The Bolivar Fire Department open house is a hit
Lt. Zach Lynch demonstrates how the department sanitizes ambulances after COVID-related calls with the Clorox Total 360 electrostatic spray system.
Residents got a glimpse of what it’s like to be a firefighter at Bolivar Fire Department’s annual community open house on Oct. 5. The event was a chance for Bolivar and Lawrence Township residents to tour the fire department and ask questions of the firefighters and chief.
On display was a host of technology used for fighting fires and responding to EMS calls. One such display was a Resusci Annie smart manikin to teach hands-only CPR. The doll is connected to a tablet that provides immediate feedback on the speed and depth of compressions, teaching people the proper techniques.
Lt. Zach Lynch said the department is encouraging the public to learn the hands-only CPR method as it can be performed by family members or bystanders until emergency responders arrive.
“They’ve found the compressions are what is really saving lives, and you don’t need to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation,” Lynch said. “Hands-only CPR and (Automated External Defibrillators) are the two things that are really saving lives.”
Lynch said one of the department’s LIFEPAK-15 heart monitor units can perform EKGs and check blood pressure, as well as oxygen and carbon-dioxide levels. Lynch said the models currently being used by the department are becoming obsolete, and replacement parts are difficult to find. The department is hoping to upgrade to newer units using COVID-19 money from Lawrence Township funds.
Lynch went on to demonstrate use of the Clorox Total 360 disinfectant system, which is sprayed throughout the ambulances after a COVID-related call. It also is being used to disinfect fire department offices, sleeping quarters and other areas.
A LUCAS chest-compression device is something responders transition to at some point during CPR efforts.
“It operates at the proper rate and depth consistently, and it never gets tired,” Lynch said. “It also allows us to perform other life-saving procedures while it continues to deliver compressions.”
Help from above
The highlight of the evening was the arrival of the Coshocton-based MedFlight helicopter swooping in for an appearance. Those in attendance were able to speak with the flight crew and see the inside of the chopper. According to Candy Wentz, RN and flight nurse in her seventh year with MedFlight, the helicopter transports to a number of hospitals including Akron City, Akron General, Akron Children’s Hospital, Aultman and all of the OSU hospitals in Columbus.
Other activities
Kids got to see what it feels like to fight a fire by spraying a fire hose on a “burning” home while the smoke house trailer was a hit with young and old alike. People entered a trailer filled with a machine-generated mist to mimic smoke activity in a house fire. They then walked or crawled as needed through the trailer to learn how to safely exit a burning building.
Information on upcoming levy
Visitors to the open house received information on the Lawrence Township Fire and Emergency Levy (Issue 13), which will be on the Nov. 3 ballot. Matt Seward, assistant fire chief, answered questions about why the levy is needed.
“As the township has grown and the value of homes has increased, we have not received additional funding,” Seward said.
Seward cited an aging fleet of vehicles, maintenance for those vehicles, the increased cost of firefighter gear and the need for additional staff as reasons residents should vote for the levy.