As a way to kick off National EMS Week, the Oxford Fire Department is hosting its first-ever EMS Safety Fair on Saturday, May 16 from 12-5 p.m. at downtown’s Fire Station #1 (96 N. Washington St.)
The public is invited to join the firefighters and paramedics who protect them day in and day out for an afternoon of fun and learning.
‘We’re trying to increase our public education efforts, offer more classes for kids and senior citizens,? according to EMS Coordinator Nancy Hunger.
The EMS Safety Fair will feature a variety of health exams including blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests and electrocardiogram (EKG) readings.
Rochelle Loyer, a representative from POH Regional Medical Center, will be giving a talk on bicycle safety and handing out free bike helmets to the first 20 attendees.
Representatives from the American Red Cross will be handing out literature on various topics and signing folks up for the fire department’s blood drive in June.
One of the firefighters will be doing child car seat inspections by appointment.
‘They take about 20 minutes each,? said Hunger, reminding people to bring the seat’s owner’s manual with them.
The fire department will also be kicking off its new ‘fall prevention program? for senior citizens. Similar to a fire inspection, the program will consist of a firefighters coming to seniors homes or apartments and identifying potential fall or trip hazards, so they can be corrected.
‘If someone’s interested in a home inspection, they can sign up with us during the fair,? Hunger said.
Those in the mood to see some big-time emergency vehicles at the fair won’t be disappointed.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department is bringing its Mobile Command Center and a boat from its Marine Division, while Midwest Med Flight is expected to land a helicopter between 12-1 p.m., provided it doesn’t get called out for an emergency elsewhere.
Fire safety will also be part of the fun with lessons on how to properly use a fire extinguisher and how to escape from a burning home, courtesy of an interactive fire house on loan from the Brandon FD.
Free refreshments will be available.
For more information about the EMS Safety Fair or to make an appointment for a child car seat inspection that day call (248) 969-9483.
Learn all about the Oxford Fire Department at www.oxfordfiredept.com.