Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the difference between a fire "rescue" and a fire "department" ?
- Why do the fire trucks or ambulance run with lights and siren, then just turn them off?
- Why do I see a fire truck parked at the grocery store?
- Why does the fire engine go with the ambulance on a medical call?
- What is the difference between an EMT and Paramedic?
- What is Advanced Life Support (ALS) and how can this help me?
- Why does the ambulance sit in front of my house after they get the patient into the back of the ambulance?
- When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?
- Why do some fire trucks park down the street from a fire?
- When you're not out fighting fires, what do you do?
- How hot does a house fire get?
- How are extension cords hazardous?
Q: What is the difference between a fire "rescue" and a fire "department" ?
A: The department is the whole thing. Rescue goes in while the fire is still burning than there is salvage. They go in once the fire has been put out to assess the damage and "salvage" what they can.
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Q: Why do the fire trucks or ambulance run with lights and siren, then just turn them off?
A: On occasion, the fire engine and ambulance will be driving with lights and sirens and then suddenly turn them off - perhaps only to turn into a shopping center parking lot or side street. Be assured that when this happens it means they have received information that the caller or incident is no longer a dire emergency. It is what they call "being cancelled". Any or all of the apparatus may continue to drive to the call or perhaps some will return to the fire station, but they do not do it just to get to the store faster.
Q: Why do I see a fire truck parked at the grocery store?
A: The firefighters work 24 hour shifts, which means that they eat, sleep, and work at the fire station for 24 hours at a time. Occasionally they need to go to the store to purchase food to prepare meals for the day, but they are still on duty. They do not have the freedom to go anywhere they want. They are in service and prepared to respond immediately, even from the grocery store, if they get a call. If you pay close attention, you'll notice that they are carrying emergency radios. Sometimes they get a call and have to leave their items as they quickly respond to the emergency.
Q: Why does the fire engine go with the ambulance on a medical call?
A: The Fire Department sends a fire apparatus and the ambulance to medical emergencies to ensure that the public gets the fastest, most effective and appropriate response. The apparatus crew is there to assist the ambulance crew with carrying the ALS medical equipment, help in moving the patient from the house and if necessary provide extra help in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. They plan for the worst and hope for the best when responding to a call. The firefighters are cross trained as EMTs
Q: What is the difference between an EMT and Paramedic?
A: The difference between an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a Paramedic is a significant amount of education. A Paramedic goes through more education and training and can provide a higher level of emergency care including invasive procedures (ALS or Advanced Life Support procedures). A Paramedic is an EMT. There are different levels of EMT training: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, EMT-Paramedic. Each level requires more training and education than the prior. A Paramedic will have upwards of 1500 hours of additional medical training over an EMT-Basic.
Q: What is Advanced Life Support (ALS) and how can this help me?
A: The Ambulance is primarily staffed with Paramedics. This staffing enables them to take the Emergency Room right to the patient. Studies have found that the first ten minutes of an emergency are the most critical. Paramedics can administer numerous life saving medications in the field. They can use comprehensive cardiac monitoring including 12 lead, pediatric advanced life support and advanced airway management.
Q: Why does the ambulance sit in front of my house after they get the patient into the back of the ambulance?
A: In many ways, an ambulance is like a mobile emergency room. The ambulance carries the same equipment as the emergency room has - and even does the same procedures as the emergency room. Sometimes, a patient needs some medication or a special procedure prior to going to the hospital. Some medical conditions need to be addressed rapidly to ensure a positive outcome for the patient.
Q: When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?
A: State law, and common sense, dictate that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if you car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are planning on turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you.
Q: Why do some fire trucks park down the street from a fire?
A: Citizens may see fire apparatus parked down the street from an incident for two primary reasons:
- In situations when an emergency scene is deemed unsafe due to a potentially violent patient or family member, or there are dangerous drugs involved, apparatus may "stage" until the police department or county sheriff's office has secured (made safe) the scene.
- On fire calls, engine and ladder companies may stage until they have been provided an assignment by an "incident commander". Because firefighters work as a team, it is critical that they communicate where their resources are best used. This cannot take place until a "360" of the building has been completed to identify the hazards associated with the fire.
Q: When you're not out fighting fires, what do you do?
A: Firefighters work a 24-hour shift. They eat, sleep and work out of their fire station. It is their home which is why they refer to it as a fire "house". All daily maintenance on the fire department and vehicles are performed at the fire station. They are involved in educational programs in the schools and to the public. They conduct training to help maintain and improve their skills.
Q: How hot does a house fire get?
A: The temperature of a house fire depends on the materials that are burning. Now more than ever, our society's modern conveniences are made of synthetics instead of Mother Nature's raw materials. When plastics or other petroleum based products burn, temperatures can reach as high as 1,200°F.
Q: How are extension cords hazardous?
A: Extension cords are made to be used as temporary devices and must be suitably sized for the appliance or device they are supplying. Common household extension cords are generally not suitable for powering heating appliances or devices that use a lot of electricity. Overloading extension cords causes them to heat to a point that could melt their covering and cause a fire. Another frequently found related issue is running extension cords under rugs, carpets or furniture, which allows them to heat up to unsafe levels. Generally speaking an extension cord that is used to power an appliance should be replaced by a suitable hardwired outlet within reach of an appliance’s factory installed cord.