Norton Fire Department

NORTON — Chief Shawn Simmons is pleased to share that the Norton Fire Department has purchased ultrasound devices and received training for using them, thanks to donor funds.

EchoNous ultrasound devices are used by paramedics to find “free fluid,” such as blood, in an individual who has suffered a serious injury. Using the device, paramedics can scan a patient’s body to determine if they are bleeding internally. The technology uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify organs that are being scanned, allowing first responders to find where a potential injury is.

Discovering an internal bleed as soon as possible can let first responders know if they should transport a patient to a local hospital or a trauma center. In the event of an internal bleed, decreasing the time that a patient is brought to a trauma surgeon impacts survival tremendously. In some cases, a patient may appear to be unhurt, but an ultrasound scan can quickly determine if there is a serious internal injury.

Additionally, the device can help identify suitable veins in an individual with poor vascular access who needs an IV.

The Norton Fire Department is one of only a few fire departments in Massachusetts with access to AI-assisted ultrasound technology.

The two ultrasound devices were purchased this fall, and John Ribeiro and Norton-based Ribeiro Enterprises donated funds for training on how to use the devices. The donation from the Ribeiro family allowed the training to be completed this week, under the direction of a Rochester, NY-based training company, Insonate Point of Care Ultrasound Education.

“On behalf of the Norton Fire Department, I want to sincerely thank Mr. John Ribeiro, his late wife Hilda and Ribeiro Enterprises for their generous donation to train all our paramedics in using this groundbreaking technology,” Chief Simmons said. “These devices will have a profound effect on the level of EMS care that our community will be able to receive, and I am proud that Norton is ahead of the curve with the addition of this lifesaving equipment.”

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NORTON — Chief Shawn Simmons reports that the Norton Fire Department responded to three brush fires at approximately the same time on Thursday afternoon.

On Thursday, Nov. 7, amid a Red Flag Warning put in place due to extreme fire conditions, the Norton Fire Department responded to three separate brush fires all starting at about 3 p.m.

The first fire was reported at 2:48 p.m., at 80 Harvey St., where less than half an acre burned before Norton firefighters were able to extinguish the flames.

At 3:06 p.m., a larger fire was reported at 121 W. Hodges St. That fire burned about two acres of land and kept companies busy overhauling and wetting down hot spots until about 7 p.m.

Companies from the first fire eventually responded to West Hodges Street, and off-duty department personnel were called back in to assist with battling this blaze.

At 3:12 p.m., a third fire was reported at 206 Old Dean St. This fire was small and burned less than half an acre.

Firefighters from Taunton and Rehoboth covered Norton fire stations while companies battled the brush fires. There were no reported injuries and no property damage.

Norton Emergency Management also provided support, sending a rehab truck and lighting to the West Hodges Street fire.

The causes of the fires remain under investigation by the Norton Fire Department.

“Crews did a great job getting around these fires quickly with limited personnel,” Chief Simmons said. “I’d like to remind everyone that fire conditions are extreme right now, and I urge all residents to use caution with any outdoor activities that could cause a fire or sparks.”

Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 a.m. and clocks will move back one hour. 

Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms are vital in reducing deaths and injuries caused by fire. They give everyone in the home an early warning and time to escape.

Be prepared, turn your clocks back one hour, and check your smoke and CO alarms. 

For more information about smoke/CO alarm safety, visit the National Fire Protection Agency’s website: https://tinyurl.com/NFPADetectors