DOCSLIB.ORG

Frequently Asked Questions Q: What Schedule Do Firefighters Work?

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Frequently Asked Questions Q: What Schedule Do Firefighters Work? Frequently Asked Questions Q: What schedule do Firefighters work? A: A Gilroy firefighter¹s shift is 48 hours long. They work a rotating 6 day cycle of 48 hours on duty with 4 days off in between averaging 56 hours per week. There are crews that staff 3 shifts (A-shift, B-shift, and C-shift) 24/7/365. Q: What do Firefighters do while they are waiting for a fire or other emergency? A: Firefighters have many other duties in addition to responding to emergencies. They spend a lot of their time training for structure and wild land fire attack, motor vehicle crash extrication, rope rescue, interior search and rescue, emergency medical incidents, along with OSHA required training and other training for a variety of other different types of calls and situations they respond to. They also do commercial inspections, station and apparatus maintenance, school tours and demonstrations, public education, as well as participate on fire department and county committees and meetings. Q: Why do fire engines and ambulances respond on emergency medical calls? A: The answer is quality of care! The Gilroy Fire Department deploys three strategically located fire engines to maintain short response times. The private ambulance company responds as well to provide transportation to the hospital. We endeavor to give our residents the best care possible and always provide the closest fire engine to the emergency staffed with a Firefighter/Paramedic and two Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), who fill the ranks of Fire Captain, Engineer and Firefighter. This staffing enables the responding crew to simultaneously complete different tasks for the patient(s) care. For instance, when a patient has a heart attack, connecting the defibrillator, CPR, rescue breathing, starting an IV, and administering lifesaving medications may all need to be accomplished quickly and simultaneously in order to give the patient the best chance for survival. By having adequate personnel on hand the care of the patient is improved and the preparation time before transportation to the hospital is significantly shortened. On some medical calls the fire engine may remain on the scene for family or a business’s assistance, but is available to respond to another emergency if another emergency call comes in. Q: Why do fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down? A: Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle with red lights and sirens go through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call to which they were responding by radios in the fire engine. Often several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, assessed the situation and informed the dispatcher that a single engine could handle the emergency. All other responding units are then cancelled by radio and are available and ready to take another call. Q: Why do firefighters use chain saws to cut holes in the roof of a building that’s on fire? A: This is called "vertical ventilation." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous superheated gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment or for victims to survive. When a hole is cut in the roof, and the building is “vented,” the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It increases the victim¹s chance for survival and makes it much safer and more efficient for the firefighters in the building to see and operate. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft (explosion) and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may also go ahead of the fire on a roof and cut holes to access the attic to stop the fire from spreading through the attic. Q: Does the fire department service fire extinguishers? A: The fire department does not service fire extinguishers. There are many fire extinguisher companies in the telephone book that have the proper equipment to service them. Q: When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do? A: Please pull to the right and stop. Emergency response vehicles always try to pass vehicles on the left. This will allow fire apparatus or other emergency vehicles adequate and clear lanes to safely and quickly continue its response. Remember to look before continuing as there may be more engines responding. Q: Why did I see another Fire Department’s fire engine in Gilroy? A: The City participates in an ‘Auto-Aid’ Agreement with the South Santa Clara County Fire District (which is contracted and staffed by CalFire). The “District” has engines located strategically at Gilroy Gardens, Masten and 101, and a third at Watsonville and Monterey. This agreement ensures rapid response from the closest engines and the covering of responses adjacent to the city when one or the other engines are busy on other emergency calls. The City of Gilroy is also a member of the California Mutual Aid System. This is an agreement that allows Gilroy to call for support, additional resources, and specialized teams if they are needed. It also allows other cities and towns to request Gilroy assets similarly when needed. Q: Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents? A: Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Gilroy Fire Department responds with adequate resources when they are responding to a citizen in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst case scenario based on the information received. It is likely that in a time critical emergency situation, requesting more units after discovering that there¹s a need after we arrive, will be too late. We have learned from experience that it is much better to cancel fire engines after we determine that they¹re not needed than it is to call for more fire engines after finding that we need more. A structure fire requires a significant number of firefighters are needed immediately to do all of the assigned tasks almost simultaneously to maintain firefighter safety and that of any citizens or visitors involved. