Since the days of the Collyer Brothers, in Manhattan, first responders have been dealing with the excessive accumulation of belongings caused by compulsive hoarding disorder. We have just “dealt” with the challenges and continued on our way to solve the problem. Today we are seeing an abundance of these types of emergencies. Many different theories exist on why we are seeing an increase in the number of compulsive hoarders, but without a doubt emergency responders are seeing an, almost, epidemic level of responses inside hoarding conditions.
Compulsive Hoarding disorder is defined as: The accumulation of and failure to discard large amounts of belongings that have little or no value. This compulsive accumulation eventually takes over their home to where it cannot be used for its intended purpose.
How does this disorder directly affect the first responders?
As the accumulation of belongings start the dangers to the occupants and first responders big to pile up, just like the stacks of stuff. The challenging environment that follows offers challenges with entry, exit, and an increase in available fuel for a fire. Along with these challenges firs responders can be faced with multiple biological dangers caused from rodents, human, and animal waste. Each one of these dangers is major challenges for first responders.
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Photo Courtesy of Twin Cities Fire Wire.Who discover these environments?
People that are afflicted with compulsive hoarding disorder are very reclusive and often do not allow people to enter their homes. Many of these folks feel “embarrassed” or “ashamed” as they are aware of how their disorder is seen by people. If no one is allowed to enter their home it is common for the first responders are often the first people to discover the conditions. They will keep to themselves until they have a medical emergency, fire, or experience a need to call 911. This call brings the local responders to the environment, often unprepared for what they find.
What are the Cues and Clues that hoarding is Present?
One of the most common questions asked: “Can you tell from the outside of a house that Hoarding conditions exist?” The answer is, YES. While it is not a 100% certainty there are some common ques and clues that can lead you to assume that the home is filled with belongings. Identifying these common clues will lead to a better informed decision making process and adjustments to keep responders safer.
Why did you choose this topic?
Many folks ask why Ryan chose this topic. Just like many fire departments that call for presentations on this topic my home department ran back to back fires in hoarder conditions. Much like most to Google I went and what was discovered was amazing, NOTHING. Keyword searching for Hoarder Fires, Hoarding Firefighting, Hoarding dangers to First Responders, and others resulted in large amounts of documentation of the Mental Health Aspects of this disorder, but no attention was being given to the first responders who go rushing in…
How often are these emergencies happening?
It seems like every day another story of a hoarding emergency is being reported, somewhere in the world.
Here are some links from the Past week:
Baldwin Fire Company
Wayland Massachusetts
Evendale Ohio
These are just three examples in the past number of weeks.
How can the Chamber of Hoarders Learning Center Help?
With training budgets shrinking faster than a sinking ship, we searched for an affordable alternative to offer our class to the fire-ems service. From these request the chamber of Hoarders Learning Center was born. It is a 24-7, 365, accessible, and affordable option for responders to sit through 4 plus hours of education. It can be viewed on mobile, desktop, tablet, or any device with internet access.
Do you travel to present?
Yes, Ryan Pennington has presented his program to over 600 first responders in 2013. If you are interested in hosting a program contact Ryan33@suddenlink.net Make sure to watch the presentation page for upcoming dates of presentations