By Michael L. Petroff,
Everyone Goes Home® Region VII Advocate

It was the perfect way to start a day of training, with the words of slide #16 of the Courage to Be Safe(SM) program becoming reality during a Train-the-Trainer class.

The session held at Warrenton Fire Protection District Station #2 was being presented as part of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri Annual Convention.

With the crews and equipment from Station #2 out of quarters in preparation for the convention parade, only three people were at the firehouse -Michael Petroff, Courage to Be Safe(SM) Instructor and Region VII Advocate, and class attendees Firefighter Vincent Phang, of the Pettis County Fire Protection District, and Firefighter Rodney Smith, of Bonne Terre City Fire/Rescue. This was the first time they had ever met.

During class preparation, a woman came into the station. Firefighters Smith and Phang asked if they could help and the woman said that she just wanted her blood pressure checked. Petroff joined the group and explained that they were guests visiting for a class that the station's firefighters were out preparing for the convention.

An offer was made to call the firefighters back to quarters to assist, but the woman said that she did not want to be a bother and she would just leave. When asked if she was having any medical symptoms or problems, she gave a brief medical history and described signs that quickly put the group of firefighters into action. The signs indicated a need for a medical evaluation and possible care. While not critical, it was clear that further care and investigation was needed. Petroff called Station Captain Jeremy Frye by cell phone to advise him of the situation and ask for a non-emergency EMS response. Firefighter Phang then began a more detailed patient assessment and history as Firefighter Smith made his way to the only piece of equipment left in quarters, a tower ladder, to search for a medical bag and blood pressure cuff.

A short time later a Warren County Ambulance Supervisor arrived and assumed patient care. While the patient refused further treatment, the EMS supervisor was able to give her additional information and instructions.

How does all this relate to the wording of Courage to Be Safe(SM) slide #16? The slide reads, "Tradition, Culture, and Crew Integrity." The tradition of service, the culture of doing what needs to be done with the resources available, and the integrity of a crew that, until that day, had never met. Each assumed a role, reported to the appropriate people, and worked to mitigate the situation. What better way to start a Courage to Be Safe(SM) class than to demonstrate through actions the Courage to Be Safe?