How Do Firefighters Help the Elderly and Disabled?
March 1, 2024 by Emergency Reports Staff
In the hustle and bustle of emergency services, there's a lesser-known aspect that often flies under the radar — the everyday heroics of firefighters aiding the elderly and disabled. Picture this: a gentle knock on the door, and there stands a firefighter ready to lend a helping hand, not in the face of blazing infernos, but in the quiet moments of routine assistance.
In 2022 alone, there were a staggering 750,427 calls requesting this invaluable service. It's a testament to the unwavering commitment of firefighters to serve their communities beyond the conventional expectations. So if you or an elderly or disabled loved one are in need of assistance, try giving your local fire department a call.
Times When Firefighters Help the Elderly and Disabled
Falls: Many elderly individuals are at risk of falls, especially when living alone or dealing with mobility issues. Firefighters often receive calls to help lift someone who has fallen and cannot get up safely.
Medical Emergencies: While not always life-threatening, certain medical conditions or disabilities may require assistance from trained professionals. Firefighters may be called to help administer basic first aid or provide support until medical personnel arrive.
Lock Outs: It's not uncommon for someone, particularly those with memory issues or mobility challenges, to accidentally lock themselves out of their home. Firefighters can assist in safely gaining access to the property, sometimes without causing damage.
Stuck in Furniture: Elderly individuals or those with disabilities may find themselves stuck in furniture, such as a recliner or bathtub, due to mobility limitations. Firefighters can help safely extricate them from these situations.
Statistics
| Number of Incidents | Year |
|---|---|
| 322,542 | 2014 |
| 371,310 | 2015 |
| 413,205 | 2016 |
| 461,713 | 2017 |
| 504,916 | 2018 |
| 560,890 | 2019 |
| 608,876 | 2020 |
| 691,443 | 2021 |
| 750,427 | 2022 |
Note: the incident type for these reports is "Assist invalid". invalid is defined as "a person made weak or disabled by illness or injury" according to Google’s English dictionary.
Data Source and Methodology
The data above count NFIRS basic incidents, year 2022, for all states, where mutual aid is not given (codes 3 and 4), and the incident type is "Assist invalid" (code 554).
Mutual aid given incident reports are not counted in order to avoid duplicates.