Lost resident returned home by fire department

Published 11:29 am Thursday, February 14, 2008

The Edmonds Fire Department was dispatched to 95 calls in and around Edmonds the week of Feb. 4-10, which brings this year’s call volume to 571. Medical crews evaluated 68 patients; fire crews responded to 27 incidents.

Medical Responses

An elderly person walked into a fire station this week, unable to remember her way home. The station crew called Edmonds police to help locate where she lived. Fortunately, a family member had also called police to report her missing, so the patient was safely returned home without delay.

If you have a friend or relative that may wander or become confused when out of the house, consider an identification bracelet or necklace to help ensure their safety.

Medical identification bracelets also provide security for any potential patient. If a medical emergency leaves a patient unable to speak, medic crews are alerted to critical medical information.

Fire Dispatches

Many times during any given week, EFD units are dispatched by SnoCom (the agency that receives 911 calls) but are “canceled en route,” or “canceled on scene.” When a responding unit is canceled, it becomes available to respond to another call. Canceled fire engines or aid units then return to quarters to conduct training, pre-fire inspections, or maintenance — unless they are dispatched again before they reach the station.

Why are units canceled? It can be because “first in” units find the incident to be less serious than initially reported. Or, with automatic aid (the agreement between local jurisdictions to help each other), a responding unit may be canceled because a unit closer to the incident has become available.

If you see an emergency vehicle traveling with lights and sirens — and they suddenly turn off — it is because it has been canceled. The less driving done at increased speeds with sirens and lights, the safer it is for all people on the road, including first responders.