The Hoosier Responder
January 2016 | Volume XI, Issue I
Weekend of Fire Training Set for March 19-20 in this issue The Indiana National Fire courses offered provide Academy Weekend will take place opportunities for hands-on March 19 and 20, 2016. Attendees practice of skills learned in the Medical Oxygen may choose among three courses: classroom. 2 Fire Safety Training Operations, Enhancing Safety Culture, and Executive The weekend training is Leadership. sponsored by Indiana Homeland Security’s Fire and Public Safety 4 Spotting Meth Labs National Fire Academy courses Academy Training System, which instill confidence and build offers training to all 92 character for emergency service counties. The training professionals. The integration of opportunities vary from basic skill and exercise makes the NFA knowledge and orientation to 5 Vial of Life a valuable training asset for safety and survival. Indiana responders. For more information, or to Academy courses encourage register for the 2016 Indiana Red Cross teamwork and the ability to National Fire Academy weekend, 6 Financial Help enhance communication in contact Brandon Wood at different incident types. The [email protected]. March event will provide upper- level training for attendees. The College: A Good Source for New CERT Volunteers A group of students at Franklin College, just south of Indianapolis, finished their fall semester in December by searching for “victims” in a debris- strewn campus building made to look as if a tornado had stuck it.
During the nighttime drill capping off their CERT training, the students set up incident command, triage and morgue areas outside the building; and shut off a “leaking” natural gas meter. Inside, they navigated through overturned desks and Franklin College chairs, around dangling power students practice cords and swaying lamps. basic first aid as part of their recent CERT They applied real pressure and training. (Continued on page 3) The Hoosier Responder 2 There Is No Safe Way to Smoke on Medical Oxygen One scenario that stands out in the personally worked three of these Smokers may understand the need minds of many first responders is deaths just since last May and, to turn off the oxygen flow before one in which the victim has total because they are preventable, I lighting a cigarette, but may not control – when fire injuries or am committed to trying to get know the danger persists even deaths occur because people more information out there when the oxygen isn’t flowing. choose to smoke while on oxygen about the dangers of smoking Oxygen can build up not only in or breathing treatments. and being on oxygen.” the home, but on a person’s hair, clothes and body and ignite There is no safe way to smoke in Broderick says it is relatively immediately. the home when medical oxygen is simple to quickly discern in use, according to the National whether a fire was caused by the Most hospitals, prior to Fire Protection Association. deadly smoking while on oxygen discharging a patient going home combination. The fire usually with new oxygen equipment, offer Normal air is about 20 percent runs along the tubing, like a fuse, a safety tutorial, but it’s vital that oxygen, but the air delivered to and leaves a trail directly back to family members stop purchasing or patients using oxygen therapy is the generator. He adds that many bringing cigarettes to the patient, 100 percent, making it extremely people on oxygen also have and instead urge the patient to quit flammable. Individuals on oxygen mobility issues and cannot help smoking. must be careful to keep the oxygen themselves once a fire starts. system away from cigarettes, Most often, the fire fatality is the candle flames, oil-based lotions, Unfortunately, quitting smoking person who was smoking while on lip balm, aerosol sprays and can be challenging, even after a oxygen, but there are many cases alternative heat sources. person acquires a medical in which a person smoking while condition that was primarily on oxygen has caused the death of “It’s awful to come across any fire caused by smoking. Patients another person living in the death, but especially a preventable newly put on oxygen leave the household. one that occurred because the hospital with breathing person on oxygen lit a cigarette,” equipment and, often, a nicotine The bottom line, according to said Christopher M.Broderick, fire patch. Studies show it isn’t long Broderick: There is no safe way to and explosion investigator with before the patch comes off and smoke when using home oxygen. the Indiana Department of the cigarettes are again part of Homeland Security. “I have the daily regimen. EMTs and EMRs Can Check for Diabetes
