SUV ablaze: Fire report Feb. 3-9

The Arcadia Fire Department responded to a variety of emergency calls during the week of February 3 through February 9, 2013. The following is a breakdown of incident types recorded for this time period:

Incident Type Count Fires: 5 EMS/Rescues: 62 Hazardous Materials: 5 Public Service Assistance: 8 Good Intent Calls: 8 False Alarms: 18 Total Incident Count: 106

Sunday, February 3

1. At 3:15 p.m., Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical assist in the 600 block of West Duarte Road. Fire crews evaluated an elderly male suffering from pelvic pain/possible fractured hip from a trip and fall. Paramedics provided basic life support measures on scene and transported the patient in a position of comfort to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

2. At 7:50 p.m., Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical emergency at Arcadia Methodist Hospital Emergency Room. Fire crews arrived to find a 79 year old male who had been admitted to the Emergency Room with a diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which is a life threatening condition. The patient required immediate transfer to University Hospital for emergency surgery. This type of transfer is typically handled by private ambulance critical care units, but due to the critical condition of the patient and the extended arrival time for the private ambulance a special request was made and authorization given for Arcadia Fire Department to transfer the patient. During the transfer, the patient’s condition deteriorated and he suffered full cardiac arrest. Fire personnel initiated CPR and self-diverted to Los Angeles County USC Emergency Room for further treatment and evaluation.

Monday, February 4 At 8:30 a.m., Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical assist in the 1100 block of De Anza Place. Upon arrival, fire personnel evaluated a male patient who was suffering from chest pain with shortness of breath. The patient received advanced life support at the scene; including oxygen therapy, 12-lead cardiac monitoring, intravenous access, and drug therapy. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Tuesday, February 5 At 9:47 p.m., Engine 105 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a medical assist in the 200 block of West Huntington Drive. Fire crews arrived to find a 37 year old male in police custody who had been found running through the area carrying a large metal pipe for protection. The patient admitted to using methamphetamine and was paranoid about “people trying to get him”. Paramedics provided advanced life support measures on scene including; 12-lead electrocardiogram and intravenous access. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital with assistance from Arcadia Police Department.

Wednesday, February 6 At 11:50 a.m., Engine 105 responded to a vehicle fire in the 100 block of Campus Drive. Upon arrival fire personnel found an SUV well involved in fire. E105 extinguished the fire with compressed air foam and water via a hose line. Overhaul of the vehicle determined the fire started due to mechanical failure.

Thursday, February 7 At 11:57 a.m., Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical emergency in the 900 block of West Duarte Road. Fire crews arrived on scene to find a female patient suffering from shortness of breath. Paramedics performed advanced life support measures; including cardiac monitoring, oxygen level monitoring, and establishing venous access. The patient was transported to a local hospital for further treatment and evaluation.

Friday, February 8 At 8:16 p.m., Engine 105, Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of North Fifth Avenue and East Huntington Drive. Upon arrival, fire personnel found one patient suffering from mild injuries. The patient received advanced life support at the scene; including full spinal immobilization, oxygen therapy, and 12-lead cardiac monitoring. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Saturday, February 9 At 11:23 p.m., Engine 105 responded to a vehicle leaking fuel in the intersection of Duarte Road and Santa Anita Avenue. Engine 105 crew arrived on scene and found a disabled vehicle with a small amount of gasoline underneath the car. The vehicle had ceased to leak gasoline prior to Fire Department arrival. Fire personnel placed absorbent under the vehicle to handle the spill.

Fire Prevention Bureau Plan Checks 1 Residential Building Plan Check 4 Commercial Building Plan Checks 1 Solar Panel Plan Check Construction Inspections 4 Fire Sprinkler Inspections 2 Occupancy Finals Other Inspections 6 Business License Inspections 1 Permit Inspection 1 5 -Year Sprinkler Certification Inspection

Annual Inspections 33 Annual Inspections

Training During the reporting period, the Arcadia Fire Department conducted a total of 593 hours of training. Some of the subjects covered were: Hose Evolutions, Ladder Evolutions, Ventilation Techniques, Salvage and Overhaul Techniques, Tiller Certification, Defensive Driving, Engine Company Equipment, Search and Rescue, Communications, EOC Operations, Records Management, Fire Suppression Tactics, Power Tools, Hand Tools, Truck Operations, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic Continuing Education, Hazardous Materials, Lighting Operations, Rope Rescue, Incident Command, Pre-Incident Planning, Supervision and Management, and Standard Operating Guideline Review.

Volunteer Weekly Activity Report During the reporting period, the Arcadia Fire Department had a total of 13 hours of volunteer activities. Specifically, volunteers from the community donated their time to assist the Department with Fire Prevention Bureau and Fire Administration duties.