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention. Q: Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents? A: There are two reasons. First, vehicle accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials, downed power lines, and other potential hazards. Second, Gilroy firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. The fire department, due to its strategic station locations is usually on scene well before the County ambulance. The fire crew will assess the situation, call for additional resources, rescue victims, and prepare them for ambulance transport before the ambulance arrives. Additionally, the County civilian ambulance service is not equipped or trained for the rescue and hazards work that firefighters provide. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Fy 2017 Fy 2018
    FY 2017 FY 2018 1 courtesy of Brent Schnupp FROM THE FIRE CHIEF On behalf of the men and women of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD), we are proud to present the Fiscal Year 2017 and 2018 Annual Report. We are committed to providing all hazards emergency response and community risk reduction to over 1.1 million residents and visitors. As you read through the report, we hope you will learn more about how FCFRD can be a resource to help all members of our community. You will note that the volume and complexity of the emergency calls continue to increase. The mental and physical training required to ensure operational readiness in the form of rapid response, compassionate care, and professional service to the community is foremost on the department’s list of priorities. As Fairfax County continues to evolve and transform over time, your Fire and Rescue Department has undergone changes as well. There is an ongoing effort to improve both the effectiveness and ef ciency of our services through innovation and ongoing analysis of both our output and outcomes in all aspects of department operations. Our shared value is that the mission of service to the community always comes rst and our employees are our most important resource. Subsequently, our recruitment and retention programs focus on hiring those candidates who possess the attributes and qualities promulgated in our department’s mission statement and core values and who are the most quali ed candidates who re ect our diverse community. In 2014, the Fire and Rescue Department achieved Insurance Services Of ce (ISO) Class 1 status for re suppression capability.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Fire Departments
    Fire Department Name County Address City ZIP Phone Y‐12 Fire Department Anderson P.O. Box 2009 Ms 8124 Oak Ridge 37831‐ (865) 576‐8098 8124 Clinton Fire Department ANDERSON 125 West Broad Street Clinton 37716 865‐457‐2131 City of Rocky Top Fire Department ANDERSON PO Box 66 Rocky Top 37769 865‐426‐8612 Norris Fire Department ANDERSON PO Box 1090 Norris 37828 865‐494‐0880 Marlow Volunteer Fire Department ANDERSON 1019 Oliver Springs Hwy Clinton 37716 865‐435‐1050 Claxton Volunteer Fire Department ANDERSON 2194 Clinton Hwy Powell 37849 865‐945‐1314 Briceville Volunteer Fire Department ANDERSON 1444 Briceville Hwy Briceville 37710‐ 865‐426‐4350 0238 Medford Volunteer Fire Department ANDERSON 3250 Lake City Hwy Rocky Top 37769 865‐426‐2621 City of Oak Ridge Fire Department ANDERSON PO Box 1 Oak Ridge 37831‐ 865‐425‐3520 0001 Andersonville Volunteer Fire Department ANDERSON PO Box 340 Andersonville 37705 865‐494‐0563 Bell Buckle Volunteer Fire Department BEDFORD PO Box 61 Bell Buckle 37020 931‐389‐6940 Wartrace Volunteer Fire Department BEDFORD P.O. Box 158 Wartrace 37183 931‐389‐6144 Shelbyville Fire Department BEDFORD 111 Lane Pkwy Shelbyville 37160 931‐684‐6241 Bedford County Fire Department BEDFORD 104 Prince St Shelbyville 37160 931‐684‐9223 Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department BENTON P.O. Box 116 Big Sandy 38221 731‐593‐3213 Camden Fire Department BENTON P.O. Box 779 Camden 38320 731‐584‐4656 Holladay‐McIllwain Volunteer Fire Department BENTON PO Box 101 Holladay 38341 731‐584‐8402 Eva Volunteer Fire Department BENTON PO Box 9 Eva 38333 731‐441‐5295 Morris Chapel Volunteer Fire Department BENTON 925 Herrington Rd Camden 38320 731‐441‐8422 Chalk Level Volunteer Fire Department BENTON PO Box 1074 Camden 38320 7312258125 Sandy River Volunteer Fire Department BENTON 8505 Sandy River Rd Camden 38320 731‐249‐4791 South 40 Volunteer Fire Department BENTON 65 Redbud Cove Sugartree 38380 731‐220‐6083 Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department BLEDSOE P.O.
    [Show full text]
  • Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems
    Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems OSHA 3256-09R 2015 Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 “To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health.” This publication provides a general overview of a particular standards- related topic. This publication does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities which are set forth in OSHA standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Moreover, because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements the reader should consult current administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts. Material contained in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested but not required. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877-889-5627. This guidance document is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. It contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan.
