Run Totals for Bethel Fire and EMS for the Month of December and Year-End Totals

Run Totals for Bethel Fire and EMS for the Month of December and Year-End Totals

Fire

There were a total of 50 calls for the Fire Department for the month of December.

Automatic Alarms – 20

Structure Fire – 1

Chimney Fire – 1

Motor Vehicle Accident – 9

Carbon Monoxide/Gas leak – 6

EMS Assist – 5

Rescue calls – 1

Outdoor/Brush Fire – 2

Appliance Call – 1

Smell of Smoke investigation – 3

Mutual Aid – 1

EMS

There were a total of 158 EMS calls for this past month.

Year End Info.

Totals for the year 2017 For Bethel Fire and EMS

Fire – 428 calls

EMS – 1508 Calls

Captains Corner

As much as I enjoyed hearing from several folks as it related to last months article in which I concluded with my, apparently quite controversial, negative opinion of the holiday staple eggnog. I decided to stay away from any further “food trigger” topics and stick to just some good old fashioned safety topics. I was quite honestly surprised with the amount of pro eggnog people that are out there and truly feel very strongly about it!

As I write this article the forecast is calling for snow later this week and I thought it would be a good time to remind everyone about some shoveling safety tips.

Shoveling as with any physical exertion should not be done if you are not healthy enough for “regular exercise” which would seem very logical, however, people sometimes feel as though it’s more something we have to do, like a chore, rather than the physical work that it actually is, and this is where we can get into trouble.

Here are some quick suggestions for shoveling safety.

•Ease into the work.

•Take frequent breaks.

•Use smaller shovelfuls – you may have to clear it all, but don’t try to do it all at once.

•Be very careful when you get to the bottom of the driveway, near the road for two reasons, cars that are going by, as they may not be able to see you or may not have the control you, or they, hope they do, and also because the snow is thicker and heavier at the end of the driveway from street plowing.

•Dress on the cooler side than conditions would normally dictate as you do not want to overheat.

•Hydrate, This is a big one, because of the cooler outside temperature, our bodies may have a delayed thirst response, and we forget that we need to replace fluids from all the work of shoveling. This is a big deal because it can/will raise your heart rate, and effect your blood pressure which can obviously contribute to bigger cardiac issues. Quick note here, beverages containing alcohol, because of the diuretic properties, are not a good choice for hydration in this case. Plain old water, or sports drink are more suited for this.

•Consider hiring someone – At some point or another for folks that live in New England, we get to the end of our shoveling careers, and need to turn it over to willing family members, or,sometimes maybe not so willing family members, private plow contractors, or neighborhood kids to help. Try to look on the bright side in that case you can “hydrate” any way you choose !

No matter what side you fall on as it relates to the eggnog “controversy” I hope everyone has had an awesome holiday season, and a great New Year.

Stay Safe,

Brendan Ryan

Captain

Bethel FD