Trouble Shooters
Department Rescue Squads, Jacks-of-All-Trade
Handle Wide Range of Emergency Work
By RAYMOND T. MILLNER,
Captain, Rescue Co. 1
THE BIG RED WAGON pulls to a stop at the center of a
row of tenements. The officer and a fireman alight, followed
shortly by their several mates, carrying equipment. Hastily,
they ascend the stoop and enter the hallway. It is a drab
looking structure, as tenements go, perhaps no more
decrepit than its string of duplicates to either side, but
unhealthy looking and not too cheerful. Slatternly women,
their shoulders hunched over window-sills, their heads
protruding, mutely observe the queer procession.
Department Rescue Squads, Jacks-of-All-Trade
Handle Wide Range of Emergency Work
By RAYMOND T. MILLNER,
Captain, Rescue Co. 1
THE BIG RED WAGON pulls to a stop at the center of a
row of tenements. The officer and a fireman alight, followed
shortly by their several mates, carrying equipment. Hastily,
they ascend the stoop and enter the hallway. It is a drab
looking structure, as tenements go, perhaps no more
decrepit than its string of duplicates to either side, but
unhealthy looking and not too cheerful. Slatternly women,
their shoulders hunched over window-sills, their heads
protruding, mutely observe the queer procession.
On the third floor landing, a large haggard looking man in an undershirt awaits the helmeted group. With little formality,
he apprises the officer of conditions. The officer issues one crisp order. It is hardly necessary. His men are already in
action.
In a curtained alcove off the dingy living-room lies a baby boy, born within the last quarter hour. A middle-aged doctor,
in shirt sleeves, is applying artificial respiration. The mite’s entrance into this turbulent sphere has not been in accord with
Mother Nature’s well-laid plans. Its respiratory organs have not commenced to function properly; the child is unable to
breathe.
Two firemen work in ominous silence. A tiny facepiece is fitted over the infant’s bluish features. Off in a distant room a
moaning sob is heard, then suddenly there is complete quiet. No sound is audible save that made by the flow of the life-
giving carbogen. A human life hangs in the balance. The wheels of time move slowly. Thirty minutes pass! Sixty! Five
cylinders consumed. Ninety minutes—and the officer beckons to the doctor, who applies his stethoscope. Breathing has
been established! The men continue, ten, fifteen minutes more. The doctor smiles and nods his head. He bundles the babe
in a blanket with the skill of a mother. An ambulance is downstairs—waiting. The child is carried away.
The neighbors gape a little more inquisitively this time. Sweating firemen replace their equipment, climb aboard the big
red wagon. The chauffeur looks about, releases his clutch with caution. A swarm of kids, clanging away like imitation fire
engines, take to the sidewalk. The road clears. Rescue 1, a job completed, is on its way back to quarters.
The incident, dramatic though it may sound, is not the creation of a Hollywood scenario writer. It contains nothing of the
heroic. Repetition has deprived it of any novel aspects. It is merely one of the many and varied types of emergency that the
Fire Department’s trouble shooters, members of the four modernized Rescue Companies, are called upon to handle in the
course of a day’s work.
Other graphic scenes might be just as vividly drawn, if the writer had the talent, about almost any other phase of activity
entrusted to this branch of the fire service. Men working against time with acetylene torches; men struggling with nausea
beneath a steel subway car, to retrieve a suicide’s body; men working against smoke and fumes, in windowed masks, to
reach some inaccessible death-dealing valve. A multitude of other tasks, refrigerant ruptures and leaks, high tension wire
emergencies, passenger and freight elevator mishaps, poisonous gas and fumigant work, steam boiler accidents, as well as
a thousand and one varieties of assorted minor disasters which daily befall Father Knickerbocker’s family of ten million,
keep officers and men assigned to these useful units constantly on their toes.
As every fireman knows, there are four companies in the New York Fire Department handling this specialized off-shoot
of fire fighting. Generally speaking, Rescue 1, Spring Street, covers Manhattan; Rescue 2, Jay Street, covers Brooklyn;
Rescue 3, East 143rd Street, takes care of the Bronx; and Rescue 4, Queens Boulevard, answers calls for help in Queens.
The latter two are the most recent, having been organized in 1931. Brooklyn’s Rescue 2 dates back to 1925. Rescue 1,
pioneer in the field, was organized by Fire Commissioner Robert Adamson on March 8, 1915. It was under the command
of a young captain—John J. McElligott.
he apprises the officer of conditions. The officer issues one crisp order. It is hardly necessary. His men are already in
action.
