? Not exactly. It was more of a clean up bee and preparation for future work. Ahhhh but what fun...hee hee

Cheeky, funny, quirky... all I could do to keep up with the rowdies. Seriously! I mean you try being a female in with a bunch of yuk yuk guys :D But I must admit it's funny to hear them go off amongst themselves and in mid stream of inappropriate language hear "Sorry Tammie!" and a quiet chuckle. I have to admit that since joining it's become a joke in itself...watch the language! Oh wait, she's one of the guys, never mind...or maybe we should anyways.

Ha ha ha ha

Rolling up hoses, putting Christmas decorations away, sweeping, taking lights down, turning exterior Christmas lights off for the year and all the while joking and laughing. What a great way to start the year. Oh and some of the guys had a refresher on blood pressure equipment. I watched a bit and listened...I am nosey, what can I say?

Except that I think for me, the best part of the evening was my new bunker gear came in! I had a fitting...that was interesting...lol Hearing a Captain yell "Tammie, Bedroom now!" Uhmmmmm do I go? Oiy! Hee hee the actual bedroom is a office/bunk room with wall beds in it for emergencies. I wonder if it's ever been used? There's so much stuff in that space that I really doubt it. I think it's more of a drop for now before putting in storage space. hee hee

Gear fits great! Like it  was made for me...oh wait it was. LOL It even has my name in the label! It's sooooo new that even the knees are shiny. I was advised to throw the outer part into the wash machine on cold without soap to take out the starch so it isn't as stiff. I said "it's not stiff like the other one I was using." But I'll head the experience of the fire fighter and do what he suggested, as soon as we get time to do such things on a weekend. For now, it'll work.

Well, now for the boots (coming) and new orange jumper (haven't been fitted for yet, but it's going to come).

Wonder what we have in store for next week?

Two Call Outs in the first two days of 2013

I got a page for a first responder call-out, January 1st. Early morning ones, aren't always the best, but we go because we want to make it easier for others. We were lucky this one was fairly easy, she was alert and able to tell us what the issue was. Both of my partners were great. I took notes and listened, while they asked all the questions, calmly and diligently. The husband was soooo calm with all that was going on, you'd of thought he was the one conducting the interview. Me? I'm sure I would have been a wreck knowing my spouse couldn't breath. But not this man! He was a rock. Quietly getting whatever was asked of him or answering questions. Kinda reminded me of my Dad.

The second call I attended, was in the evening of January 2nd (I worked on the 2nd so missed 4 calls) but I got home just in time for the 5th call of the day. It was a lift-assist call-out. I didn't know what to expect from this call because I'd never heard of such a call. Ohhhhh something new!

This one was awesome! Well, awesome for me, cuz it was something different and I actually participated and it didn't require ambulance or hospital visits. It took three of us to help. No paperwork needed on my part...hee hee In the end we helped the gentlemen back upstairs and had a nice visit with him. Needless to say, he is calling to have his elevator fixed.

The calls I get the privilege to attend, if you can call it that, are simply amazing. Seeing such compassion, support and humanity being given freely is probably the best part of this job.

I had fire practice on the 2nd...that's another blog in itself...