    [Show full text]
  • The Victoria Fire Department's High Speed Fire Boat
    Fact Sheet The Victoria Fire Department’s High Speed Fire Boat Victoria’s Inner Harbour is a year-round tourism destination, water airport, commercial base, and home to many who live on the water or along the water’s edge. Given its multi-use, providing fire protection and rescue services to the Inner Harbour and adjoining waterways is paramount to ensuring public safety and the protection of property and the marine environment. This year, the Victoria Fire Department is celebrating its 150th anniversary and is proud to be able to serve Victoria’s citizens and visitors with its custom-built, multi-purpose, high speed fire boat. Who is responsible for fire protection In addition, the VFD has had a mutual aid agreement with the in the Inner Harbour? Department of National Defence to use their vessel, the Firebrand, The Federal Government maintains jurisdiction over the ocean from 1979 to present day. Since the early 1990s, the VFD has had floor and surface of the water from the outer reaches of the an agreement with the Harbour Master to use its 30-foot, 1960’s Harbour to the Selkirk Trestle. Transport Canada expects municipal vessel for marine fire and emergency response. In 2004, the emergency response agencies to respond to all situations that Victoria Fire Department purchased the boat for $1.00. fall within their municipal boundaries. The Canadian Coast Guard maintains jurisdiction over the activities on the waters northwest Why is a new fire boat required? of the Selkirk Trestle, up the Victoria Arm. In 2003, a surveyor’s report concluded that the aging Harbour Master vessel was never intended to be a fire boat and would need How long has the Victoria Fire Department to undergo major structural repairs if it was to remain in service for protected the Inner Harbour? this purpose.
    [Show full text]
  • Fire Department Department Department
    FIRE DEPARTMENT Organization Set ––– Sections Organization Set # • Fire Administration & Operations 010101-01 ---15151515----070070 • Fire Prevention & Life Safety 010101-01 ---15151515----073073 As of fiscal year 20082008----2009,2009, the Fire Department was “folded into” the General Fund. Refer to FunFundd ###32#323232 to see thethethe 2008 and 2002007777 ActualsActuals.... 2009 – 2010 Proposed Budget --- Budget Summary General Fund – Fire 2009 – 2010 Fire Department Transition volunteer participation payment for points from a Budget Highlights materials and services payment to McMinnville Fire Volunteers Association to personal services fringe benefits individual Conduct self-assessment to establish risk analysis and develop a payments, meeting the requirements of the IRS. Standard of Coverage document for the Fire Department. This Upgrade the training room to incorporate features necessary for a process will set community and council expectations for more suitable training environment. Upgrades will include a measuring existing service levels and planning for improvement. projector, audio visual screen and audio system. Re-align Fire Department operational staffing using existing personnel and hours to provide for a full time fire engine company, Full-Time Equivalents two 911 emergency ambulances and one 12 hour transfer ambulance. To better use department resources, part time 2008-2009 Change 2009-2010 employees will be transitioned to staffing a transfer ambulance. This allows a fire engine company with three career staff to be FTE Adopted Budget 16.75 available 100% of the time and provides an opportunity to Firefighter / Paramedic - PT+ - 0.18 integrate volunteers and students on the fire engine 24 hours a Extra Help - Drill Night + 0.01 day. The result will be more consistent staffing with faster Extra Help - Fire + 0.41 response times and a simplified internal scheduling process.
    [Show full text]
  • Recommended Best Practices for Fire Department Training Programs
    Fire Prevention Issue Date: January, 2015 and Control Revision Date: Recommended Best Practices For Fire Department Training Programs 1. Purpose: The NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control, with input from the Department of Labor’s Public Employees Safety and Health Bureau (PESH) and fire service organizations, has developed a recommended set of “Best Practices” for use by fire departments. The purpose of these “Best Practices” is to assist fire departments in complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Regulation 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.156(c)(1), [“§1910.156(c)(1)”]. In New York State this regulation is enforced for firefighters and public employees by t he DOL’s Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau (PESH). This document and guidance herein is not intended to formulate a regulatory mandate nor is the purpose of this document to dictate specific training courses. It is intended to identify “best practices” and core competencies that should be included in all training programs based upon the job duties of individual firefighters. These recommendations should not be considered to be all inclusive of the subject areas necessary to develop a comprehensive training program, but will be useful in developing a training prog ram that meets the intent of OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.156(c)(1), [“§1910.156(c)(1)”]. 2. Scope: OSHA Regulation Section 1910.156(c)(1), applies to all fire departments in New York State, and requires that members be provided with training and education commensurate with the duties and functions that such members are expected to perform.
