Madison firefighters release department video

MADISON – Fire Chief David Bailey and personnel in Madison Fire & Rescue Department have released a new video about the work in their department.

The video will serve the fire department as a promotional and recruiting tool.

To open the film, Bailey said the firefighters in his department work at their best in the worst of circumstances and when a life is at risk.

More than two-thirds of Madison firefighters are trained as paramedics, which require more rigorous training than EMT certification. First responders from the fire department usually arrive first to residents’ calls, which often relate to a medical emergency.

Madison Fire and Rescue teaches CPR on campuses of Madison schools and throughout the community.

Odds for surviving a heart attack in Madison are three times better than in other parts of the country because so many people here know how to administer CPR, according to the film. Madison Fire Department has taken a further step and has automated CPR units in medical responder trucks.

Madison has an ISSO rating of “1,” the highest fire rating possible. The department’s quick response to a fire is a major component for that rating. When responding to a fire call from a resident or a fire alarm, the truck crew uses a geographic information system or GIS to access a map, find the quickest route, determine layout of major buildings and locate nearest fire hydrant.

Cooking-related fires still account for the number one cause of fires — all hours of the day or night. Firefighters recommend automatic extinguishers that attach to the underside of a stove hood.

Fire inspectors visit every business, church and school in town at least once each year to confirm that exit lights, alarm systems and fire extinguishers are working correctly. The department recommends keeping flammable materials, like boxes and fabrics, away from heat sources.

Madison residents can train free of charge for using a fire extinguisher and for CPR procedures.

“Our job is not just responding after something happens,” Chief Bailey said. “We are always searching for patterns and trends of community risks and then working with our many partners to keep Madison residents safe.”

To view the video, visit Facebook/Madison Fire and Rescue and scroll down to click “Madison Fire & Rescue Promotional and Recruiting Video.”