In a curtained alcove off the dingy living-room lies a baby boy, born within the last quarter hour. A middle-aged doctor,
in shirt sleeves, is applying artificial respiration. The mite’s entrance into this turbulent sphere has not been in accord with
Mother Nature’s well-laid plans. Its respiratory organs have not commenced to function properly; the child is unable to
breathe.
Two firemen work in ominous silence. A tiny facepiece is fitted over the infant’s bluish features. Off in a distant room a
moaning sob is heard, then suddenly there is complete quiet. No sound is audible save that made by the flow of the life-
giving carbogen. A human life hangs in the balance. The wheels of time move slowly. Thirty minutes pass! Sixty! Five
cylinders consumed. Ninety minutes—and the officer beckons to the doctor, who applies his stethoscope. Breathing has
been established! The men continue, ten, fifteen minutes more. The doctor smiles and nods his head. He bundles the babe
in a blanket with the skill of a mother. An ambulance is downstairs—waiting. The child is carried away.
The neighbors gape a little more inquisitively this time. Sweating firemen replace their equipment, climb aboard the big
red wagon. The chauffeur looks about, releases his clutch with caution. A swarm of kids, clanging away like imitation fire
engines, take to the sidewalk. The road clears. Rescue 1, a job completed, is on its way back to quarters.
The incident, dramatic though it may sound, is not the creation of a Hollywood scenario writer. It contains nothing of the
heroic. Repetition has deprived it of any novel aspects. It is merely one of the many and varied types of emergency that the
Fire Department’s trouble shooters, members of the four modernized Rescue Companies, are called upon to handle in the
course of a day’s work.
Other graphic scenes might be just as vividly drawn, if the writer had the talent, about almost any other phase of activity
entrusted to this branch of the fire service. Men working against time with acetylene torches; men struggling with nausea
beneath a steel subway car, to retrieve a suicide’s body; men working against smoke and fumes, in windowed masks, to
reach some inaccessible death-dealing valve. A multitude of other tasks, refrigerant ruptures and leaks, high tension wire
emergencies, passenger and freight elevator mishaps, poisonous gas and fumigant work, steam boiler accidents, as well as
a thousand and one varieties of assorted minor disasters which daily befall Father Knickerbocker’s family of ten million,
keep officers and men assigned to these useful units constantly on their toes.
As every fireman knows, there are four companies in the New York Fire Department handling this specialized off-shoot
of fire fighting. Generally speaking, Rescue 1, Spring Street, covers Manhattan; Rescue 2, Jay Street, covers Brooklyn;
Rescue 3, East 143rd Street, takes care of the Bronx; and Rescue 4, Queens Boulevard, answers calls for help in Queens.
The latter two are the most recent, having been organized in 1931. Brooklyn’s Rescue 2 dates back to 1925. Rescue 1,
pioneer in the field, was organized by Fire Commissioner Robert Adamson on March 8, 1915. It was under the command
of a young captain—John J. McElligott.
Late in 1914, Chief of Department John Kenlon realized the need of
special equipment for firemen, to keep pace with the swift, hazardous
march of industrial progress. Annual Reports, with alarming consistence,
showed the severe toll of firemen’s lives which lethal chemical fumes,
ammonia and other refrigeration gases were each year exacting. A fire in
the Broadway Subway, at 55th Street, where smoke from burning
insulation on electric wires felled more than a hundred passengers, and
hospitalized many of the firemen rescuers, further emphasized the need
of a specially equipped company. Research work being conducted was
hastened. Helmets, masks, cutting torches, and other necessary tools
and equipment were assembled. A heavy rebuilt Cadillac automobile
was painted and put in readiness at the old shops on 56th Street and
12th Avenue. Records of department personnel were combed in the all
important procedure of selecting a qualified crew.
