Lifesaving Equipment Not Available To Patient

[Jon]

Lifesaving Equipment Not Available To Heart Attack Victim
Fire Department Officials Investigate Insufficient Response

POSTED: 12:01 p.m. CDT June 16, 2005
UPDATED: 12:10 p.m. CDT June 16, 2005


Story by nbc5.com

CHICAGO -- Chicago fire officials are investigating why an advanced life support unit was not sent immediately to a woman dying from a heart attack.

At the time, the fire department was "conducting extensive drills." The 911 call came in from the Merchandise Mart at 10:19 a.m. Wednesday.

Fire department units were dispatched at 10:21 a.m. and arrived at 10:29 a.m.

But, NBC5 reported that the units did not include the equipment that is used for treating heart attack victims. However, advanced units were nearby, taking part in fire department drills.

Clicky

 

[CodeSurfer]

There are a lot of those going on lately because the death rate for FF's is the highest it's been in a while. They are having to do a lot of drills and practicals so they are better prepared.

 

[TTLWHKR]

Perhaps they get enough live "drills" for heart attacks; and wanted more for cardio-pulmonary arrests?

:blink:

 

[Jon]

Yeah... this week is supposed to be a big "Safety-Stand-Down" where most of the large FD orginizations (IAFC, etc) are urging all FD's to do nothing other than respond to alarms and train... train to prevent the increasing FF death totals... Do PT, do burn training, but big issue is the "Firefighters keep dying of heart attacks" - Work on diet and excersize....

Jon

(RescueCpt - didn't 2 long island firefighters died of cardiac issues in the last week or so?)

 

[rescuecpt]

Originally posted by MedicStudentJon@Jun 19 2005, 11:26 AM
(RescueCpt - didn't 2 long island firefighters died of cardiac issues in the last week or so?)

Yup, a former FDNY and another brother both died in Nassau County due to LOD heart attacks.

 

[ECC]

Yes, two Firefighters from Long Island died in the line of duty due to cardiac related reasons. Both were in apparantly good condition, and one was a Retired Lieutenant from either FDNY R2 or R3.

Unless and until advanced pre-symptomatic detection and corrective measures are available to all at REASONABLE cost, I do not see this problem going away any time soon.

This also gives pause to really think about a 20 year pension...This job (including EMS) is not for older people any more, but the economy dictates that you work into your late 50's-early 60's (I for one plan to retire @ 61). :huh:

 

[TTLWHKR]

Three of my neighbors retired from FDNY @ age 50. However they said it was due to the department changing so much, and making the job less enjoyable.