The Edmonds Fire Department was dispatched to 94 calls in and around Edmonds the week of Jan. 21-27, which brings this year’s call volume to 379. Medical crews evaluated 67 patients; fire crews responded to 27 incidents.
Medical responses
Several calls this week involved patients who endured mishaps with their medications. In one case, a 72-year-old took two different pain prescriptions, which resulted in nausea, shaking and vomiting. Another older adult who took two times the recommended dosage of cough syrup with codeine became anxious and light-headed. The combination of a tranquilizer and several alcoholic drinks sent a 57-year-old to Stevens Hospital.
One response was to an intentional overdose.
A chronic-pain patient asked responding aid crews for more pain medication. They explained that aid units do not carry pain medication, nor can they order a care facility to administer medication to exceed the dose prescribed by a patient’s doctor.
Fire dispatches
Firefighters responded to a “smoke in residence” call. They found a pellet stove pipe that had been extremely hot until the homeowner cooled it off with water and turned down the unit.
Pellet stoves burn pellets made from recycled sawdust. They require electricity to operate, although some models have battery back-up systems in case of power outages. To ensure proper function and safety, routine tasks include filling the hopper with pellets, emptying the ash pan weekly, periodic cleaning of the burn pot, hopper, ash traps and glass, and annual professional service of the entire unit, including flue cleaning, before the start of each cold season.
If you are considering using a pellet stove, check with your local jurisdiction to see if a permit is mandated. Installation requirements you can expect include three feet of vertical chimney, a non-combustible hearth pad for the stove to set on, and specified distances away from combustible surfaces and materials such as drapes and doors.
For more information, contact Edmonds Fire Department Fire Prevention Division, 425-775-7720.
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