LifelIne® and ReviveR® AEDs recalled
In a letter dated February 22, Defibtech®, LLC, Guilford, Connecticut, initiated a voluntary worldwide recall of LifeLine® Semi-Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and ReviveR® Semi-Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) with software versions 2.002 and earlier. The self-test software for these devices may allow a self-test to clear a previously detected low-battery condition. The operator may be unaware of the low battery, and the device may be unable to deliver a defibrillation shock, which could result in failure to resuscitate a patient. The products can be identified by the words “Lifeline AED®” and “ReviveR AEDTM” on the front of the device.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Defibtech®, LLC, initiated the recall after learning of three reports of malfunctions from end users and has mailed to customers a maintenance procedure that can be used to verify the device’s functionality until the software upgrade has been installed, allowing the device to remain in service. Customers will be provided with a free software upgrade for all affected AEDs. The new software was expected to be available within 10 weeks of the recall date (after press time).
The maintenance procedure, as well as instructions on determining the software version of a unit, are also posted at www.defibtech.com/fa2007. This Web site also provides answers to questions regarding this recall. Additional information is also available from your distributor or from Defibtech®, LLC, at [email protected], or by calling (1-877) 453-4507 or (1-203) 453-4507.
Approximately 42,000 of the recalled units were distributed worldwide to end users including schools, fire and EMS departments, businesses, health clubs, and hospitality companies.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm/; by mail (use postage-paid FDA form 3500 available at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm; mail to: MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852-9787); or fax to (1-800) FDA-0178.
The press release sent by Defibtech® is at http://www.defibtech.com/news/2007_0307_recall.html.
USFA’s Dickinson urges the fire service to take the “Seat Belt Pledge”
Noting that “too many firefighters are losing their lives in the line of duty from preventable causes,” Acting United States Fire Administrator Charlie Dickinson has taken the National Seat Belt Pledge and is asking that every member of the fire and emergency services join him in taking the following Pledge:
“I, (your name), pledge to wear my seat belt whenever I am riding in Fire Department vehicles. I further pledge to ensure that all firefighters riding with me wear their seat belts.”
Wearing seat belts is such a simple preventive measure to take, Dickinson says, and, he adds, “It’s the right thing to do.” He asks: “Will all state and local fire leadership and chiefs of this great nation stand with me and take the pledge on behalf of their departments? Will all company officers and firefighters join with their leadership in taking this simple pledge?” Dickinson notes: “Firefighters, as the nation’s promoters of safety in all communities, are able to stand a million strong by simply taking this pledge to absolutely and finally put a stop to this senseless cause of firefighter deaths.” Fire departments that are successful in getting 100 percent of their members to take the pledge will have their names and the names of their leaders posted on the National Seat Belt Pledge campaign Web page. Additional information is at http://www.trainingdivision.com/seatbeltpledge.asp/. Also on the Web are the comments of Dr. Burton A. Clark, EFO, CFO training specialist at the USFA, who is dedicated to recruiting firefighters to make this Pledge. His comments, available through the USFA PREPnet studios, are at http://www.fc-tv.com/clients/prenet/drclark.asx/.
Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down June 17-23
The Third International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down will be held June 17-23. The theme is “Ready to Respond.” The expanded schedule makes it possible for members of all shifts to participate. This year, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has been added as an area of focus because of the integral role fire departments have in EMS in communities across the United States and Canada, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
U.S. and Canadian fire departments are asked to suspend all nonemergency activity on these days and to focus entirely on fire and EMS safety. The IAFF is offering programs and resources designed to improve member safety for use in planning Stand Down activities.
This reflects the many types of emergencies to which firefighters and EMS personnel respond and focuses on the proper training, preparation, and equipment needed to answer the call and return safely, explains the IAFF.
Additional information is available from the IAFF Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine at (202) 824-9304 or the IAFF Department of Fire/EMS Operations at (202) 824-1594.
The 2007 International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down is co-sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).