A law passed in 2015 has cleared Emergency Medical Services patients who don’t know they have the way for more first responders Commission. diabetes and are at risk of to check patients’ blood glucose complications such as blindness, levels. The bill expanded the definition kidney disease or amputations.” of basic life support to include Previously, only advanced blood glucose checks. The test In order to conduct the tests, emergency medical technicians involves obtaining a drop of EMTs and EMRs must undergo and paramedics were allowed to blood from a patient’s finger, and training and must work for a conduct the simple finger sticks then placing the drop on a provider that has medical that can indicate a patient may be glucometer’s test strip. Results direction from a physician. diabetic. Now, basic emergency are available within seconds. medical technicians and Also, in order to test blood emergency medical responders “Knowing a patient’s blood glucose, an EMS agency must also can conduct the simple test in glucose level not only helps obtain a certificate of waiver under the field. provide a more complete and CLIA, the Clinical Laboratory immediate clinical assessment, Improvement Amendments. CLIA The vast increase in the numbers but also has long-term benefits,” is a federal program designed to of responders who can conduct said Robin Stump, EMS ensure high-quality lab testing. blood sugar tests resulted from education and training chief for the passage of Indiana Senate Bill the Indiana Department of “Most ambulance services are 461 and subsequent new Homeland Security. “It can eligible for a CLIA waiver,” Stump directives from the state’s provide early detection for said. The Hoosier Responder 3 College CERT (Continued From Page 1) real bandages to mock “bleeding” wounds, and removed debris from atop fellow students feigning injury and wailing in “agony.” They extinguished trash-can-size “fires.” They splinted a “broken” leg, and escorted victims to safety.
And they did it all under the watchful eye of their CERT instructor, Johnson County Sheriff’s Deputy Tim White, who had been training them for weeks leading up to the drill and a written exam. Franklin College CERT students practice chair The recent establishment of a extraction of a friend posing Franklin College CERT serves as a as a pregnant woman injured in a tornado- reminder that colleges and damaged building. universities may be good sources for such volunteers. The “The upside is that many colleges promote or require some type of service learning, and CERT is ideal for that,” said Ray Begovich, the Franklin journalism professor who requested student CERT training through Johnson County Toolkit EMA Director Stephanie Sichting. The Indiana Department of “The downside is that the students Homeland Security (IDHS) offers Indiana’s Community graduate and move away, so you Emergency Response Teams need to keep at it with new (CERT) an outreach toolkit students over the years.” they can use to better connect and engage with the public Begovich got the idea for asking about improving local safety his public relations students to capabilities. volunteer for CERT when he was The CERT toolkit contains an working for the IDHS Public outreach plan with detailed Information Office in the summer examples about the different of 2015. He suggests seeking out ways CERT can engage its service learning coordinators or community, a slideshow student activity directors at presentation, informational posters, press release and Hoosier colleges to gauge interest media advisory templates and in establishing CERTs. public service announcements. responders if needed, the students gained awareness and skills that “There is an immediate benefit for The CERT toolkit is designed to could help them protect having college CERT teams – after be a flexible, adaptable themselves and their loved ones all, the possibility of a tornado resource that local CERTs can far into the future. We’re all very apply to their own specific near campus was quite real just a situations. To learn more about appreciative of the excellent week after our drill in December,” CERT or to download the training provided by Deputy Begovich said. “Beyond being able CERT toolkit, please visit White and for the support of the to support professional first dhs.in.gov/citizencorps.htm. Johnson County EMA.” The Hoosier Responder 4 IDHS Fire Investigator Receives ‘Sherlock’ Award
The Mutual Insurance Companies Wells, 33, is a Certified Fire Association of Indiana (MICAI) Investigator (IAAI-CFI®) and has announced that Indiana has worked for IDHS since 2011. Department of Homeland Security Wells’ investigations led to 17 (IDHS) fire investigator Matt arrests in 2014 and 23 arrests in Wells is the recipient of its 2015 2015. Wells holds an Associate Sherlock Award, which Degree in Fire Science and “recognizes Hoosiers who have Safety from Vincennes done outstanding work fighting University, where he now insurance fraud and arson.” instructs, and he has also worked for the Vincennes Township Fire “This well-deserved award speaks Department. IDHS Fire to Matt Wells’ skill and Investigations Section Chief Bob August 2015, the Indiana Chapter persistence in investigations,” said Dean nominated Wells for the of the International Association of State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. award. Arson Investigators (IN-IAAI) “His exceptional work strengthens presented Wells with its Lawrence the efforts of justice and public This is the second award given to William Tuck Investigator of the safety in our state.” Wells in the last six months. In Year Award. Spotting Meth Labs: Tips for Responders
