Health One expands to citywide outreach during pandemic response
 Every component of the Seattle Fire Department has been forced to adapt to the COVID-19 crisis, and the Mobile Integrated Health program is no exception. The MIH team recognized early on that the pandemic would have far-reaching impacts beyond the virus itself. Providing vulnerable community members with access to caregivers, medical transportation, basic supplies, healthcare and other support services has been more difficult with the necessary “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order in effect.
To help fill this gap, the Health One unit has moved beyond the downtown core and is now accepting referrals citywide from fellow Seattle firefighters. Using a remote case management team and a two-firefighter response team, Health One is helping SFD mitigate these impacts of coronavirus on our vulnerable residents.
*Photo taken prior to COVID-19 pandemic.
Recruit Class 112 is ready to serve
 Twenty-one recruits graduated from Seattle Fire's academy on May 15 and are now entering their one-year probationary phase. They will be assigned to stations throughout the city working alongside veteran firefighters responding to real incidents. Congratulations!
Fire and police crews in Rainier Valley help celebrate Coast Guard graduate
 Angelou was set to graduate from the United States Coast Guard Academy this year. She had worked hard, graduating with honors and distinguishing herself as an athlete. Unfortunately, like so many graduates this year, her ceremony was canceled by the pandemic. Her family decided to have a small, outdoor, socially-distanced, ceremony with family and friends to pin on her shoulder boards. And then her dad thought of a way to make it even more special. He asked Seattle Fire and Seattle Police to show up, so we did!
Congratulations on all your successes, Angelou, and your career with the United States Coast Guard!
Seattle Fire celebrates National EMS Week
 Did you know all Seattle firefighters are also certified Emergency Medical Technicians (or paramedics)? We have 73 firefighter-paramedics and 932 firefighter-EMTs serving this city, with an on-duty strength of 210 uniform personnel per day. During this year’s #EMSweek in May and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, we thank these members for their dedicated service to the Seattle community.
*Photo is a training exercise and not a real patient.
Firefighters climb Space Needle in a fight against blood cancers
 COVID-19 may have interrupted many of our activities, but it hasn't stopped firefighters' passion to beat cancer. Local firefighters who had planned do the New Zealand version of the Firefighter Stairclimb had to pivot when COVID-19 led to cancellation of the event. Unfazed, they arranged a socially distant climb of the Space Needle on May 22 - same day as the planned NZ Climb - and invited Seattle Fire's Lt. Frank Brennan and Firefighter Tyler Sell to join them.
We are proud of our many members who have still made the climb to join the fight against blood cancers.
Thank you Mariners' Pitcher, Marco Gonzales, and his wife Monica for the special visit and delivery
 On behalf of the Seattle Mariners, Marco and Monica Gonzales delivered their signature Blazing Bagels sandwiches to several Seattle fire stations on May 15 to express gratitude for all the work being done to keep Seattle communities safe and healthy during this pandemic. Afterwards, firefighters took a few turns at bat while Marco showed that his left-handed magic works even when it's a whiffle ball in his hand.
Thank you to the Gonzales', Seattle Mariners and Blazing Bagels, for the special delivery!
*Click the image above to watch the video.
King County Fire Chiefs have an important message to share
 Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins joined King County Fire Chiefs to share an important message with the community we serve. A look back at the beginning of COVID-19 in King County, where we are today, and how we can finish strong. Do not let up, we have come too far to go back. #TOGETHERWECAN
*Click the image above to watch the video.
Ladder truck and medic unit dedicated to West Seattle residents during high bridge closure
 To ensure appropriate response times during the West Seattle High Bridge closure, the Seattle Fire Department has dedicated two additional units to serve the residents of West Seattle. A medic unit (Medic 26) staffed with two paramedics has been located at Station 26, and a ladder truck (Ladder 13) staffed with four firefighter-EMTs has now been assigned to Station 37. These units went in-service on June 1 for responding to emergencies 24-hours per day, seven days a week.
Seattle Fire is committed to keeping you safe. Read more on Fireline.
Photo credit: Chun Kwan.
King County fire departments urge residents to call 911 for symptoms of heart attack, stroke
 King County fire departments urge you to call 911 if you have symptoms of heart attack or stroke: chest pain, or suddenly develop face, arm or leg weakness or difficulty speaking.
With an approximate 25% decrease in calls for heart attacks and a 10% increase in people found deceased upon arrival countywide, it’s an important message to share to save lives.
Read more on the King County Fire Chiefs Association website.
Summer fireworks, including sparklers, cause more injuries in the shortest time frame than any other part of the year
 The global pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, including our ability to celebrate traditional holidays with family and friends. With summer almost here and continued limits on community gatherings, no fireworks displays are planned along South Lake Union or Gasworks Park in 2020.
While it’s tempting to make up the difference and try your own fireworks, it’s both illegal and dangerous. This month, we’ve already responded to fires and serious injuries caused by fireworks.
Read more on our Fireline Blog.
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