Weston's Fire Rescue Employees of the Month are from BSO Weston Royal Palm Fire Station 81. They were honored at the City Commission meeting on September 12, 2024.

Lieutenant Kyle Robbins, Firefighter/Paramedics: Kimberly Buhr and Gregory Stavrinos (Rescue 81); Lieutenant Rafael Pinzon, D Aaron Guest, Firefighter/Paramedic Robert Parra, and EMS Supervisor - Captain Brent Edwards (Engine 81) were recognized for their quick thinking and decisive actions which saved the life of an accident victim and ensured the safety of all involved.

In the early hours of July 15, 2024, a single-vehicle accident occurred involving an electric vehicle.  The accident caused a break in the battery cell compromising the contents inside.  When the primary metal elements of the battery become exposed to air and moisture, they begin to immediately break down entering into a state of "Thermal Runaway" causing the batteries and ultimately the vehicle to become engulfed in flames. Realizing the early signs of "Thermal Runaway," they quickly requested the tender truck which carries 3,000 gallons of potable water and worked with BSO law enforcement officers to secure the area. Understanding the long-duration nature of the fire, they secured a water supply and ensured that all personnel and the public were safe from the dangerous fire and the off-gassing of the vehicle.

 While the crew of Engine 81 provided fire protection and forced entry into the vehicle, the crew of Rescue 81 swiftly extracted the driver, the sole occupant, from the vehicle.

Despite minimal outward signs of injury, the patient's initial blood pressure of 84/58 and altered mental status signaled the need for immediate, advanced care. The crew immediately prepared the patient to be transported as a Level-1 Trauma, which signifies the most serious medical conditions, to Broward Health Medical Center and notified Captain Brent Edwards, the EMS Supervisor and the purveyor of whole blood, of the potential need.

While transporting the rescue crew administered Tranexamic acid (TXA), a medication that promotes blood clotting, and coordinated with Captain Brent Edwards for the successful and timely administration of whole blood en route to the hospital.

Upon arrival at Broward Health Medical Center, the patient’s blood pressure had stabilized and condition had improved significantly. Later, it was confirmed that the patient had suffered serious internal bleeding, which required emergency surgery and the field administration of TXA and whole blood provided the critical time to allow the hospital to rally the surgical team and ready the operating room.

The prompt actions of our BSO Weston Fire Rescue heroes were undoubtedly lifesaving. The team demonstrated outstanding awareness of the hazards associated with the vehicle fire. They worked tirelessly for nearly three hours to fully extinguish the fire and keep the scene under control.

The actions of Captain Brent Edward, Lieutenants Kyle Robbins and Rafael Pinzon, Driver Engineer Aaron Guest, and Firefighter/Paramedics Kimberly Buhr, Gregory Stavrinos, and Robert Parra, exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to public safety.

For their work on this incident, we are proud to honor them as Weston BSO Fire Rescue Employees of the Month for September 2024.