Hard to believe that this delightful, full of life, military veteran – could ever lose his rhythm. But on March 30, that’s exactly what happened. 

An Apopka resident, Mr. Robinson was traveling through Winter Park during the morning commute hours of March 30, when his vehicle left the roadway and crashed. Units were dispatched. Fortunately, the crash was just a stone’s throw from WPFD Station 64 on Howell Branch Road. 

Both police and fire/EMS officials on scene worked quickly. But what became apparent, is that while Mr. Robinson had been involved in a crash – what caused him to crash was the real emergency. He was not breathing, he had no pulse and was in full cardiac arrest, which means technically – he was gone. 

Immediate and aggressive life-saving measures were implemented on scene and - they got him back.

The medical term for such resuscitation is ROSC, which stands for Return of Spontaneous Circulation. In simple terms, it means his heart started pumping again. It is estimated that ROSC is achieved in as few as 30 percent of cases when immediate life-saving measure are deployed. The measures like CPR, AED (automated external defibrillator) can be the difference.  And just because a person’s heart rhythm has been restored it doesn’t mean they’ll survive. In fact, many patients do not. 

But this was a good day. Not only did paramedics revive him, he was conscious by the time he reached the hospital. “In my 30 years of doing this, I’ve never seen it. What happened to Mr. Robinson was nothing short of a miracle. As emergency personnel, we need these miracles. For all that we see, these are the outcomes that keep us going,” said Battalion Chief Mark Adams. 

Months later, Mr. Robinson stopped by the fire house that saved him. Quietly they chatted and recalled the day. Later, when the invite from the Fire Chief came to help present the responding crew with a lifesaving award, he was all in. 

Joining him was his wife who also expressed her sincere gratitude for her heroes. Mrs. Robinson had been traveling that day. Out of state, she received the horrendous notification of what had happened. But she shared the immense relief in learning he was okay. 

Mr. Robinson describes himself as a man of God. He is member of the Church. Loves some good soul music. Never did he think he could lose that rhythm for life. But he sure is grateful his heroes helped him get it back. 

Please, learn CPR. You never know when you’ll be first on scene. The Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department regularly hosts CPR classes, and will happily accommodate requests. Visit us at wpfd.org/classes.

Firefighters, marine patrol officers and officials with Ride Dry, Drive Dry recently hosted a boat display and educational event at the Winter Park Farmer’s Market. The goal – touch on those very important reminders that help all who enjoy the waters of Winter Park, safely. With almost half of all boating accidents involving alcohol, Ride Dry, Drive Dry has made it their mission to promote fun, yet responsible and sober driving. EMS and rescuers, along with marine patrol officers have seen first-hand the devastating results of boating under the influence. Patrolling the waterways remains a top priority, with efforts by law enforcement to combat boating under the influence ongoing focus.

The May event brought more than just cool boats, but also local first responders who helped fit children for life-jackets, use a fire extinguisher and learn hands-only CPR.

Firefighters and EMS strongly encourage ALL individuals to learn CPR and take a first-aid class. Accidents or medical emergencies on the water, particularly out on a boat require citizen bystanders to intervene until help arrives. Knowing that 45 percent of cardiac arrest victims survive when bystander CPR is administered, underscores the importance of taking a class. The Winter Park Fire Department regularly hosts CPR classes, if one that is scheduled doesn’t work, private sessions can be coordinated.  “CPR is a class everyone should take. But this time of year, we particularly encourage homeowners with pools, parents and grandparents with young children, and those out on the lakes to become CPR certified and take a first-aid class,” says Tim Millard, a retired firefighter and CPR instructor.

If plans include launching a boat or any vessel, here’s a few helpful reminders to know before you go.

· In Florida, children under age six must wear a life jacket at all times on any vessel. A life jacket for every passenger must be on board (U.S. Coast Guard approved).

· Anyone born after January 1, 1988, must have a state Boating Safety ID card and picture ID to operate vessels over 10 hp. Children between the ages of 14 to 17 must have an additional Winter Park boater’s license for use in the Winter Park Chain of Lakes.  (Check local ordinances for any additional requirements.)

· In Florida, children under 14 cannot operate a motorboat (including jet skis) over 10 hp.

· Jet skis and other vessels must maintain 300 feet from other vessels or persons they are towing in the water (water skiers, surfers, tubers, etc.).

· Kayakers and paddle boarders are required to have a life jacket and sound-making device 
on board. 

