Fill-the-Boot

see pg. 3

Find out who the oustanding paramedics of the month were

see pg. 8

Dedicated to Service

13

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May 2013

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Message from the Fire Chief

Firefighters are considered the heroes of every community because they are not scared to run into a burning structure and rescue people. Yet, being a firefighter goes beyond just fire. We deal with the critically ill and injured, we witness first hand that life doesnt always seem fair, we comfort those in sorrow and unfortunately we deal with death far too often. In addition, we also have to manage our personal lifes challenges like any other individual such as a divorce, death of a parent, problems with our children or financial issues. All of these stressors placed on an individual can lead to behavioral health issues such as traumatic stress, depression, isolation and chemical dependency. In an effort to prevent physical, mental and emotional distress, the San Antonio Fire Department provides the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which was designed to help us cope with job related events as well as personal/family concerns. Additional resources available include our Peer Support system and the Chaplain Corps which are staffed in part by firefighters. Moreover, at the Departments discretion we also have the Critical Incident Stress Management team. As Firefighters it is important we understand behavioral issues in the fire service is a growing problem that many of us may not recognize, acknowledge, or we choose to over look in an effort of protecting the individual. But, it is taking the lives of our own. Fire Engineering magazine indicates the Chicago Fire Department has lost 37 firefighters to suicide as well as the Montgomery County Fire Department which reported the loss of 17 firefighters due to suicide in the past 13 years. Furthermore, the Phoenix Fire Department lost four firefighters who committed suicide in a seven-month period. I personally worked with two of them. I also worked with the dads of the other two firefighters, I remember that as kids they would visit their Dads at the station, I practically watched them grow up. It is an exasperating feeling losing a brother on those conditions and I do not wish any of you to experience it. In total, there were 44 firefighter suicides nationally last year. It is critical for me to express that the most valuable resource this organization has, is its people, you. As your fire chief, it is my responsibility and desire to make sure each one of you is healthy in every aspect. However, I would like to encourage Company Officers and Command Officers to take an active role in making sure members are prepared physically, mentally and emotionally to confront the everyday demands of our job and those traumatic calls that we are exposed to on a regular basis. I know this may take an extra effort on our part because its about relationships and developing and maintaining open lines of communication with our troops. It can be challenging and uncomfortable. But remember as an organization and family, it is our duty to look out for the welfare of our brothers and sisters. The nature of our job is dangerous and mentally taxing on our families and each other but please remember we are the heroes of our community and citizens expect us to perform at the highest level no matter what. For these reasons, I want to encourage every member to take full advantage of the free resources, programs and services we provide. Sometimes reaching out for assistance can be the most heroic thing that we will ever do.

Contents

Yours in service,

Charles N. Hood, Fire Chief 2 Our Family Protecting your Family

For 61 years the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has worked in conjunction with the San Antonio Fire Department trying to make a difference in the San Antonio community by the annual Fill-the-Boot tradition. All donations go to benefit research and local services for the San Antonio Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). According to MDA, the tradition began in 1952 when a father in desperate need ran to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) member George

Graneys, who was part of Company 1 in South Boston. Immediately 20 firefighters set in motion a door-to-door canister drive that raised $5,000. Since then, firefighters have adopted and made this fundraiser an annual mission. MDA is mostly funded by individual and private contributions. In San Antonio, MDA serves more than 1,200 families providing them a wide range of services such as testing for diagnostic and follow up clinic care. Other services include x-rays, labs, occupational, physical, respiratory and speech therapy.

Furthermore, most of the Fill-the-Boot funds go to the week-long overnight summer camp program for kids who have muscle disease. During the press conference it was also announced that Captain Roger Lopez was the new National Coordinator for Fill-the-Boot. We had a good turn-out; we encounter a lot of generous friendly people. We enjoyed raising money for the foundation, said paramedic Dana Cornwell.

2013 Fill-the-Boot
Top single company: 43B Top double company: 37B A Shift - $70,252.71 B Shift - $70,926.43 C Shift - $64,804.69 The station that raised the most was fire

station 51.

