Two People Seriously Injured After Firework Mishap

(Brevard County, Fla.) - 4800 block of N Highway 1 in Melbourne: Two people were seriously injured following a firework mishap in the Melbourne area last night.  The call came in shortly after 9:00 p.m. to Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) dispatch.  The caller advised a firework discharged on a dock, near a group of people.  The two injured people jumped into the water to get away from the firework, but were assisted out of the water prior to BCFR arrival.

The two injured people, one male and one female, sustained serious injury and were airlifted by medical helicopters to the area's trauma / burn center.  No updates were available as to the patients' current condition.

Brevard County Sheriff Office assisted with traffic control, so the two helicopters could safely land.  

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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New Driving Simulation Lab Will Help Improve Safety

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) received three fire apparatus driving simulators that will be used to create a Driving Simulation Lab.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 23% of firefighter deaths occur during vehicle collisions. 

The three driving simulators were purchased with a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), minimizing the department's cost.  The department will also see recurring cost savings by reducing the number of instructors, fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance; as well as improve safety.

Traditional driver training cannot expose drivers to hazardous situations as failure could result in personnel injuries and vehicle damage.  The simulators provide a safe and realistic driving environment that train drivers how to recognize, anticipate and circumvent hazardous situations.  The end result is improved safety and reduced risk.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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New Patient Simulator Improves Service

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) is receiving a patient simulator to train employees and improve patient care.  The simulator allows paramedics to practice uncommon but critical skills without risk.  Using wireless technology, instructors command the simulator to react to the paramedics' treatments, just as a real patient would.  The simulator will be featured in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training Lab.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Prescribed Fire Planned for 06/25/2013

(Valkaria, Fla.) - A 100-acre prescribed fire will take place Tuesday, June 25th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.  The burn is being conducted by the Florida Forest Service, with Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) and the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program offering assistance.

Prescribed fire involves the careful application of fire by professionals under specific weather and fuel conditions.  Benefits include reduction of wildfire risk, habitat restoration, and the recycling of nutrients back into the soil.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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High Angle Rescue in Merritt Island - Man Rescued from Rooftop

(Brevard County, Fla) - Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) was called to the 400 block of Ormond Avenue in Merritt Island on Saturday morning to rescue an injured man from the home's roof.

The 25 year old male was operating a saw on the roof of the one-story home when he stepped on a weak portion and fell, sustaining serious injury from the saw.

Truck 41 used their ladder and a "stokes basket" for the elevated rescue operation and had the injured person safely on the ground within 20 minutes.  The successful operation was described by BCFR District Chief Jeff Money as a "quick and efficient operation."

The patient was transported via medical helicopter to the local trauma center with serious injuries.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Engine 47 Attends the Suntree HOA Summer Camp

(Brevard County, Fla) - Brevard County's Engine 47 visited the Suntree HOA Summer Recreation Program and enjoyed spending the morning with the community.  Engine 47's crew was there to show the children the fire truck and provide some much needed relief from Florida's hot summer sun (see picture below).

If you would like to schedule a fire truck display or speaker, please fill out our online form (click here).  Brevard County Fire Rescue offers many community outreach programs and welcomes inquiries from our customers.  We also offer station tours upon request, free of charge.

Suntree HOA Summer Program provides children the opportunity to have summer fun that promotes physical activities and encourages cooperative character building.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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One Seriously Injured After Two Vehicles Collide

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Two vehicles collided in West Cocoa at N. Range Road and Dianne Dr this afternoon.  The two pickup trucks came to rest after they crashed into a concrete wall.  Upon arrival of Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR), one person was seriously injured and required transport by a medical helicopter to the local trauma center.

Cocoa Fire Department assisted in securing a safe "landing zone" for the medical helicopter to land.  Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) was on scene to investigate the cause of the accident.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

Additional pics available HERE

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