A special kind of HERO
Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services Appreciation
Page 2 – Fire Fighter & EMS Appreciation Week • Oct. 9 & 10, 2025
NFD distributes thermal fuses for oxygen concentrator users Accidental fire caused by smoking near oxygen prompts station to launch community program By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News Following an incident in which local firefighters responded to an accidental fire caused by a person smoking while using supplemental oxygen, the Newton Fire Department issued a safety initiative to reduce similar risks and plans to hand out thermal fuses to oxygen users in the community. According to a press release from the fire department, first responders were dispatched to a residential fire in the 1300 block of South Third Avenue West. The fire started in the living room of a single-family home occupied by two residents. Police officers were
first to arrive. Officers helped the occupants safely exit the home while firefighters from Newton and mutual aid units from Kellogg and Colfax quickly controlled and extinguished the fire, which was limited to a recliner in the living room. One of the residents was treated for mild smoke inhalation on the scene. Upon further investigation, the fire was determined to be accident. A resident had removed her oxygen nasal cannula and placed it on her chest while smoking. The fire department said the flame ignited the oxygen tubing and nearby recliner, causing a brief but intense fire.
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Fire Fighter & EMS Appreciation Week • Oct. 9 & 10, 2025– Page 3
Newton Fire Marshal Jacob Halferty said in a statement in the press release: “This incident underscores the extreme danger of smoking while using supplemental oxygen. Oxygen accelerates combustion, drastically increasing the speed and intensity of fire spread.” To prevent similar incidents from happening, the fire department announced it is launching a Community Risk Reduction program to raise awareness about the dangers of home oxygen use. Small safety devices called thermal fuses — which shut off oxygen flow when exposed to heat — will be distributed for free. “We’re committed to protecting our most vulnerable residents,” Halferty said. “These fuses won’t stop a fire from starting, but they can slow its growth and potentially save lives. Our goal is to make these available at no cost to oxygen concentrator users in Newton.” The fire station will work with home health providers and community partners to roll out the program in the coming weeks.
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Fire Fighter & EMS Appreciation Week • Oct. 9 & 10, 2025– Page 5
A look inside the new Prairie City Fire Station
Page 6 – Fire Fighter & EMS Appreciation Week • Oct. 9 & 10, 2025
4 unique roles within EMS The Office of Emergency Medical Services works in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reduce death and disability. The Office of EMS notes that the best preparation for any incident, whether it’s big or small, is a comprehensive EMS system with skilled personnel ready to respond every day and to every emergency. EMS workers provide an invaluable service to their communities, and projections indicate those services could be in even greater demand in the years to come. For example, projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that, by 2026, job opportunities for emergency medical technicians could grow by 15 percent compared to a decade earlier. During that period, more than 37,000 new EMT jobs could be created or need to be filled. EMS workers serve in a variety of capacities. The following are four unique roles that fall under the EMS umbrella. 1. Emergency Medical Responder Often referred to as an “EMR,” an Emergency Medical Responder has the
skills and knowledge to provide immediate services to individuals in emergency situations. Qualifications vary, but EMRs must complete EMR coursework and pass a variety of examinations before they can take on this vital role. EMRs do not offer advanced care, but they can provide potentially life-saving care in emergency settings until other responders arrive. 2. Emergency Medical Technician Emergency Medical Technicians, or EMTs, provide medical care after responding to emergency calls. The BLS indicates that job growth among EMTs is expected to outpace growth in all other occupations by 2030. That illustrates both a need for the vital services EMTs provide as well as a need for special individuals willing to pursue this line of work. EMTs often help to stabilize patients and provide patient care in an ambulance en route to the hospital. 3. Advanced EMT Advanced EMTs, sometimes referred to as “AEMTs,” must meet extra educational and certification requirements compared
to EMTs. AEMTs can provide the same services as EMTs, but are often chosen to respond to situations that require or potentially require more advanced services, such as administering fluids and medications. Many states consider AEMTs advanced life support providers, which also differentiates them from EMTs. 4. Paramedic Paramedics often must complete a degree program and pass a variety of exams before they can be certified. According to the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care, a paramedic program may require between 1,200 and 1,800 hours. Once certified, paramedics can provide both basic and advanced care, including critical care during emergencies. To become a paramedic, individuals must be an EMT and have experience working as an EMT. Emergency medical services is an umbrella term that includes an assortment of trained professionals who perform a variety of tasks in an effort to protect public health. — Metro Creative
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Fire Fighter & EMS Appreciation Week • Oct. 9 & 10, 2025– Page 7
Community-based efforts to show support for EMS workers The often unheralded contributions of first responders garnered considerable attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early days of the pandemic, when much about COVID-19 was still a mystery, first responders put their lives on the line and worked long hours to help people in need. EMS workers were on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. Even though life has now returned to normal, EMS workers continue to bravely provide an invaluable public service. The contributions of EMS workers are worthy of recognition and celebration. The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians suggests these community-based efforts can be great ways to celebrate EMS workers who save lives and help make their towns and cities safe each and every day. • Host a blood drive. A blood shortage during the pandemic left many hospitals scrambling for potentially life-saving blood. Though the American Red Cross indicated the blood supply had stabilized in the early months of 2023, shortages remain a possibility. Community leaders can work along-
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side local EMS agencies and help them to organize local blood drives to reduce vulnerability to shortages in the future. Leaders and local business leaders can work together to offer incentives to donors, such as discounted meals, items or services at popular restaurants, stores and service providers in town. • Highlight EMS workers on community social media accounts. Many locals now get their community news
and other information from social media accounts linked to township offices and departments. Leaders can use these platforms to shine a light on local EMS workers. Interview a different EMS worker each month, speaking to them about what inspired them to become a first responder and what they like about the job, but also their own interests and hobbies when they are not on duty.
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• Highlight life-saving efforts. Communities also can utilize social media platforms and other programs to showcase EMS workers who have gone to extraordinary lengths to help others. Share information about EMS workers who have saved a life and even promote public events when those workers are commended. Encourage people affected by EMS workers’ life-saving efforts, including the person who was saved and their family members, to share their stories and express their appreciation. • Let residents tour EMS facilities. It’s easy to take EMS workers for granted because they do not often seek attention. But that does not mean they’re not worthy. Allow locals to tour EMS facilities during certain times each month, which can help locals gain greater recognition of everything EMS workers do to keep communities safe. EMS workers are worthy of recognition and celebration. There are many ways for community leaders and residents to express their appreciation to these invaluable workers. — Metro Creative
Page 8 – Fire Fighter & EMS Appreciation Week • Oct. 9 & 10, 2025
Thank you
for your bravery and commitment!
1607 1st Ave E • Newton 641-841-2134 SM-NE574887-0516
THANK YOU, FIREFIGHTERS AND EMS! We are grateful for your bravery, dedication, and selfless service. You answer the call—day or night—with courage, skill, and compassion. Whether fighting fires, providing emergency care, or offering comfort in a crisis, you are true heroes.
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107 1st Ave. E. • Ph: 641-792-3121