The Edmonds Fire Department was dispatched to 128 calls in and around Edmonds the week of July 14-20, which brings this year’s call volume to 2,875. Medical crews evaluated 81 patients; fire crews responded to 47 incidents.
Medical Responses
A 44-year-old patient experienced a mild anaphylactic reaction after being stung on the toe by a bee.
Anaphylaxis can be a severe, whole-body allergic reaction. After the first exposure to a substance like bee-sting toxin, the patient’s immune system becomes sensitized to that allergen. On subsequent exposures, allergic reactions occur that can be more sudden, severe, and involve the whole body.
The primary treatment for anaphylaxis is administration of epinephrine, which helps prevent airway constriction, stimulates the heart to continue beating, and may be life-saving. If the patient has previously been diagnosed with anaphylaxis, he or she should carry an EpiPen to immediately administer epinephrine. Then call 911; use of an EpiPen or similar device provides only temporary and limited relief of symptoms.
Fire Responses
Edmonds firefighters responded to six landscape fires this week. Three were bark fires, most likely caused by discarded cigarettes. But the remaining three fires were the direct result of yard care done with weed-burner torches.
A homeowner using a weed-burner to groom grass in his driveway caught a large bush on fire. A landscape-maintenance crew removing weeds on sidewalk areas accidentally ignited Juniper shrubs. At Holy Rosary Church, landscapers conducting weed control with a propane torch in planting beds caused several small bark fires.
EFD Fire Marshal Mike Smith advises homeowners and landscape firms to discontinue use of the torches during the current hot, dry weather.
“Propane weed burners are a hazard to both vegetation and structures,” Smith said.
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