Archive for June 26th, 2016

Rockford firefighters to visit chronic patients at home

Excerpts from mystateline.com:

OSF Saint Anthony is teaming up with the Rockford Fire Department to start visiting sick patients, who are frequent visitors to the ER, at their homes. It’s called Mobile Integrated Care.

“We can tell them what [behavior] to change all we want in the hospital, but unless we can help them, and encourage them, and reduce some of these barriers, they’re not going to be able to make the changes [they need] and they might plunk themselves right back into the hospital,” said OSF’s Emergency Medical Services’ Director, Jane Pearson.

The program will start with 10 to 15 patients at a time. They’re focusing on the chronically ill, frail, elderly, or mobility-impaired.

“Perhaps they’re in the hospital with an acute illness but they have chronic medical problems,” said Pearson. “When they’re released home, they’re not always quite ready to assume all their daily care.”

Fire Chief Derek Bergsten hopes the initiative will reduce 911 calls, which cost the city about $21,000 last year.

“I think it’s going to prove a benefit to their overall health and decrease admissions … to the hospital,” said Bergsten.

A Rockford Fire Department paramedic or EMT, along with Pearson, will work hands-on to help the patients, from their diets to connecting them with social services.

“It’s essentially trying to find some way to try to give education, and services and support, and eliminate barriers for patients that are falling through the gaps,” said Pearson.

Other Rockford initiatives in home visits can be found HERE and HERE

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CPD sergeant injured during fire

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

Two people were hurt, including a Chicago police sergeant, and 23 people were displaced after a fire in Gresham early Friday. The fire broke out in the 7900 block of South Justine Street about 2:10 a.m., a Chicago Fire Department spokesman said.

One person was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in fair-to-serious condition. The sergent was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn for smoke inhalation; his condition was not immediately available.

In addition, 23 people were displaced from the building, several of which were children.

 

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Hanover Township Emergency Services receives certification

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) presented the Hanover Township Emergency Services Department with formal Emergency Agency Certification at the Hanover Township Board of Trustees meeting recently. Certification by DHSEM recognizes the department’s training program, disaster planning, and emergency response capabilities. The department is trained and equipped to assist public safety agencies serving Hanover Township residents on emergency scenes. Certification from the county is valid through 2018.

Hanover Township Emergency Services is the only entity to receive certification from Cook County DHSEM.

“During severe weather and emergency incidents, the unit is often requested to assist in one or more of the township’s six municipalities and unincorporated areas,” said William Burke, Hanover Township Director of Emergency Services.

Since April of 2015, Hanover Township Emergency Services members logged over 7,053 volunteer hours and were requested to respond to just over 70 emergency scenes. Throughout the year, the unit provided traffic control and scene security at 115 special events throughout Hanover Township and the surrounding area.

“Our volunteers come from all sorts of backgrounds, ages, and demographics,” said Brian P. McGuire, Hanover Township Supervisor. “The front line work they do in our communities allow for many police to go back on patrol and for fire personnel and equipment to return to their stations, prepared for the next emergency.”

Part of the re-certification process required the township staff and officials to work through an emergency scenario that could last for days; like severe flooding, a winter storm, or a tornado touchdown. Township personnel developed plans for evacuating residents to safe locations and disbursing supplies while keeping buildings open to serve as shelters.

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Midlothian Fire Department history

This from Mike Summa:

Hello,
This is Midlothian’s Engine 2793, a 1980 FordC/Pierce 1250/500.  It is one of the only engines puchased on a commercial chassis by Midlothian.  Hope that you enjoy,
Mike S.
Mike Summa photo

Mike Summa photo

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