Lower School students enjoyed a visit from the Ladue Fire Department this week. They learned all about how these dedicated firefighter-paramedics provide emergency services to people in need throughout Ladue, which includes MICDS.
Homerooms took turns visiting both the Advanced Life Support vehicle (ambulance) and a Light Rescue Pumper (firetruck) in the area right outside the LS dining hall. In the ambulance, they saw equipment for measuring heartbeats, a stretcher, and a backboard, and learned how paramedics can use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to restart hearts. The students asked great questions, such as, « How does the person get on the stretcher if they’re unconscious? » The paramedic answered, « We pick them up and put them on it! » She also showed how the oxygen masks come in different sizes since grown-ups are bigger than kids. Finally, the paramedic explained that it’s important to know that emergency responders are there to help, so don’t hide if they are coming to help you.
At the firetruck, students learned there are different kinds of trucks with specific functions. A ladder truck has big ladders designed to allow firefighters quick access to high places. A pumper truck, which our students visited, also has ladders, but its primary function is to get a lot of water to the fire quickly. The pumper comes with hoses of various sizes, including a big one that the students noted is too big to carry into a house. « Where do you think we connect that big hose? » asked the firefighter. The little faces looked confused. « What is outside your house on your street? And around everywhere you go? » Another firefighter offered a different hint. « Sometimes they’re yellow, sometimes red. » « The fire hydrant! » several students answered.
Two firefighters sit in the front of the cab, and there are seats for two more in the back of the cab. « We used to hang off the back of the truck, but that’s pretty dangerous, » explained the firefighter. « Now the cabs are bigger, so everyone can ride inside. » He also showed the headphones they use in the cab since the sirens are too loud to hear anything else, and the Officer (or Acting Officer) is getting and relaying information from dispatch to the team as they are responding to a fire. « We don’t always know exactly what we need when responding to a fire, so we always send more than we think we’ll need, » he said.
The firefighters opened all the compartments on the side of the rescue pumper so students could see all the tools they use. A long metal rod is used to unlock vehicle doors to safely get to a child, pet, or unconscious adult. A wooden pole with small knobs at one end is how they reach the test buttons on smoke detectors, to test them without having to climb a ladder. They carry a leaf blower, which they use to clear roads of debris after accidents. Each truck has a generator and extension cords, so they always have power without having to find an outlet in a building. A large fan is used to move smoke out of a house. A pair of tools called « irons » allow firefighters to quickly get in locked doors and windows in emergency situations, and the tools are designed to nestle together for easy carrying. A sack called a RIT bag contains an extra mask and air tank. « That’s for us, » the firefighter explained. « If our equipment malfunctions or breaks, another firefighter can bring us this to help. »
Toolboxes carry screwdrivers, sockets, wrenches, and more, and there’s even a cooler with drinks tucked into a compartment. There are rows of colorful wooden blocks. « Who knows about Lincoln Logs? » the firefighter asked. Hands shot up among the students. « These are like Lincoln Logs, and we use them to stabilize unsteady situations, » he explained. There are several ladders of various sizes, fire extinguishers for certain types of fires, and air tanks. Students also saw the Jaws of Life, a rescue tool that can cut through car frames and breach doors to allow firefighters quick access to people who need help.
The firefighter explained how the numbers on each fire truck help other first responders identify each other. The pumper visiting the Lower School has the number 3924. The 39 denotes that it belongs to Ladue Fire Department, the 2 means it is from House 2 at LFD, and the 4 means it’s a rescue pumper.
He also shared that one of his favorite things about his job as a firefighter is that every day is different, and even every emergency call is different. The firefighters work two days on, two days off, and when they are on, they sleep and eat at the fire station.
A student asked, « Do you have something to do every day? » « Oh, yes, » answered the firefighter. « If we aren’t responding to a call, there is always something to do. We are checking fire hydrants and buildings, and we have training. School never stops! I learn something new every day. »
Thank you to our amazing Ladue Fire Department firefighters and paramedics for spending time with our Lower School students this week. It’s always a treat when they visit. Stay safe!