Quick Takes

Providence, Rhode Island fire: A fire on Violet Street around 9:00 last night. Clip from Providence Fire Videos. More details from WPRI-TV.

Investigation into why firefighters couldn’t reach woman in time who was on phone with 911: A tragic story from Spotsylvania County, Virginia. A 911 call taker listened to Sandy Hill’s last breaths as firefighters tried desperately to find her on the second floor of the burning Cape Cod. By the time they get to the woman it was too late. STATter911.com/9NEWS NOW had filed a FOIA for the fireground & 911 audio in this case, but we were scooped by the local paper. The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star’s Dan Telvock takes a close look at this story and has the recordings. Click here.

DC crew received disciplinary action after failing to take woman to the hospital: This is a case from December with strong parallels to the investigation on-going into the death of a two-year-old girl during the second blizzard in February. In both cases it took a second 911 call to get a ride to the hospital. And in both cases the initial crews failed to get a signed release or file a patient care report. Click here for our coverage. 

Five firefighters injured in Brooklyn fire: Five firefighters were hurt around 4:00 this morning battling a fire on Concord Street. Two are reported to be in serious condition, but the injuries aren’t considered life-threatening. Here’s more from WCBS-TV.

Driven to distraction: Back in the day I used to find it a challenge when going driver only to a call, keeping the hands on the steering wheel, shifting gears, talking on the radio and blowing the siren. Now you have computers, GPS and other electronics to distract you in the front seat of an emergency vehicle. The New York Times looks at the growing concern that first responders may be distracted by all these bells and whistles. Check out the article.

Fiery multiple-vehicle crash on the highway: Firegeezer has the story and video from Indianapolis. Click here.

We are the fire service, why do we need to be fire safe?: There was a destructive fire at the UK Fire Service College last May. Now it’s been determined that the school didn’t exactly comply with fire safety laws. Read more. 

Another blue light special: In Martinsville, Indiana a volunteer firefighter didn’t like the way a woman was driving. He pulled her over and yelled at her. His blue light is now history for six-months. Read more.

Firefighter is canned after two women come to blows: The two women squared off after a city council meeting in Johnston City, Illinois where layoffs and pay cuts were dealt with. A man, who is a firefighter and part-time dispatcher, says he was fired because of the fight. Click here for the story.

Drawbridge rescue: Raw video from yesterday’s rescue of four workers in Pompano Beach, Florida. Check it out.

Houston considers furloughs: Houston’s mayor is the latest big city officials to talk about furloughs for fire and police to help balance the budget. Read more.

Also on STATter911 …

• FireTruckBlog.com: A must see story on a politician following a fire engine around with a camera. – June 19, 2011
• Investigation after death of elderly woman in Washington, DC. WTOP Radio reports medic on leave after failing to accompany patient to hospital. – November 29, 2011
• Marco Island Fire Rescue ambulance delay report says hospital, FD & other agencies failed to meet community expectations. Chief says citizens deserve answers. – October 21, 2011
• Quick Takes: December 6, 2010. – December 6, 2010