Fire House Facts
Date:
02/01/2010 (Last updated: 02/02/2010)Summary:
Sunday January 24, 2010 through Saturday January 30, 2010Contact:
The Yuma Fire Department responded to 233 emergency calls for services
- 7 Commercial Assignments
Including: a fire alarm pull station activated by a child, and various alarms - 2 Hazardous Materials Assignments
Including: 2 vehicles at separate locations leaking fuel from a punctured gas tank - 23 Motor Vehicle Crashes
Including: 4 involving a pedestrian, 1 roll over, 1 involving 4 vehicles, and 1 involving 5 vehicles - 190 Other Medical Emergencies (serious to minor)
Including: 9 for difficulty breathing, 12 for chest pain, 33 fall victims, 4 unconscious people, 2 seizure cases, 1 diabetic emergency, 12 subjects with mental problems, 1 stroke case, 1 possible overdose, and misc. other illnesses and injuries - 11 Special Duty, Public Assistance, and Residential Assignments
Including: An apartment filling with smoke from a heater, a trash can fire at a park, 2 calls for a warming fire at a residence, and various alarms
Injuries Due To Falls
Many of the injury cases the Yuma Fire Department responds to are the result of falls. Last week at least 33 emergency medical responses were for injuries related to falls. This could be something as simple as tripping in a parking lot or cases often more serious, like falling from a ladder or roof. No matter your age or activity, it pays to watch your footing and be careful.
According to the Center for Disease Control, More than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States, and among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths. Older adults can take several steps to protect their independence and reduce their risk of falling. They can: exercise regularly and improve balance; ask their doctor or pharmacist to review their medicines–both prescription and over-the counter–to reduce side effects and interactions; have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year; improve the lighting in their home; and reduce hazards in their home that can lead to falls.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, unintentional falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among children. Some tips for safeguarding children in the home include keeping stairs clear of toys and other items that could cause someone to trip, teaching children to hold the handrail when on stairs or escalators, and always tie their shoelaces to avoid tripping over them. Also, make sure tall furniture, clocks, televisions, etc. are secured to the wall to prevent falling on children; and watch children closely while they are on the playground.
The best treatment in the world cannot compare to never being injured in the first place. Safety is no accident!
For More Information
For more information about fire safety and injury prevention, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at 373-4855
Follow the Yuma Fire Department on Twitter
Follow the Yuma Fire Department on Twitter. The address is www.twitter.com/YumaFireDept. (This link will take you to an external website that is not part of the City of Yuma official website.)
