A Reminder to Stay Hydrated!!

With our first up-tick in temperatures in a few weeks everyone is reminded to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and hydration type fluids like Gatorade and Powerade to replace electrolytes.

The key to staying hydrated when venturing outside on days like today is to remain pre-hydrated before your activity and increase hydration during your activity. In the fire service it is recommended to drink 8 ounces of water for every hour during your shift.

If you only drink fluids when you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrated and you are playing catch up. You should continue to drink the suggested amount of fluids throughout your entire day to prepare you for your outdoor activities and then aggressively re-hydrate afterward.

Everyone should pay attention to yourself and others for the following signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses:

Heat Cramps:
     * Severe or disabling cramps in the hands, feet, and calves
     * Hard, tense muscles

Heat Exhaustion:
     * Fatigue
     * Nausea
     * Headaches
     * Excessive Thirst
     * Muscle Aches and/or cramps
     * Weakness
     * Confusion and/or anxiety
     * Drenching sweats with cold, clammy skin
     * Slowed or weakened heartbeat
     * Dizziness
     * Fainting
     * Agitation

Heat Stroke:
     * Nausea & vomiting
     * Headache
     * Dizziness and/or vertigo
     * Fatigue
     * Hot, flushed, dry skin
     * Rapid heartbeat
     * Decreased sweating
     * Shortness of Breath
     * Decreased Urination
     * Increased body temperature
     * Confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness
     * Convulsions

The symptoms of any of the above conditions may come on suddenly, and do not have to precede the onset of the other, meaning signs of Heat Exhaustion do not necessarily present before signs of Heat Stroke.

Anyone displaying or experiencing any signs of heat cramps should be immediately removed from the heat and attempts began at re-hydration.

Anyone displaying or experiencing ANY signs of Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke should immediately seek medical attention.

Particular focus should be made to the young and elderly as their bodies are much more susceptible to the heat related illnesses described above.

The above information has been combined from numerous internet resources. Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control can be found here: CDC Heat Illness Guidelines

Hazardous Materials Investigation @ Building 9

Just before 11am on May 30th the units from Company 50 for alerted for a haz-mat investigation of an unknown odor in Building 9.

With mutual aide assistance from the National Institutes of Health Fire Department's Tower Ladder and Hazardous Materials Unit, crews were able to ascertain that the chemical odor was eminating from a floor drain. The situation was mitigated and all units returned to service in under 30 minutes.

Fire Protection Specialist Hunt, Firefighter Cavey, and Firefighter Hayes at the Unified Command Post with NSAB Police representatives.

Insulator Fire @ Medical Center METRO

A little before 11 this morning, Engine 750 and units from surrounding companies were dispatched to the Medical Center METRO, on the campus of NIH, to assist METRO maintenance crews with an insulator on fire in the tunnel. Engine 750 was first arriving and proceeded into the station as the Recon group.

After consulting with METRO employees, it was determined that the maintenance crews were in the tunnel, 3000' feet North of the station, and had the situation under control. Units staged on the platform for approximately 20 minutes until returning to service.

Stock internet photo of the escalator into the station. One of the deepest in the system.

Memorial Day Thoughts

With Memorial Day upon us, the members of NSAB F&ES would like to give thanks to those who serve, who have served, and the families and friends of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

When Engine 750 was first delivered we wanted to do something that was common in the firefighting community, but new to the Department of Defense Fire & Emergency Services. We dedicated our engine company with a plaque to symbolize our service to the men & woman past and present of our armed forces.

The dedication plaque proudly displayed above our pump panel



The quote found at the bottom of the plaque was a difficult and long researched decision. The need to have a quote that suited both the fire service and armed services was vital, yet hard to find when it came down to it. Those who have the joy of serving in both capacities can quote off the top-of-their-heads numerous lines used in each service, but one that brings them together proved tougher to find. This quote, as you can tell, brings these two services together to a "T".

To make the sacrifices required to dedicate yourself to either service requires a deep set of personal beliefs in something more than common-man with valor being paramount among them when the time comes.

So to those who have served in our armed forces, those who continue to serve both at home and abroad, and the friends and family of those who have given their lives in the defense of freedom, know that you are not forgotten as we "Defend Those, Who Defend America".