Fireground noise may interfere with digital radio transmissions: IAFC
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has received reports that firefighters have been experiencing unintelligible audio communications while using a digital two-way portable radio when operating in close proximity to the low-pressure alarm of their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). In addition, other common fireground noises, from powered tools, apparatus, and PASS devices, may also affect voice intelligibility. An alert relating this information has been sent to IAFC members.
This is an industrywide issue and is not specific to any one brand of radios, according to the IAFC. The indications are that any digital voice communication product using parametric voice encoders could be affected. Neither is the problem related to a specific radio spectrum, says the IAFC, since “it is not a frequency of operation issue or a particular communication standard.”
The IAFC board of directors has asked the Communications Committee to form a group to work with other IAFC committees and sections and other appropriate organizations to investigate and provide recommendations to address this concern. The group will focus specifically on fully understanding the facts and identifying potential solutions, facilitating industry collaboration among the communications equipment manufacturers to explore options to mitigate or eliminate concerns, and recommending best practices for digital portable radio use on the fireground.
If you have experienced similar difficulties, contact the IAFC Communications Working Group. Tests you can conduct to provide the Working Group the information it needs to study the issue and make recommendations are at www.iafc.org/digitalproblem. Although many fire departments are using digital radio systems with success, there still may be issues related to voice transmissions’ being interfered with or overridden when common fireground noises are in the background, says the IAFC, which is asking that fire departments test their systems and send it a report on the finding.
CPR: Chest compressions proved more effective than rescue breathing in study
A study conducted in Japan and published in The Lancet medical journal has shown that chest compression, not mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, was of greater benefit to the cardiac arrest patients whose cases were analyzed. Dr. Ken Nagao of Surugadai Nihon University Hospital in Tokyo and colleagues evaluated 4,068 adult patients who had suffered cardiac arrest in the presence of bystanders. They found that 22 percent of those receiving chest compressions only survived with good neurological function, compared with 10 percent of the survivors who received the compression-breath method of CPR [these people were given 15 compressions for every two breaths, not the 30 compressions recommended in the revised American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines]. The researchers say the body has enough oxygen to keep vital organs working for a few minutes and that circulating that blood (through compressions) “is of more immediate importance than providing fresh oxygen.” Experts say that rescue breathing is still important for cardiac-arrest victims who drown, choke, or overdose. “Chest presses safest for cardiac arrest,” AP, www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17646011, March 19, 2007; “Chest compressions save lives,” Robert Davis, USA TODAY, March 16, 2007, in Livesaving Resources E-Blast, March 16, 2007
Line-of-Duty Deaths
February 24. Firefighter Steven Eric Vanderpool Jr., 28, White Oak Volunteer Fire Department, West Liberty, KY: injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a motor vehicle accident call in his personal vehicle.
March 2. Firefighter Michael D. Sowich, 50, New Hartford (NY) Fire Department: unknown cause, while sleeping at the National Emergency Training Center, Emmitsburg, MD. while attending training.
March 17. Captain Lucien Dale Breaux, 60, Crowley (LA) Fire Department: heart attack.
March 23. Firefighter William Grant, 44, Chicago (IL) Fire Department: injuries sustained while responding to an alarm in department apparatus.
March 24. Firefighter Brandon Whimple, 19, Rhodestown Volunteer Fire Department, Jacksonville, NC: injuries sustained in a rollover while en route to a structure fire in a tanker with 1,200 gallons of water.
March 24. Firefighter Billy Harold Williams, 45, Rhodestown Volunteer Fire Department, Jacksonville, NC: injuries sustained in a rollover while en route to a structure fire in a tanker with 1,200 gallons of water.
