Beginning in January and running through February, all sworn Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) will be required to attend the Winter 2011 Training block presented by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) section.

Firefighters from Truck 13 practice setting up the cyanokit, used for the treatment of known or suspected cyanide poisoning. Cyanide poisoning to firefighters can be caused by smoke inhalation during closed space structural fires.

The training block, taught by PF&R's EMS Training Supervisor's Rene' and Don and Firefighter Krista, exposes firefighters to updated information about treatment of cardiac arrest patients and properly utilizing new EMS equipment.  Along with the presentation, firefighters will have the opportunity to practice running a cardiac arrest, setting up a portable ventilator, placing soft restraints on a patient, using pet masks, setting up the cyanokit used to treat cyanide poisoning, and ventilating an infant.

Firefighters from Engine 19 practice using an Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). AED's will automatically determine the heart rhythm of a pulseless victim and, if the victim is in ventricular fibrillation (v-fib), shock the victim's heart in an attempt to restore its rhythm to normal.

Before attending the training, firefighters were asked to prepare by reviewing Multnomah County EMS protocols on cardiac arrest, end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and induced hypothermia.  These EMS protocols provide parameters to guide emergency personnel when providing medical treatment.

Firefighters from Engine 18 practice placing soft restraints on a patient.

Training blocks such as this one help position firefighters to quickly deliver critical care to citizens in distress.

As first responders trained in emergency medical services, firefighters administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to people having cardiovascular emergencies. Here firefighters from Engine 4 practice this life-saving technique.

  Portland Fire & Rescue 

  We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  January 11, 2011 

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