If you want updates on the citizens' initiative to keep Engine 8 as our neighborhood-based fire and rescue unit, you can always check out the blog (you're already here) --
See the new Facebook page New Haven in support of Engine 8
Or send email to:
SaveEngine8@gmail.com
And don't forget to drop a line to Mayor John DeStefano at mayordestefano@newhavenct.net
He won't hear you if you never say anything.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
And It's Not Actually an Ambulance...
After removing Engine 8 (fire and EMT -- Emergency Medical Technicians) from the Whitney Ave station, the City says it will station an ALS (Advanced Life Support) unit there. The ALS unit will have city-wide coverage responsibilities.
And, just to be clear, the ALS unit is not an ambulance -- meaning, it cannot transport patients. To do that, they would still have to call an ambulance.
So if you have a condition and you need to get to the Hospital right away, the ALS unit isn't going to get you there.
What the FD and the City have not explained yet (unfortunately for us) is the difference between a BLS (Basic Life Support) unit -- which is Engine 8 -- and the ALS. What can the ALS do that the BLS cannot? The BLS unit (i.e., Engine 8, with its Emergency medical Technicians) can stay at "home" in the station on Whitney Ave., and can therefore arrive quickly on site in a medical emergency. The ALS unit can travel all over the city responding to any calls that come in. The BLS unit can also fight fires. The ALS unit cannot.
The Emergency Medical Technicians on Engine 8 can revive you if you have a heart attack. Or a near-drowning (see today's New Haven Register -- Firemen Revive Drowning Victim at Light House Point http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2011/07/12/news/new_haven/doc4e1b1c6d818e6664974081.txt).
Since they can't transport patients, what can the ALS paramedics do that is not covered by Engine8's EMTs? We'd be very interested to know.
And, just to be clear, the ALS unit is not an ambulance -- meaning, it cannot transport patients. To do that, they would still have to call an ambulance.
So if you have a condition and you need to get to the Hospital right away, the ALS unit isn't going to get you there.
What the FD and the City have not explained yet (unfortunately for us) is the difference between a BLS (Basic Life Support) unit -- which is Engine 8 -- and the ALS. What can the ALS do that the BLS cannot? The BLS unit (i.e., Engine 8, with its Emergency medical Technicians) can stay at "home" in the station on Whitney Ave., and can therefore arrive quickly on site in a medical emergency. The ALS unit can travel all over the city responding to any calls that come in. The BLS unit can also fight fires. The ALS unit cannot.
The Emergency Medical Technicians on Engine 8 can revive you if you have a heart attack. Or a near-drowning (see today's New Haven Register -- Firemen Revive Drowning Victim at Light House Point http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2011/07/12/news/new_haven/doc4e1b1c6d818e6664974081.txt).
Since they can't transport patients, what can the ALS paramedics do that is not covered by Engine8's EMTs? We'd be very interested to know.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Dangerous Misconceptions: But We’ll Get an Ambulance, Won’t We?
Some people have heard that, though the city is taking Engine 8 out of the Whitney Ave station, the city will put in an ambulance, and they have therefore concluded that everything will be OK.
Unfortunately, in thinking that, some people have fallen for a bit of comforting misinformation (or disinformation -- in the case of those who are repeating this and should know better).
Here's the thing: Engine 8 is a fire and rescue unit that also provides basic life support, and its home territory is right here. That means it is not just a fire truck. It can provide basic life support -- which means that it can give the first and most immediate response to keep you alive. And it can do it fast because its home territory is right here.
The critical difference is this: the ALS (advanced life support unit, aka, "ambulance") that the city has said it will put at the Whitney Ave. station will not be locally based. It will answer calls all over the city It will not have a "home" territory. Which means it will not be "home" at the station most of the time.
Unfortunately, in thinking that, some people have fallen for a bit of comforting misinformation (or disinformation -- in the case of those who are repeating this and should know better).
Here's the thing: Engine 8 is a fire and rescue unit that also provides basic life support, and its home territory is right here. That means it is not just a fire truck. It can provide basic life support -- which means that it can give the first and most immediate response to keep you alive. And it can do it fast because its home territory is right here.
