FDIC: THE SMOKE COALITION

smokecoalition

FDIC Promotions and Class Sessions

Every year the Coalition offers a “special” rate membership during FDIC.  This year the focus is on fire departments. After sending last month’s email, it became apparent that the offer needs to be extended outside of FDIC as so many department budgets have been cut that traveling to FDIC isn’t an option.  For that reason, between now and the end of FDIC, the following offer will apply to all fire departments that wish to join.  Simply download the forms and send to the Coalition.This year’s fire department membership can be purchased for $75.00 (one-time fee) and includes the following:

  • 6 individual memberships to www.FireSmoke.org for training staff
  • DVD that includes:
    • ​Virtual Smoke Symposium
    • To Hell and Back: Cyanide Poisoning training video
    • Out of Air training video
    • Aftermath training video
    • Generic power point instructor presentation

The second promotion is the individual lifetime membership for $20.00 and will only be offered during FDIC.

The third promotion benefits the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN).   Thanks-a-Knot, a Phoenix-based business, brands professions and groups with knotted bracelets.  It’s mission is simple:  helping others.  As a kick-off for 2015, Thanks-a-Knot selected the fire service as its first profession to brand with red, black and gray Knots.  Stop by the booth to purchase your Firefighter Thanks-a-Knot for only $5.00 – $1.00 of which will be donated to FCSN.  The goal is to donate $1,000.00 – so please help us make the donation a reality.

Booth Number:  10042 (Maryland Street Corridor)

FDIC Classroom Sessions:

Thursday, April 23, 2015, 10:30 am:  Jason Krusen presents Smells, Bells & Spills

The focus is on the many concerns associated with everyday responses to natural gas emergencies, calls involving carbon monoxide, as well as fuel spills. Safety concerns are discussed along with how to address them and what to look for. Participants are given suggestions for leading by example on the calls and ways to change the behavior of companies operating on the scene. Participants are given ideas and guidelines for mitigating these incidents, as well as training tips for use in their departments. Recent calls involving these incidents are also discussed.

Thursday, April 23, 2015, 1:30 pm:  Rob Schnepp presents Fire Smoke:  The Impact of Inhalation, Ingestion and Absorption and Preventing the Exposure

This program unequivocally proves that if firefighters do not change personal behaviors, they can expect disease and illness to eventually rob them of a healthy life. Students gain information, including new research about personal protective equipment (PPE) and the need to prevent exposure to fire smoke because of its toxic impact on their lives. Many departments have instituted air-management protocols that will prevent exposure through inhalation, but not all understand that inhalation and absorption continue when the body is repeatedly exposed to toxic substances through PPE. Students see why carbon monoxide is not the only substance to fear on the fireground.

“Know Your Smoke” 2015 Training – New Venues!

  • April 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN; Register
  • May 15, 2015; Illinois Fire Services Institute; Register
  • May 18-24, 2015;  Tarrant County College; Register
  • May 16, 2015; Cincinnati Fire Academy; Register
  • June 5, 2015; Yonkers, NY;  Register
  • June 6, 2015; Dutchess County, NY; Register
  • July 18, 2015; Darlington, MD; Register
  • July 19, 2015; Long Island, NY; Register
  • August 14-15, 2015; Anchorage, AK; Register
  • September 27, 2015; Allegheny County, PA; Register;
  • October 2, 2015; Lakewood, CO; Register
  • November 13, 2015; Pasco Community College, Dade City, FL; Register
  • November 14, 2015; Camilla, GA (SOWEGA Fire Chiefs; Register
  • December 5, 2015; Glendale, AZ; Register

For those who have yet to attend “Know Your Smoke” – take a moment and listen to a few thoughts about the training.

Dix Hills, NY:  Four departments chip in to purchase Cyanokit and Save a Life!A 70 year-old man was spared death – and only because he received the Cyanokit.  The Coalition is well aware of the cost of the kit, but there is no other “antidote” approved by the FDA for cyanide poisoning in smoke inhalation.  There are other means of treatment, but not as effective as the antidote that directly counteracts the hydrogen cyanide poisoning.  In this particular case, four departments shared the cost of the Cyanokit.  According to Chief Robert Fling, Dix Hills Fire Department, “soot was visible in the man’s airway.”  Chances are he would not have survived without the antidote.  As Chief Fling so aptly stated, “The Cyanokit is the “Narcan” for smoke inhalation.” Sharing the cost of the Cyanokit may not be possible for all departments, but it’s obviously a life-saving plan worth sharing. All are to be commended and thanked for being progressive and resourceful.View the story as reported by Sophia Hall, WCBS.

Fire Smoke Coalition, Inc.

323 North Delaware  Street

Indianapolis, IN  46204

(317) 690-2542

Contact Executive Director: shawn@firesmoke.org