Chief Kenlon’s responsibility of picking ten men, jacks-of-all-trades
preferably, was no easy one. It required rare judgment and tact. The
chief finally made his selections and history later proved he made no
mistake. Under Captain McElligott’s command was Lieutenant Edwin
A. Hotchkiss and Firemen Thomas Kilbride, Walter A. O’Leary, John
F. Mooney, John P. Ryan, Frank C. Clark, Alfred Kinsella, Alfred V.
Henretty, and James Shaw. The earliest location of Rescue Company
No. 1 was in Great Jones Street, where it shared quarters with Engine
Company 33.
special equipment for firemen, to keep pace with the swift, hazardous
march of industrial progress. Annual Reports, with alarming consistence,
showed the severe toll of firemen’s lives which lethal chemical fumes,
ammonia and other refrigeration gases were each year exacting. A fire in
the Broadway Subway, at 55th Street, where smoke from burning
insulation on electric wires felled more than a hundred passengers, and
hospitalized many of the firemen rescuers, further emphasized the need
of a specially equipped company. Research work being conducted was
hastened. Helmets, masks, cutting torches, and other necessary tools
and equipment were assembled. A heavy rebuilt Cadillac automobile
was painted and put in readiness at the old shops on 56th Street and
12th Avenue. Records of department personnel were combed in the all
important procedure of selecting a qualified crew.
Chief Kenlon’s responsibility of picking ten men, jacks-of-all-trades
preferably, was no easy one. It required rare judgment and tact. The
chief finally made his selections and history later proved he made no
mistake. Under Captain McElligott’s command was Lieutenant Edwin
A. Hotchkiss and Firemen Thomas Kilbride, Walter A. O’Leary, John
F. Mooney, John P. Ryan, Frank C. Clark, Alfred Kinsella, Alfred V.
Henretty, and James Shaw. The earliest location of Rescue Company
No. 1 was in Great Jones Street, where it shared quarters with Engine
Company 33.
The value of the Rescue Company today is no longer a topic of speculation or a subject for debate. At fires to which it
responds or is special called its utility is unlimited. If not required for any of the jobs for which its wide range of equipment
is especially adapted, it may be put to work as a truck or engine company. Rescue Company members are trained to
perform either line of work and do not find it unusual to be allotted such tasks as forcible entry, ventilation, or searching for
victims and examination of premises for knowledge of the fire’s extension. It is just as likely, because of familiarity with
masks and experience gained while working under their encumbrance, to be assigned to the advancement of a hose line
previously retarded by noxious fumes or impenetrable smoke.
Modern Apparatus
The apparatus assigned to Rescue 1 is New York City’s first sedan fire engine. It was built in 1939 by the Ward-La
France Company, at a cost of $18,500. The van has a 6-cylinder motor of 150 horsepower. It is 31 feet long, 8 1/2 feet
wide, and approximately 11 feet high, with 70 inches of headroom in the body. There is provision in the forward cab for
carrying eight men, including the company officer and chauffeur. The latter two are in the driving cab and the firemen are in
a secondary cab from which there is a narrow door leading into the body. The body is all steel, spot welded, and equipped
with neat, space-utilizing compartments. Its weight is 29,500 pounds.
The van is equipped with a two-way radio, which is a unit of the radio alarm system of the New York Fire Department
on 1630 kilocycles. The radio is continuously tuned in to Telegraph Headquarters from the time the company leaves
quarters until its return. A loud-speaker public address system is mounted atop the cab for the use of chief officers in giving
orders to companies in remote locations.
All compartments of the apparatus are provided with hinged steel collapsible doors, both interior and exterior. The rear
of the van has a crane protruding over the rear step. It is specified to lift five tons by means of cable and winch. The winch
is forward and is operated by means of a power takeoff in the transmission. The crane has two giant adjustable tormentors.
Rescue 1 carries a large variety of equipment, designed to meet almost every conceivable emergency it is likely to
encounter. Much of this equipment is not carried by other than Rescue Companies, and for that reason a brief descriptive
resume of unusual items may be of interest.
responds or is special called its utility is unlimited. If not required for any of the jobs for which its wide range of equipment
is especially adapted, it may be put to work as a truck or engine company. Rescue Company members are trained to
perform either line of work and do not find it unusual to be allotted such tasks as forcible entry, ventilation, or searching for
victims and examination of premises for knowledge of the fire’s extension. It is just as likely, because of familiarity with
masks and experience gained while working under their encumbrance, to be assigned to the advancement of a hose line
previously retarded by noxious fumes or impenetrable smoke.
Modern Apparatus
The apparatus assigned to Rescue 1 is New York City’s first sedan fire engine. It was built in 1939 by the Ward-La
France Company, at a cost of $18,500. The van has a 6-cylinder motor of 150 horsepower. It is 31 feet long, 8 1/2 feet
wide, and approximately 11 feet high, with 70 inches of headroom in the body. There is provision in the forward cab for
carrying eight men, including the company officer and chauffeur. The latter two are in the driving cab and the firemen are in
a secondary cab from which there is a narrow door leading into the body. The body is all steel, spot welded, and equipped
with neat, space-utilizing compartments. Its weight is 29,500 pounds.
