The Turlock Fire Department responded to a total of 532 incidents during the month of January. These included a total of 328 emergency medical service calls. Turlock Fire responded to 14 motor vehicle accidents, and 35 commercial/residential fire alarms. There were a total of 30 fire type calls: five building fires, six vehicle fires, six outside rubbish fires, one brush fire, two arcing shorted electrical, seven unauthorized burnings, one Dumpster fire, and two fires classified as "other." Remaining incidents consisted of public assists, assist to police, animal problem, water or steam leak, smoke checks, gas leaks, haz-mat, or power lines down.
One noteworthy event for the month of January included Annual CPR/AED Refresher training for the Fire Department. Cardio pulmonary resuscitation is a combination of simulating the breathing of the lungs and the pumping of the heart. An AED is a battery-operated device used to administer an electrical shock though the chest wall to the heart. The device, through adhesive chest pads, can monitor the heart rhythm and indicate if an electrical shock from the AED is needed. Defibrillation is needed when the heart is not beating in a synchronized rhythm. Continued training on these skills is a vital part of the firefighters annual training and aids in the Turlock Fire Department's Mission Statement: "Protecting what matters most." Do you need or want training in CPR/AED for yourself? Contact Turlock Fire Administration at 668-5580 or stop by at our office located at 900 N. Palm for more information on classes offered through the Fire Department.
Additional noteworthy events, included the Turlock Firefighters Local 2434, Random Acts of Kindness 3rd Annual Crab Feed Event. This event catered to over 300 members of community and raised an AMAZING $13,590. This became Turlock Firefighters most successful Crab Feed held thus far. The Turlock Firefighters Random Acts of Kindness program was recognized nationally by American Profile Magazine in December of 2012. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of profits raised by the Turlock Firefighters RAK goes back to the Turlock community. The mission of Random Acts of Kindness is to assist the community by supporting local charities, youth, education, and families affected by unforeseen events or tragedies in their life that firefighters come across on a daily basis. The Turlock Firefighters Local 2434 would like to thank all its supporters, donators, and guests who made this event so successful and look forward to continuing this tradition next year.
SAFETY TIP: BURNS
It's important to be able to recognize the 3 different stages of burns - you may need to help treat yourself or family members in the case of burns.
How to Identify and Treat the 3 Types of Burns:
What does a first degree burn look like? - The skin is red, similar to a sunburn. The burn will be dry and without blisters. There may be some swelling and the person will experience tenderness and some pain.
How to treat: Run under cool water for 5-10 minutes. If necessary, you may apply a burn ointment after cooling the burn.
Causes - Scalding water, sunburn, or flash flames.
What does a second degree burn look like? - Bright red or pink skin that has moist blisters. More intense pain.
How to treat - Do NOT apply gels or ointments. Apply a sterile dressing. If the burn is over 1 percent of the body, or the victim is under 2 years old, see a doctor. Seek emergency care if the burn is on the hands, face, feet or genitalia or if the burn covers over 15 percent of an adult's body or 10 percent of a child's' body. Do NOT pop the blisters!
Causes - Chemicals, flash flames, extremely hot liquids or solids.
What does a third degree burn look like? - Third degree burns can vary in their appearance. They can appear white or bright red on the outer edge to charred, dry, and mahogany colored. There is less initial pain due to more nerve damage. The area around the burn that does not have nerve damage will be painful.
Treatment - It is critical to call 911 immediately! Apply a sterile dressing and a cold wet washcloth until emergency help arrives.
Causes - Flames, chemicals, electrical, or hot solids or liquids.