A total of

$ 206,025.83 was raised.

Our Family Protecting your Family 3

Celebrity of the Month

Because firefighters have a tough job, where they routinely deal with incidents most individuals never witness in their life time, it is essential that every member be physically and mentally healthy. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was designed to help firefighters cope with mental health issues. The program provides free counseling and support for SAFD members and their families. Dr. Darrel Parisher, Ph.D. Psychologist, is the Director of the Employee Assistance Program for the San Antonio Fire Department. For 25 years, since he first started at the SAFD, he has strived to be proactive by providing education through presentations as well as traditional counseling. There is a wide array of issues and challenges that firefighters encounter in the course of their careers. From the physical and psychological effects of repeatedly dealing with pain and suffering, the stresses associated with studying for promotion, to the stress of balancing relationships and family life, the accumulation can at times become overwhelming. In these instances, having counseling support is crucial. Counseling for Firefighters can be needed at any stage of life and for any number of reasons, ranging from issues involving work, to issues with family life, to mid life issues, to issues related to retirement. said Parisher.

Doctor D. Parisher
EAP services can be used not just in times of crisis, but at any time. Parisher indicates that it is important to receive assistance before problems become encompassing and significant. We have always encouraged others to use the EAP as a preventive measure just like preventive medicine, said Parisher. Firefighters have demanding lives. The occupational life is uncertain, at times dangerous, and what they are exposed to can lead to serious psychological problems. Firefighters would be well advised to take advantage of this great service, which doesnt require paperwork or insurance information. Furthermore, the counseling office is located away from other SAFD services in order to guarantee confidentiality. In addition to counseling services, the Department also provides a Peer Support system, an active Chaplain corps and a Critical Incident Stress Management team staffed by firefighters. Firefighters show their courage everyday, whether it is at a fire or a medical call. The decision to seek counseling takes courage of a different sort. The courage to look at your life in an honest way and want to make some changes or face an issue which has had an impact on you, said Parisher. The program was started and has continued throughout the years with the same goal: to be a support for firefighters and their families. Ultimately, the goal is Our family protecting your family and the EAP strives to help the firefighters family take care of itself so it can better take care of others. The office is located at 4204 Gardendale, Suite 205. You can contact Dr. Parisher at 614-1188, or if an emergency, he can be contacted through dispatch.

4 Our Family Protecting your Family

Having trouble with a Workers Comp claim

Having trouble with a Workers Comp claim and dont know where to turn? Contact Beth Taylor in SAFDs Personnel Office at 207-6313 and she can assist you in navigating through the WCI system. As an additional resource, Beth can also put you in contact with an Ombudsman from the Office of Injured Employee Council (OIEC) if needed. The mission of the OIEC is to assist, educate, and advocate on behalf of the injured employees of Texas. One of the services provided by the OIEC is the Ombudsman Program. An Ombudsman is an employee of the OIEC who has a workers compensation insurance claims adjusters license and is trained to assist individuals that have a dispute with their employers insurance. Ombudsman services are provided at no cost to injured employees. The Ombudsman can answer questions you have regarding yourdispute by calling 1-866-EZE-OIEC (1-866-393-6432). Upon request, the ombudsman can:

Help you prepare for Benefit Review Conferences; Help you prepare for Contested Case Hearings; Attend benefit review conferences and benefit contested cases hearing with you and communicate on your behalf with the parties, and; Help you prepare appeals and answer carrier appeals to the appeals panel of the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers Compensation.

