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By Aaron Cox

In October of 2017, Midland (TX) Fire Department (MFD) held their 4th Annual Truck or Treat. Truck or Treat is an event which developed from a failing Open House model. MFD’s yearly Open House turned out a dismal 100-200 people each year. It became obvious to myself that so much more could be accomplished for community risk reduction (CRR) if the Open House adopted a carnival atmosphere and focused on young people in the Midland community. Thus, Open House became MFD Truck or Treat. This idea was taken to the fire chief, and MFD was given permission to move forward in developing the event.

The event was to be held in October to coincide with fire prevention week and needed to be entirely free to the community. Therefore the event would not simply remain an open house to view the fire station but would become a public education event involving the entire community of Midland. What better way to attract young families within the community than to involve their children and one of their favorite holidays, Halloween? In its first year,Truck or Treat had a whopping 2,000 people attend, and because of its overwhelming popularity, the numbers in following years quickly doubled and soon tripled. In 2017 there were 7,000 attendees.

Results

MFD not only hosted 7,000 people from the Midland community, but also saw 40 organizations participate, hosting game booths and education. The City of Midland closed a total of eight blocks for the event; MFD distributed more thanr 3,000 pounds of candy; 500 stuffed toys were provided by PetsMart; and 200 coupons for burritos were donated by local restaurants Taco Villa and Rosas Café. Truck or Treat was manned by over 300 non-department personnel and 25 fire department personnel with an additional 25 on-duty MFD personnel.

RELATED: Engaging Firefighters in Community Risk Reduction | Collaborative Community Risk Reduction

Truck or Treat can improve the community in many ways, but most importantly is through educational awareness. After Truck or Treat 2017, there are now 500 members of the community who can provide CPR, 200 individuals who know how to use an AED if necessary, and countless others who will be able to recognize stroke symptoms.

Because MFD is a practitioner of innovation in CRR and fire prevention these are vital programs for MFD to include and involve in Truck or Treat. MFD currently uses lightweight squad vehicles to relieve overworked engine companies. MFD has also partnered with the local hospital, Midland Memorial, to operate a Community Health Paramedic program. The hospital provided a Community Health Physician Assistant who works with the departments Community Health Paramedics within MFD’s operational framework. MFD and Midland Memorial Hospital partnered in this event to provide stroke education. Midland College taught Hands-Only CPR as well as AED training. These two educational booths are where the stuffed toys and coupons were given; after the participant completed the training, they were given a prize. Midland Police Department provided children with not only candy but Kid’s ID and safety packs. There were numerous non-profits within the community that participated.

Planning Considerations

Truck or Treat is an adaptive event, easily duplicated or rendered successful in any community, large or small. There is quite a bit to consider when planning a similar or identical event, so please read the items below to help get you and your organization started.

Funding for MFD’s 4th Annual Truck or Treat was provided in several ways and by several community groups. Abell-Hanger Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit of Midland, funded the event through both candy and monetary donations as well as support with many aspects of the event. Junior League of Midland held candy drives to aid in the 3,000 pounds of candy that was to be passed out at booths and games.

• Evaluate your community’s needs and educational necessities. Include the local fire marshal, local hospital, and local EMS provider.
• Focus on Fire Prevention but also recognize the need for accidental-death and non-accidental death education.
• Begin small focusing on a few key areas of education for the community, i.e.: stroke education, cardiac events, child car seat compliance and awareness, carbon monoxide, and smoke detector education.
• Involve the local hospital or main healthcare provider. Most hospitals have extensive educational materials on many topics and in several languages.
• Hold the event in a large area for ease of access and be certain to include parking accommodations.
• Develop simple games like tic-tac-toe, bean bag toss, and football throw, using washable paint to paint the games onto the asphalt.
• Request that participating organizations bring and create their own games.
• Marketing and media: contact your cities PIO or Communications Officer to aid in publicizing the event. Distribute flyers to daycares and schools, and lastly but most important use social media. Facebook is a powerful tool, able to reach large groups and communities at minimal cost.

Non-Profit and For-Profit Organizations to contact for participation and assistance:

• Local hospitals
• State Police
• Local college
• Local natural gas provider
• Local electricity provider
• 811 (Call before you dig)
• City parks department
• City traffic department
• Local police
• YMCA
• Local high school ROTC
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC), a federally funded program
• National Weather Service
• Stop DUI
• Local SPCA
• ARMY
• Don’t Text and Drive
• Local gyms
• Local martial arts studio
• Boy Scouts
• Girl Scouts
• Community health clinics
• Local health providers
• Local dentist
• Rotary Club
• Mental Health and Rehabilitation Centers (MARC)
• Local gymnastics
• Local volunteer fire departments
• Chamber of Commerce
• Local news stations
• Local radio stations
• Local newspaper
• Boys and Girls Club
• Big Brother Big Sisters
• Diabetes Society
• American Heart Association
• Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• Local Lear to Swim Program

Midland Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction Programs

• Truck or Treat
• Drowning Prevention Education
• Swift Water and Flash Flood Education
• Child Seat Education and Installation
• Smoke Detector Installation Program for Target Specific Areas
• Home Inspections
• Community Paramedic Program
• Community Physician Assistant Program
• Use of lightweight squads to relieve pressure on overworked engine companies
• Participate with local hospital and City of Midland in yearly wellness tour program
• Midland Fire Department Explorer Program
• Yearly Kids Boot Camp Academy

Aaron Cox is a captain with the Midland (TX) Fire Department and a family nurse practitioner who works in the emergency room at a Level III trauma facility.