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It finally happened to me ( The Worst day of my life and the Best night of My life)
At about 1000 hrs on 4JAN2008 I got a call on My personal Cell from My Neighbor saying that there was a fire at My own residence.. The heating element went out in the dryer.. causing something to arc and some towels caught on fire .. I was at the Pharmacy and got the worst feeling in My gut ..
Ive been to alot of incidents and never got tore up but this one was a bit diffrent.. it was MY OWN HOUSE.. I hopped in My POV and rushed home ( all that talk about safe driving and Due regard went right out the window ) and When I got on Scene I did not see My father but My Mother was in the driveway flagging down any help she could.. I suited and booted and kicked in the front door making entry where I seen My Father ( a Veteran Retired Firefighter) and My neighbor keeping the flames and smoke at bay with a Water hose.. I got in front of My dad and pushed Him and the Neighbor out they had no gear on whatsoever and fought as hard as I could till County got on Scene.. ( By the Way Thanks Men ) I was told by the Volunteer Chief for that Area that We kept it from going anywhere.. and Dads Quick Thinking of Turning the Electric off saved My house... after the Fire was Contained My father grabbed his chest and complained of pain Myself and another Firefighter gave him O2 untill he finally felt better.. He refused Medics .. Three Things happened this day that I thought would never EVER happen to Me.. 1. Responding to My own house fire...
2. Having to work Medically on my own Father whom I thought was Somewhere between God and John Wayne..
and last but not least..
I proposed to My girlfriend that night.. and She said Yes.. !!!....
Best and worst day all wrapped up in one ... HOOAH
Ive been to alot of incidents and never got tore up but this one was a bit diffrent.. it was MY OWN HOUSE.. I hopped in My POV and rushed home ( all that talk about safe driving and Due regard went right out the window ) and When I got on Scene I did not see My father but My Mother was in the driveway flagging down any help she could.. I suited and booted and kicked in the front door making entry where I seen My Father ( a Veteran Retired Firefighter) and My neighbor keeping the flames and smoke at bay with a Water hose.. I got in front of My dad and pushed Him and the Neighbor out they had no gear on whatsoever and fought as hard as I could till County got on Scene.. ( By the Way Thanks Men ) I was told by the Volunteer Chief for that Area that We kept it from going anywhere.. and Dads Quick Thinking of Turning the Electric off saved My house... after the Fire was Contained My father grabbed his chest and complained of pain Myself and another Firefighter gave him O2 untill he finally felt better.. He refused Medics .. Three Things happened this day that I thought would never EVER happen to Me.. 1. Responding to My own house fire...
2. Having to work Medically on my own Father whom I thought was Somewhere between God and John Wayne..
and last but not least..
I proposed to My girlfriend that night.. and She said Yes.. !!!....
Best and worst day all wrapped up in one ... HOOAH
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by deby on
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Hi Bobby
as i only join the group today about 5 mins after you posted i wasnt expecting to read something like this as the firt post but anyway its Great to see that there was more positives than negatives for the day as you will truely understand that the material stuff can be rebuilt but the real things that matter are safe and alive.
guess you have the lovelylong job of cleaning the place up now but at least your alive and well and CONGRATULATIONS to the happy couple
take care
will keep you in our prayers
and keep safe
from Deby in down under Australia
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Permalink Reply by Lawrence W on
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I too have had to respond to my own home. For me, it was a grease fire in the kitchen. My wife decided she wanted a hamburger, but didn't want to fire up the grill for a single burger... Anyway, she was able to get the fire out, but called for the cavalry anyway. Good decision, in my opinion. House was full of smoke and exhaust fans were set up to get the smoke out. Believe me, I may never hear the end of that one...
Being in emergency response, particularly with family living in your first-due area, you do run the risk of being the one to provide care to a family member. My step-father has been in poor heath for many years ( one of those folks that takes a handful of Skittles for breakfast - His Medication ) I have been there for Blood sugar issues, Blood Pressure problems and even an episode with Pneumonia. Not the most comfortable place to be, but certainly better than feeling helpless, I guess... I have come to a point where I can treat him as I have any other patient when dispatched. I have the advantage of knowing his history and where he keeps medication - No surprises late in the call when a family member shows up and says "oh, by the way..."
We as providers ( Fire, Rescue, EMS ) have a very unique perspective when the worst happens in our own lives. Our loved ones look to us to be the calm and controlled force in what is becoming a chaotic situation for them. Maybe its fair, maybe its not, but sometimes family will demand more of you than the public does. Remember that a personal family emergency, be it fire or medical, is still an emergency and requires you to keep your head in the game and make good decisions. While it is more difficult than usual to keep emotion out of your thoughts and actions, family still needs your professionalism to help them to cope. They know that this is what you do and they turn to you for guidance. Be the professional that you know you can be, but don't forget to be the family member that you are. They are as important to your recovery as you are to theirs.
Finally, Congratulations on your recent engagement. I wish you both many years of happiness.
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Permalink Reply by Jose A. Torres on
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I hope your home is back on living conditions. Just to show you even a retired firefighter can make all difference in the world. I shure hope your dads is doing well. And Bobby the best of luck on your proposal. Glad to see your okay. God Bless and be safe.
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