For further information about the OIEC and Ombudsman services, contact customer service at 1-866-393-6432, visit the local workers compensation field office handling your claim or go to the following website: http://www. oiec.texas.gov Our Family Protecting your Family 5

P P E T 1
3 5 7 9 2
Then the cleaning and disinfecting process begins! The hoods, earflaps, helmets and gloves are inspected for holes or any other kind of damage. Once the inspection is done, they are put in the washing machine under a delicate cycle. While the hoods and gloves are being washed, Captain Winn starts disinfecting the boots by pouring disinfectant cleaning solution into the boot. After approximately five minutes, any boot that starts leaking is failed and must be replaced. The boots and liners are put together in a rack in order to be drained. After the boots are drained, they are put on the Max Dry dryers for about six hours with a temperature of about 95 degrees.

he National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1851, Sec. 6.3.3 states: Advanced inspections of all protective ensemble elements shall be conducted at a minimum of every 12 months, or whenever routine inspections indicate that a problem could exist. The State of Texas has adopted the standard as law. As a result, the San Antonio Fire Department is mandated to follow this law. The PPE cleaning and inspection program for boots, gloves hoods and helmets, has been active for 10 months in the San Antonio Fire Department. It was initiated by Captain Roland Winn under the direction of Safety Division Chief Art Villarreal. This advanced cleaning and inspection program consists of inspecting and cleaning the firefighting boots, gloves, helmets and hoods. Captain Winn starts the process by sending an e-mail notifying the companies in advance that their Before Captain Winn starts equipment will be picked up. The disinfecting the items, he marks equipment gets picked up the every piece of equipment so that he morning firefighters get off duty can identify to whom it belongs. He and is returned by the next day. On also checks the date of manufacture average, Captain Winn picks up four to ensure that the equipment is not sets of gear per company per day. older than 10 years. PPE older than 10 yrs automatically fails. Equipment will also fail if the tag identifying the date of manufacture is missing.

Once the helmet is cleaned, it is rinsed and placed on a drying rack. If during the helmet inspection any cracks are discovered, the helmet will be condemned.

4 6 8

In order to be dried, the gloves are placed on specialized Max Dry dryers for about six hours. Gloves cannot be dried in a regular clothes dryer. Hoods are washed for two cycles and dried in a regular dryer.

The boots are scrubbed and washed from the outside in order to take off all the dirt. The liners are taken out from the boots and are also washed in the washing machine.

6 Our Family Protecting your Family

The helmets are taken apart and sprayed with disinfectant cleaner. Foreign substances such as tar are removed as well as any stickers or decals that should not be there. Currently the only stickers that are allowed are the breast cancer awareness available from the Union Hall and the U.S. flag.

see pg. 7 for PPE

PPE continued
Before the gear is returned, Captain Winn logs the name of the firefighter, age of the equipment, date of the cleaning and whether or not the equipment passed the inspection. If a piece of equipment fails, an email is sent to notify the firefighter of the failure and a list of improper and failed equipment is sent through the chain of command. Items that failed the inspection are required to be replaced through the regular voucher system or throughFireDepartment Services.Boots and Hoodscan be replaced through Cowboy Cleaners. Vouchersfor bootsare to be acquired through the Battalion Chiefs. Furthermore, no voucher is needed for the hood; however, firefighters must have a hood for exchangeat Cowboy Cleaners. Helmets, helmet labelsand gloves can be obtained at the Fire Department Servicesoff Callaghan Rd. Failed gear is usually returned to the firefighter, it is however marked in some way to indicate that it needs to be replaced. Boots for example, are marked with a yellow marker. If an item is marked but returned, the firefighter may use that item until the replacement is made. In the case of boots, the replacement boots must be ordered and therefore a delay in replacement can be expected. The important thing to remember is that marked gear needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Captain Winn says that this program was set up for the safety of firefighters. A lot of money is being spent for the security of the firefighters, said Winn. At the end of the day it is up to the firefighters and the officers to follow through to ensure compliance.