The critical difference is this: the ALS (advanced life support unit, aka, "ambulance") that the city has said it will put at the Whitney Ave. station will not be locally based. It will answer calls all over the city It will not have a "home" territory. Which means it will not be "home" at the station most of the time.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Squad 1 out all day again for training
That headline says enough.
Squad 1 out all day Thursday July 7 for training.
Meanwhile, Engine 8 was in the station and responded to numerous calls that day.
Squad 1 out all day Thursday July 7 for training.
Meanwhile, Engine 8 was in the station and responded to numerous calls that day.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
More Crew Reassigned -- Closing Possible Soon
More crew from Engine 8 have been re-assigned to other engines, making the closing possible within a couple weeks, likely by the end of the month.
Mayor DeStafano can stop this immediately, if he issues the orders.
Now is the time to contact the mayor. Sign a postcard. Call the mayor's office. And be prepared to walk with your vote: we need a mayor who understands the importance of safety in our neighborhood. If not DeStefano, then somebody who will.
Mayor DeStafano can stop this immediately, if he issues the orders.
Now is the time to contact the mayor. Sign a postcard. Call the mayor's office. And be prepared to walk with your vote: we need a mayor who understands the importance of safety in our neighborhood. If not DeStefano, then somebody who will.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Engine 8: Officers Reassigned, 1st Step to Engine Closing
The 4 officers that lead each of the 4 shifts at Engine 8 got reassigned on Friday to other stations-- the first step in closing the engine. Officer positions, as far as we understand, will now be covered by other officers "temping" in the Whitney Ave station and doing overtime from their postings.
It's the first of the month, so maybe the timing is just procedural. But politically, it's a good time to make a move -- just before a holiday weekend in the height of moving season, when students and residents are gone. A good time to get something done quietly.
In terms of safety, 4th of July weekend doesn't seem like a really good time to compromise the efficiency of the Engine. It ain't for nothing that "fireworks" has the word "fire" in it.
So no more waiting for something to happen -- now is the time. Sign a postcard, contact the mayor and let him know you care.
And let him know you know elections are coming up in October.
It's the first of the month, so maybe the timing is just procedural. But politically, it's a good time to make a move -- just before a holiday weekend in the height of moving season, when students and residents are gone. A good time to get something done quietly.
In terms of safety, 4th of July weekend doesn't seem like a really good time to compromise the efficiency of the Engine. It ain't for nothing that "fireworks" has the word "fire" in it.
So no more waiting for something to happen -- now is the time. Sign a postcard, contact the mayor and let him know you care.
And let him know you know elections are coming up in October.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Basics: Is this a Budget Issue?
No. Even though the property taxes have increased dramatically in the past two years, the city budget is under serious stress. So does the city have to close Engine 8 because it can't afford to pay for it?
No. The Fire Department and city representatives acknowledged publicly at the aldermen's meeting in April 2011 that there will be no significant cost savings. The budget for our neighborhood engine will be re-assigned to provide services for other parts of the city.
It might make sense to cut back services from the Engine that is the least-used in the city, if you had to and if that wouldn't entail an unacceptable security risk..
So I guess it's because our neighborhood pays the least in property taxes that our fire engine is going to be the one cut?
Um.... let me think about that one.
No. The Fire Department and city representatives acknowledged publicly at the aldermen's meeting in April 2011 that there will be no significant cost savings. The budget for our neighborhood engine will be re-assigned to provide services for other parts of the city.
It might make sense to cut back services from the Engine that is the least-used in the city, if you had to and if that wouldn't entail an unacceptable security risk..
So I guess it's because our neighborhood pays the least in property taxes that our fire engine is going to be the one cut?
Um.... let me think about that one.
Basics: Engine 8 also covers the schools
Engine 8 is the first responder for fire and medical emercencies at half a dozen schools -- including Worthington Hooker K-2 and 3-8, Celantano, Foote School, St. Thomas Day School, Wilbur Cross -- and as many preschools -- including Edith B Jackson, Bethesda Lutheran, Childrens' Preschool, and Laila Day.
Without Engine 8, the closest fire engine would be at Olive and Grand -- which is not so good for us.
Squad 1 can also respond, if -- if -- it is in the fire station.