In partnership with OCPS, World Heart Day has become an annual tradition among Winter Park students, and one that is sure to save a life. Every year, on World Heart Day, the Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department teams up with the Winter Park High School and 9^th Grade Center to introduce students to hands-only CPR. The introduction provides students with three key steps to complete, should someone near them experience cardiac arrest. 

1. Are they responsive? Do they need CPR?
2. Call 911
3. Initiate compressions

While working with a mannequin isn’t quite the same as a real person, the experience of practicing first-hand and learning from first responders instills a known response, hoped they will never need to employ. With the recent and nationally televised cardiac arrest of NFL Buffalo Bills’ Safety Damar Hamlin, learning how to properly administer CPR has received more interest. It’s a harsh reality, but initiating CPR within minutes is critical. While help may be on the way, instructors underscore that often a citizen bystander or a loved one may be in the best position to start help. “You’ve got about four minutes before brain damage may set in,” says Tim Millard, RET Engineer/Paramedic and CPR Instructor. 

This year, firefighters once again teamed up with school administers in Winter Park.  Groups of approximately 30 students gathered for a 20-minute course strictly focused on identifying when someone needs CPR, getting help and hands-only compressions. A critical component – fast and hard quality compressions, center of the chest until help arrives. 

First, we understand a medical emergency is scary. We also know we’ve got to get to you.  During the first few moments of a 911 call, an operator will ask you a series of questions. Most are predictable – the address, what’s happening, age of patient, known conditions, are there any known threats on-scene such as large dogs or environmental hazards. Don’t worry, these questions do not delay the dispatch or arrival of help.  It’s important for 911 to collect as much information as possible. It’s ok if you don’t have all the answers. 

Once on scene, EMS (emergency medical services) will ask similar questions.  Here in Winter Park, all firefighters are considered EMS personnel, meaning they are a paramedic or emergency medical technician (EMT).  After an initial assessment, personnel will determine the first steps in patient care. It is possible paramedics start an IV in the field or initiate an EKG to monitor a patient’s heart. They may start the flow of oxygen, or check blood pressure. The initial assessment helps make those next step decisions. They’ll ask about any medications the patient may be on. What happens next depends. A patient may elect to simply follow-up with a primary care physician or in fact continue on to the emergency department. 

What about lights and sirens? Yes, lights and sirens are exciting – but safety is always paramount.  In a medical emergency, the units will come to the patient with lights and sirens on, however the patient’s condition dictates whether or not that same emergency response is necessary to the hospital.  

All Winter Park units are advanced life support units, which means that both personnel and equipment on board are ready to respond to all critical emergencies. Rest assured, if the fire engine shows up before the rescue ambulance – it’s ok. They have equal qualifications to begin to render aid. In severe cases, the 911 operator will dispatch an EMS Captain. In Winter Park, an EMS Captain is always on duty and available. This is an individual with significant paramedic experience. 

Recently, Winter Park personnel sat down with some of the residents at a local assisted living facility. We noticed some of the questions presented were ones that first responders often field:  

• Why do so many of you show up? We just love you. Also, we staff up to be prepared. It’s safer to scale back on personnel, verses need to request more.

• Why does the fire department/EMS respond to my call instead of a hospital ambulance? If you make a call to 911 with an injury or emergency, first responders take you to the hospital. Hospital ambulances transport between hospitals.

• Why are paramedics on the computer when evaluating the patient? 1) They are amazing at multi-tasking. They aren’t being rude, rather inputting your medical history, medications, conditions, etc. to help with continuity of care.

• Can I request a hospital if I’m transported? Yes, you can. Winter Park Fire-Rescue will do their best to accommodate the ask, but condition/injury and other factors may lead you to the closest or most appropriate hospital. 

• Can someone ride with me in the rescue-ambulance? Yes, but up front! (You need a seatbelt and it's bumpy back there.)

• If I ride in the ambulance, do I get in the front of the line at the emergency room? No, the rescue ride doesn’t get you head of the line privilege, but your condition will be evaluated and if it is urgent, you will be seen first.

• What can I do to be prepared for first responders to arrive? If you are in a condition to converse with first responders, you can tell them where your medication is. If you have a list of the most up-to-date medications you take and your dosage, even better! If you would like a medication card, please contact WPFDPubEd@cityofwinterpark.org and we will be happy to send one to you!

It wasn’t just the outdoor temps (soaring above 100) that made this story time the hottest ticket in town (for the under 5 age group). With their fire hats on, dozens of kids sat excitedly for the chance to meet their local fire heroes, including one special four-legged friend. 