Damage to City Property

A policy regarding the use of unauthorized personal protective equipment (PPE) was created in order to ensure the highest level of safety for each SAFD firefighter. However, when firefighters modify the City issued equipment, this equipment is no longer in compliance with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the NFPA. As a result it can put a firefighters life in danger, so it shall not be used. Any modification to any part of the PPE ensemble must first be approved by the Fire Department. Then, the manufacturers of both the original PPE item and the accessory item must provide letters stating that they have no objection to the modification. Modifications can be as simple as attaching a decal or sticker to a helmet. Since 2012, there has been new focus on the PPE regulations because the State called attention to the fact that the Department was not properly performing and recording the advance inspection and cleaning of some parts of the PPE ensemble. In previous years, the advanced inspections and cleanings were performed only on bunker gear by Cowboy Cleaners, an independent service provider. However, in order to comply with the regulations and starting this year helmets, hoods, gloves and boots are inspected and cleaned by trained, certified personnel. When an unauthorized, irreversible alteration to a part of the PPE ensemble is made, it could be considered damage to city property, and may render the item useless, said Safety Division Chief Arthur Villarreal. It is imperative that the City issued equipment remain compliant with all National, State, and Departmental regulations. This is important because it guarantees safety to firefighters and prevents the Department from violating adopted laws.

Our Family Protecting your Family 7

from the Office of the Medical Director

he San Antonio Fire Department participates in a program called CARES (Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival). This is a national database of cardiac arrest outcomes from multiple states and cities (including Houston, Ft. Worth, Austin, Plano, and Baytown in Texas). The San Antonio Fire Department was invited to start participating in 2012. This registry shows us that in 2012, SAFDs overall survival from all cardiac arrests was 8.5%, with a 34.9% survival in patients with witnessed v-fib/v-tach. This is a significant improvement in our overall cardiac arrest survival from 2008, which was 5.3%! The national overall cardiac arrest survival per CARES is 10.5%, with a 35% survival for witnessed v-fib patients, so while we have improved significantly in overall survival and are at the national average for witnessed v-fib survival, our goal for SAFD should be to surpass the national averages and have the best overall and witnessed v-fib survival rates in the country! So how do we do that? We must continually reassess how we are approaching cardiac arrest management and post-Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) care. We must be willing to make changes according to science, studies, and best-practices. And we must use DATA to assess our performance and make changes in the quality of our performance to improve care and outcomes. One tool we now have to collect and assess data to look at our performance and make improvements is the new AEDs. I know, I know.lots of questions and concerns.but consider this: Studies and best practices have shown us the following Early and continuous chest compressions with minimal interruptions in CPR are critical for maintaining a patients coronary perfusion pressure, thus improving chance of survival Quality of chest compressions (correct rate and depth) are critical

Medical Notes..
for improving chances of survival Early defibrillation is critical for improving survival in patients with ventricular fibrillation Optimization of post-cardiac arrest care after ROSC can improve survival to hospital discharge and improved neurologic outcomes in cardiac arrest victims With these factors being KNOWN to improve survival and neurologic outcome after cardiac arrest, why

Best AED Cases April 2013

Highest Chest Compression Fraction (CCF) (Percentage of time CPR was being performed) 1st 98.61% E47 A shift 2nd 89.08% E20 B shift 3rd 89.03% E06 B shift Most Effective CPR (Rate and Depth in target zones, overall quality) 1st 70.54% E16 A shift 2nd 66.83% E24 B shift 3rd 62.15% E40 A shift Who Worked the Hardest (Total # of compressions during recorded event) 1st 2338 compressions E36 C shift 2nd 2216 compressions E40 A shift 3rd 2113 compressions T40 B shift Who Left the AED on the Longest 1st 26:26 E47 A shift 2nd 26:00 E16 A shift 3rd 25:54 E25 A shift

would we not want to make sure we are optimizing our CPR, defibrillation, and post-ROSC care?

We are using the data from the AEDs to assess our Chest Compression Fractions (CCF) and our effectiveness of CPR (correct rate and depth). We are also trying to determine where our interruptions in compressions are taking place and why this is where the voice recordings come in handy to help us determine where, as a system, we need to look at focusing training, improving our CPR, and decreasing interruptions. The AEDs also help us keep our rhythm checks and defibrillations optimized and our CPR at optimum rates and depths by coaching us while CPR is ongoing. Dale and other members from our office have started doing cardiac arrest reviews with crews on specific cases. Some of these reviews are to be attaboys for great cases, and some of them will be for training on how to further optimize CPR, minimize interruptions, and improve care. If you want Dale to review a specific case with you and your crew, just let us know! More on post-cardiac arrest care next month -Dr. Kidd

