MARYSVILLE — Two months after it opened for business, the Marysville Fire District administration building on Cedar Avenue hosted an open house Dec. 10.
During this time, fire district staff not only acquainted citizens with the features of the admin building, but also answered their questions about fire district operations.
MFD Battalion Chief Terry Matsumura showed off the medical and airway supplies boxes that can be found in the fire district’s medic units, and explained that these supplies are designed to help treat problems ranging from blocked airways and cardiac arrest to diabetic shock. Matsumura and Kristen Thorstenson, public education specialist and public information officer for the district, noted that most of the district’s calls are for emergency medical services, which is why a number of district personnel are cross-trained as firefighters and paramedics.
“We respond to a lot of falls, and to injuries ranging from back and hip pain to stroke,” Matsumura said.
After two months in their new offices, Thorstenson believes that putting the fire district’s admin staff in closer proximity has allowed them to work more cohesively.
In the meantime, as the days grow colder and darker, Thorstenson advised local residents to replace mailbox numbers with brass-colored backings, and instead install numbers that are bright and reflective to be seen more clearly by emergency responders in low light.
“And as always, make sure your smoke alarms have fresh batteries and your households have fire escape plans,” Thorstenson said.