Source: USFA Firefighters Memorial Database
USFA Research Highlights Responder and Civilian Safety
CHARLIE DICKINSON
The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-498) authorizes the United States Fire Administration (USFA) to develop, test, and evaluate equipment used by the nation’s fire, rescue, and civil defense services and to conduct management studies. The objective is to improve firefighting suppression and operations and notification devices by incorporating the latest technology available. In support of this goal, the USFA, through its National Fire Data Center (NFDC), generates and distributes special studies on a variety of topics, including firefighting ventilation techniques, fire service emergency vehicle safety, firefighter wellness, virtual firefighter training, wireless smoke alarms, residential electrical wiring, household fire protection products, and mitigation of civilian behavior. The USFA continues to be involved in numerous research and applied technology projects, such as the following, and has accomplished much to support emergency responder health and safety as well as civilian life safety.
VEHICLE SAFETY
Emergency Vehicle Safety Initiative: Sponsored by the USFA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration. The goal is to reduce the number of firefighters killed (approximately 25 percent of line-of duty fatalities) while responding to or returning from the emergency scene. The USFA has worked with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to develop advanced Web-based education programs that target chief officers and fire department leaders in the career and the volunteer fire departments. Issues such as seat-belt use, intersection safety, fire apparatus and emergency vehicle safety design, driver selection and training, alcohol use and driving policies, and alternative response programs are addressed.
The Web-based educational program Guide to Model Policies and Procedures for Emergency Vehicle Safety, developed with the IAFC, provides in-depth information for developing policies and procedures that support the safe and effective operation of emergency and privately owned vehicles in the fire service.
As part of this project, the IAFF developed the Web and computer-based training and educational program Improving Apparatus Response and Roadway Operations Safety in the Career Fire Service, which includes instructor and participant guides and addresses critical emergency vehicle safety issues.
The NVFC developed the Web-based educational program Emergency Vehicle Safe Operations for Volunteer and Small Combination Emergency Service Organizations, which includes an emergency vehicle safety best practices self-assessment, example standard operating guidelines, and behavioral motivation techniques for enhancing emergency vehicle safety.
Emergency Vehicle Warning Lighting Systems: Jointly funded by the USFA and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The research is administered by the USFA and is conducted in conjunction with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The effects of emergency vehicle warning lights on daytime and nighttime motorists and methods for effectively mitigating any motorist disorientation the lights may cause are the focus. This year, tests conducted at a Michigan automotive test track evaluated the visibility of emergency warning lighting systems at night. Among the initial findings are the following:
- Pedestrian visibility via retro reflective clothing is a major issue.
- -Distances for detecting pedestrians and emergency responders wearing typical clothing and operating on the roadway at night are very short, shorter than the typically required stopping distances.
- -In contrast, distances for detecting pedestrians and emergency responders operating on the roadway at night with retroreflective markings are very good.
- Under night conditions, blue-colored lamps allow greater pedestrian visibility while providing higher conspicuity.
- -Distances for detecting pedestrians and emergency responders wearing typical clothing and operating on the roadway at night are very short, shorter than the typically required stopping distances.
Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity: Funding by DOJ; research by USFA and the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA). Striping, retroreflectivity, and color-contrast issues pertaining to fire apparatus, law enforcement vehicles, and ambulances will be evaluated. This work will complement the emergency warning lighting study.
A cooperative agreement with IFSTA (funding provided by the DOT’s FHWA) has spawned the Study of Traffic Incident Management Systems (TIMS). The final report on this study, which was being drafted at press time, will include information local fire departments can use to manage roadway incident scenes more effectively using the Incident Command System. It will also facilitate their implementing the U.S. DOT Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requirements into their standard operating procedures (SOPs). Sample guidelines and SOPs are also provided.
Ambulance and EMS Vehicle Crash Analyses: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA). The USFA supported the NIOSH analysis of ambulance and EMS vehicles crash data, including the reviewing of ambulance crash statistics; identifying hazards and analyzing tasks; determining appropriate crash-testing methodologies; developing occupant-restraint systems; and modeling ambulance crash scenarios. Preliminary test results are being evaluated to determine how they can best be used to develop safety recommendations for industry and public agencies.
In one segment of the project, an ambulance to be used for crash testing was equipped with two types of vehicle-occupant restraints and a protocol to support the study of the human factors affecting EMS workers’ performance of tasks in ambulance patient compartments was developed.
