IN Canon-Mac Spring 2017 | Page 56

North Strabane Township Fire Department Two new “twin” Engines arrived late 2016 and have recently been put into service at NSTFD. The new Engines will be replacing E481, a 2001 Pierce and E482, a 1989 American LaFrance, both of which have served the residents of NST well. NSTFD continues to strive to provide the best protection for our residents and visitors. To continue to provide the best possible patient care during medical emergencies, NSTFD has adopted the Envelope of Life Program. This concept is an inexpen- sive way to provide Paramedics, EMTs and First Responders with patient history information when time is of the essence. Patients of any age can benefit by filling out the Envelope of Life Program Form, available for download at NSTFD.org or by picking one up at Station 1, 2550 Washington Road. The completed form lists your name, age, any perti- nent medical history, allergies, medications, and emergency contact information. The form also pro- vides an opportunity for preferred hospitals and doc- tors that will be difficult to communicate to respond - ers during emergencies. Once completed, the envelope gets affixed to your refrigerator by magnet or tape, in a spot easily found by responders. We ask that you update the form every six months, or each time a change in your care should change. 54 Canon-Mac NSTFD recently placed a new set of Genesis E-Force battery powered rescue tools into service on Engine 483 and Squad 48. These tools are commonly referred to as the “Jaws of Life” and are used for a variety of rescue applications, but are primarily used for vehicle rescues. Engine 483 is now outfitted with a full size 32” spreader, high strength steel o-cutter and a portable battery charging station. Squad 48 is now equipped with a combination tool which includes cutting and spreading capabilities in the same tool. Due to the fact that the new tools operate on high powered batteries, North Stra- bane firefighters will be able to offer a higher quality of service to those who depend on us by being able to quickly deploy and operate these tools in remote locations. NSTFD has recently certified a quick response vehicle to provide Advanced Life Support for residents and visitors of North Strabane Township. The ALS QRS enables the fire department to offer all of the care the ambulance does, except transport to the hospital. NSTFD still operates 2 additional Basic Life Support Units, in addition to the new service. Thanks to B Line for its work on the logistics of the certification project and D Line for outfitting the vehicles.