September 2011: Firefighters Train On New Rescue Equipment

During the month of September, all Cherry Hill Firefighters received training on new equipment that aids in serious motor vehicle accidents. When firefighters arrive at an accident scene where victims are trapped inside their vehicle, or there will be an extended period of time removing them, they perform stabilization on the vehicle. Vehicles involved in accidents can easily move, fall over, or slip on uneven surfaces depending on where and how they come to rest. By stabilizing the vehicle, it removes as much risk as possible of moving the vehicle during the rescue process that might further injure the patient. Stabilization includes many things; from simply making sure the vehicle is turned off and in park; all the way up to building intricate cribbing systems for overturned vehicles. Firefighters reviewed all these systems and techniques.

Highlighted in this training was the use of a new type of stabilizer that saves valuable time setting up translating to quicker extrications and more rapid patient transports to the emergency rooms. The new tool firefighters worked with is known as a Twist-Lock Vehicle Stabilizer - referred to in the field as a rescue strut. It incorporates a simple twist lock technology instead of screwing a locking ring all the way down the shaft. Also, the strap that secures the stabilizer to the vehicle is now integrated in the system already, so no secondary equipment is required to use it.

For a quick review on how struts work, click here for an informational video. http://www.paratech.com/multimedia/Overview/RSS_VSK_OV.swf 

http://www.paratech.com/multimedia/Animations/VSK.swf

Here are some recent pics of accidents in Cherry Hill where this type of strut stabilization was used.

Firefighters Receive "High Tech" Medical Training through Cooper Hospital

     Firefighters from the Cherry Hill Fire Department were given a unique opportunity to hone their skills on a very "high-tech" training manikin, thanks to the efforts of both the Training Division and Cooper Hospital.  This training tool provides, state of the art, EMS specific scenarios which closely mimics many of the medical-related emergencies they are faced with.  From respiratory emergencies and allergic reactions to vitals signs and maternitys, there is really nothing these manikins cannot do.


    Cooper hospital has also agreed to continue this training, throughout the future, with the members of the CHFD and provide a schedule of different training topics driven to maintain the level of excellence we require for our community.  

Instructors are able to closely monitor all aspects of the firefighter's treatment through a computer that provides real-time data and allows them to evolve the signs and symptoms presented by the manikin.

These manikins are also used by Anesthesiologists at Cooper to re certify and maintain their license. 

 

Cherry Hill Township 9/11 Memorial Dedicated

BC Bill Stallfort speaks about his experiences

as a World Trade Center site responder

Several hundred Cherry Hill community members gathered on the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks to dedicate the Township's new 9/11 Memorial.  

The Memorial is located in front of Cherry Hill Fire Department Central Command, at 1100 Marlkress Road, and is open to the public

FF Ray Reis (left), 9/11 Memorial Coordinator and

FF Ed Morris, Memorial Designer

The centerpiece of the Memorial is a 3-foot long piece of steel from 1 World Trade Center (north tower), suspended between two black granite towers.  These towers stand on a granite pentagon-shaped based.  The monument is dedicated "In Honor of the Lives Lost on September 11, 2001".

The Memorial was constructed by Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMS members and supported by the generous donations of many businesses and individuals in the community.

CHFD members pose at the Memorial

CBS 3 Philadelphia's coverage of the ceremony

9.11.11 - September 11 In Memoriam

“No Day Shall Erase You from the Memory of Time”.

Ten years have passed since September 11, 2001 - a day most will always remember. Whether in New York City, or thousands of miles away, we all remember where we were and what we were doing the instant the news reached us. For the men and women of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, we also remember what it did to galvanize our resolve and commitment to providing our region with an emergency response, ready 24 hours a day, to meet any challenge before us.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to recognize that 10 years have gone by since so many victims lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, and so many of our colleagues made the ultimate sacrifice when they rushed into both World Trade Center towers to do what any of us would do. In 2011, by the end of August, we have already lost 68 firefighters who have answered their last call and we recognize their service and sacrifice.

Equally, we recognize the continued commitment, dedication and ultimate devotion to public safety we witness every day by Firefighters, EMTs, Police and all emergency workers around the world, and especially here in America. Tragically, those 68 firefighters that have died in the line of duty this year, puts us once again on track to make the average of 100 firefighters lost in the line of duty each year. Their circumstances remind us to always be safe in what we do. In addition, we recognize the accomplishments of the thousands of military personnel who continue to fight for our freedom, the cost of which has come at a high price for them and their families.

We hope that you will take a minute to remember the efforts of those at Ground Zero 10 years ago, and know that the Cherry Hill Fire Department recognizes those efforts every day as we prepare and train, ensuring we are ready to respond to your emergency.

9.3.11 Holiday Weekend Starts off Busy for Cherry Hill Firefighters & EMTs.

At 0825 in the morning of September 3, 2001, Firefighters responded to a motor vehicle accident in the 700 block of Cooper Landing Road. A single car accident ended up with a utility pole broken in half and the wires dangling just feet above the vehicle. Injuries were minor, but this major cross township roadway was closed for most of the day.

Later in the afternoon, at almost 4:30, Firefighters and EMTs responded to a two car accident at the intersection of Evesham & Springdale Roads. One vehicle had flipped onto its’ side and the driver was trapped. This automatically sends the Rescue Unit to respond along with the on duty Battalion Chief. Crews worked to stabilize the vehicle so EMTs could get inside and prepare the victim. Then rescue personnel removed the roof in order to get the victim out. The victim was transported to the Trauma Center at Cooper Hospital.

Both these accidents are under investigation by Cherry Hill Police.