    [Show full text]
  • Mulch Fire Threatens Wewoka Residents New Product Shows Impressive Results
    Mulch Fire Threatens Wewoka Residents New Product Shows Impressive Results Firefighters Test Product on Mulch Fire Lou Armour approximately 750 pounds of it in 25-lb. buckets One firefighter doused his boots in the City Editor to demonstrate its efficacy in extinguishing just product and claimed he was able to withstand Since Monday an industrial-sized mulch this kind of fire. the heat of the pile to climb closer to fire affected pile just south of Wewoka City limits has been For the test, they mixed up 600 gallons areas. burning and threatening to blow hot embers for the brushfire trucks brought in from the Keesee used a tracked hoe to carve out a towards the residents north of the huge pile. fire department. One pound of the non-toxic section of an untreated section to gauge the core Standing at over 30-40 feet high and over 200- product mixed with water makes 20 gallons. temperature and to see what effect Peat FireX 250 feet long in places, the pile of mulch made Armed with 300 gallons each in two brushfire had on a hotter heat source. The hoe dug a large from lumber spontaneously combusted on June trucks, Keesee’s men turned to a smaller section six-foot hole into the side of the mulch pile and 24 at a lot on the corner of Jack Rabbit Rd. and of the mulch fire to test Peat FireX. a reading of the site was temps reaching over Industrial Blvd. Keesee took initial readings of the surfaces in 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
    [Show full text]
  • City of San Diego Fire- Rescue Department
    Folsom (Sacramento), CA Management Consultants Fire Service Standards of Response Coverage Deployment Study for the City of San Diego Fire- Rescue Department Volume 1 of 2 – Main Report February 14, 2011 2250 East Bidwell St., Ste #100 Folsom, CA 95630 (916) 458-5100 Fax: (916) 983-2090 This page was intentionally left blank TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page VOLUME 1 of 2 – (this volume) Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 1 City Leadership Policy Choices Framework ............................................................... 2 Study Philosophy Framework ..................................................................................... 2 Overall Citygate Perspective on the State of San Diego City’s Fire Services ............ 2 The Main Challenge .................................................................................................... 3 Field Operations Deployment (Fire Stations and Staffing) ................................ 4 Geographic Coverage Challenges ............................................................................... 5 Findings and Recommendations ................................................................................. 6 Costs and Suggested Phasing .................................................................................... 12 Priorities and Timing ................................................................................................. 13 Short-Term Priority One .................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS HIRING! Lateral Firefighter EMT and Paramedic
    THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS HIRING! Lateral Firefighter EMT and Paramedic Open Date: August 9 Closing Date: September 3, 12:00 p.m. 1 The City Fremont is a well-managed and innovative city. Located in the heart of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, Fremont prides itself on innovation, clean technology and advanced manufacturing, a low crime rate, great schools, a low unemployment rate, quality parks, nearby open space, and an incredibly diverse population of over 235,000 residents. As a full-service city, Fremont employs 965 regular employees and operates on a FY 2021/22 General Fund budget of $231.4 million. With its strong and diversified business base, Fremont is an important economic force in the region. The City strives to be an innovator in municipal government, with dynamic leadership provided by the City Council and City Manager. The Fremont Fire Department The Fremont Fire Department is regionally recognized for excellence. Our state-of-the-art fleet includes 11 front line fire engines, two tiller aerial ladder trucks, six Type III wildland patrols and three specialty apparatus stationed at 11 fire stations. The Fire Department maintains the following innovative programs: company-based paramedics, Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS), Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drone Program), Special Operations Task Force (Hazardous Materials and Type I Rescue) and Water Rescue. In addition, personnel are actively involved in wildland response through the State’s mutual aid system and are members of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) California- Task Force 4 Team. The Department also serves the community through volunteer programs which support community engagement and emergency preparedness.