FIREFIGHTING SAFETY
Lightweight Construction: Partnership with the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). A Web-based educational program designed to enhance firefighter awareness of the ways in which lightweight construction components-including trusses, glue laminated beams, I-joists, structural composite lumber, and wood structural panels-perform during fires. FireFrame, an interactive tool on building construction, is included. Information is at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/research/safety/construction.shtm/ and http://www.woodaware.info.
Thermal Imaging Systems Technology: In conjunction with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). A comprehensive report on the requirements for thermal imaging camera performance was developed. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committee on Electronic Safety Equipment will use the scientific-based test methods in its deliberations when developing the new (NFPA 180X) thermal imaging camera standard.
Municipal Water Supply Systems: Funded by the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate and in partnership with the Protection Engineers (SFPE) Educational & Scientific Foundation. The latest trends and technologies related to municipal water supply systems are being evaluated. The objective is to enhance local-level fire protection. Two reports, “Municipal Water Supply Concepts Manual” and the “Municipal Water Supply Methods Manual,” will be developed from this project.
Risk Management Models: IAFF initiative. The USFA supported this initiative to develop models fire departments can use to design effective risk-management programs based on their community hazards and service commitment. The new program provides tools for continual evaluation of emergency response systems. Issues critical to adequate resource deployment are examined and will be incorporated into the risk management program. Geographic information system (GIS) computer simulations are used to develop staffing and deployment models recommended for departments of various sizes, serving different populations, and located in various geographic regions.
The findings of the initial phase of this study are covered in the report “Contributing Factors to Firefighter Line-of-Duty Death in the United States.” The second phase of the study will use the same methodology to assess firefighter on-duty injuries. The National League of Cities (NLC) will provide the data and the analyses of these injuries.
Fire Department Communications: In conjunction with the IAFF; funded by the DHS SAFECOM Project Office.
The USFA document “Fire Department Communications Manual-A Basic Guide to System Concepts and Equipment” is in revision. The most current operational and technological topics related to fire department communications are being evaluated. Critical interoperability issues and the SAFECOM program will also be discussed.
Computer-Based Firefighter Trainer: In partnership with NIST; funded by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate.
A computer-based firefighter trainer, in development, will incorporate research results from the structural ventilation, firefighter protective clothing, and hose stream projects.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Sleep Deprivation and Human Performance: In conjunction with the IAFC. The impact of sleep deprivation on the performance of fire and emergency services members will be assessed. Sleep deprivation and suddenly being awakened to respond to emergencies are of concern because they impact the potential health and safety of emergency responders and the general public.
Emergency Incident Rehabilitation: In partnership with the IAFF.
The USFA document Emergency Incident Rehabilitation is undergoing revision. It will incorporate issues related to emergency incident rehabilitation that have emerged since the original manual was published in 1992. Emergency responder rehabilitation is designed to ensure that the physical and mental well-being of members operating at the emergency scene do not deteriorate to the point where they affects firefighter safety.
FIREFIGHTER AUTOPSY PROTOCOL
The USFA is updating and revising its 10-year-old USFA Firefighter Autopsy Protocol manual, which includes research that can be used to develop guidance on medical, technical, and legal issues related to standardized protocols for determining the causes of firefighter deaths. The update will include information on the Hometown Survivors Benefit Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-182), which was not included in the previous edition. The Act presumes that deaths from a heart attack or a stroke are line-of-duty fatalities if the firefighters were engaged in nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical activity while on duty or if the deaths occur within 24 hours after engaging in such activity.
CIVILIAN LIFE SAFETY
In partnership with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The USFA and the CPSC continue to cooperate in a number of areas intended to reduce the impact of fire in the United States, including the following.
- Residential Fuel Burning. The findings of a USFA research program on fires associated with fuel-fired room heating products were incorporated in a final research report developed by the CPSC.