The van is equipped with a two-way radio, which is a unit of the radio alarm system of the New York Fire Department
on 1630 kilocycles. The radio is continuously tuned in to Telegraph Headquarters from the time the company leaves
quarters until its return. A loud-speaker public address system is mounted atop the cab for the use of chief officers in giving
orders to companies in remote locations.
All compartments of the apparatus are provided with hinged steel collapsible doors, both interior and exterior. The rear
of the van has a crane protruding over the rear step. It is specified to lift five tons by means of cable and winch. The winch
is forward and is operated by means of a power takeoff in the transmission. The crane has two giant adjustable tormentors.
Rescue 1 carries a large variety of equipment, designed to meet almost every conceivable emergency it is likely to
encounter. Much of this equipment is not carried by other than Rescue Companies, and for that reason a brief descriptive
resume of unusual items may be of interest.
Two types of self-contained oxygen masks are carried, the Draeger and
the M.S.A. They are designed to permit effective work in atmosphere
where such work would otherwise be impossible, such as in tunnels,
ducts, subways, refrigerant leaks, holds of ships, manholes, etc., where
toxic and lethal gas may be present in heavy concentration.
When advancing, with the aid of either of these two masks, in
concentrations of gas that are heavy, penetrating or poisonous, waders,
rubber coat and rubber gloves must be worn to protect the skin. In the
case of the M.S.A. mask, a rubber hood must be worn over the head
and neck.
Successful wearing of these masks requires thorough instruction and
constant training. It is a wise policy, therefore, to permit only Rescue
Company members to operate with such equipment. The usual
procedure is for the officer and two firemen to enter the enclosure or
building, with one well trained and fully equipped member remaining
outside in case of mishap.
Each Rescue Company has a telephone set, with transmitter and
receiver in the facepiece of the mask. Also a duplicate set connected to
100 feet of cable. These sets are operated without the use of batteries or
any other outside source of energy. They are energized by vibrations and
magnetic control. These sets are of invaluable assistance in keeping the
chief officer informed of progress and conditions encountered.
the M.S.A. They are designed to permit effective work in atmosphere
where such work would otherwise be impossible, such as in tunnels,
ducts, subways, refrigerant leaks, holds of ships, manholes, etc., where
toxic and lethal gas may be present in heavy concentration.
When advancing, with the aid of either of these two masks, in
concentrations of gas that are heavy, penetrating or poisonous, waders,
rubber coat and rubber gloves must be worn to protect the skin. In the
case of the M.S.A. mask, a rubber hood must be worn over the head
and neck.
Successful wearing of these masks requires thorough instruction and
constant training. It is a wise policy, therefore, to permit only Rescue
Company members to operate with such equipment. The usual
procedure is for the officer and two firemen to enter the enclosure or
building, with one well trained and fully equipped member remaining
outside in case of mishap.
Each Rescue Company has a telephone set, with transmitter and
receiver in the facepiece of the mask. Also a duplicate set connected to
100 feet of cable. These sets are operated without the use of batteries or
any other outside source of energy. They are energized by vibrations and
magnetic control. These sets are of invaluable assistance in keeping the
chief officer informed of progress and conditions encountered.
The Hose Mask, carried by all Rescue Companies, is one through which pure atmospheric air is supplied to the wearer by
means of a manually operated blower through 150 feet of hose. It is the most comfortable mask to wear and provides the
most natural respiration. Its uses, however, are rather limited, for care must be exercised to keep the blower operating at a
point where pure fresh air is abundant. In cases where toxic gases are present, a sudden shift in wind may make this
difficult.
The oxy-acetylene cutting outfit is an important item of equipment and gets frequent use. It consists of one 250 cubic foot
cylinder of acetylene, two 110 cubic foot cylinders of oxygen, gauges, hose, cutting torch, wrenches, spark lighter,
goggles, asbestos gloves and blankets. For light jobs, a new type of cutting outfit has been added, known as the Kerotest.
It is a complete oxy-acetylene cutting outfit fitted into compartments on a canvas vest worn by a member. It leaves both
hands free for climbing or other work. It is naturally limited so far as time of operation is concerned, but replacement
cylinders can be installed in a few minutes. In any case, no time is lost in waiting for the large set to be assembled. As
stressed by recent industrial fires, it is imperative, when working with the oxy-acetylene torches, to have the asbestos
blanket, and, if possible, a charged line in readiness at all times.