    [Show full text]
  • Alexandria Fire Department Fire Station 202, Windsor Avenue
    Alexandria Fire Department Fire Station 202, Windsor Avenue • Built in 1926 as the Town Hall for the Town of Potomac • City obtained the station as a result of annexation in 1930 • Houses a frontline engine company, an ALS medic unit, 2 HazMat response units, a HazMat support vehicle 3 HazMat / WMD trailers • ALS medic units will remain at Station #202 Alexandria Fire Department Fire Station 202, Windsor Avenue • An increase in the size of the bays and bay doors will allow for greater access for modern apparatus • Additional storage in the apparatus bays will eliminate the current outside storage of the Medical Support Unit, three SEA containers, and three HazMat trailers. Alexandria Fire Department Basic Call Types & Apparatus Sent Incident Type Responding Apparatus Fire Alarm 2 Engines, 1 Truck Structure Fire 4 Engines, 2 Trucks, 1 Medic, 1 Battalion Chief, 1 Battalion Aide, 1 EMS Supervisor Vehicle Fire 1 Engine Inside Gas Leak 2 Engines, 1 Truck, 1 Medic, 1 Battalion Chief, 1 Battalion Aide Hazardous Materials 3 Engines, 1 Truck, 1 Medic, 1 Battalion Chief, 1 Battalion Aide, 1 EMS Supervisor, Hazardous Materials Team Basic Life Support 1 Medic Unit Advanced Life Support 1 Medic Unit, 1 Engine or Truck Technical Rescue 1 Engine, 1 Truck, 1 Medic, 1 Rescue (Technical Rescue Team), 1 Battalion Chief, 1 Battalion Aide, 1 EMS Supervisor Alexandria Fire Department Incidents 2001 - 2005 Area Incident Type 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Station 202 Suppression – Fires 50 53 31 49 37 Suppression - Other 390 385 568 396 452 TOTAL 440 438 599 445 489 Entire City Suppression – Fires 363 491 374 414 425 Suppression - Other 4,672 4,102 4,995 4,393 4,645 TOTAL 5,035 4,593 5,369 4,807 5,070 Station 202 EMS Incidents 1,283 1,254 1,279 1,106 1,043 Entire City EMS Incidents 10,769 10,963 11,197 10,950 10,753 Slight variations in numbers caused by differing data collection methods.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 HELMET BLESSING the HISTORY Firefighters Wear
    HELMET BLESSING THE HISTORY Firefighters wear quite a collection of protective equipment: bunker coats, pants, boots, gloves, self-contained breathing apparatus, and much more. But no piece of equipment is more recognizable to the world than the firefighter’s helmet. Jacobus Turck of New York City is credited with inventing the first fire helmet around 1740. It was round with a high crown and narrow rim and was made of leather. Although the exact year the traditional fire helmet was invented is unknown, it is generally agreed upon as sometime between 1821 and 1836. The gentleman credited with its founding was named Henry T. Gratacap. Gratacap was a volunteer fireman in New York City, but made his living as a luggage maker. He had made quite a name for himself because of his innovative luggage, which was specifically designed for ocean transit. It was made of leather that was specially treated, which offered unparalleled durability and withstood wetness without rotting. These qualities were very desirable in a fire helmet as well and Gratacap designed the first “eight comb” fire helmet. It was named the “New Yorker” and originally adopted by the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) in the late 1800s. The shape of the New Yorker helmet has remained virtually unchanged through approximately 190 years of faithful and steadfast service. “Leatherhead” is a term used for a firefighter who uses the leather helmet for protection from the hazards they face every day on the streets. Although not a required component of the helmet, tradition also calls for the wearing of a brass eagle adornment that graces the top of the helmet and secures its front piece.
    [Show full text]
  • Community Service Project Ideas
    WILDFIRE REDU ISK CTI R ON Community Service Project Ideas BROUGHT TO YOU BY: SUPPORTED BY: TakeAction Teens for Wildre Safe Communities. nfpa. org/TakeAction DFI WIL RE DU K RE CTIO RIS N Community Service Project Ideas Community Service Project Ideas Make an important contribution in helping your community be better prepared for future wildfires. These community service project ideas will guide you in finding an activity that fits your objectives, interests and abilities; while making the place where you live a safer place. Projects that reduce wildfire risk and in- speak loudly and reduce your community’s crease preparedness can be accomplished by wildfire risk. To make an even larger impact a broad range of ages; and come in a variety enlist the help of friends, a sports team or of time commitments ranging from a few youth organization and get something GREAT hours to an entire day or weekend. You might accomplished! Challenge a school club or be asking - what can I do in one day to be saf- faith based group to develop a project too, er from wildfire? And the answer is a lot! and see who can make the biggest changes. To get you started, more than two dozen Remember to ALWAYS request and receive project ideas have been developed; most permission from a land/homeowner before can be accomplished without power tools or doing any type of work or activity on all prop- monetary costs. Connect with your local fire erty that’s not owned by your family! department, forestry agency or emergency Before getting started, make sure ev- manager to find out if they have projects you eryone has reviewed these safety gear and can participate in.
    [Show full text]