FAQ
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...
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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...
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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...
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Plan for Pets in Your Escape Plan
Include your pets in your home fire escape plan. Keep collars and leashes near the door for quick access. Place a pet alert sticker on a front window to let firefighters know how many and what types of pets are inside. If you must evacuate without your pet, tell the firefighters immediately.
Crawl Low Under Smoke
Smoke and toxic gases rise to the ceiling first. In a fire, the breathable air is closest to the floor. If you encounter smoke while escaping, get down on your hands and knees and crawl to the nearest exit. Just a few breaths of toxic smoke can cause disorientation and loss of consciousness.