Fire Blotter: Man Drowns in Pool

The responded to a variety of emergency calls during the week of June 24-30. The following is a breakdown of incident types recorded for this time period:

Fires: 4
EMS/Rescues: 64
Hazardous Materials: 5
Public Service Assistance: 4
Good Intent Calls: 9
False Alarms: 8
Total Incident Count: 94 

Medical Assist: Abdominal Pain

At 7:23 a.m. on June 24, Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical assist in the 700 block of West Camino Real. Fire personnel evaluated a male patient who was suffering from severe abdominal pain with bloody emesis. The patient received advanced life support at the scene, including oxygen therapy, cardiac monitoring, intravenous access and drug therapy for pain management. The patient was transported to for further evaluation and treatment.

Medical Assist: Chest Pain

At 6:12 a.m. on June 25, Engine 105 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a medical assist in the 500 block of East Leda Lane. Fire crews evaluated a male patient who was complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath. Paramedics provided advanced life support measures on scene including an intravenous access, cardiac monitoring, medications and oxygen therapy. The patient was transported to for further evaluation and treatment.

Man Drowns in Pool

At 3:24 p.m. on June 26, Engine 105 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a medical assist in the 1500 block of South Third Avenue. Fire crews evaluated an elderly male who was in full cardiac arrest after drowning in a swimming pool. The patient had been removed from the pool by the neighbor prior to fire department arrival. Paramedics provided advanced life support measures on scene, including an intravenous access, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, advanced airway, cardiac defibrillation, medications and oxygen therapy. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital.

Traffic Collision

At 7:30 a.m. on June 27, Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a traffic collision with injuries in the intersection of South Baldwin Avenue and West Longden Avenue. Fire crews found a two-vehicle traffic collision with one patient trapped inside one of the vehicles. Extrication was provided by Truck 105 with Battalion 105 assuming command of the incident. The “Jaws of Life” were utilized to pry open the door of the vehicle where fire personnel removed the patient. The patient was assessed by paramedics, placed in full cervical spine immobilization, and transported to the local trauma center to further evaluation and treatment.

Hazardous Material Found

On June 28 at 9:15 a.m., the Arcadia Fire Department in the 600  block of West Naomi Avenue Engine 105, Engine 106, Truck 105, Rescue Ambulance 106, and Battalion 105 responded to the scene. In addition, Hazardous Material Units from Burbank and Glendale Fire Departments, along with an Air Unit from South Pasadena Fire Department, supplemented the response. The Los Angeles County Fire Department's Health Hazardous Materials responders also assisted.

Upon their arrival to work, occupants discovered a white substance in several of the offices inside the structure. The building was evacuated by fire personnel and an investigation initiated. Prior to Fire Department arrival, seven persons were exposed to the substance, which was identified as potash bentonite, but exhibited no adverse reactions.

Due to the nature of the incident, the area was declared a crime scene. Los Angeles County Sheriff and FBI Hazardous Material personnel were requested by the Arcadia Police Department to assist with the law enforcement investigation. The structure was cleared for re-entry by Los Angeles County Health Hazardous Material Department.

Vegetation Fire

At 2:08 a.m. on June 29, Engine 105, Engine 106, Engine 107, Truck 105, Monrovia Truck 101, Rescue Ambulance 105, and Battalion 105 responded to a reported fire in a parking structure in the 100 block of North First Avenue. Fire crews investigated the scene and reported light smoke in the parking structure at the location. Further investigation revealed the smoke was coming from the exterior of the structure near some electrical equipment. Fire personnel requested Southern California Edison to the location and remained on scene for their arrival. It was determined the smoke was from dry vegetation smoldering near their equipment and that the electrical equipment was not involved or compromised.

Medical Assist: Altered level of Consciousness

At 5:07 p.m. on June 30, Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical assist in the 400 block of West Duarte Road. Fire Crews evaluated an infant female who was experiencing episodes of altered level of consciousness. Paramedics provided advanced life support measures at scene, including cardiac monitoring, airway suction and oxygen therapy. The patient was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.