Emergency Response

Why does a fire truck respond to medical calls?

A fire truck will sometimes arrive at an incident first because it is the closest emergency unit to the emergency scene and we are committed to getting help to your location as fast as possible. All emergency response personnel are well-trained in providing Emergency Medical Services. We have several personnel trained to the Paramedic level and we carry the same equipment found on an Advanced Life Support ambulance.

Although we do not provide patient transportation, we do provide advanced life support until the ambulance arrives for transport. Sometimes our emergency responders even ride in with the ambulance crew to the hospital to assist with medical care.

More Answers About Emergency Response

Emergency Response
What should I do when approached by emergency vehicles?
When you notice an approaching emergency vehicle, immediately pull to the right and stop. If you are approaching an intersection and see an emergency vehicle that is approaching the intersection from behind you or another direction, come to a stop, preferably one or two car lengths back from the intersection if possible... Read The Rest
Emergency Response
Why send multiple vehicles to a fire?
Each fire truck carries a specific complement of equipment and personnel. There are a number of specialized roles that firefighters undertake at the scene of a fire, and firefighting is a very labor-intensive activity. Firefighters must be rotated out periodically in order to change out air bottles and physically rest... Read The Rest
Emergency Response
Why use lights and sirens at night?
The purpose of emergency warning equipment is to let drivers and pedestrians know that an emergency vehicle is on the way to an emergency. Texas state law as well as our standard operating procedures require that our drivers utilize emergency warning equipment during emergency response regardless of the time of... Read The Rest
Candles Cause Over 7,000 House Fires a Year
Candles are responsible for thousands of house fires annually, most often in bedrooms and living rooms. Never leave a burning candle unattended, keep them away from anything flammable, and consider switching to battery-operated flameless candles for a safer alternative.
Never Go Back Inside a Burning Building
Once you are out, stay out. No possession is worth your life. People who re-enter a burning building account for a significant number of fire fatalities each year. Call 911, go to your meeting spot, and let the firefighters do their job — they have the training and equipment to enter safely.