by Eugene Jones
Silver Hill Volunteers will hit the street in force this September. We will be putting two ambulances and one of our engines in the community to serve.
Ambulance 829
Ronnie- Driver
Avanna- Officer
Linda -EMT
Open –
Ambulance 829B
Darrel Baker – Driver
Noah – Officer
Johanna – EMT
Jeff Kramer -EMT
Engine 829
Freddy -Driver
Fowler- Officer
Ray – Line
Wiley – Force Entry
Miguel-Layout
Ben Bullock
Tony – Extra
by Eugene Jones
We understand that being in the busiest company in the County has its effects on most workers. The service is physically, emotionally and psychologically challenging and with the added pressure of performing safely and effectively under significant time constraints, it is too much for any firefighter. The difficult work conditions at the Silver Hill Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad is leading to burnout among some workers.
Burnout is generally defined as a psychological response to chronic work stress and is recognized as having three major components:
Study results clearly showed that burnout leads to diminished safety behaviors in firefighters. It should be considered a legitimate safety concern within the PGFD. Work stress and work-family conflict are not directly linked to bad safety practices. They can, however lead to burnout over time, which is the major predictor of unsafe work practices. When firefighters are burned out, they are less likely to voice their concerns, to use PPE properly, and to perform their work in a routinely safe manner.
Suggested safety interventions that are needed.
The research team had these recommendations for fire department leaders to prevent burnout and promote safe behaviors:
Place an emphasis on a safety conscious transformational style of leadership. This will counter many of the stressors that lead to burnout. This style of leadership also promotes fairness and equity and it builds engagement.
Require supervisors to provide rest and rehabilitation during firefighting operations, and allow for post-event rest and recovery.
Promote health and wellness goals and a positive safety climate. This will help to counter the effects of stressors that may lead to burnout.
Learn more about this research. This research article is available through contacting FEMA-NETCLibrary@fema.dhs.gov
by Eugene Jones
The US Fire Administration posted an article about the use of push-ups as a way to assess cardiovascular disease (CDV) risk in firefighters. The Protocol was described as follows.
Researchers looked at the records of 1,562 male firefighters aged 21-66 from Indiana who had medical screenings between Jan. 1, 2000 and Dec. 31, 2010.
The firefighters’ initial screening and follow-up exams included push-up capacity testing.
Clinic staff counted the number of completed push-ups in time with a metronome set at 80 beats per minute.
Staff counted push-ups until each participant reached 80, missed three or more beats of the metronome, or stopped due to exhaustion,
Researchers looked for any CVD-related events among the participants during the ten year period.
Outcome
Those firefighters who completed fewer than 10 push-ups at their initial exam were at significantly higher risk of CVD over the course of the 10 year period.
Participants who did 11 or more push-ups at their initial exam were at significantly reduced risk of experiencing a CVD event.
CVD is a leading cause of on-duty death among firefighters. Recent studies show that even moderate physical activity can significantly reduce CVD risk factors.
Learn more about this research. Summary information for this article was provided by the NETC Library. You can request access to this research study by contacting the library at FEMA-NETCLibrary@fema.dhs.gov
by Eugene Jones
The road to becoming a certified EMT or Firefighter may be long but it is worth it. The career field has too many benefits to walk away from. While training isn’t glamorous or exciting it leads to the type of lifestyle you want to enjoy. When you compare your future with training, to your life without training you can see why you started the training.
Don’t quit because of the time commitment. Anything worth doing takes time. You can’t expect to treat patients and respond to fires with little to no training. The training we provide is very targeted to get you providing services in the shortest time. We are providing training through accredited post secondary educational institutions like the University of Maryland and the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services. Many of the courses can be turned into college credits saving you thousands of dollars in college fees. You can get the same training with us that you take from colleges and universities much faster and at a much lower cost. In most cases our training is free.
We provide free on-line training and in station drills to help you meet your fire service goals. So if you want to serve your community and make yourself available to the fire service market come to the Silver Hill Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad at 3900 Old Silver Hill Road. Go to our apply now page and Come Join Us!
by Eugene Jones
New construction, new vehicles, new members, completed certifications and more is what we have going on at the Silver Hill Volunteer Fire Department. Thanks to the Board of Directors, the Chief of the SHVFD&RS and the members who skillfully go about the business of service, things are very bright. If you want to be a part of the growth come by and see for yourself.
It’s exciting times in the face of danger, disasters and emergencies. Contact us for the training and education you need to get involved. Come to 3900 Old Silver Hill Road, go to our “Apply Now” page and Join Us!.
Email: silverhillvfd@comcast.net