Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department

FF Sherman measuring twice and cutting once

We have been doig a lot of work sprucing up the Firehouse and Hall the last few months and now we need some additional help. Possibly your help. We are looking for Plumbers, Piping and Heating, Carpenters, Roofers, anyone that can help us tackle a few of the larger projects we have.

Specifically the Firehouse roof and ceiling is in need of repair, and the firehouse and hall bathrooms need to be redone.

By donating your time and service you will be giving back to the community and helping Gerritsen Beach stay a strong community.

Please stop by anytime, email donations@gbfd.net, or call 718-332-9292.

Peeling the roof back

It’s not “Extraction”, it’s “Extrication.”

If you extracted someone from a car crash you would simply remove the patient from the car. Because of the injuries patients suffer in vehicle collisions, it is necessary to extricate them, or remove the car from around the patient. This past month we drilled on extrication.

The basic extrication process consists of, but is not limited to, six steps:

• the protection of the accident scene, to avoid a risk of another collision (marking out the scene with cones or flares (not advisable if gasoline is leaking), lighting) and of fire (e.g. switching off the ignition, putting vehicle in park, disconnecting the battery, placing absorbing powder on oil and gasoline pools, fire extinguisher and fire hose ready to use) ;
• patient triage and initial medical assessment of the patient by qualified medical rescuer;
• securing the vehicle, to prevent the unexpected movement, and the movements of the suspension, either of which could cause an unstable trauma wound or cause injury to the rescuers);
• the opening of the vehicle and the deformation of the structure (such as removing a window) to allow the intervention of a first responder, of a paramedic or of a physician inside the vehicle to better assess the patient and begin care and also to release a possible pressure on the casualty;
• removal of a section of the vehicle (usually the roof or door) to allow for safe removal of the accident victim, especially respecting the head-neck-back axis;
• removal of the person from the vehicle

Do you need a wheelchair? Do you have a wheelchair you no longer need? How about crutches? Shower chairs? Canes?

Well if you need or can donate please give us a call at 718-332-9292

EMT/FF English, Fire Captain/EMT Mezzatesta, Crash Test George, Prob Finnelli, EMT/FF Sherman

We were honored to participate and provide emergency medical coverage for Dan Fosters 5k fun run and walk on September 17th 2011.

Thank you to all the runners, crash test George for being a good sport and not complaining, and Dan Foster for always putting together a great event.

Getting tired with the 175 lb mannequin?

Quick Heat-Beating Tips

• If possible, stay out of the sun. When in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head.
• Use an air conditioner if you have one. Set the thermostat no lower than 78 degrees.
• If you do not have an air conditioner, keep rooms well-ventilated with open windows and fans. Consider going to a public pool, air-conditioned store, mall, movie theater, or cooling center.
• Fans work best at night, when they can bring in cooler air from outside.
• Make a special effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are seniors, young children, and people with special needs. Many older New Yorkers live alone and could suffer unnecessarily in the heat because they are isolated from friends and family.
• Seniors and others who may be sensitive to extreme heat should contact friends, neighbors, or relatives at least twice a day during a heat wave.
• Drink fluids – particularly water – even if you do not feel thirsty.* Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or high amounts of sugar.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible.
• Never leave children, pets, or those who require special care in a parked car during periods of intense summer heat.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours – 11 AM to 4 PM. If you must engage in strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, usually in the morning between 4 AM and 7 AM.
• Cool showers or baths may be helpful, but avoid extreme temperature changes. Never take a shower immediately after becoming overheated – extreme temperature changes may make you ill, nauseated, or dizzy.
• During heat emergencies, the City may open cooling centers. If cooling centers are open, call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) or locate a center online.

*People with heart, kidney or liver disease, or on fluid restricted diets should check with their doctors before increasing fluid intake.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Seek help if you feel symptoms of heat-related illness.

HEAT CRAMPS: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms, usually in the leg or stomach muscles, resulting from heavy exertion during extreme heat. Heat cramps usually occur when the heat index is between 90 and 105 degrees. Although heat cramps are the least severe of all heat-related health problems, they are often the first signal that the body is having trouble coping with the heat and should be treated immediately with rest and fluids. Stretching, gentle massaging of the spasms, or direct, firm pressure on cramps can reduce pain. Seek medical attention if pain is severe or nausea occurs.

HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heat exhaustion occurs when body fluids are lost through heavy sweating due to vigorous exercise or working in a hot, humid place. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to vital organs to decrease. Symptoms include: sweating, pale and clammy skin, fatigue, headache, dizziness, shallow breaths, and a weak pulse.

Heat exhaustion should be treated with rest in a cool area, sipping water or electroyte solutions, applying cool and wet cloths, elevating the feet 12 inches, and further medical treatment in severe cases. If not treated, the victim’s condition may escalate to heat stroke. If the victim does not respond to basic treatment, seek medical attention. Heat exhaustion usually occurs when the heat index is between 90 and 105 degrees.

HEAT STROKE: Heat stroke — also called “sunstroke” — occurs when the victim’s temperature control system, which produces perspiration to cool the body, stops working. The skin is flushed, hot and dry, and body temperature may be elevated. In fact, body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. The victim may also be confused, develop seizures, breathe shallowly, and have a weak, rapid pulse.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and people exhibiting its symptoms should seek emergency medical attention. Heat stroke usually occurs when the heat index is 130 degrees or higher, but can occur when the heat index surpasses 105 degrees.

Learn more about heat-related illnesses through the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Ozone Levels and Your Health

Ozone, a major component of smog, is created in the presence of sunlight by reactions of chemicals found in gasoline vapors and emissions from cars and industrial smoke stacks. Hot summer weather can increase ozone levels.

The Environmental Protection Agency monitors ozone levels and issues air quality forecasts. When ozone levels in the unhealthy range are expected, New Yorkers are advised to limit vigorous outdoor physical activity during the afternoon and early evening hours when ozone levels are at their highest. If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, stay in an area where it is cool and the air is filtered or air-conditioned. Outdoor exercise should be scheduled for the morning hours whenever possible.

Children are generally more at risk to the effects of ozone, especially in the summer as children tend to spend more time outdoors. People who exercise moderately (such as jogging) are also at risk, because breathing rate increases with exercise and the amount of ozone delivered into the lung per minute increases. Additionally, ozone can have a dramatic effect on people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or those sensitive to ozone.

Symptoms associated with unhealthy levels of ozone include:

• Chest pain
• Coughing & wheezing
• Lung & nasal congestion
• Labored breathing
• Nausea
• Eye & nose irritation
• Faster breathing
• Sore throat

High ozone levels can also decrease lung function, increase susceptibility to respiratory infection, and aggravate asthma and other chronic lung diseases. Schedule outdoor exercise and children’s outdoor activities for the morning hours. Individuals who experience respiratory symptoms or chest pain should consult their doctors.

To help reduce ozone levels:

• Avoid driving, especially on hot summer days. Use mass transit, walk, or carpool instead.
• Be careful not to spill gasoline and fill your gas tank during the cooler evening hours.
• Keep your car properly tuned and maintained.
• Seal containers of household cleaners, solvents, and chemicals to prevent evaporation of chemicals that can contribute to ozone formation.