The September 2015 issue of the elaborate ventilation methods in a Hoosier Responder included an home. There might also be a article on methamphetamine strange odor in the home. operations in Indiana and the potential danger first responders Being aware of items in trash cans may find walking into what they or laying around the area can help think is just a routine situation. first responders make decisions to It’s important for first responders increase their safety. Also there to be able to quickly assess a are certain behaviors and signs situation to make sure they don’t people can exhibit that are find themselves standing, indicators of meth use, such as unaware, in the middle of a meth lost or decaying teeth, agitated or lab. aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, paranoia, dilated pupils and Unfortunately, it’s a real talkativeness. possibility that first responders will encounter meth labs, as Here are some specific signs first Indiana leads the nation in meth responders and others should production. quickly look for when entering a location. Indiana Department of Homeland Security Hazmat Specialist Larry Chemical odors – these can be: Hamby teaches first responders the telltale signs they can use to Ether-like, sometimes "Methamphetamine molecule from xtal ball" described as a “hospital odor” quickly assess whether or not a by Jynto (talk) - Own workCrystallographic meth operation is going on at a data from P. Hakey, W. Ouellette, J. Zubieta and can be nasal irritants; location. Often, it’s as easy as first and T. Korter (May 2008). "Redetermination of (+)-methamphetamine hydro•chloride at 90 K" Solvent-like, similar to the responders noticing common Acta Cryst. E64, o940. smell in an auto body shop. household items in non-common DOI:10.1107/S1600536808011550 These can come from paint quantities. There might also be This chemical image was created with Discovery Studio Visualizer.. Licensed under thinners, paint removers and unusual security measures or CC0 via Commons. (Continued on page 5) The Hoosier Responder 5 Vial of Life can Help During Emergencies During emergencies, it can be hard is labeled with a Vial of Life conditions, emergency contact for people to think straight and sticker and contains all pertinent and other pertinent information. supply much-needed information medical information. People may Stickers can also be printed from to first responders. Or, worse yet, a choose to put the vial in the the site. Along with the completed person may not be able to respond refrigerator, in the freezer or on Vial of Life form, it’s a good idea to questions at all. Emergency the outside of the refrigerator to also include in the vial: personnel often need to gather door. It is suggested that stickers patient information quickly, be placed in the front window of a recent photo to help including what medications a the home so emergency emergency personnel make person takes, what medical personnel will know to look for sure the information in the conditions are known or who the vial. vial pertains to the right serves as an emergency contact. person; That’s where Vial of Life can help. “It may not be part of the required curriculum, but most a Living Will (if a person has Vial of Life (Lifesaving responders are trained to at least one); Information For Emergencies) is a look at the outside of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) simple program that allows refrigerators to see if there is a order, if applicable; individuals to have all their Vial of Life placed inside,” said any other documentation like medical information in one place Indiana Department of blood type, recent EKG for first responders to access Homeland Security EMS (electrocardiogram) strip, during an emergency. The Director Michael Garvey. “It is sight or hearing limitations or materials are free, and easy to also important for patients or even preferred language. obtain and use. their families to keep the information updated as Vial of Life also recommends The idea was modeled after the old medications change or if there is people make additional copies of practice of putting medical a change in physicians and the completed form and keep one information in a prescription preferred hospitals.” in a purse or wallet and give one bottle and attaching it with a to a family member or friend. rubber band to a refrigerator shelf. Interested persons can visit Today’s version is similar. The vial, vialoflife.com to download and usually an empty bottle, plastic print a form, which asks for a list sandwich bag or magnetic sleeve, of medications, medical Spotting Meth Labs (Continued From Page 4) cleaning fluids. These are eye duty locks; Acetone; and nasal irritants; or Fans positioned to ventilate Crumpled burnt foil or battery Ammonia-like, which is the home; casings; intense and similar to, but Protective, aggressive dogs; Bottles (like plastic two-liter much stronger than, wet Weapons and booby traps; bottles) with plastic tubing in diapers, glass cleaners or the cap; fertilizers. These are eye and Baby monitors used Reddish-stained coffee filters nasal irritants. outdoors. or canning jars with multi-
