From Sunday January 15, 2023 through Saturday January 21, 2023, the Yuma Fire Department responded to 338 emergency calls for service:

                  7    General Fire Responses
Including: 1 for smoke in a mobile home, and various alarms 

                 2     Mutual Aid
Including: 2 for assisting Rural Metro with medical emergencies in the County 

               25     Motor Vehicle Crashes 
Including: 1 involving a motorcycle, 1 involving a pole, 1 head-on crash, 1 involving 3 vehicles, and 1 involving a pedestrian

            273     Other Medical Emergencies (both serious and minor)
Including: 29 for difficulty breathing, 23 for chest pain/cardiac issues, 41 for fall related injuries, 18 for unconscious people, 7 seizure cases, 6 possible stroke cases, 4 for an intoxicated person, 1 for a person under the influence of drugs, 12 for psychiatric problems (9 threatening or attempting suicide), 3 for medical alarms, 1 for a child locked in a vehicle, 2 for allergic reactions, 1 for choking, 16 for altered or decreased level of consciousness, 1 for broken bones, 10 for diabetic emergencies, 2 for man down calls, 4 for uncontrolled bleeding, 2 for assaults, 1 for a gunshot wound, 4 for back pain, 12 for abdominal pain, 2 for a deceased person, 1 for drug withdrawals, 1 for lacerations, 13 welfare checks, 1 for a person shot in the face by a BB gun, 1 for a teenager hit in the head with a soccer ball, 1 for a person hit in the head with a bottle, 1 for a person hit in the head with a rock, 1 for a child with their fingers stuck in a school desk, 1 to assist YCSO with a person in a canal, and other illnesses and injuries (Note: None of the week’s total responses were to the USBP holding facility)

             31     Special Duty, Public Assistance, and Residential Assignments
Including: 1 to assist YPD with a biohazard cleanup, 1 to assist YPD with an EMS standby, 1 for a small brush fire, 2 for unpermitted fires, 1 for a burning smell in a home, 4 for vehicle fires, 1 for a light pole arcing, 1 for a dumpster fire, 4 for a strong natural gas smell, and various alarms

Last week 41 emergency medical responses were for injuries related to falls. Every week about 10% of our calls for service are fall related. 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 see that they 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. 

For more information about fire and injury prevention classes we offer, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at 373-4855, you can also “Follow” us at www.twitter.com/YumaFireDept or on Instagram @YumaFireDepartment