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Sunday, November 19, 2006

Turn Back The Clock pt. 21

Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service

I recently received a copy of the 1974 Annual Report for the Birmingham Fire Department. It is packed full of information and pictures of what the department was like in the early 70's. Below is an excerpt regarding the new medical rescue program Birmingham had started. I'll have much more in the future.


In 1973, the Birmingham Fire Department started a new emergency medical rescue program for the citizens of Birmingham. By the end of 1974, 33 firefighters had completed the 480 hour course recommended by the U. S. Department of Transportation and conducted by the Regional Technical Institute of the University of Alabama in Birmingham. An additional 40 hour extrication school was provided at the Birmingham Fire Academy drill field.

Mayor Seibels and Chief Swindle dedicate second of three rescue units in service in 1974...




Retired Battalion Chief (then a Lt) Buddy Wilks. His partner was David Bryant who retired from Birmingham and Tarrant. This was Rescue 10, the first rescue unit, running out of Station 1 at the time...




Taking a patient's blood pressure...







Applying an air splint...













LifePak 3...







Full arrest...




Training with the new LifePak...

10 Comments:

At 11/20/2006 07:43:00 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can u send me those minus the logo at the bottom? Great part of my history...EMT basic in 1974! Carl

 
At 11/20/2006 02:10:00 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I never recall seeing the dual cab rescue truck.


RadioDave

 
At 11/20/2006 03:23:00 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dick Custer (b'ham's oldest paramedic) used to ride on the old Rescue 6 which was a 4 door Squad 51 type.

 
At 11/20/2006 03:41:00 PM , Blogger EMS Action said...

Boy, does that name ever bring back memories. Everyone knew Lt. Custer.

 
At 11/20/2006 05:18:00 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Makes me feel old, I was 21 at the time. I knew Seibels and he was a fine man. He loved Birmingham.

Chuck

chuck@servicewithasmile.com

 
At 11/21/2006 09:01:00 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

The second picture at the top of the medic getting out of the unit is retire Battalion Chief (then a Lt)Buddy Wilks. His partner was David Bryant who retire from Birmingham and Tarrant. This was Rescue 10, the first rescue unit, running out of Station 1 at the time.

 
At 11/21/2006 09:05:00 AM , Blogger EMS Action said...

Thank you for the information!

 
At 11/22/2006 10:06:00 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Those Lifepaks are still in the special event closet in the back stairs of sta. 1

 
At 2/12/2007 10:55:00 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

does anyone have pictures of avondale department engine no 10 back in the 60's my dad worked there. i have two pics of the old fire engine with some of the men. and then one of a newer one. my dad also worked in woodlawn late 60's early 70's

 
At 2/22/2007 04:41:00 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

" Taking the blood pressure" is Bobby Paul Jordan BFD (retired).

 

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