Firehouse Friday: Stoneham Fire Department

Every day, every case, every call is different. Firefighters must be prepared for anything and everything when those alarms go off.

Stoneham Fire Chief Matthew Grafton tries to keep as up to date as possible with changing trends and findings in the fire service. Recently, Chief Grafton invited former firefighter Charlie Foote, a SIDS presenter and facilitator, to the firehouse to do a training/presentation on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.  SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants under a year old. it is not predictable or preventable, but there are risk modification behaviors we can do to minimize those risks. in 1994 the National Institute of Health launched the Back to Sleep Campaign, now called the Safe to Sleep campaign. This program has helped to educate millions of caregivers about the importance of laying children to sleep alone in their cribs, on their backs, and with  a pacifier in their mouths. This prevents any type of blanket or pillow from strangulating the child and the pacifier keeps the child’s airways open.

Charlie's program is unique. It gives the perspective of a bereaved family member and a first responder. Firefighters, paramedics, expectant parents, and anyone who is around children can benefit from the training and lessons Charlie brings with him each time he presents. If you would like to get involved, donate to research and awareness campaigns, or learn more, visit http://www.firstcandle.org/ or https://www.bmc.org/medical-professionals/pediatrics-ma-center-sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids.

Cox Media Group