(For outstanding patient care and/or precepting)

Letters of Commendation from the Office of the Medical Director April 2013

8 Our Family Protecting your Family

SAFD History

hroughout the first 20 years of the paid San Antonio Fire Department many positive changes occurred. The Department expanded to 13 fire stations, a new Gamewell Fire Alarm System was installed, and 25 pieces of apparatus and 52 horses were added in order to better serve the approximately 100,000 San Antonio citizens. The transformation of the Department was most noticeable during the leadership of Chiefs W.P. Bishop, Phil Wright, A.J. Goetz and J.G. Sarran. The growth and renovation occurring at the San Antonio Fire Department lead to many positive comments and recognition. For instance, in 1911, Solon K. Stewart a San Antonio Express reporter wrote: For the size of the City there is no better Fire Department in the United States than that of San Antonio. The statement may appear boastful, but it is true, proven so by facts regarding apparatus and efficiency of the men. There is no doubt the SAFD has given big steps for improvement and service of San Antonians throughout the years.

***Special thanks to Hector J. Cardenas, SAFD Museum Society, for providing the facts for the story.

Our Family Protecting your Family 9

Fiscal News Flash

The Procurement Team is a section within the Fiscal Division that was created in August 2012 to improve internal customer service within the Fire Department. The Procurement Team supports the operations needs of the Fire Department by ensuring that materials, supplies, and services needed are obtained using the right vendors, at the right time, for the right price. The Procurement Team creates an opportunity for staff to be relieved from the responsibility of purchasing requirements and allows operational staff to concentrate in their specialized areas of work.

Division determines Need for Goods or Service

Division Management reviews for Budget

SAFD Procurement Form

SAFD Procurement Team

Angela Kelley 206-2328 Andrea Griffin 206-2342 Fred Casares 206-2358 Jessica Torres TBD 230 S Callaghan San Antonio TX 78227

Assigned to Procurement Clerk

NO Is this on Contract? YES

Create Shopping Cart

NO Create Shopping Cart YES Over 3K? Purchasing Action Required

Purchase Order Released

Purchasing Bids out/RFX

Purchase Order Released

Purchase Order emailed to Vendor and Requestor CCd

Purchase Order Released

PO emailed to Vendor and Requestor sccd

Purchased Order emailed to Vendor and Requestor CCd

The Procurement Team

10 Our Family Protecting your Family

Health & Wellness

Infection Control Update
On October 1, 2012 the infection control program transferred from UTHSCSA to the SAFD Wellness Center. After providing assistance during the transition, I am now the departments Infection Control Officer. A brief history about your ICO and the state of the program are in order. Prior to joining the Department in 1987, I was introduced to infection control practices while working in military and civilian hospitals. The AIDS outbreak had caused huge concerns that resulted in the practice of universal precautions to protect healthcare providers and counter discrimination in healthcare settings. An elevated awareness of body substance isolation persisted as people were still dying within a few years of diagnosis and it was unclear how contagious HIV was. Today, transmission risks can be quantified and treatments are available. Regarding post-exposure management, a three week wait for lab results after a needle stick left me well aware of how distressing an exposure event can be. Procedures and laws have changed since then. After spending a significant amount of time analyzing past delays and coordinating with hospital officials, I am now in a position to minimize unnecessary delays in follow up on routine exposures. In addition, support has been obtained from the Medical Examiners office and the San Antonio Eye Bank for expediting post-mortem blood testing. In preparation for fulfilling the duties of my position, I have spent countless hours researching laws, procedures and regulations and learning from other individuals charged with providing infection control duties. The Metropolitan Health District, the staff at the TB clinic and the infection control personnel of the local hospitals have been excellent resources. Thanks to Betsy Dose and Sonia Valdez, discrepancies in digital and original immunization records are being reconciled. Existing policies are being reviewed for updating. HIPPA electronic security requirements have caused new challenges. Two nurse practitioners are part of the Wellness Center staffing model and they will eventually be assisting with infection control duties. Certification for myself is also part of the plan. I am honored to be entrusted with this responsibility and grateful for the support. Be safe. Captain Bob Slanger

