The Valley Regional Fire Authority responded to 244 calls for service for the week of January 24-31, 2021. Year to Date our Valley Professional Firefighters have responded to a total of 1,107 calls. This is a -2.9% decrease from 2020 (1,140).
Call Breakdown:
184 (75%) were aid calls. Total aid calls in 2021 so far are 821(-.6.3%, compared to 2020’s 876).
5 (2%) were fire calls. The number of fire calls is up by 154.5%, with 2021 having 28 calls and 2020 having 11.
55 (23%) were calls categorized as other. The number of other calls is up (2.0%), with 2021 currently at 258 calls compared to 2020’s 253. Other calls include water rescues, HazMat calls, and ladder requests.
COVID-19 Testing Site
Specially trained VRFA EMTs assisted the King County Health Department in COVID-19 testing drive-up and walk-up residents at the GSA Complex. This site administered approximately 2,400 tests between January 24-31, 2021. Approximately 10% were positive. This approximate 7-day positivity rate is a -3.0% decrease from the previous January 11-23, 2021 13-day positivity rate (13%).
The positivity rate of the C St Sw testing site and the City of Auburn’s positivity rate are two different things. The City of Auburn’s positivity rate* for the past 14 days is 20.3%, a 5.1% decrease since last week’s 14-day positivity rate check (25.1%). The C St Sw testing site does not impact the positivity rate of the City of Auburn.
VRFA EMTs assisted with transition to vaccination delivery. The C St SW testing site will now be both a COVID-19 testing location and one of two South King County mass COVID-19 vaccine locations. Please note – vaccines are available by appointment only.
New Recruits
VRFA welcomed five new recruits who started their career in the fire service on Monday, January 25. Congratulations and welcome!
Calls for Service:
- Motorcycle vs Truck: (Auburn) On Monday, January 25 at 7:00 p.m., firefighters assisted an adult male complaining of leg pain after crashing his motorcycle into a truck. He declined transport by ambulance. Firefighters helped him into his girlfriend’s car for transport to a local hospital.
- Aid: (Pacific) On Tuesday, January 26 at 5:28 p.m., firefighters responded to a male requesting aid outside a local grocer. The male explained to fire personnel that he needed medical aid for his sore and aching feet. Upon seeing the last Metro bus to Seattle about to depart, the male jumped up and ran for the bus. E-338 wished him well and returned in service.
- Vehicle Fire: (Algona) On Wednesday, January 27 at 1:10 p.m., firefighters responded to a 10 foot box truck on fire at the Algona Transfer Station. Firefighters extinguished the fire and remained on scene to assist the towing company. The cause of the fire is undetermined.
- Motor Vehicle Accident: (Auburn) On Thursday, January 28 at 3:01 a.m., firefighters responded to a roll-over vehicle accident. Firefighters arrived on location and found a truck that had rolled over and ejected both occupants. One patient was lying in the road the other had fled on foot. Firefighters and King County Medic One Paramedics evaluated the patient. Paramedics transported him to Harbor View Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment. The other patient was later located by police he was treated and release at the scene.
- Aid Call: (Auburn) On Thursday, January 28 at 9:30 a.m., firefighters responded to a mid-20’s female that had overdosed. Fire crews woke patient up. Paramedics gave the patient Narcan and transported her to MultiCare Auburn Medical Center for further evaluation.
- Gas Leak: (Lakeland Hills) On Friday, January 29 at 7:23 a.m., firefighters responded to a report of a gas leak at a single family residence. Firefighters investigated and located the leak outside, next to the gas meter. Firefighters shut the gas off and ventilated the home. PSE arrived and began repairs.
- Aid Call: (Auburn) On Saturday, January 30 at 2:38 p.m., firefighters responded to an adult male experiencing abdominal pain from recent appendectomy surgery. The patient was examined by firefighters and transported to Mary Bridge Hospital by private ambulance.
- Aid Call: (Auburn) On Sunday, January 31 at 12:49 p.m., firefighters responded to a middle-aged male patient who was having a seizure. The patient was evaluated by firefighters and King County Medic One and then transported to MultiCare Auburn Medical Center by Medic 6.
Fire Investigations:
- FMO staff conducted the assembly and preparation of burn cells for Investigations training with ATF.
- There were no new calls for service for the Fire Investigation Unit
C.A.R.E.S.
- 7 responses
- 10 referrals
- 3 new enrollments
- 5 enrollments closed
- 66 total patients enrolled
The Community Assistance, Referrals, and Education Services (CARES) is a joint program between VRFA, King County Emergency Medical Services division South King Fire & Rescue, Enumclaw, and Mountainview Fire and Rescue departments. Each CARES response vehicle is staffed 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. by one firefighter from each department and a social worker. The CARES unit is sent on less emergent calls in non-transport capable vehicles to provide basic patient evaluation, assistance, specific basic life support treatment on scene, and arrange for transport if medically necessary. CARES also referred patients to community services where needed.
The above information was provided by the Valley Regional Fire Authority.
*This rate is as of this publication and is based on King County data only.