- Residential Electrical Wiring. The program identified hazards in electrical wiring in older homes and ways to bring these homes to an acceptable level of safety at moderate expense. The CPSC has developed a final report. Electrical wiring fires are one of the leading causes of residential fires.
- Fire Protection Products in the Home. Phase II of the investigation of smoke escape respirators intended for consumer (household) use continues.
With the National Fire Protection Association: Consumer behaviors that contribute to cooking-related fires, a major cause of civilian deaths, are being investigated. The findings will be reported in Behavioral Mitigation of Cooking Fires. Also, the USFA and the NFPA are investigating ways to reduce the high death rate from fire in rural America. Information from the USFA report, The Rural Fire Problem in the United States, will be used as the basis for guiding local fire departments and other safety-delivery entities in effective mitigation methodologies and techniques. The fire death rate in rural communities is 35 percent higher than that for nonrural areas.
In addition, the USFA also participates as a member of the DHS S&T Standards Council and its Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standards Working Group.
Additional information on USFA’s research and applied technology projects and partnerships is at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/research/index.shtm. The USFA stands committed to addressing the day-to-day fire safety issues that account for approximately 3,000 civilian and 100 firefighter fatalities yearly as well as numerous injuries and a large amount of property loss from fire. Through continued research and applied technology projects and studies of the NFDC, the USFA will be better able to achieve its goal of reducing unnecessary life and economic loss.
CHARLIE DICKINSON has been the deputy United States Fire Administrator since 2002, when he was appointed by President Bush. He previously had served as Acting U.S. Fire Administrator. He represents the USFA within the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, managing all day-to-day operations of the USFA’s National Emergency Training Center (NETC) and overseeing all USFA projects and programs. He began his 44-year fire service career as a firefighter in 1962 in the Hayward (CA) Fire Department (HFD).
AWARD ENTRIES AND DEADLINES
• IAFC Foundation scholarships: June 1 deadline
Scholarships for college-level study are available through the International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF). Career and volunteer firefighters and fire explorers are eligible. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are awarded annually. Deadline for applications is June 1, 2007.
Fire service personnel must have at least two years paid or three years volunteer (or a combination of paid and volunteer) service with a state, county, provincial, municipal, community, industrial, or federal fire department and have demonstrated proficiency within the fire service. Fire Explorers are eligible to apply for a scholarship to support tuition to a recognized institution of higher education. A list of 2006 scholarship award recipients and donors is at www.iafcf.org. An application is available at “Scholarships” on the same Web site, or contact Judy Kirk at 703/537-4830 or [email protected].
• Firewise wildfire awards program: June 30 deadline
Individuals and organizations conducting wildland fire mitigation activities in residential developments in the wildland/urban interface are eligible for National Firewise Communities Program awards. Nominees may have contributed through engineering, promotional and informational programs, fostering community involvement, special partnerships, or promoting collaboration across agency jurisdictions.
Entries must be submitted by June 30. Entry guidelines and forms are available at www.firewise.org/awards. Questions may be e-mailed to [email protected]/.
• NFFF and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company: May 31 deadline
Career and volunteer fire departments may apply for a grant fund created by revenues derived from the “Into the Fire” documentary fund-raising program to provide departments with thermal imaging cameras (TICs) and other equipment. Applications may be filed at www.firehero.org/. More than $100,000 is available for this application period. As additional funds become available, more grants will be made available. Fireman’s Fund financed “Into the Fire,” which was aired on The History Channel®. The documentary is available on DVD and may be purchased at www.firemansfund.com/heritage. Seven dollars from each sale to the fire service is donated to the fire service. If preferred, purchasers may contribute $5 of this $7 to their fire department (there is a drop-down menu organized by zip code).
Through the Heritage program, Fireman’s Fund has awarded fire departments more than $1 million for the purchase of 100 TICs. Recently, Bullard has joined the initiative by granting special pricing on its TICS to the Fireman’s Fund. The arrangement, according to Danielle Cagan, Fireman’s Fund’s community relations director, “makes it possible to now provide five TICs for every four provided in the past.”