Tips 2 Keep Your Food Safe This Summer

Summer is the time for barbeques, picnics, and camps; however, with the rise in mercury levels, there is also an increasing risk of food-borne illnesses. This is because microorganisms multiply faster under hot and humid conditions, especially between temperatures of 40o F to 140o F, often referred to as the Danger Zone. Additionally, there is a lack of facilities available for safe handling and storage of foods such as cooking, refrigeration and washing during most outdoor activities. The SAFD Office of Health and Wellness recommends the following guidelines to help keep food safe this summer: Clean: Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds (typically the time it takes for one to sing Happy Birthday twice). Carry some clean, non-toxic food storage containers or Ziploc bags to store any leftover food. Cover them with tight-fitting lids or a foil to prevent contamination. Clean surfaces with paper towels instead of cloth towels. Re-use of cloth towels over time could spread germs. Cook: Food safety experts recommend food to be cooked at the right temperature for the suggested time to kill pathogenic microorganisms. Carry your digital food thermometer to ensure that foods are cooked thoroughly. Suggested safe internal temperatures for different foods are as below: o Cook hamburger and ground meat to an internal temperature of 160oF o Cook ground poultry to an internal temperature of 165oF o Cook whole poultry to 180oF in the thigh and breast meat to 170oF o For fried eggs, cook until the yolk and white are firm; for egg casseroles, cook to an internal temperature of 160oF o Cook any leftovers to at least 165oF Cook food completely; partial cooking allows for organisms to survive and multiply to a point wherein any further cooking will be unable to destroy them. Eat food while it is still hot; as the food gets cold, harmful microorganisms can start to multiply. Avoid refreezing food that has been thawed. Defrosted food should be stored safely in the refrigerator until it is ready to be cooked. Keep your beverages and perishable foods in separate coolers if possible; the beverage cooler will probably be opened more often. Remember, whenever in doubt, discard the food. So, bask in the heat of this summer, enjoy healthy foods, and minimize your risk of food-borne illness by keeping your food safe.

Our Family Protecting your Family 11

Crime Scene ACTION Process

Unfortunately, sometimes when firefighters respond to a call, they not only find fire but evidence of a possible crime scene. Fire Shift Commander Mike Walsh explains that is essential to, immediately, notify those SAPD and/or Arson members that might be on scene, or contact them via Fire Alarm. Firefighters should explain that a crime scene is suspected so the appropriate resources for the incident type respond. If a crime scene is identified there are procedures units should take in order to preserve the scene. Do not use foam for extinguishment. Minimize the movement of furniture or other items; making an attempt to leave the scene as originally was found, as much as possible. If a deceased victim is involved, minimize contact; do not touch the body and attempt to leave the area surrounding the body in its original condition as much as possible. To protect evidence, limit overhaul to the bare minimum required. Limit the number of personnel accessing the area only those with assignments. Secure the scene and deny entry of any non-first responders, until after SAPD or Arson has released the scene back to the SAFD. Stay on scene until the appropriate SAPD resources arrive (chain of custody). Each firefighter should make mental notes of what he/she observed. Each firefighter present at the scene should be prepared to make a statement to SAPD regarding the incident. For instance, they will be asked what was observed, what was done and any other pertinent information that SAPD or Arson may need.

The San Antonio Police Department also provided other actions and procedures that can be taken if crews come across crime scene scenarios while responding to a call. If anything had to be moved for firefighting purposes, it is essential that personnel remember where it was and where it was placed. If during the overhaul phase, and it is safe to do so, call in the SAPD Evidence Tech or officer to see what you need to move or if possible get approval prior to altering the scene.