A Smoke Ejector unit, equipped with two 10-foot hose lengths, 11 inches in diameter, is also part of the Rescue
Company’s accessories. This is motivated by a 2-cylinder Homelite Engine and will remove 5,500 cubic feet of smoke or
other charged atmosphere per minute.
Among other items of the more important pieces of equipment are the familiar All - Service filter masks, electric saw, a
complete set of elevator door keys, combustible gas indicator, hydraulic jacks from 5 to 30 tons, screw jacks from 5 to 18
tons, fog nozzle, M.S.A. Fire Fiter Asbestos Uniform, electric tongs, 400 pounds of foam powder, with generator and
hopper, inhalators, and complete first aid equipment.
A major percentage of calls for the Rescue Company result from refrigeration leaks. During the summer, refrigeration
systems, both large and small, are taxed to their limit. While all members of the Fire Department have been instructed by
the Rescue Companies in the handling of household refrigerant leaks, a little review at this time should do no harm.
Refrigerant Gases
You will find a wide variety of gases used in domestic units. These include sulphur dioxide, methyl-chloride, ammonia, iso-
butane, methyl-formate and freon. Ammonia and freon gases in these small units give very little trouble. Methyl-chloride,
iso-butane and methyl-formate are more dangerous when liberated, due to their combustible qualities. They also serve as a
mild anesthetic. In contact with great heat, they also break down and generate deadly gases. Under ordinary
circumstances, however, they are not irritating to the skin or membranes.
The real offender, and the one you will be called upon to face most frequently, is sulphur dioxide. Do not attempt to
remain or work in an atmosphere charged with this gas without a mask. If breathed in sufficient quantities, it will cause
lesions and destroy tissue in the lungs, bronchial tubes and throat.
Upon arrival, locate the refrigerator. Keep doors leading to public hallways and shafts, including dumbwaiter shafts,
closed. This will minimize the escape of gases to other portions of the building. If the concentration is heavy, await the
arrival of the battalion chief and use the mask. Ventilate and search the floor or apartment. You may find a human being,
overcome.
means of a manually operated blower through 150 feet of hose. It is the most comfortable mask to wear and provides the
most natural respiration. Its uses, however, are rather limited, for care must be exercised to keep the blower operating at a
point where pure fresh air is abundant. In cases where toxic gases are present, a sudden shift in wind may make this
difficult.
The oxy-acetylene cutting outfit is an important item of equipment and gets frequent use. It consists of one 250 cubic foot
cylinder of acetylene, two 110 cubic foot cylinders of oxygen, gauges, hose, cutting torch, wrenches, spark lighter,
goggles, asbestos gloves and blankets. For light jobs, a new type of cutting outfit has been added, known as the Kerotest.
It is a complete oxy-acetylene cutting outfit fitted into compartments on a canvas vest worn by a member. It leaves both
hands free for climbing or other work. It is naturally limited so far as time of operation is concerned, but replacement
cylinders can be installed in a few minutes. In any case, no time is lost in waiting for the large set to be assembled. As
stressed by recent industrial fires, it is imperative, when working with the oxy-acetylene torches, to have the asbestos
blanket, and, if possible, a charged line in readiness at all times.
A Smoke Ejector unit, equipped with two 10-foot hose lengths, 11 inches in diameter, is also part of the Rescue
Company’s accessories. This is motivated by a 2-cylinder Homelite Engine and will remove 5,500 cubic feet of smoke or
other charged atmosphere per minute.
Among other items of the more important pieces of equipment are the familiar All - Service filter masks, electric saw, a
complete set of elevator door keys, combustible gas indicator, hydraulic jacks from 5 to 30 tons, screw jacks from 5 to 18
tons, fog nozzle, M.S.A. Fire Fiter Asbestos Uniform, electric tongs, 400 pounds of foam powder, with generator and
hopper, inhalators, and complete first aid equipment.
A major percentage of calls for the Rescue Company result from refrigeration leaks. During the summer, refrigeration
systems, both large and small, are taxed to their limit. While all members of the Fire Department have been instructed by
the Rescue Companies in the handling of household refrigerant leaks, a little review at this time should do no harm.
Refrigerant Gases
You will find a wide variety of gases used in domestic units. These include sulphur dioxide, methyl-chloride, ammonia, iso-
butane, methyl-formate and freon. Ammonia and freon gases in these small units give very little trouble. Methyl-chloride,
iso-butane and methyl-formate are more dangerous when liberated, due to their combustible qualities. They also serve as a
mild anesthetic. In contact with great heat, they also break down and generate deadly gases. Under ordinary
circumstances, however, they are not irritating to the skin or membranes.
