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Friday, November 30, 2007

Working fire on Ferdinand - 1 firefighter reportedly injured


I put the story and some more pictures up on VAFireNews.com. Click the picture for the article. Also note that Firefighters around the Country are interested in Scott's story and hope that he is resting comfortably and recovering. I understand that the family would not like visitors to Scott's room, however they can visit with the family on the 7th floor of RMH.

Listen to Jay Lowry's Podcast on FirefighterHourly.com where he talks about the incident.

Firefighter Scott Hetherington was injured today while working at a structure fire with a report of occupants trapped. Firefighter Hetherington went down while in the structure and a mayday was called.

He was transported to the hospital and is awake and talking. His family is by his side.

Scott works on Quint 7 and has been a firefighter for 9 years.

Update:

Here is the story from what I have gathered talking to those on scene:

Engine/Ladder 7 was toned out to a fire at 1101 Ferdinand for a structure fire with other units. Engine 7 arrived and began interior suppression with a crew of three - Captain Rorrer, FF Zimmerman, and FF Hetherington (I do not know who was driving). Lt. Simmons met the crew at the front door to begin positive pressure ventilation by placing a fan at the front door. Upon entry by the crew of three, Simmons started PPV. The crew had a report of occupants inside. Shortly after the crew entered, Captain Rorrer came back to the door and signified to Lt. Simmons that something was wrong. Lt. Simmons retrieved FF Hetherington from just inside the door where he had collapsed. Hetherington was dragged to the front yard where firefighters began a fight to save his life. Apparently, Hetherington had suffered a cardiac emergency. Deputy Chief Altman, FF/PM Pfister, and FF/PM Murphy (all Paramedics) transported Hetherington to the hospital and were able to revive him. Shorty after, Hetherington was awake and oriented in the hospital.

Great job by all involved. I find it hard to believe that this was short of a miracle. If the situation were just the tiniest bit different, the outcome might not have been the same.

According to the comments:
Book keeping note: Although Altman did run the resuscitation at the scene, Dave Pope rode in and maintained Scooter's airway througout. Brady McDonald drove M4.Gator, who was right in the middle of it, pulled the truck closer to Scooter. Chief Bishop was right there too. Fine job done by all!

Here are links to the story:

Updated: Firefighter, family OK, but dog dies in Roanoke fire

House Fire in Roanoke

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's ironic we are re-training on RIT operations.

Kudos to the Chief for allowing his station-mates to leave for the shift and heal their emotional scars. Doug, you and your guys rest up and know yall did a good job.

Scott our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope you get back soon.

Anonymous said...

makes you wonder if scot wouldve been ok if he didnt have to do the job of 3 men because they got rid of e7 i think its there falt down in admin
hope your gonna be ok scooter

Anonymous said...

Let's keep Scott in our prayers, and give thanks to Roanokes Finest for saving one of their own.

Anonymous said...

Great job guys! Our thoughts & prayers go out to "Scooter" & his family.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all that you do! I can't imagine the emotions the men on scene went through. I am very happy that FF Hetherington is doing ok and that the men who serve with him were well trained to respond to his emergency.

Good Job guys!

Jebadiah said...

Thank you Travis, Billy, Hank, Murph, Dougy, Rusty and Everyone who helped out today. Scooter is one of the Finest Fire Fighters Roanoke has. I would not be in the fire service had I not met Scooter years ago. We have your back brother, you have always been a giver. Now it is our turn. Let us know now how we can help you and your family. Great Job Boys, thanks for saving our Brother.

Anonymous said...

Book keeping note: Although Altman did run the resuscitation at the scene, Dave Pope rode in and maintained Scooter's airway througout. Brady McDonald drove M4.Gator, who was right in the middle of it, pulled the truck closer to Scooter. Chief Bishop was right there too. Fine job done by all!

We love you Scooter. Get well and come back home to us. Your place at the table is saved.

Anonymous said...

Why do all the articles and news reports keep saying that he was just injured? He wasnt injured, he suffered full cardiac arrest and was brought back on scene by his own co workers. I think some outlets are down playing what happened and what was done to save him. Great job to all that was there.....and hope you get well soon Scooter.

Anonymous said...

Thank God for a good outcome. Get well soon Scooter, and if there is anything that the family needs just let your firefighter family know and we will take care of it.

Anonymous said...

You guys are awesome! Travis your the man, Everyone who helped pull scooter through and the other hundred who would've rushed in to help as well. Thank God for all the "real" firefighters and those paramedics who were on the scene. It's times like these that bring our family together. Damn! This has been one hell of a year! It can only make us stronger, by the grace of GOD!!! I miss you all. PLease let us know if anyone needs anything. Get well Scott!

Anonymous said...

Get well soon Scooter. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Great job to all who made this outcome the best that it could be. This is truly what brotherhood is about!

-Mulford

Anonymous said...

Wow, these posts are what the FD and our brotherhood is all about. All positive, get well wishes and no cowards posting negative crap behind a screen name. I hope Scooter gets to read these soon. Rhett, can we start planning a fund drive for the familys Christmas????????????? JD

Anonymous said...

Rhett,

From all of us here at South Bend Fire we and pray for a speedy recovery.

This morning at coffee I told this story to all the guys here in the house. Emotions were all over the place...prayers for a brothers well being to praise of brothers and a job well done.

Know that RFD is in our thoughts and that "Scooter" and his family is in our prayers.

Godspeed!

Brandon Roark
Engine 1 A-shift
South Bend Fire Department
www.southbendfire.org

Anonymous said...

Great job to all involved, Big Trav, the guys on 7 and the medics. You all did one helluva job. Scooter take care hope you get back real soon and if there is anything you or your family need please don't hesitate to call.

Bo

Anonymous said...

I guess if someone had to pull my ass out of a fire/house, Big Trav would be my #1 pick. Way to go Lurch.

Anonymous said...

Lurch and Gator was the two that pulled him off of the porch.. Great job guys!!!!! Just like to say that everyone did one heck of a Job!!! Keep Scooter in your prayers as i am sure it will take a while to recover from this..