Category Archives: General

Do you mind if we park our helicopter here?

During a response to a recent motorcycle accident, WPFD needed to get our patient to the nearest trauma center as soon as possible.  Motorcycle incidents especially can present the need for timely treatment because the chance for multiple injuries known and unknown are greater than when involved driver(s) and passengers are inside the confines of a more protected passenger compartment of the vehicle.  Occasions like this require us to quickly find the nearest suitable location to bring in a medical helicopter like Baptist Medflight or Air-Evac to a safe and accessible location complete the patient transfer from the ambulance to the med-evac chopper. We do this kind of stuff a lot more often than you might think.  If you have a large plot of land near a main road, don’t be surprised if we drive up to make a strange request to park a helicopter on you property. We won’t need it for long, but it sure would help out in a pinch. Here are some pictures of our helicopter landing zone “donated” by a helpful neighbor that permitted us to “borrow” his front yard.

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WPFD Helicopter Landing Zone Training with Baptist MedFlight

West Pulaski Fire Department responds to just about any kind of emergency you can think of. Just like a municipal fire department, we respond to medical calls, vehicle accidents, rescue situations and a lot of other things that fall in between. Even though we are not that far from the big city of Little Rock, some of our incidents require rapid transport to a medical facility. You may have heard of a term referred to as the “Golden Hour”. This is the really short amount of time that requires an injured person to receive in-hospital treatment within 60 minutes or less.

When a serious incident happens, the clock really starts ticking at the moment the medical event, motor vehicle accident, or rescue event occurs, not when first responder’s arrive to help. Since WPFD is often on-scene first, we begin assessing well before the ambulance can arrive to take you to the hospital. If a medical or traumatic event occurs, we often make preparations to bring in a medical-support helicopter to cut down the time it takes to transport to the closest medical center. When seconds count most, a 5-minute ride by helicopter can drastically cut down the 20-30 minute ride by ambulance. This is how WPFD works to ensure our community gets the medical treatment they require within the “Golden Hour”.

To see some pictures from our recent medical helicopter training class hosted by Baptist MedFlight, follow this link to our training photos page. http://www.wpfirerescue.org/photo-galleries/training-photos/

 

 

4-H Youth & Family 5K Trail Run/Walk

The Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale hosted a Youth and Family 5K Trail Run/Walk on April 14th. West Pulaski Fire Department provided a medical support team of EMT’s and Medical First Responders to assist in this annual event. WPFD helps out each year for this great event that seems to really grow each year. 120+ runners of all ages turn out to run and walk one of the most scenic trails around that is located just a couple minutes away from “Downtown Ferndale”.  Luckily, no one required any medical assistance. Combine that with the great weather and you get a great day for a 5K.  WPFD looks forward to next years event! Here are a few pics from the 5K. Follow the link below for “more”….

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In Memory of Capt. Donald Jones, Jacksonville Fire Department

In memory of Capt. Donald Jones, ailment a 31 year veteran firefighter with Jacksonville Fire Department here in Arkansas. He was killed in the line of duty on 3/19/2012. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family, doctor friends, brother & sister firefighters that worked with him.  We also pray for Firefighter Jason Bowmaster, also with JFD, and Jacksonville police officer Daniel DiMatteo , both still in critical condition from the same incident.

A memorial fund set up for the family of Captain Jones, as well as the other two emergency responders injured in the  incident, JFD Engineer Jason Bowmaster, and JPD Officer Daniel DiMatteo. You can donate at any ARVEST Bank branch.

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Thank You Ferndale Crime Watch!

During a recent meeting of the Ferndale Community Crime Watch group, prostate at the Ferndale Cooperative Extension Building on Kanis Road, malady members presented a donation to our department from recent fundraising to benefit the entire community. Fire Chief Ronnie Wheeler was at the meeting to receive the check, check  show our sincere thanks, and provide updates about how our fire department continually strives to respond to any of our areas emergency needs.  WPFD always appreciates engaged community support that helps us do our job better.  Thanks again to all of  your that came out to the meeting.