Halloween Safety

The fun and excitement surrounding Halloween can suddenly turn to sorrow and misfortune through one careless act.  The incidence of fire, accident, and injury often increases during holidays and festive events.  Each year, firefighters and paramedics witness incidents on Halloween that could have been prevented had simple safety rules been followed.  Among the high-risk activities on Halloween; trick-or-treating is of greatest concern to Fire/EMS Department personnel.  Between 4:00 and 10:00 PM on Halloween, there is a significant increase in falls, burn-related injuries, and pedestrian injuries.  Children are four and a half times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other night during the year.  Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.

Often, there are safe alternatives to trick-or-treating that can be fun and also risk-free.  Local churches and schools may plan Halloween parties, or families may get together and conduct games and activities instead of allowing young children to engage in trick-or-treating in dangerous neighborhoods or along busy streets.  Prince George ’s County Fire Chief Lawrence H. Sedgwick, Jr. urges adults to take a more pro-active role in activities on Halloween.  Additionally, he reminds adults to be vigilant and exercise due caution when traveling to avoid automobile related crashes.  Fire Chief Sedgwick stated, “Fires and injuries that occur on Halloween are predictable, preventable and can be avoided with planning and supervision.  Preventing an accident from ever occurring is our goal – Prevention before Response.” 

For those who plan to venture out trick-or-treating, the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services {EMS} Department would like to offer the following safety tips so that all might enjoy a happy and safe Halloween:

• Costumes should be made of flame resistant light-colored fabric or have reflective qualities.  They should be short enough so as not to interfere with walking or become entangled in bicycle chains.  Use facial makeup rather than masks so children can see easily.
• Children should carry flashlights and not use candles or torches.  Before leaving the home, children should discuss the proposed route, time of return, and companions.  An adult should always accompany younger children.  It is advisable to visit the homes of persons you know or local familiar neighborhoods, stopping at well-lit houses only.  As a general rule, children should avoid entering homes or apartments and always travel with a companion.
• Children should avoid busy streets, always use sidewalks, and follow all traffic rules and regulations.  Motorists should avoid all unnecessary travel on Halloween evening, and when driving they should drive slowly and be alert to small children crossing streets. Many accidents occur when motorists are backing vehicles out of driveways, unaware of the presence of small children.
• Halloween treats should be saved until children return home where adults can examine all items closely.  Treats that are unwrapped, or show signs of having been opened, should not be eaten.  Fruit should be sliced into small pieces and checked for foreign objects. Keep small pieces of candy away from infants and very small children, as they can easily become lodged in the throat and cause choking.
• Persons receiving trick-or-treaters should keep a light on and pick up obstacles that could cause a child to trip and become injured.  Jack-o-lanterns should be kept clear of doorsteps and landings.  Consider the possibility of using flashlights instead of candles to light Jack-o-lanterns.  Keep dogs and other pets away from doors so children will not become frightened.

B-W Parkway

On the morning of 10.21.07 units Sq49, A49 and Ch49A were alerted for the MVC with one trapped. Working with units from 31 and AA county, one priority one victim was extricated and transported to a local trauma center by Eagle one. Photos courtesy of Chief 31.

I-95

Photos courtesy of Chief 31

On October 20th at approximately 1813, Rescue Engine 49 and Chief 49 A (Arsenault) were alerted for South Bound I-95 at Brooklyn Bridge Road for a tan mustang that had spun out of control and flipped multiple times. First arriving units found one overturned with one occupant who was trapped by the vehicle laying on their chest. Rescue Engine 49 quickly went to work extricating the patient who was then flown to a local area trauma center. Chief 49A (Arsenault) had command and the Rescue Engine officer had the extrication division. Rescue Engine 49 extricated the patient in approximately 10 minutes.

BP Gas Station Burns

On October 15th at 0106, RE49 was alerted to 311 Washington Blvd for fire coming from the roof at the BP gas station. RE49 with 4 volunteers arrived on the scene to find heavy fire showing from the store part of the gas station with fire through the roof. The working fire dispatch brought A499 and MD849 to the scene. The crew from RE49 advanced a line and made a quick knock on the fire, containing it to the store while stopping it from spreading to the garage area. The fire was declared under control within 30 minutes. RE49 stayed on scene to assist with the investigation and overhaul. All units cleared at 0445.

Units on the scene were: RE49, E102, E781, E701, TK31, TK93, TW71, SQ14, A499, MD849, E411, HSC41

Public Safety Diver Training

On the weekend of October 12-14 2007, members from Co 49 and 56 certified in Dive Rescue 1. This valuable training makes the units more efficient, safer and builds cohesion between the two companies.

Mass Casualty Incident on S/B Baltimore Washington Parkway

On Monday, October 8th at 2312, Squad 49 and C49B (as B806) were dispatched to S/B Baltimore Washington parkway prior to Greenbelt Rd. for the rollover and possibly one trapped. The initial dispatch included E353, A359, RS49, MD49 and EMS11. Engine 353 arrived on the scene with no one trapped but a total of 10 patients. The EMS Task force was requested which brought A319, A149, A119, A489, A129, A137, A77, EMS 1 and MCSU 49. Squad 49 arrived on scene and provided lights and assisted with triage and patient care. B806 operated as Operations Sector, and MD49 was used for the Triage Sector. A total of 4 patients were transported, two to PGGH and two to MedStar. Squad 49 cleared at 0004.

Units on Scene - E353, E311, SQ49, A359, A319, A149, A119, A489, A129, A137, A77, M849, C35, C49B (BC806), EMS801, EMS811