Heart Health Month prompts Fire Rescue CPR classes

MURPHY (January 20, 2012) In celebration of Heart Health Month, commemorated nationally during February, Murphy Fire Rescue is offering free classes that could save or prolong the life of persons suffering from heart-related trauma, using either an AED or their hands alone, according to Fire Chief Mark Lee.
The 15-minute classes are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11 starting at 9 a.m. and continuing every 20 minutes. The last class of the day starts at 3 p.m. Classes are held in the Murphy Fire House, 206 North Murphy Road.
“Often the true first responders in a heart trauma event are people immediately around the victim. In some situations, an AED is available, but most times, there isn’t one. After completing the class, attendees will be able to deal with either situation,” he said.
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses a potentially life threatening cardiac arrest and treats the victim through defibrillation, the application of electrical impulses which stop the heart’s irregularity, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
The absence of an AED, however, requires “hands-only CPR” in order to restore the heart’s rhythm. CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, chest compressions undertaken manually to stimulate the heart to restart a regular rhythm.
“In most cases, there is a small window for immediate action, before permanent damage occurs. These classes can make a difference in an individual’s life,” said Chief Lee.
In addition to the classes, the Feb. 11 sessions will provide opportunities for persons to sign up for the full CPR class, leading toward CPR certification.

Putting emergency kit together strongly advised

MURPHY (April 26, 2011) Spring storms, often occurring with little notice and frequently accompanied by high winds, hail, thunder and lighting, can cause severe havoc on a community, leaving a trail of power outages, water shut-offs, blocked roads and trapped residents. Being prepared is absolutely essential and taking the right precautions might even save lives, according to Murphy Police Chief G.M. Cox.
“Families that have a definite plan of action, including pre-arranged gathering places and adequate measures for safety and first aid, are the ones that withstand emergencies the best. Homes and businesses should develop their plans and practices them until they’re second nature,” he said.
Among the preparations that the Murphy Police, Fire and EMS personnel recommend highly is the creation of an emergency kit that allows families, individuals and organizations to withstand emergency situations. Murphy Fire Chief Mark Lee says being ready for weather-related emergencies with adequate supplies like water, food, medicines and other essentials can make an incredible difference. “Being ready, whether or not the kit is ever used, makes sense for everyone. It’s far better to be ready and not need an emergency kit, than to need one and not have one in place,” he said.
To aid Murphy residents in disaster preparedness, the following list of essential items for an emergency kit is being offered as an example of what a kit may contain. Special situations such as households with infants, elderly or handicapped persons may require additional supplies.

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Can opener for food

• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers

• Prescription medications and glasses

• Infant formula and diapers

• Pet food and extra water for your pet

• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

• Cash or traveler’s checks and change

• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes

• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – Diluting nine parts water to one part bleach makes an effective disinfectant. In an emergency, a gallon of water can be treated with 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners

• Fire extinguisher

• Matches in a waterproof container

• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

• Paper and pencil

• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

“Emergency kits have proven to be life-savers and having one available gives families a certain level of peace-of-mind,” concluded Chief Cox. For more information, residents may visit: http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/citizens-preparedness.shtm

Unorthodox attire demonstrates solidarity with Komen Foundation

MURPHY (October 20, 2010) Firefighters and paramedics of the City of Murphy spend a significant amount of time learning how to save lives, attending classes, lectures, hands-on seminars and continuing education courses. They take and pass difficult tests to gauge their proficiency, and the bulk of their working career is spent either constantly refining those lifesaving skills or putting them into practice in real-life situations such as fires, traffic accidents, natural disasters, weather phenomena and other emergency conditions.

But during the week of Oct. 18-22, the same men and women who are dedicated to risking their lives in the service of others are decked out in T-shirts that may not conjure up the idea of strength and power, but they do symbolize their commitment to a movement that will itself save lives – the fight against breast cancer. During the week, Murphy firefighters and paramedics are tooling around town sporting pink t-shirts designed to commemorate the “Care Enough To Wear Pink” campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness month, according to Fire Department Chief Mark Lee.
“Our commitment to saving lives and easing pain goes beyond the day-to-day activities on the job. All of us are determined to do whatever we can to eradicate cancer and promote healthy living,” he said.

That commitment is evident through the department’s efforts at assisting the Susan G. Komen Foundation by raising funds for research through the selling of pink T-shirts for $10 each. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the foundation’s continuing research into finding a cure for cancer.
“We invite everyone who can to join us in this noble cause,” added the chief.

T-shirts, in sizes L, XL and XXL are available for purchase at the Central Fire Station, 206 North Murphy Road.

Here's a link to the The Medical Center of Plano's “Pink Glove Dance Video". It's the best way I've seen to draw attention to Breast Cancer Awareness. Murphy resident Lynne Watson (nurse) can be seen in several scenes. Enjoy and wear the PINK!
 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkw3V1Zd5WY

Wylie TX, - On Thursday, August 12, 2010 at approximately 5:33 P.M., Wylie Police and Wylie EMS responded to a 2 year old female not breathing call in the 2900 block of Katie Circle.  Upon arrival Wylie EMS found the child to be non-responsive.  The child, Carson, was pronounced dead on scene.

Jason Dean Adams arrived at his residence at approximately 2:30 P.M. He had five children with him ages, 9,8,7,6 and Carson.  Adams went inside the home and thought Carson was with the other children.  At approximately 5:20 P.M. Adams went upstairs to get the children ready for soccer practice.  He did not see Carson and the other children did not know her location.  Adams and the other children searched the house for Carson and did not find her.  Adams went to his SUV parked in the driveway and found Carson inside the vehicle not breathing.  He immediately contacted Wylie 911 and performed CPR.

The Wylie Police Department and the Collin County Child Abuse Task Force are continuing the investigation.