Garland, TX – We have been covering a wide array of fascinating topics throughout the Garland Citizen Fire Academy already. Recently, we took a tour of two of our fire stations and the Dispatch Call Center. The tour began at Fire Station #6, one of the newest facilities in the city, before moving on to the beloved and historic Fire Station #1, and concluding at the Dispatch Call Center located within the Garland Police Headquarters. The difference between Station #6 and Station #1 was apparent, but the department treasures both facilities for different reasons.
Touring the Facilities
Fire Station #6, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, impressed visitors with its modern amenities. The facility features special bunker gear washing stations and a separate room designated for gear storage, ensuring that equipment remains distinct from the living quarters. The firefighters at Station #6 enjoy private, comfortable sleeping quarters, designed to provide rest during their demanding 24-hour shifts. Additionally, the station boasts a detached gym, allowing firefighters to exercise without disturbing their colleagues during rest periods. Every detail of the facility has been meticulously considered, resulting in a beautiful and functional environment for the team.
Station #6
The tour then moved to Fire Station #1, the oldest station in Garland, which holds a wealth of history and cherished memories for the firefighters who have served there over the years. Jerry Click, a longtime member of the department, guided the class through the station, sharing personal anecdotes about its evolution. He reminisced about the days when the Dispatch Call Center was housed within the station, recalling fond memories of cooking in the kitchen and playing volleyball in a sandpit that once occupied the yard. Click also reflected on the challenges of sleeping in an open area without individual temperature controls, contrasting it with the comforts available in the new station.
The final stop on the tour was the Dispatch Call Center, where attendees gained insight into the call volume and technology utilized to efficiently respond to emergencies. On a typical Thursday evening, visitors observed the sophisticated systems in place that help dispatchers quickly locate mobile callers, ensuring that first responders reach those in need as swiftly as possible.
EMS in the Fire Department
In the recent class, academy members learned about the unique responsibilities of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team that help keep firefighters and paramedics safe and effective. They discussed situations where the city experiences ambulance overload, which occurs when three or fewer ambulances are available to respond to calls. Factors contributing to this overload include longer wait times at local hospitals. The tour highlighted the operational challenges faced by the department, particularly when ambulances cannot return to service until patients are admitted to a hospital.
Additionally, participants received hands-on training in CPR, which is vital for anyone who may find themselves in an emergency situation. The steps for performing CPR follow the acronym CAB (Compression, Airway, Breathing):
- Assess the situation: Check for responsiveness and breathing.
- Shake the person to wake up: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911 and begin CPR until help arrives.
- Compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, with the other hand on top. Push down hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, performing 30 compressions.
- Airway: Tilt the head back so the nose is pointed to the ceiling, check the airway for obstructions.
- Breathing: After 30 compressions and checking the airway, provide 2 breaths by sealing your mouth over the person’s mouth and giving a breath that lasts about 1 second, ensuring that the chest rises.
- Continue cycles: Repeat the CAB cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths for 5 cycles before switching to another person if available.
Participants were also introduced to the Lucas 3, a device designed to standardize and ease chest compressions during CPR, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the process. With this tool, emergency responders can deliver consistent compressions during transport, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks such as relocating patients onto the vehicle, starting IVs, providing respiratory support, and intubating. This technology is saving lives and alleviating the physical strain on firefighters, who can become quickly exhausted from performing manual compressions.
As the evening wrapped up, participants had the opportunity to try on bunker gear, adding a personal touch to their experience. While some opted not to wear boots due to comfort, the gear fit well enough for all to engage in a practical demonstration, further enhancing their understanding of the equipment used by firefighters.
The Garland Citizen Fire Academy continues to provide valuable insights into the workings of the fire department, fostering a deeper appreciation for the dedication and challenges faced by firefighters and emergency responders in the community.
