Archive for August 21st, 2017

Carpentersville Fire Department news (more)

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

Carpentersville fire Battalion Chief Todd Middendorf’s death was brought on by anaphylactic shock after being stung by bees, according to a medical examiner’s report.

The report, obtained by The Courier-News from the Knox County Regional Forensic Center through a Freedom of Information Act request, notes authorities in Sevier County received a 911 call on July 16 concerning Middendorf, 46. Middendorf died July 18 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, Tenn., in Knox County. The report lists the cause of death as “anaphylaxis due to bee sting.”

The Middendorfs have a home in the Sevierville, Tenn., area, where friends said the family intended to retire. The family was on vacation there last month at the time of the incident that led to Middendorf’s death.

Middendorf was well-respected by his fellow firefighters in Carpentersville and surrounding communities. His wake and funeral services July 27 drew a large number of people.

Knox County Chief Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Lochmuller, an associate professor of pathology with the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, said this summer the center has seen two or three cases, including Middendorf’s, involving anaphylactic shock and stings. Lochmuller said he couldn’t recall a single similar case in his seven years at the Knox County Regional Forensic Center. 

Severe allergic reactions to insect stings or bites are not seen on a regular basis but are not uncommon, said Dr. Mohammad Zaman, who oversees the emergency department at Elgin’s Presence St. Joseph Hospital.

According to statistics provided by Elgin’s Advocate Sherman Hospital, from January 2016 to Aug. 15, 2017, that hospital’s ER had 116 patients who were seen for “toxic effect of venom of bees.”

An allergic reaction to an insect sting or bite can develop at any age, even if someone had been stung before and had no adverse reaction. Such allergies can develop at any age.

Hymenoptera is the insect order that can sting and contains venom. The insects most commonly causing this condition are honeybees, hornets, yellow jackets, fire ants, and wasps.

A key is getting help as soon as possible, as anaphylaxis can happen within five to 20 minutes or up to two hours later, depending on the person and the details of the stinging incident.

Immediate treatment for reactions involves receiving a dose of epinephrine from an injection such as Auvi-Q, Epipen or a generic, then antihistamines and steroids.

thanks Dan

Tags: , , ,

Naperville Fire Department news

Excerpts from the DailyHerald.com:

A firefighter was taken to Edward Hospital early Monday morning after experiencing a medical issue while battling a house fire in Naperville.

Firefighters were called to the 2400 block of Madera Lane at 1:05 a.m. for a house fire.

The home was completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, and the fire was upgraded to a box alarm, bringing additional firefighters from Downers Grove, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Lisle and Woodridge.

Two residents inside the house escaped before firefighters arrived. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in about 45 minutes.

thanks Dan

Tags: , ,

Evergreen Park fire truck for sale (more)

New home for the former Evergreen Park ladder truck

From the Barre Fire Department Facebook page:

A nice addition to Barre Fire!

Barre FD (MA) Ladder 1 is former Evergreen Park FD Truck 44.

Barre FD (MA) Ladder 1 is former Evergreen Park FD Truck 44.

Former Evergreen Park FD ladder truck

Former Evergreen Park FD ladder truck. Barre Fire Department Facebook page

Former Evergreen Park FD ladder truck

Former Evergreen Park FD ladder truck. Barre Fire Department Facebook page

Former Evergreen Park FD ladder truck

Barre Fire Department Facebook page

Former Evergreen Park FD ladder truck

Former Evergreen Park FD ladder truck. Barre Fire Department Facebook page

Former Evergreen Park FD ladder truck

Former Evergreen Park FD ladder truck. Barre Fire Department Facebook page

Tags: , , ,

North Palos Fire District history (more)

This from Drew Smith:

In the recent post of the North Palos engine Crabby asked about the high expansion foam nozzle. Here are two pictures of Prospect Heights’ being used in a drill back in the early 1980s.

vintage photo of firefighters training with high expansion foam

Prospect Heights FD photo

vintage photo of firefighters training with high expansion foam

Prospect Heights FD photo

Tags: , , ,