Our Veterans currently assigned to NSAB F&ES:
District Fire Chief Gray- US Army
Fire Captain Massenberg- US Air Force
Firefighter Arbeene- US Navy
Firefighter Bartenfelder- US Navy
Firefighter Caldwell- US Army
Firefighter Cavey- US Air Force
Firefighter/Paramedic Joslyn- US Marine Corps
Firefighter McFarland- US Navy
Firefighter Medina- Currently on Active Duty, US Marine Corps
Firefighter Nicol- US Air Force
Firefighter Palacios- US Air Force
Firefighter Scott- US Marine Corps
Fire Protection Specialist Hunt- US Marine Corps
Fire Inspector Snoke- US Navy
Fire Inspector Gallant- US Army
Fire Inspector Eassa- US Navy
Fire Inspector Wilhelm- US Air Force

The Streak Continues!!...Sorta

Shortly before 6pm on May 26th Engine 750 and ATV 750 responded to South Gate for a reported trash can on fire. As the units departed, Montgomery County ECC dispatched us on the run as well for the same incident at Rockville Pike and Wood Road in their jurisdiction.

Units arrived on the scene to find a trash can "50% involved with no extension". The engine quickly utilized the PW can with the "quarter inch smooth bore" for the intial attack. After our driver/truck company opened up, and we mopped up with the "finger tip fog" , units returned to service.

Again, please find the humor in the write ups of our "smaller" incidents. It helps keep the job lively.

Firefighter Scott mopping up

Acting Captain McFarland performing his "cause and origin" investigation

Mulch Fire at Building 10

The streak of working fires continues this morning with Engine 750 and ATV 750 taking in the "working" mulch fire behind Building 10. Crews arrived with "smoke showing" and found an area of mulch approximately two feet square "fully involved". The lineman from Engine 750 quickly deployed the high pressure attack line while others attempted to "contain" the fire using the "flappers".

I hope everyone can understand the humor in the post and realize that this small fire was nothing exciting for the crews, but here in Bethesda we will call this a continuation of our streak.

Captain Hill operating the pump with Firefighter Krok on the line as Firefighter McFarland stood by as our "Safety Officer"

Firefighter Krok with the initial attack

House Fire in Co. 5's Area

Shortly before midnight on May 24th  Engine 750 was dispatched 3rd due for the reported house fire in Company 5's area. Montgomery County ECC dispatched the Rapid Intervention Dispatch simultaneously with the Box Alarm indicating an obvious working fire. As the Rapid Intervention Crew on the box alarm, Engine 750 arrived and deployed our RIT equipment to Side Alpha as the Officer performed a circle check and gave a Side Charlie size up and ladders were thrown to fire area and ventilation efforts began.

With Medic 750 being part of the Rapid Intervention Dispatch, and arriving with Engine 750, they quickly deployed the EMS equipment for the RIT while augmenting our staffing and assisting in the efforts on Side Charlie to provide access in the event of a firefighter down.

The combined efforts of both units, with a total staffing of 6 people, allowed us to directly assist the fire attack crews on Side Charlie with opening up and gaining direct access to the fire in the attic area that had extended up the back of the house. These actions proved vital in quickly mitigating the situation due to the layout of the neighborhood and arrival times of other units.

Sorry no photos from this incident due to technical difficulties.

House Fire in Co. 6's Area

In the afternoon hours of May 24th Engine 750 was alerted as the 2nd due engine for a reported house on fire in Co. 6's first due. Enroute we were moved back on the run to the 3rd due position which is Rapid Intervention per the SOP.

Engine 750 arrived on the scene and assumed duties as the Rapid Intervention Crew on Side Alpha of the 2 and a half story, single family home with reports of smoke on all floors. As the officer performed a circle check, the firefighters deployed our RIC equipment and obtained the stokes and saw from Truck 706 to complete our complement. In the mean time our driver threw a 24' extension ladder to Side Delta of the structure to begin readying the house for rapid evacuation in the event of a RIC deployment. Before more ladders could be deployed the fire was knocked and the incident scaled back to two and one.

Picture of Captain Hill and Firefighters Hayes and Graham heading up the street to assume our role at the Rapid Intervention Crew

Our New Home!!

Thank you for stopping by. I hope to have this updated at least twice a week and sometimes more when I am working with incidents and public and life safety information.

If you happen to stop by and we havn't updated, take a look on the right hand side at our other pages. The Apparatus page has pictures of all of our vehicles and apparatus and the Links page will direct you to other informative pages of area fire departments and national pages of interest.

Thanks again for stopping by and we hope you make our page a regular visit during your internet browsing!!

