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Irondale honors firefighters who resuscitated resident, launches residential Knox Box loaner program
Summary
The City of Irondale recognized firefighters for resuscitating a resident after a May cardiac arrest and announced a 10-unit residential Knox Box loaner program to let emergency crews enter homes without forced entry for elderly or medically homebound residents.
Irondale officials on Tuesday recognized members of the Irondale Fire Department for resuscitating Warren Simmons after he suffered cardiac arrest in May and announced a new residential Knox Box loaner program to help crews access homes without forced entry.
Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. and Fire Chief Wes McDaniel presented a challenge coin to Simmons and his wife during the council meeting. Captain Thompson, the department’s EMS officer, described the event as “a win” that reflected training and quality-improvement work: “Quality improvement is, learning from our mistakes and celebrating the wins.” Simmons told the council the crew “saved my life,” describing rapid response, CPR and two shocks that restored his pulse and allowed him to reach the hospital.
Chief McDaniel said the department has bought 10 residential Knox Boxes and will run a loaner program by application aimed at elderly residents, people who live alone or those with medical conditions. McDaniel said the boxes will be placed at homes with a resident key inside; firefighters will carry a special department key on the truck that opens only those boxes so crews can enter without breaking doors. McDaniel said part of the purchase was funded from discretionary money previously allocated by a councilmember to support police and fire initiatives.
Captain Thompson credited the crew’s training and named several members who participated on the call, including Jonathan Haywood and Jacob Miller. The chief also listed other personnel who contributed to the response though they were not at the meeting: Charles Gibson, Victor Davis and Dale Stafford.
Council members and the mayor praised the department’s response and supported the public-safety and community-access benefits of the Knox Box program. McDaniel said the city will advertise the loaner program on social media, the city website and at the Senior Activity Center and that an application process is being finalized.
The presentation combined personal thanks from the survivor and a program announcement about the city’s plan to make non-destructive entry available for at-risk residents.
