January 5 – “GFD … Another job well done”

A structure fire.  Obviously a crisis for all involved.  Make sure everyone is outside.  Call 9-1-1.  Trust the fire department to do its job.  Allow the fire marshalls to discover cause and teach you to eliminate danger factors looking to the future.  Cut and dried.  End of story. 

And what if the structure on fire is bigger than a house?  Same procedure.  More fire units called in.  Perhaps a change of approach on fighting the blaze.  More involved, sure.  But still … nail it.  End of story.

But what if the fire is in a hospital?  Now you’re talking worst case scenario.  Imagine the coordination required just to accomplish the evacuation of patients and staff.  They do have fire drills for those situations, so that helps.  But there is something about that first smell, followed by the unmistakable taste of smoke as it travels through your system and explodes into your lungs.  Your heart skips a few beats.  You swallow back the rising surge of panic.  Finally, hopefully, you shake your head from side to side a few times to clear your thoughts.  Finally, hopefully, whatever training you might have kicks in, even if it is nothing more than stop, drop and roll.  You formulate a plan in your mind.  But wait.  You are in a hospital.  The staff has just closed the door in fire drill protocol.  You know nothing about the situation.  You have no control over the situation.  Welcome back panic.  But then you hear it.  No doubt first from your nurse.  Then from a fire fighter, or maybe a police officer.  “We’ve got this.  Just come with me.  You’ll be fine.” 

It’s hard to trust a stranger.  Hey, when you’re in the hospital, it’s hard to trust your doctor sometimes.  But hundreds of people faced that exact scenario yesterday at the John Sealy Towers of University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.  A fire broke out in an area of the hospital under construction.  Of course the smoke traveled up and began filling the entire ten story structure.  Worst case scenario?  Oh, yes.  Cause for panic?  Well, practically speaking, I’m sure there was some, but honestly … Galveston’s first responder team led by Galveston Fire Department was on the spot quickly, taking control of the situation, exuding confidence and inspiring calm. 

Once again I was astonished by the efficiency, the professionalism, and the teamwork of the Galveston Fire Department, as well as the inter-agency cooperation.  Every fire crew on the Island responded to the scene, which meant crews from neighboring departments were on alert to cover any other emergencies.  Crews from as far away as Hitchcock and Santa Fe were on site, assisting in rescue and bringing in extra air tanks so the fire fighters could do their jobs amidst the smoke.  Galveston Police officers joined in the effort, blocking off streets and aiding in evacuation.  Since it was a hospital, Galveston EMS was on scene as well, assisting with patient transport to other locations and dealing with smoke inhalation difficulties.  UTMB police officers and plant staff helped as well.  Doctors and especially nurses cared for patients on the fly as they were helped down stairwells and out onto the lawn staging area.  Other areas of the hospital braced for the influx of patients being transferred.  Other facilities were notified of incoming patients, and busses were arranged for to get them there. 

The battalion chief in charge of the effort did a masterful job of coordinating the entire scene.  He kept in contact not only with crews inside but also with relief crews arriving, GPD representatives, Central Dispatch, the power company, and anybody else who was to play a role in keeping the situation well in hand.  The crews inside obviously took care of the fire itself, but they also had to figure out a way to create ventilation to get rid of the smoke, which meant getting fans on site and opening strategic doors and windows.  Not to mention the task of going floor by floor to insure complete evacuation of patients and staff.  The whole process took several hours due to the magnitude of the task, but ultimately the goal was achieved. 

As Fire Chief Wisko put it, “While many were challenged, no one died, and we became stronger as a department.”  I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with Galveston Fire Department.  I’ve been talking a lot about being proud of my grandkids lately.  Today I’m proud of this other collection of “kids” that I see as family as well.  Thank you, Galveston fire fighters.  I am proud of you.

Philippians 3:7 says, “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”

Father, would you give the guys that worked that fire a restful day today?  Help them to recuperate.  They have to be ready to do it again in two days.  Amen.