How Many Can Remember Their First Call

The first call I answered in NY was a false alarm. My first call here in SC, I will never forget.
It was a structure fire where we lost a mother, and three children. It was a very difficult time
for the entire fire department. This is not the way anyone should have to answer their first alarm, but it happens. I can only prey that I don't have to come accross another alarm such as that.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Riedinger on July 11, 2009 at 3:49pm

My first call was to a dryer fire. I remember it very well because I made so many mistakes. I grabbed the red-line instead of 1.5 inch we carried at the time. I did not make sure the power was turned off. I entered the structure without an SCBA. However, we did get the fire put out with minimal smoke damage to the house.

I did learn a lot from that fire and never made those mistakes again.

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Permalink Reply by Amanda on July 11, 2009 at 11:42pm

I remember responding with my dad, we had a CO call, then left to go to another one that was toned out for a chimney fire.. it was amazing, and I had a blast especially with my dad there :)

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Permalink Reply by Mick Shelley on July 12, 2009 at 4:47pm

Hey Danielle, Thank you for responding to the discussion.
I guess it wasn't hard for you to remember your first call. I see that you
are new to the fire department, and hold the title of explorer. I wish you
well, and welcome to the best job in the world. Be well, and stay safe out there.

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Permalink Reply by Mick Shelley on July 12, 2009 at 4:51pm

Hey Mike, Thank you for responding to the discussion.
I see you have been around for 30 years, I would guess you have
seen it all by know. Thanks again, be well, and stay safe Brother.

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Permalink Reply by Justin Scott on July 12, 2009 at 6:46pm

my first call was an mva with entrapment. i was 16 and was at the station learning a thing from the older guys when the tones dropped. i was so nervious and my heart was beating so fast that i almost forgot how to put my gear on. as we got close to the scene i started to breath pertty hard. got there and turned out to be a 20 min extrication. we flew 2 out in the bird. i was so scared helping move the patient to the chopper. after that i knew i was hooked and been doin it every since

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Dalgarno on July 21, 2009 at 12:48pm

Single vehicle roll-over. The car ended up upside down on the railway tracks. Luckily no trains showed up before we got there and called the railway, but there was a train headlight parked 1 mile away 15 minutes later!

Neither occupant was wearing seatbelts. The passenger walked away. The driver, we pulled out and did CPR until the ambulance arrived, but he had no pulse and severe head injuries - he didn't make it.

I still picture the over-all scene when I drive by there. It's funny how you can remember the details years later. Not just your first call, but almost every call that is "different".

Andrew

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Permalink Reply by Dr. Erik Podszus on July 21, 2009 at 8:14pm

You still owe me a patch, etc...............

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Permalink Reply by Mick Shelley on July 21, 2009 at 9:04pm

I will send it ASAP Brother.

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Permalink Reply by Jacob on August 3, 2009 at 9:05pm

My first call was a structure fire caused by a fish tank heater, and a overloaded powerstrip.
We,sadly, had 3 fatalities.

Derek
Sam
Jon
the families goldfish were killed when the tank exploded.

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Permalink Reply by Derek R. on August 21, 2009 at 12:16am

first call from my first dept was the weekend after i was voted in. Grass fire out of contyrol ...to my own place. Kind of embarrassing.
First call at this dept. was either a mutual aid to a fully involved house. Had to bulldoze it...kinda fun. OR it was for a chimney fire then getting toned out to another chimney fire in the next district because they were out on a call. They were so close together that I cant remember which was first....so they are BOTH firsts.
I enjoyed this thread a lot because of the scenarios that I would normally not think about. Very interesting. I especially liked the first call about being 7 or 8 yrs old when he called his granny.....too funny.
This thread should be kept going. I know there are many who have had first calls here.....just gotta write 'em down.
Thnx Mick. take care.

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Permalink Reply by Angela on August 22, 2009 at 9:35pm

Ahhh the first call!!!!Mine was a working structure fire and you know when Jack forgot his lid in Ladder 49 well that was me, my husband yelled at me to get it on,I put it on, got on a line on the porch it was so awesome....chest was beating so hard i thought it was going to jump out of my chest.