NSAB F&ES Assists Montgomery County with Parking Garage Collapse

Just before 2pm on May 23rd, Engine 750 was dispatched with area units to a parking garage in the area of Montomgery Mall for the reported building collapse. On arrival Engine 750 assisted in various assigments on the incident before returning to service around 1700 hours.

The video here shows Engine 750 on the scene.

Summer Time Safety

With the coming of summer brings a number of issue related to public and life safety. By remaining mindful of the tips
With the coming of summer brings a number of issue related to public and life safety. By remaining mindful of the tips below you can participate in and provide a safe and enjoyable summer for you, your love ones, and friends.

* Hydration!!! Remember to remain hydrated throughout the summer months. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of summer time health issues. When your body begins to feel thirsty you already losing the battle! You should drink 8 ounces every hour to remain hydrated.

*Protect your skin!!! Using an appropriate SPF sun screen and wearing light clothing will reduce harmful UV light exposures.

*General Summer Health!!! Alcohol and caffeine are items to stay away from when participating in outdoor activities as they greatly increase your chance of dehydration and injury. Increase outdoor activity brings increased risk of strains, sprains, insect bites, snake bites, and other seasonal specific injuries. If your plans include activities where these risks are present, make preparations for dealing with them prior to your trip.

*Water Safety!!! Children should be under adult supervision at all times when playing in and around pools and water. Most home insurance policies require some sort of fence or protective enclosure around pools for preventing unauthorized child access. Remember pool safety must include pool related chemicals! Utilize manufacture recommendations at all times for storage and use. Be mindful of currents when around open water.
NFPA Water Safety Information


*Grill Safety!!! Grilling is a great summer activity, but presents with a number of safety related issues. First and foremost is burn prevention. Be mindful of lose clothing when operating around your grill. Children should not be allowed around a grill whether in use or in storage. Follow all manufacturer recommendations for use and storage. Grills should be used in accordance with all laws, homeowner association rules, and good judgment with regards to clearance from structures and combustibles. Ensure all coals are disposed in metal containers and away from combustibles.
NFPA Grill Safety Information
NFPA Propane Handling Information

*Vehicle safety!!! Ensure pets and children are not left in vehicles. Even 10 minutes in a car with no ventilation can cause DEATH! Be mindful of increased motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. Ensure you have enough food and water in your vehicles for your trip. Prepare a safety kit based on the weather along your route of travel and destination in case your vehicle breaks down.
NFPA Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety

*Fireworks!!! Fireworks are illegal in many areas, be sure to check with local and state authorities prior to purchasing or using fireworks in your area. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries every year and should be used with extreme caution and NEVER by children.
NFPA Firework Safety Information

As with everything in life education is key! Attend CPR and first aid training. Research safety related topics on your activities prior to starting a trip or attending a function. Know your surroundings and the hazards present. And always inform those who are attending a function or traveling with your of the information you have learned and your plan in case something goes wrong.

This list of items is by all means no all-encompassing. The links provided are to the National Fire Protection Association website to provide you more details on those particular topics. A simple web search will provide hundreds of summer safety sites and many locations provide site specific safety information on their websites or by phone.

Moving Up in a Technological World!

This is the first post in what we hope will become a popular means of relaying information to those we serve at Naval Support Activity Bethesda Fire & Emergeny Services.

We are a fire and emergency services station of the Naval District Washington Fire & Emergency Services that services Naval Support Activity Bethesda, its tenant Commands that include the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Maryland including Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, and Kensington.

Our services are provided through a fully staffed engine company and Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) EMS transport unit. Other units include a brush truck, two ATV's, and numerous other command and support vehicles.

Hopefully you find this blog informative and continue to visit us in the future.

NSAB F&ES Supports USO and the Lt. Dan Band

On Friday May 17th NSABF&ES stood up to support the USO and NSAB in hosting Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band for a concert supporting the Wound Warriors and staff on Naval Support Activity Bethesda.

With thousands of attendees,  NSABF&ES stood by with members of the Fire Prevention and Operations Division to ensure a safe and enjoyable time was had by all. By preparing for a mass casualty incident and having the neccesary incident managment and emergency medical services personnel on scene NSABF&ES would have been able to mitigate any incident which may have arisen. Thankfully the weather stayed mild and everyone stayed hydrated for the duration of the concert and no patients presented themselves.

View from the crowd taken by FF Arbeene. (Gary Sinise playing base guitar in blue)

FPS Hunt, FF/EMT Cavey, Fire Captain Hill, & Fire Inspectors Eassa and Wilhelm with a piece of steel from the World Trade Center that was dedicated during the opening ceremony