It is often one of the most stressful situations one can face, whether it is dealing with a sudden death, being the victim of a crime or losing everything in a fire or other calamity. It can be a moment of chaos with emotions running high and tension filling the air.
For most people, the crisis of the moment passes and some semblance of normalcy eventually returns, even as they deal with the aftereffects of what happened. For first responders, be they firefighters, emergency medical technicians or law enforcement officers, this can become a way of life as each new call for service takes them from one emergency to the next.
“Cops [and other first responders] are seeing that every day,” Allen County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Andre McConnahea said.
Working in such a traumatic and potentially hazardous environment has had an effect on the mental health of first responders.
The Lima News
|
It’s been 46 years since two Findlay firefighters gave their lives trying to save two boys from the Blanchard River.
On April 22, 1978 the fire department was dispatched to the area of the Riverside Park Dam where the boys’ canoe had capsized.
The current was powerful, and during the rescue attempt, firefighters William VanAtta and Roland Smith were tossed into the turbulent and churning water.
Both firefighters died as well as the two boys.
A memorial to the two firefighters can be found along the river at Riverside Park.
“If you’re near Riverside Park, please stop at the monument and remember their sacrifice,” the fire department posted on Facebook.
WFIN-AM 1330 Findlay
|
South Euclid firefighters rescued an unconscious woman from an apartment fire overnight Tuesday.
All fire crews were dispatched that night to Delridge Colony Apartments along Mayfield Road for a fire alarm, Fire Chief David Csire told FOX 8 News.
Dispatchers reported smoke was coming from beneath an apartment door. Crews on scene confirmed it was an active fire and forced their way inside.
Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters found a woman in bed, unconscious. They carried her outside and provided oxygen. She then became alert and was transported to a hospital, Csire said.
Eight South Euclid firefighters were at the scene, assisted by fire crews from University Heights, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights and Beachwood, he said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
WJW-TV FOX 8 Cleveland
|