Fire House Facts
Sunday Nov. 24, through Saturday, Nov. 30
The Yuma Fire Department responded to 304 emergency calls for service:
• 14 General Fire Response Including: 1 for large backyard bon fire, 1 for a vehicle and shed fire, 1 for a stove fire, 1 for an oven fire, 1 for a stove sparking, 1 for a fuel spill, 2 for gas leaks in homes, and various alarms • 1 Mutual Aid Including: 1 for engine and personnel to assist with wildfire near Santa Barbara, CA • 26 Motor Vehicle Crashes Including: 3 involving pedestrians, 1 involving a rollover, 1 involving a ditch, 1 involving a house, and 1 involving 4 vehicles • 232 Other Medical Emergencies (serious to minor)
Including: 22 for difficulty breathing, 12 for chest pain, 41 for falls, 14 for unconscious people, 10 seizure cases, 3 possible stroke cases, 4 for intoxicated persons, 5 for people under the influence of drugs, 1 drug overdose case, 16 for people with psychiatric problems, 3 for medical alarms, 1 for child locked in vehicle, 1 for choking, 21 for altered or decreased level of consciousness, 2 for fever, 4 for diabetic emergencies, 6 for man down calls, 6 for bad headaches, 2 for assaults, 4 for back pain, 12 for abdominal pain, 2 pregnancy related, 1 for deceased persons, 2 for lacerations, 1 for a ring stuck on a finger, and other illnesses and injuries
• 31 Special Duty, Public Assistance, and Residential Assignments
Including: 3 for power lines down, 1 for sparking power lines, 2 for cooking fires, 1 for a fire in an alley, 1 for a leaking propane tank, 2 for illegal backyard trash fires, and various alarms.
*** Many of the injury cases the Yuma Fire Department responds to are the result of falls. Last week at least 41 emergency medical responses were for injuries related to falls, and there have been many HUNDREDS of others this year. Every week about 10% of our calls for service are fall related. This could be something as simple as tripping in a parking lot or cases often more serious, like falling from a ladder or roof. No matter your age or activity, it pays to watch your footing and be careful.
According to the Center for Disease Control, More than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States, and among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths. Older adults can take several steps to protect their independence and reduce their risk of falling. They can: exercise regularly and improve balance; ask their doctor or pharmacist to review their medicines–both prescription and overthe counter–to reduce side effects and interactions; have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year; improve the lighting in their home; and reduce hazards in their home that can lead to falls.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, unintentional falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among children. Some tips for safeguarding children in the home include keeping stairs clear of toys and other items that could cause someone to trip, teaching children to hold the handrail when on stairs or escalators, and always tie their shoelaces to avoid tripping over them. Also, make sure tall furniture, clocks, televisions, etc. are secured to the wall to prevent falling on children; and watch children closely while they are on the playground.
One of the many classes YFD offers is the “Remembering When” program for senior fire safety and fall prevention. The best treatment in the world cannot compare to never being injured in the first place. Safety is no accident! For more information about fire safety and injury prevention, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at 373-4855.