August Report

Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to 43 calls for emergency services in August. Here’s a breakdown of calls:

Medical Emergencies – 29
Fires, alarms etc. – 12
Motor Vehicle Accidents – 2

A potential structure fire was prevented on Aug. 7 thanks to the quick response of a state trooper and Haddam firefighters.

The fire originated in the kitchen of a residence on Arkay Drive. Two young people inside the home were alerted by a smoke alarm. Once safely outside, they contacted neighbors who then dialed 911.

HVFCo. members put out a fire that rekindled after Connecticut State Police Trooper Jim Connelly darkened it down upon arrival with a fire extinguisher. The fire extended into the kitchen cabinets and the home suffered smoke damage. The incident remains under investigation by the Haddam Fire Marshal’s Office.

On Aug. 15, an EpiPen® (epinephrine) was administered to a woman suffering a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting, potentially saving her life.

Upon arrival to a house on Lt. Shubael Road, HVFCo. medical personnel injected a dose of epinephrine, the first-line treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The woman, whose airway had been blocked by a swollen tongue, was stabilized and transported via Haddam Ambulance to Middlesex Hospital with a paramedic on board.

Haddam Fire reminds residents that late summer and early fall are when bees and wasps are most active and likely to sting. At the first sign of an allergic reaction, don’t hesitate to dial 911.

Also in August, Haddam’s Marine-13 and Rescue 5-13 were on display at the Connecticut River Museum as part of a Fire Boat and Heavy Rescue Engine event in Essex, hosted by Essex Fire Engine Company #1 for fire departments in the Valley Shore Mutual Aid Association.

August drills included a skill station exercise on fire extinguishers, foam spray and hose advancement in a smoked-out environment. A marine rescue drill concerned three people with unknown injuries on the north side of Haddam Island State Park. Special thanks to Valley Shore Emergency Communications, the East Haddam Fire Department and Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service for their participation. Lastly, firefighters took an annual Respirator Fit Test that confirms that a mask fits the face properly with minimal air leakage.

Do You Have What It Takes? Find more information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. and ways you can get involved at our website www.HaddamFire.com, or connect with us on Facebook.