DEPARTMENT NEWS
March 10, 2008 - Pawley's Island, SC. - MIDWAY FIRE RESCUE SAVES 2 LIVES
Midway Fire Rescue Firefighter / Medics / EMTs saved the lives of two persons in cardiac arrest in separate incidents.
The first incident happened in February, Midway members Lt. Copeland, FFP Lutz, MFF Matthews, FF Mexicott and PFF Brady. They responded to a residential home with the patient not breathing and no pulse and began CPR. The patient was later released and is in good spirits at this time.
The second incident took place in front of the Pawley's Island Post Office. the patient was walking across the parking and suddenly collapsed. Thank goodness for him, a bystander trained in CPR began administering CPR until Midway arrived and took over. The patient was shocked once and had a good heart rthyme and heartbeat and was transported to the hospital were he underwent surgery to implant a pacer / defibrillator.
We at Midway wish our survivors the best of luck and to get well soon.
Chief Eggiman
Congratulations to Chief Eggiman for completing the National Fire Academy course
entitled " Fire Service Financial Management " these past two weeks in Emmittsburg,MD
January 5, 2008 – Recently Lt. Brent McClellan and Firefighter/EMT Ryan Crowley were awarded with the 2007 Ancient Order of Hibernians Joseph McGarry Division I annual Public Servants of the Year award for their Heroism in rescuing a child from a burning structure. Pictured from left to right are: FF Ryan Crowley, FDNY ( ret. ) Tom Reilly, Lt. Brent McClellan, Lt. Robert Beebe.
Stop STAPH Infection before it becomes STAFF Infection!
Lt. McClellan
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and is often referred to as Staph infection. It emerged decades ago and is resistant to broad spectrum antibiotics. MRSA was one of the first germs to withstand all but the most powerful drugs. MRSA infection in some cases has been fatal. Staph bacteria are normally found on the skin or in the nares of humans. Healthy people may carry the bacteria and not become ill but can pass the bacteria to other people. Staph bacteria can enter the body through a cut or other wound and cause serious illness in those with weakened immune systems. Many people who are symptomatic present with pus-filled boils, and occasionally with rashes.
Recently Staph infection has become a hot topic in firehouses around the nation. Responders are being exposed to the bacteria more now than ever. Some departments have had several firefighters contract the bacteria and be placed on sick leave.
As I am sure we all agree, none of us want to be ill, but more importantly none of us want to expose our family at home or our family at work to such a germ. In order to keep this thing under control we all need to remain on alert. Here are some tips to follow:
- Always use the proper PPE
- Wash hands frequently, on scene use disinfecting gels and when arriving at the hospital or back in the station use antimicrobial soaps.
- Disinfect all equipment, if at the hospital clean it before you place it on the truck
- Use towels in the weight room and provided disinfectant spray on the equipment. Make sure used towels are placed in the dirty linen and washed daily.
- Wash soiled turnout gear immediately!
- Never share razors and clean the shower before and after you use it.
- Wash your bed linen frequently and never wear soiled uniforms home
This is only a few ways and I am sure each of you may know of others. Practice good hygiene and be aware of your surroundings. We should all be our own Infection Control Officer. Lets work hard to stop STAPH infection from becoming a STAFF infection.
June 22,23,24, 2007 - All 3 shifts from the Midway Fire Rescue held a donation drive at the local food stores. Over $ 5000.00 was raised toward the Charleston fallen firefighter Fund to date.
On Thursday, April 19, 2007 the Division of Fire and Life Safety along with " B " Shift personnel held a mock Prom Crash event held at the Waccamaw High School. The event was to show the effects of student drinking and driving and the consequences of their actions. Participants of the event were the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Senior Trooper Sonny Collins, Kenny Johnson - County Coroner, Med - Flight from MUSC, Quality Towing of Myrtle Beach and the Students and Staff of Waccamaw High School.
On Thursday April 12, 2007 Battalion Chief Carr Gilmore was given an award. The annual Firehouse Heroism Awards were announced and he received a $100 award from the magazine. Congratulations
On Wednesday, April 11,2007 members of Midway spent the afternoon in Myrtle Beach shooting a Public Service Announcement that will be aired along the Grand Strand. These announcements will help bring awareness to the Rip Current situation in our area. Members attending were Jerry Liberatore, Matt Smittle, Brent McClellan, David Chase, Ryan Allen and Bob Beebe.
On Tuesday, April 10, 2007 Members of the department received awards at the annual SC State Firefighters Medal Night. Battalion Chief Carr Gilmore received the Medal Of Valor and Lt. Pete Copeland, MFF Scott Matthews and FF II Shane Kingsford were awarded the Medal Of Honor. These awards were given for bravery and honor above the call of duty. The picture includes all members along with Chief Eggiman, Director Mock and Vida Miller.