The real offender, and the one you will be called upon to face most frequently, is sulphur dioxide. Do not attempt to
remain or work in an atmosphere charged with this gas without a mask. If breathed in sufficient quantities, it will cause
lesions and destroy tissue in the lungs, bronchial tubes and throat.
Upon arrival, locate the refrigerator. Keep doors leading to public hallways and shafts, including dumbwaiter shafts,
closed. This will minimize the escape of gases to other portions of the building. If the concentration is heavy, await the
arrival of the battalion chief and use the mask. Ventilate and search the floor or apartment. You may find a human being,
overcome.
In order to intelligently trace and find leaks, it is necessary to be familiar
with the cycle of refrigeration. I shall not attempt to impart that here.
Literature on the subject is available.
A varying number of shut-off valves may be provided. Some units have
none. Valves must be closed to isolate the different portions of the
system. Leaks may be found in different ways. Some may be seen.
Some may be found by running your hand along the lines. Some may be
traced by listening for the escaping gas. If these fail, a rag saturated with
ammonia will locate the leak for you. In the presence of sulphur dioxide,
this will produce a white vapor. This also works in reverse, should you
be tracing a leak on an ammonia machine. A sulphur candle will smoke
when in contact with ammonia.
When the leak is located, make sure that that portion of the unit is
completely purged before leaving the premises. At times it will be
necessary to remove the entire unit to the outer air to purge the
refrigerant. Where this is necessary, it may require more than one mask,
as the leak may become active while moving the unit.
with the cycle of refrigeration. I shall not attempt to impart that here.
Literature on the subject is available.
A varying number of shut-off valves may be provided. Some units have
none. Valves must be closed to isolate the different portions of the
system. Leaks may be found in different ways. Some may be seen.
Some may be found by running your hand along the lines. Some may be
traced by listening for the escaping gas. If these fail, a rag saturated with
ammonia will locate the leak for you. In the presence of sulphur dioxide,
this will produce a white vapor. This also works in reverse, should you
be tracing a leak on an ammonia machine. A sulphur candle will smoke
when in contact with ammonia.
When the leak is located, make sure that that portion of the unit is
completely purged before leaving the premises. At times it will be
necessary to remove the entire unit to the outer air to purge the
refrigerant. Where this is necessary, it may require more than one mask,
as the leak may become active while moving the unit.
Where there has been fire as well as a leak, care must be exercised in overhauling. The older type units are constructed
with wood frame and combustible insulation. If sufficient heat has penetrated, it will be necessary to open up the box. If
this is not done, a rekindle is extremely likely.
In all cases where it is evident that it is impossible to control the leak with equipment at hand, lose no time in summoning
the Rescue Company.
It is no misstatement to say that the Rescue Company gets the “dirty work.” Extricating a mangled body from beneath a
trolley or subway must be classed as a distasteful assignment. It is also true that sometimes we are treated to an occasional
laugh. We had an attempted gas suicide not long ago. He was a shabby old man, and his job of leaving this planet was
pretty well botched. We had been feeding him oxygen for only a few minutes when he lifted himself to a sitting position. He
put his hand in his pocket and pulled out some money which he started counting. “Eleven, twelve, thirteen dollars,” he
counted, and fell back with a groan. We revived him quicker this time and asked what was the matter. “Before this all
started,” he explained, “I had fourteen dollars. There’s a dollar missing. I’ve been robbed.”
with wood frame and combustible insulation. If sufficient heat has penetrated, it will be necessary to open up the box. If
this is not done, a rekindle is extremely likely.
In all cases where it is evident that it is impossible to control the leak with equipment at hand, lose no time in summoning
the Rescue Company.
It is no misstatement to say that the Rescue Company gets the “dirty work.” Extricating a mangled body from beneath a
trolley or subway must be classed as a distasteful assignment. It is also true that sometimes we are treated to an occasional
laugh. We had an attempted gas suicide not long ago. He was a shabby old man, and his job of leaving this planet was
pretty well botched. We had been feeding him oxygen for only a few minutes when he lifted himself to a sitting position. He
put his hand in his pocket and pulled out some money which he started counting. “Eleven, twelve, thirteen dollars,” he
counted, and fell back with a groan. We revived him quicker this time and asked what was the matter. “Before this all
started,” he explained, “I had fourteen dollars. There’s a dollar missing. I’ve been robbed.”
