Bethel Fire Department Calls for week ending November 29

• Staff are completing online training to become certified as State of Alaska Fire Investigator Technicians (AKFIT).

• New staff and volunteers are receiving continuous Driver/Operator training on the handling characteristics, operation of specialty equipment, care, maintenance, and safety of the department’s ambulances and fire apparatus.

• Staff have completed several online training modules covering various topics of firefighting, emergency medical, fire inspection, and fire prevention.

• Staff have conducted several drills on firefighting and EMS knowledge and skills during each shift.

• On 11/10/2022 at 7:00 p.m., a Fire Meeting was held at the fire station. Responders were given an overview of the use and maintenance of the new HURST eDraulics extrication tool set and conducted familiarity drills in the apparatus bay.

• Staff have instructed AHA Basic Life Support Provider courses for the new volunteer EMT recruits and for members of the public.

• The EMT-1 course started on November 12. So far, the following topics have been instructed: Introduction to Emergency Medical Care, The Well-Being of the EMT, OSHA Policies and Procedures, N-95 Respirator Fit Testing, and Lifting and Moving.

• On 11/18/2022 at 11:00 a.m., a Staff Meeting was held at the fire station.

The department is operating within its FY2023 budget.

• The department is expecting the FY2021 audit to be completed soon for its continued participation in the State of Alaska’s Supplement Emergency Medical Transport (SEMT) Program. The program allows for the reimbursement of 50% of the Medicaid EMS transports back to the City of Bethel.

• The department purchased a new Class-A Pumper Tender Apparatus (Fire Engine) from Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. under a cooperative bid purchasing contract from Sourcewell-MN and by utilizing a portion of the Fire Department’s Fleet Replacement Fund. This pumper will replace the 1986 Grumman-Spartan Super Pumper-Tanker, Engine 3. Due to production delays, this apparatus is anticipated to be shipped to Bethel on the first barge of 2023.