Rockingham County Department of Fire & Rescue

10/22/2026

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. Despite its prevalence, there are many common misconceptions about sudden cardiac arrest that can hinder our ability to respond effectively. So, for Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, let’s debunk the top 12 myths about sudden cardiac arrest to help raise awareness and increase the chance of survival. (the list continues .... almost there!)

9. CPR will be enough to save someone in SCA.
CPR is extremely important as an immediate treatment of suspected SCA. It can sustain life by maintaining blood flow and providing oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. But it won’t restart the heart.

The primary purpose of immediate CPR is to buy time until an AED can be used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. High-quality CPR along with early defibrillation with an AED can more than double the likelihood of person’s chances of survival.

10. Only trained medical professionals can use automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Some people are intimidated by the thought of using an AED. But this lifesaving, portable device is specifically designed to be user-friendly, so that anyone can use it – regardless of their medical background or training.

AEDs have clear, step-by-step instructions via voice prompts and visual cues, making them simple and effective. This is why many workplaces, schools, and public places have an AED readily available for anyone to use in case of an emergency.

10/21/2026

10/20/2026

One of the most important lessons the educators in our Department share is that every man, woman and child know at least two ways out of every room they enter. Whether it is a fire in a home or a mass casualty incident in a public place, it is critically important to know multiple ways out in the event of an emergency. If you have children at home please practice Exit Drills In The Home (EDITH) including how they would get out of their bedroom if the hallway is full of smoke. If you have older children who are sometimes not in your care, emphasize the importance of taking ten seconds when they enter a new space to locate the exits, so that if the unimaginable happens, and the entrance that they came in is inaccessible, they already know what other options they have. In this day and age, preparation reduces panic!

10/19/2026

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. Despite its prevalence, there are many common misconceptions about sudden cardiac arrest that can hinder our ability to respond effectively. So, for Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, let’s debunk the top 12 myths about sudden cardiac arrest to help raise awareness and increase the chance of survival. (the list continues.....)
7. I’m healthy, so sudden cardiac arrest isn’t a concern.
Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. However, SCA can strike anytime, anywhere, and to anyone – even those with seemingly healthy hearts.

Sudden cardiac arrest is often the first sign of a heart health problem. Additionally, other medical conditions, medicines, injuries (e.g., a hard blow to the chest), or a family history of heart problems can raise the risk of cardiac arrest.

8. SCA is only an “older adult problem”.
Sudden cardiac arrest affects people of all ages, including infants, children, and young people. That said, cardiac arrest in children is rare. When it does happen, it’s most commonly a result of asphyxia such as an airway obstruction, lung infection or disease, drowning, choking or shock.

While the risk of sudden cardiac arrest does increase with age, it’s important to recognize that age isn’t the sole determining factor.

10/16/2026

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. Despite its prevalence, there are many common misconceptions about sudden cardiac arrest that can hinder our ability to respond effectively. So, for Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, let’s debunk the top 12 myths about sudden cardiac arrest to help raise awareness and increase the chance of survival. (the list continues.....)
5. I’ll get sued if I try to help.
Many people fear legal action if they end up doing something wrong or unintentionally hurt someone during an emergency. However, all 50 states and the District of Columbia each have a Good Samaritan law in place to encourage people to help others in emergency situations without having to worry about being sued. You can typically find your state’s specific Good Samaritan law online.

6. You can predict when SCA will occur.
Sudden cardiac arrest happens suddenly, and often with little or no warnings signs. This is why it’s important to be prepared and knowledgeable about bystander CPR, including knowing how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

10/16/2026

Fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful fall foliage, but it also brings an increased risk of wildfires due to dry conditions, low humidity and fallen leaves, which act as a ready fuel source.

Now through Nov. 30, use extra caution with any potential ignition sources, especially outdoor fires. Additional guidance on how you can stay safe this fire season can be found on our website: https://ow.ly/Xxah50ZXZ4w

10/15/2026

10/14/2026

Did you know that when a fire breaks out in your home you have approximately two minutes to safely exit? It is not the flames that cause most people to not survive a house fire, it is the smoke! This smoke is toxic because of all the chemicals that are used in construction materials, our furniture, and even our clothes! Even one or two breaths of the poisonous gases can make a person unconscious, preventing them from escaping. This is why having the earliest possible notification that there is a fire is so vitally important. Take some time this week to make sure that your family is safe by ensuring that you have working smoke alarms. If you have questions please call the office at 540-564-3175 and ask for Ryan or Fiona.

10/13/2026

Always be on alert! While listening to some tunes, keep the volume low so you can hear and be aware of your surroundings. Before crossing the street, make good eye contact with the driver so they know to slow down to make a complete stop. As soon as they make that complete stop, cross the road safety. Lastly, if you decided to walk at night, wear bright colors so all drivers can see you crossing or waiting to get across.

10/12/2026

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. The good news is you can prevent most cooking fires.

- Watch what you heat! Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Turn off the stove if you have to leave the kitchen.

- If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and stay in the home. Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.