City of Yuma issued the following announcement on Nov. 5.
From Sunday October 24, 2021 through Saturday October 30, 2021, the Yuma Fire Department responded to 324 emergency calls for service:
8 General Fire Responses
Including: 1 for a stove fire, 1 for children playing with fire that caused an aerosol can to explode, 1 for a bathroom outlet that shorted out and was smoking, and various alarms
16 Motor Vehicle Crashes
Including: 1 head-on crash, 1 rollover crash, 2 involving 3 or more vehicles, 2 involving bicycles, 1 involving a power pole, and 1 involving a building
278 Other Medical Emergencies (serious to minor)
Including: 35 for difficulty breathing, 22 for chest pain, 46 for falls, 13 for unconscious people, 16 seizure cases, 3 possible stroke cases, 1 for an intoxicated person, 3 for people under the influence of drugs, 4 for drug overdoses (2 where bystander CPR was being provided), 13 for people with psychiatric problems (8 threatening or attempting suicide), 1 for dehydration, 1 for a medical alarm, 1 for an allergic reaction, 1 for choking, 11 for altered or decreased level of consciousness, 3 for fever, 5 for diabetic emergencies, 10 for man down calls, 1 for uncontrolled bleeding, 1 for bad headaches, 5 for an assault, 5 for back pain, 12 for abdominal pain, 1 pregnancy related, 1 for a deceased person, 1 for lacerations, 1 for a 2 year old found eating OTC pain relievers, 1 for a 2 year old who ingested fluid from a plug-in air freshener, 1 for a person having difficulty breathing from inhaling smoke from burned food on stovetop, 1 for a person hit on the head by a tire, 1 for a person injured when they lost control of a motorized scooter, and other illnesses and injuries
22 Special Duty, Public Assistance, and Residential Assignments
Including: 2 for appearances at events for medical standby or engine displays, 1 for a snake removal, 1 for a small fire in a semi-truck trailer, 2 for other vehicle fires, 1 for a dumpster fire, 1 for illegal debris burning, 1 for fuel leaking from a vehicle, 1 for a fuel spill at gas pumps, 1 for a small brush fire, and various alarms
Last week 46 emergency medical responses were for injuries related to falls, the single most frequent call for service and there have been many HUNDREDS of others so far this year. Every week about 10% of our calls for service are fall related. This could be something as simple as tripping in a parking lot or cases often more serious, like falling from a ladder or roof. No matter your age or activity, it pays to watch your footing and be careful.
According to the Center for Disease Control, More than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States, and among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths. Older adults can take several steps to protect their independence and reduce their risk of falling. They can: exercise regularly and improve balance; ask their doctor or pharmacist to review their medicines–both prescription and over-the counter–to reduce side effects and interactions; have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year; improve the lighting in their home; and reduce hazards in their home that can lead to falls.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, unintentional falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among children. Some tips for safeguarding children in the home include keeping stairs clear of toys and other items that could cause someone to trip, teaching children to hold the handrail when on stairs or escalators, and always tie their shoelaces to avoid tripping over them. Also, make sure tall furniture, clocks, televisions, etc. are secured to the wall to prevent falling on children; and watch children closely while they are on the playground.
Original source can be found here.
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