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AMERICAN CANYON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT PERSONNEL TEAMS UP WITH NAPA COUNTY HEALTH AND GREENHILLS CARE HOME TO VACCINATE VULNERABLE AMERICAN CANYON RESIDENTS
On Thursday, January 21, 2021, a collaborative team made up of a member of Napa County Health, American Canyon Firefighter/Paramedics, and Greenhills Care Home staff came together to inoculate vulnerable residents of American Canyon yesterday.
Kathy Ryan’s partner of over nine years, Ray Lane, is a Greenhills Care Home resident. He was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2013. “I can’t even imagine how long it would have taken me to get Ray the vaccine. I haven’t been able to take him out since March, not even a car ride. Memory care may get around to it at some point, but when will that be? Six or eight more months? Now, I feel so overwhelmed with joy that Ray is protected. I am grateful to the team of Kam Gantan and the staff at Greenhills Care Home, Naila Francies of Napa County Health, and our Firefighters at the District,” Ryan said.
Fire Chief Mike Cahill said, “yesterday, American Canyon Fire Protection District paramedics joined in the effort to bring vaccinations to the most vulnerable members of our community. I am extremely proud of our firefighters for stepping up and volunteering to be on the front line alongside Napa County Public Health personnel in this effort."
Over twenty residents, all over the age of 75, and two staff members of the Greenhills Care Home all received their COVID-19 vaccinations. All who received their vaccination fell under the Napa County and State of California’s Tier 1A vaccine eligibility tier. For more information on tier eligibility or to inquire about vaccine interest, please visit https://www.countyofnapa.org/3096/COVID-19-Vaccines
URBAN SEARCH & RESCUE TEAM TRAINING
On January 20th, your American Canyon Fire Protection District Firefighters conducted their monthly Urban Search and Rescue Team (US&R) training.
This month's training was focused on 'Heavy Lifting and Building Shoring'. What does that mean? That means members of the team practice lifting and securing heavy objects such as concrete slabs off of the ground so that they can perform a rescue operation of a trapped person. While this doesn't occur often, we are trained and prepared if it does.
AMERICAN CANYON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT PERSONNEL ASSIST AT WATSONVILLE MEDICAL CENTER AMIST COVID-19 SURGE
 While EMTs and paramedics are being called all across the State to assist staffing hospitals as the fight against the coronavirus continues, Santa Cruz County has requested assistance from the Office of Emergency Services (OES). American Canyon Fire Protection District has sent one Firefighter/Paramedic to assist with personnel needs.
Firefighter/Paramedic Max Etchieson started his service to the patients at Watsonville Community Hospital on January 18th, working eight or 12-hour shifts in the Emergency Room. Etchieson said he is pleased to take any small tasks off the doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff. "It is pretty busy down here. I am helping with initial assessment and treatment of COVID patients and the critically ill and injured as they arrive in the ER."
Etchieson will assist other California firefighter EMT/paramedics deployed as part of the State's request to administer vaccines, IVs, or whatever is requested of him. While on assignment through State of California OES, lodging, meals, and all logistical meals are provided by the State. Etchieson is committed to the assignment until at least February 1st. "Several, if not most counties are struggling with ICU capacity, and our hospital staff has been working so hard. We know everyone is scared. With cases surging, the struggle continues to grow. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I jumped in and just did whatever I could to help." Etchieson said. "We are all on the same team, and we are all here to serve."
Fire Chief Michael Cahill said they will send as many firefighters as they can to help with the surge at hospitals while still maintaining full staffing for the residents of American Canyon.
Firefighters on assignment for the state Office of Emergency Services, or Cal OES, said they know with COVID-19 that this is a risky assignment. Still, they are ready to do what it takes to help patients survive. Any personnel deployed to assist in hospital staffing will have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before they leave and are still awaiting the second dose.
AMERICAN CANYON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT PERSONNEL
AND PARTNERS DEPLOY FOR POTENTIAL DEBRIS FLOW FROM FIRE SCARS
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