colored liquids; Unusual security and/or Items in trash cans or Table or rock salt; ventilation measures – these around the house in large can be: quantities – these can be: Brake cleaner;
Camping fuel; Cold or allergy medicine, or Windows blacked out or Matchbooks; covered; numerous empty punch packs they come in; Iodine; Exterior video surveillance systems; Lithium batteries or empty Gas-line additive; battery packaging; Elaborate fencing and heavy- Rubbing alcohol; Anhydrous ammonia. The Hoosier Responder 6 Red Cross Streamlines Financial Help Process
Every eight minutes in the United To help families recover, the Red Cross may provide the following: States, the Red Cross responds to a disaster, providing food and shelter to those in need, who often have questions like: $50-$125 up to $500 “Where will we stay?” per person in immediate per person for health and cash assistance mental assistance “How will we eat?” or
“What will we wear?”
In some situations, the Red Cross provides direct financial $170-$420 $100-$300 assistance for food, clothing or the per household for lodging Per household in additional means for finding a place to stay. assistance cash assistance to meet other Recently, the Red Cross recovery needs streamlined its process and qualifications for receiving monetary help so that assistance clothes – all designed to buy time can come faster to disaster of where they live. On average, the so that the family can figure out victims. Red Cross provides about $600 what’s next. Caseworkers follow per family. Caseworkers also Now, in as little as 30 minutes, a up with the families after 72 provided one-on-one support and Red Cross caseworker can hours for additional help and are able to refer affected families determine a family’s needs and referrals. to other community partners for provide them with a prepaid card additional aid. From July 1, 2014, Another benefit of the that can be used at various to June 30, 2015, the Red Cross streamlined process is merchants that accept provided help in 76,300 cases consistency. Now people who get MasterCard. People can use this nationwide, the majority of which assistance from the Red Cross financial assistance to buy food, were house fires. receive consistent and standard hotel lodging and a few changes of help for similar events, regardless Intense Smoke Alarm Push in City of Frankfort Thanks to a group effort by the White cites Chief John Kirby and can’t thank them enough for what American Red Cross, the city of Mayor Chris McBarnes for much they did.” Frankfort and the Frankfort Fire of the alarm campaign’s success Department, more than 1,200 and said they were both sold on Chief Kirby set a goal of 500 smoke alarms have been installed the program as soon as he spoke alarms installed during the city’s in homes there over a five-month with them. 200-day campaign. A total of period. 1,201 alarms were installed and 87 “The program got a great jump batteries were replaced in existing Kurt White, disaster program start from the beginning as they alarms. Of the 546 homes visited specialist with the American Red loved it and everything about it,” during the campaign, 388 of them Cross, said he can’t express how White said. “I wish I could had no working smoke alarms. happy he is with the passion and spread the passion these After the installation of the alarms helpfulness of this smoke alarm firefighters have to other and batteries, residents from each effort. He said everyone involved departments around the state. home were also briefed on fire went “above and beyond their They came in on their days off to prevention tips. duties and they bring hope and volunteer during canvassing safety into communities that may events and they showed up again not have that every day.” and again on their days off. I Mission
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security will provide statewide leadership, exemplary customer service, and subject matter expertise for the enhancement of public and private partnerships and the assurance of local, state and federal collaboration to continually develop Indiana’s public safety capabilities for the wellbeing and protection of our citizens, property and economy.
Contact The Hoosier Responder is a publication of The Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Please direct any questions or comments to the IDHS Public Information Office at (317) 234-6713 or [email protected].
Indiana Department of Homeland Security 302 West Washington Street Indiana Government Center South Room E208 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 232-3980 or (800) 669-7362