| Last night Mattydale Squad-4 was staffed with a crew of 6 running engine 91. For those who do not know, engine-91 is a staffed unit from 1 department able to respond to the surrounding participating departments without being activated. The main purpose of this is to make sure a staffed fire truck is on the road heading to the emergency in a timely manner and provide manpower and equipment.
In Mattydale, engine-91 usually is staffed for a minimum of 5 hours with no less than 4 qualified interior firefighters and at least 1 NYS EMS provider. Mattydale uses Squad-4 as the designated engine-91 piece because our squad is set up to handle multiple deferent jobs, it can act as a Class 1 engine company carrying 750 gallons of water, a heavy rescue with a full assortment of amkus hydraulic extrication tools and rams. The squad is also equipped with medical equipment including a an automated chest compression device for CPR if necessary.
Tonight is a prime example of why we use the Squad for Engine-91. Tonight Engine-91 responded to a medical emergency, then while conducting training at a new building/business within the district a bystander alerted the few of a traffic accident down the road in Mattydale's which was originally had no need for an ambulance but after the arrival of engine-91, it was determined they did need an ambulance and there were hazards from the vehicle which were taken care of by fire department personal. Once cleared the accident, engine-91 returned to complete the training. As engine-91 was pulling back into the fire house after training, Onondaga County Communications Center dispatched a fire alarm activation in the Lyncourt's Fire District, Which Mattydale Engine-91 responded and arrived on scene within minutes, investigated and found a problem with a dryer causing a minor smoke condition. All units retuned to service when |