And, of course, coverage for other schools in the city is not an issue, since none of the other 10 fire stations is losing their engine.
Without Engine 8, the closest fire engine would be at Olive and Grand -- which is not so good for us.
Squad 1 can also respond, if -- if -- it is in the fire station.
And, of course, coverage for other schools in the city is not an issue, since none of the other 10 fire stations is losing their engine.
Back to Basics: What Does Engine 8 do?
Engine 8 fights fires and provides basic life support in emergencies.
In 2010, Engine 8 responded to over 1600 calls.
New Haven has 10 fire stations. Each one has a fire engine designated with a "home" territory where they provide first response for fire and medical emergencies. The home territory of Engine 8 is the northern section of the city.
Engine 8 covers on of the largest territories assigned to any engine, and one of the most densely populated.
Without Engine 8, the East Rock neighborhood (including Sohu, Science Hill, and Prospect Streets) will be the ONLY fire station in New Haven without a designated "home" fire engine.
In 2010, Engine 8 responded to over 1600 calls.
New Haven has 10 fire stations. Each one has a fire engine designated with a "home" territory where they provide first response for fire and medical emergencies. The home territory of Engine 8 is the northern section of the city.
Engine 8 covers on of the largest territories assigned to any engine, and one of the most densely populated.
Without Engine 8, the East Rock neighborhood (including Sohu, Science Hill, and Prospect Streets) will be the ONLY fire station in New Haven without a designated "home" fire engine.
Sign a Postcard!
Let Mayor DeStefano and the NH Fire Department know that you are concerned --
Sign one of the red and white postcards that say "We Need Engine 8." You can find them at Romeo's, Lulu's, Orange Street Liquor, P&M Market, Cafe Romeo, and other shops along Orange Street.
Add a personal note if you feel like it (something like "I won't vote for you in October, you mangy rodent, if you close our fire engine!" would probably get his attention). And drop it in the drop box.
We'll collect them all and make a very public display of support for Engine 8.
It's not a petition, so you don't have to be registered to vote (or even eligible to vote).
But if you think you might like to be saved in case of a house fire -- please sign a card.
Sign one of the red and white postcards that say "We Need Engine 8." You can find them at Romeo's, Lulu's, Orange Street Liquor, P&M Market, Cafe Romeo, and other shops along Orange Street.
Add a personal note if you feel like it (something like "I won't vote for you in October, you mangy rodent, if you close our fire engine!" would probably get his attention). And drop it in the drop box.
We'll collect them all and make a very public display of support for Engine 8.
It's not a petition, so you don't have to be registered to vote (or even eligible to vote).
But if you think you might like to be saved in case of a house fire -- please sign a card.
Tell Mayor DeStefano
So if you've decided that you don't think our neighborhood (the entire northern section of the city, actually) should be the ONLY neighborhood that doesn't have a fire engine, let Mayor DeStefano know.
You can reach his office by phone at (203) 946-8200
by email at mayordestafano@newhavenct.net
Or if you are downtown to drop off your tax bill, you can go by his office at 165 Church Street.
If we tell him 500 times, do you think he will get the message?
You can reach his office by phone at (203) 946-8200
by email at mayordestafano@newhavenct.net
Or if you are downtown to drop off your tax bill, you can go by his office at 165 Church Street.
If we tell him 500 times, do you think he will get the message?
Prom Night is Getting on Like a House on Fire
You wouldn't think that Prom Night was a particularly dangerous night for fires, would you?
Because, in her excitement, Cinderella left her curling iron plugged in and on the bed and then went off to the ball -- and came home, literally, to cinders and ashes. That's what happened at a house on Sheffield Ave last week.
But because Engine 8 got there fast, they managed to save the house, even though Cinderella's room was destroyed -- because "getting on like a house on fire" isn't just a saying.
Because, in her excitement, Cinderella left her curling iron plugged in and on the bed and then went off to the ball -- and came home, literally, to cinders and ashes. That's what happened at a house on Sheffield Ave last week.
But because Engine 8 got there fast, they managed to save the house, even though Cinderella's room was destroyed -- because "getting on like a house on fire" isn't just a saying.
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