On July 8, Fire Chief Hagedorn and Firedog Abbey teamed up with Firefighter Jack Timmes, along with Park Avenue businesses the Writer’s Block Bookstore and Tugboat and the Bird for a summer story time.  It was one of the first events for Firedog Abbey, a one-and-a-half-year-old Golden Retriever who is in school to become a therapy dog for the Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department. 

The event was widely attended and a huge success. Kids enjoyed the book, A Day at the Fire Station by Richard Scarry, followed by the chance to meet Firefighter Jack Timmes who took time to show off his gear and answer a few important questions from his young guests…. Like….“What do you eat at the fire station?” Kids bounced over to Tugboat and the Bird for another story with the Fire Chief, complete with lots of pets and hugs from K9 Abbey. As cool as these many experiences were, firefighters couldn’t just read A Day at the Fire Station without one very cool surprise – a fire truck waiting outside. 

Events such as story time might seem simple, but to kids it can be a big deal. Often times, children have a tendency to hide during a fire and these types of engagements help underscore that firefighters are friends. Please teach children that firefighters and police officers are friends and to always run towards them in danger so that they can protect them from harm. 

Stay tuned for another story time announcement this fall! 

It has been nearly fifteen years since the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act) was passed into law. The bill, which was named in honor of Virginia Graeme Baker who died after being trapped under water by a hot tub drain. It took two adults to free the 7-year-old. It was later estimated the suction pulled at 700 lbs. of pressure, making it impossible for the child to free herself. With many kids turning to the pools to beat the heat, firefighters and EMS personnel ask residents to ensure their pool and spa drains have the proper anti-entrapment updates to prevent injury and/or death.

The law, which went into effect December 2008, required additional safety measures to prevent such a horrendous tragedy from taking place again. In new pools, these features are required by code. But for older pools (predating 2008) homeowners should replace old drain covers that are an older flat style drain with suction breaking drain covers.

Pools and spas should have at least one or more safety features in place: 1) an updated drain cover, 2) a second drain, 3) automatic shut-off feature 4) safety valve release. A simple visit to the pool store can make the difference between life and death, for systemic updates consult with a licensed pool contractor. 

Factors that contribute to entrapment include long hair, loose clothing, sitting on drains and even diving for toys near drains. WPFD strongly recommends having designated water watchers (someone charged to actively watch children) and the following installed:

• proper child locks
• fencing around pools
• water alarms

Drowning remains the leading cause of death among children between the ages of 1-4 and second leading cause of death for children ages 1-14. Swim lessons are offered by the Parks & Recreation Department at both the Winter Park Community Center and Cady Way pools. Details can be found at cityofwinterpark.org/swim. 

All parents and caretakers are also strongly encouraged to teach children to stay away from drains and learn CPR. CPR and other important safety classes are offered by WPFD throughout the year.

Safe Sitter is a national program that is taught by the experts – firefighter/EMS personnel. The 6-hour program, open to both boys and girls, covers safety and childcare skills, first aid and rescue skills, basic first aid, along with life and business skills. Participants even walk away with their full CPR certification. 

Whether a young person is home alone, babysitting a sibling or providing care for someone else’s child, things can happen and knowing what to do can make the experience not just more enjoyable, but also safer. 

The Safe Sitter curriculum is broken down into indoor and outdoor safety; for example, what to do if you smell gas, if there’s a weather emergency, a confrontation with an animal. But it also covers basic childcare skills such as navigating temper tantrums, diaper disasters, and hosting age-appropriate activities. “I learned about the high-five.” Emery, an 11-year-old who recently participated in the class, explained that the high five theory is something she was taught to help her remember what to communicate to her parents about a babysitting job. It’s five points, hence the high five. “I need to tell them and I need to ask ‘who, what, when, where and how’ when it comes to what the job is about.”

We recognize that babysitters are often focused on caring for younger children, but babysitters are often kids themselves and this class focuses on them too. For example, the program recommends having a code or way to contact their own parents privately should they be in a situation that makes them uncomfortable or they need their parent or caregiver to come get them. 

The program is approximately six hours long. Participants graduate with quick basic first aid skills and a full CPR certification. The registration cost is $90, which covers the two certifications. Girl Scout patches are also available upon request! Safe Sitter credentials are valid for two years. Kids have the opportunity to explore the fire station and enjoy a fun, hands-on experience with life-long take aways.

Learn more and sign up today by visiting us at https://wpfd.org/product/safe-sitter/.