Fire Department News

By Tom Galeota, Engineer ET 334

 

Much to your dog’s dismay, Bolton doesn’t have them.  Neither does Hebron, Andover or Coventry.  They weren’t always red.  In a few years they will celebrate their 200th birthday.  What are they?  The venerable fire hydrant.  They’ve helped saved countless lives and billions of dollars.

Bolton does have three “dry hydrants” which allow us to easily “draft” or suck water from the water body to which they are connected.  A dry hydrant is simply a pipe that begins underwater in a pond and ends with an above-ground threaded end that stands a few feet high.  They are not under pressure, in fact, quite the opposite.  When an engine tank (fire truck pumper) connects to the threaded end, the pumper sucks water from the pond and fills its own tank or the tanks in the shuttle trucks.  The water is then shuttled to the fireground.  Water sources must be close to the fireground in order for a sufficient amount of water to be shuttled.  That is why we need many throughout town.  The town continues to grow and so does the need for water sources. 

The more “romantic” version of the hydrant are those we see in Manchester, East Hartford or wherever you find underground pressurized water service (water mains).  But these evolved over a long time.  In at least the 1600’s some big cities had wooden, underground water mains.  Firefighters would uncover the wooden street main, drill a hole in it and scoop water for bucket brigades.  When finished, they would plug the hole and record its location for future use.  Hence the term “fire plug”.  In the 1700’s plugs gave rise to very simple above ground valves.  The word “hydrant” was first used around 1800 for a revolutionary water system installed in Philadelphia.  Hoses soon replaced the bucket brigades and hydrants were made with threaded fittings to allow a hose connection.  The 1850’s brought the design of the modern-day hydrant.  Cast iron with its own shut-off valve, it has changed little since then.  A small hole in the bottom of the barrel allows water to drain after each use thereby avoiding freezing and cracking the hydrant.  In the 1930’s the break-away hydrant was created.  Unlike the “Hollywood” hydrants hit by a car in the movies, the main valve in these break-away models will remain intact with no resulting geyser.  What fun is that?!  If you think your dog would love a hydrant I suggest a trip to NYC.  With over 70,000 to choose from they will be as content as I am in a buffet line.

Tip of the Month

Most of the more than 425 calls we respond to each year are requests for emergency medical services.  The varieties of emergencies are endless.  But one of the more common calls is for a chest pain, difficulty breathing or cardiac arrest.  If you have these symptoms call 9-1-1 immediately.  Don’t wait, don’t hesitate.  Seconds count.  Seconds can be the difference between living many more years with your family, or not.  Never be embarrassed about calling us.  We always strive to treat each patient like family.  The American Heart Association says that not all the following signs occur in every heart attack.  Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast! Today heart attack victims can benefit from new medications unavailable in years past. Clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack symptoms first appear. Don't delay -- get help right away!

Heart Attack Warning Signs

 

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

  • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.   
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.   
  • Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.  
  • Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness       

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help. Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.  Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive, up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. They are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too.  If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.

Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning. Here are the signs:

  • Sudden loss of responsiveness. No response to gentle shaking.
  • No normal breathing. The victim does not take a normal breath when you check for several seconds.
  • No signs of circulation. No movement or coughing.

If cardiac arrest occurs, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and someone trained to use it is nearby, involve them. 

Bolton Fire Department is proud to protect your life and property every day.  Thanks for reading.