Notify Police personnel immediately if during the scene assessment a gun, knife or any object that was used as a weapon is found. Notify Police personnel immediately if during the scene assessment illegal drugs or a strong odor of illegal drug, use near or around the incident are suspected to be present. Beware of chemicals (liquid or solid) not typically found in a residential dwellings. Look out for large quantities of household chemicals. Use the common sense approach (example does the residence have a pool to justify the quantities of Muriatic Acid). If possible always remember any scene you encounter which you can easily identify a crime has occurred, make the best attempt to exit the same path as you entered in order to minimized impact to the crime scene as much as possible.

SAPD asks EMS personnel to follow the same (above) procedure in addition to the following steps in order to better preserve evidence: If confronted with treating of a gunshot wound, please do not use the entrance or exit holes to start the removal of clothing with EMT sheers. If possible, try to be aware of spent cartridge casings and approximate location should they have been accidentally moved. If confronted with an obviously deceased person, remember not to touch the body.

On May 6, Engine 19 responded to a call that after 2 minutes and 20 seconds it was found to be a crime scene. Walsh explains that 19s and Battalion 8 did an excellent job on preserving the evidence. Before the fire was out they identified and declared the incident a crime scene, said Walsh. This declaration allowed the on scene crews to take the appropriate actions to preserve the crime scene.

Before the fire was out they identified and declared the incident a crime scene, said Walsh.

Rescue 11 not only gains knowledge and expertise while training but they also collect reptiles that have a special bony shell developed from their ribs. They rescued their first mascot two and a half years ago, when firefighter Sean Wiatrek found the little turtle at Alazan Creek. Although 11s was unsure whether it was a male or female, they named it Mitch. Since Mitch was rescued, he has grown big and doubled in size, said Firefighter Rick Denson. However, about a month ago, Mitch had to start sharing the attention with Pete. Pete was found upside down and was rescued by Rescue 11s at Calaveras Creek. These two webbed feet mascots are expected to be as skillful as their masters. In order to achieve these skills, Firefighter Robert Vazquez mentions that both turtles have been rescue trained too. Since Mitch and Pete train very hard they need to be fed well. So every month, in addition to their turtle food, they are supplied with a live Gold Fish to snack on.

FF Pointers
From Battalion Chief Chris Varelas: Chief Varelas has been in the department for 28 years, of which 14 have been as a Battalion Chief. Anyone can put out a residential fire with unlimited water, but how often do we create more damage with extinguishment than what was consumed by flame? Next time you open the nozzle in a residence; Dont spray smoke, Locate and identify the fire, Use enough water to do the job, and no more.

It is everyones job to keep loss to a bare minimum. This is not just good customer service, but common sense. Ultimately, treat the residential house fire as if it were our own house.

14 Our Family Protecting your Family

Strategic Planning Initiative Reminders:

The Strategic Planning Inititives Goals and Objectives and the Strategic Plan Document Draft are posted on SharePoint for review and input. The initiative is now moving into the Operational Plan phase. The Operational Plan will include the projects, programs, and tasks to achieve our objectives. It is the action for the strategy. Teams are developing these now. You may utilize the survey or the discussion board to post your input and comments. Please take the time to get involved in transforming our Department. Contact the Team Leaders or Chief Monestier @ 207-4299 if you have any questions.

12th Annual Salute to SA Firefighters and Paramedics

As is tradition, the 12th Annual Salute to San Antonio Firefighters and Paramedics took place May 7th. Ripleys Believe It or Not! and other hospitality sponsors contributed to facilitate the event and thank firefighters and paramedics for their service to the San Antonio Community. The event kicked-off at Ripleys Believe it or Not with a press conference where Chief Hood was presented with an appreciation plaque. In addition, a free box lunch and a goody bag was provided to each firefighter and paramedic that stopped by the museum. Each firefighter had the opportunity to register to win a Staycation vacation package. The winners were firefighter David Martinez at Fire Station 1 and paramedic Steven Nuernberg with EMS.

I never realized they were giving something, said Martinez. It is pretty exciting because I have never won anything in my life.

