Another Extrication on Hwy 170

On Friday, BTFD crews responded to Hwy 170 and Bluffton Pkwy for a single vehicle rollover with entrapment.  Upon arrival, Battalion 3 confirmed one entrapped and established Command.  Engine 321 began cribbing and patient access, while Truck 375 setup the struts and began the extrication.  The Truck flapped the roof, allowing the patient to be removed on a longboard.  The patient was then transported to an LZ, setup by Engine 324, and flown to Savannah Memorial by Lifestar.

Responding Units: E321, E324, T375, Sq355, B3

Elevator “Extrication” for E320/T375

On Friday, Engine 320 was dispatched to Bridgepoint Apartments for two occupants stuck in the elevator.  E320 requested the Truck.  The crews worked together to gain access to the top of the elevator, which was stuck in between floors.  The men were removed via attic ladder from the top of car.

Responding Units: E320, T375

Annual HazMat Refresher Training for the BTFD

During this week, all BTFD crew have been receiving annual hazardous materials training.  Topics include BTFD operating guidelines, decontamination procedures and input from members of the Bluffton/Hilton Head CBRNE HazMat Team.

BTFD Receives FEMA Grant for All New SCBA’s

The BTFD has received a FEMA Fire Act Grant for $211,140.  This money will be used to update and standardize all of the SCBAs in the Department.  Great job to all those involved in the research and writing of the grant.

House Fire for Shift 2

On Sunday February 7, BTFD units responded to a house fire in the Fern Lakes neighborhood near Station 30.  Units arrived to find smoke showing as a result of a chimney fire with extension into the walls and attic.  E320 made an offensive attack, with E323 backing them up and T375 going to the roof.  The fire was quickly extinguished and extensive salvage and overhaul efforts were made both on the interior and exterior.

Units Responding: E320, E323, E325, T375, Sv365, B2

CORRECTION! Re: Fatal Wreck on Hwy 170

There was an error in the January 14 post “Fatal Wreck on Highway 170”.  The driver of the U-Haul truck transported to Savannah Memorial by Beaufort County EMS, not by Lifestar.

Fatal Wreck on Highway 170

Early Wednesday morning, E324 was dispatched to an accident with injuries on Hwy 170 and Davis Road.  Upon arrival, they found 2-vehicles with heavy damage, 3 entrapped and one critical patient.  E325, T375 and B1 were immediately dispatched to the scene.  All patients were removed from the vehicles and the critical patient was flown to Savannah Memorial where he later passed away.

Responding Units: E324, E325, T375 & B1

Busy Day for Shift 2

Crews from Shift 2 had a busy day which included three MVA w/two entrapments (one fatal), a vehicle fire and a reported structure fire.

Confined Space Training for SCTF1-RRT4

The monthly training for the Bluffton/ Hilton Head US&R Regional Response Team included a confined space rescue scenario.  The drill was performed at a operational lift station on Hilton Head and involved the rescue of a victim (mannequin), a mayday for the entry team and a simulated catastrophic breathing system failure and emergency escape.  BTFD crews were fortunate to staff the Entry Team, RIC as well as operate the supplied air (SABA) and communications systems.

A special thanks to the BTFD crews who participated as well as Hilton Head Fire/Rescue.

2009 Award Recipients

2009 was a very successful year for the department and for the personnel of the Bluffton Twp. Fire District.  We continue to grow, improve and serve the citizens of Bluffton Township with professionalism and pride.  In recognition of our efforts, awards and medals were awarded during the annual Christmas and Shift Left-Out parties.

Medal of Honor – Jeffrey Kuehn
 

Medal of Merit – Richard Dollahan, Matthew McDowell, John Thompson

Johnny Fender Memorial Award – Raymond Smith (citizen)

Unit Citation – Bach, Baker, Beacham, Brahm, Cochran, Connelly, Crosby, Fitzpatrick, Fludd, Harvey, Magers, Napalitano, Piccioli, Rushing, Savelle, Shisler, Sirigu, Tuten, Walsh, Wilkinson

Employee of the Year – Robert Payne

Officer of the Year – Allen Cramer(Shift 1), Michael Rehill (Shift 2), Chris Garniewicz (Shift 3)

Firefighter of the Year – Steve Arnold (Shift 1), Jeff Kuehn (Shift 2), Matthew McDowell (Shift 3)

Recruit Fire fighter of the Year – Michael Downing (Shift 1), Mark Eiden (Shift 2), Jim Thomas (Shift 3)

Fire Prevention Award – Odette Aleksiewicz

Auxiliary Member of the Year – Lynn Wiltse

Congratulations to all of the recipients and keep up the good work!