Firefighter Down - CPR Training

Firefighter Down – CPR Training

In 2012, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published a study showing the leading causes of death among on duty firefighters 45 years old and younger.  There were 81 fatalities reported, 39 of them caused by a heart attack.

The Cherry Hill Fire Department saw a need and has adopted the Firefighter Down Training Program originally created by FD – CPR and has developed it based on our needs, equipment and resources. 

Cardiac disease has many risk factors associated with it including but not limited to lack of exercise, poor nutritional habits, irregular sleep patterns, obesity and medical conditions such as high blood pressure.   Through the training program, firefighters are made aware that emergency service providers work schedules that revolve around these poor habits and that it is time we think about ourselves, our brotherhood and our families. 

Exercise, proper nutrition and proper sleep are paramount to decreasing preventable disease and ensure that we are prepared to help the community at any time no matter what we are called out for.  Over the past 2 years, there have been multiple deaths of Firefighters and EMT’s in surrounding towns, even affecting our own department.  This training program is structured so in the event of sudden cardiac arrest in a firefighter, with full turnout gear on and breathing air from a SCBA bottle, we are prepared.    We cover recognition of cardiac arrest, initiating compressions, efficient removal of gear, evaluation the etiology of the arrest, continued CPR and re-evaluation until transport to the emergency department is initiated.  Each firefighter in the CHFD was trained in the resuscitation techniques and training will be a continued practice amongst each company.

Congratulations to Lieutenant James Collins on his Retirement

We would like to congratulate Lieutenant James Collins on his retirement from active service with the Cherry Hill Fire Department. Jim was hired as a firefighter on August 8, 1994. Prior to his hiring, Jim was a career firefighter with the Cinnaminson Fire Department and began service to the people of Cherry Hill Township on June 3, 1985 as a volunteer with Cherry Hill Fire District 5.

Jim’s first assignment was at Engine 1352 C Platoon as a firefighter. In October of 1997, he was transferred to Engine 1342 A Platoon where he qualified as an Acting Lieutenant. In 1998, Jim was assigned to Engine 1362 C Platoon; the following year he would return to Station 4 and continue his work at 1342 B Platoon. In 2000, Jim was assigned to Tower Ladder 1324 C Platoon. During 2001, Firefighter Collins was transferred to 1352 C Platoon where he would remain until his promotion.

On May 31, 2004, Jim was promoted to Lieutenant and took command of Ladder 1344 A Platoon.

On November 11, 2009, while operating as part of a search team, Jim was awarded the Department’s Class II Meritorious Medal for conducting a search without the protection of a hoseline under deteriorating conditions and removed a trapped occupant at the Woods I condominium.

During 2013, Jim assisted with the relocation of Ladder 4 to Station 3 while assisting in the implementation of the Squrt Engine at Station 4.

In September 2013, Jim was transferred back to Ladder 1324 A Platoon where he proudly finishes up his distinguished career with the Cherry Hill Fire Department.

On behalf of the entire Department and Board of Fire Commissioners, we wish Lieutenant James Collins success in his future endeavors and thank him for his years of service and countless contributions to our organization.