Batallion Chief
BC1 BC2 BC3 BC4 BC5 BC6 BC7 BC8 Totals 31 161 25 122 32 149 29 107 34 151 41 165 41 136 76 309 309 1300

YTD

Total # of Fires
Structure Fire Vehicle Fire Brush/Grass Fire Totals

68 332 43 184 33 256 144 772

YTD

Our Family Protecting your Family 15

Fire & EMS Responses

FIRE Runs Unit Number Number of YTD
Engine E01 E02 E03 E04 E05 E06 E07 E08 E09 E10 E11 E12 E13 E14 E15 E16 E17 E18 E19 E20 E21 E22 E23 E24 E25 E26 E27 E28 E29 E30 E31 E32 E33 E34 E35 E36 E37 E38 E39 E40 E41 E42 E43 E44 E45 E46 E47 E48 E49 E50 E51 Runs 91 164 176 215 118 162 140 150 126 232 200 53 160 113 226 210 234 202 285 158 222 138 80 286 223 209 206 234 194 153 186 295 185 117 186 182 223 178 205 167 132 173 151 300 199 99 37 120 86 30 124 413 777 645 782 558 649 520 634 636 925 799 209 646 487 807 811 899 912 1142 654 951 490 359 1167 942 775 840 921 757 642 730 1215 802 407 816 700 783 765 893 724 556 631 532 1198 758 371 159 430 356 176 496

EMS Runs Unit Number of YTD

Number M01 M02 M04 M05 M06 M07 M08 M09 M10 M11 M13 M14 M15 M16 M17 M18 M19 M21 M22 M24 M25 M26 M27 M28 M29 M31 M32 M33 M34 M35 M36 M37 M38 M39 M40 M41 M42 M43 M44 M45 M46 Runs 375 102 186 311 353 353 420 378 439 182 367 251 391 385 364 342 345 178 334 364 359 147 404 303 356 300 201 392 215 366 287 332 317 311 144 246 288 45 327 243 168 1522 347 592 1270 1475 1447 1583 1496 1594 722 1456 1050 1514 1532 1330 1329 1430 645 1306 1517 1410 515 1564 1275 1449 1192 776 1560 881 1435 1154 1383 1254 1338 584 1010 1181 167 1365 1006 689

Ladders
L01 L06 L08 L09 L14 L17 L22 L29 L33 L34 L35 L36 L37 L40 L41 L46 AP01 AP11 AP32 AP38 AP51 0 157 142 143 98 214 128 166 205 82 194 168 161 146 117 52 76 176 220 168 94 2,907

Other Units
AC26 AC29 AC39 AC41 FSC FSO HR11 HR51 R7 RHB1 WT22 WT25 WT43 AIR1 AIR2 AIR3 AIR4 AIR5 BIK1 BIK2 BIK3 BIK4 MOF1 MOF2 MOF3 MOF4 MSC R5 5 5 0 3 2 14 91 41 4 2 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 14 14 7 2 100 92 85 71 1 49

Totals
HZM1 HZM34 SPL1 SPL34

153 611 540 614 451 795 507 665 762 297 780 652 670 692 487 318 253 759 989 652 431 12,078

YTD

YTD

Haz Mat

10 2 6 5 23

49 14 42 21 126

Totals

Totals 606 2,517

17 35 0 24 21 64 352 164 27 6 0 2 0 2 6 0 2 1 21 18 7 2 508 392 339 348 3 156

Brush Trucks
BT20 BT22 BT30 BT36 BT40 BT42 BT43 BT44 BT48 BT50
Totals

Squads
SQ01 SQ08 SQ09 SQ11 SQ14 SQ17 SQ22 SQ29 SQ32 SQ33 SQ34 SQ35 SQ36 SQ37 SQ38 SQ40 SQ44 SQ46 20 98 55 187 58 211 40 165 24 97 3 44 34 86 78 323 153 682 53 188 18 88 13 145 104 371 89 302 67 249 62 279 3 18 17 58 891 3,591

3 4 2 4 1 1 5 9 3 0
32

28 23 34 36 12 26 19 42 19 3
242

Totals

8,735 35,247

Totals

12,171

48,345

Totals