emt/fire trucks

[Annie01]

can someone explain to me why the fire truck follows the emt trucks for an emergency call??? NO FIRE..maybe a heart attack etc...of what use is a fire truck??? seems llike aot of wasted gas and time for them to follow every call...anyone know why?????
i would think the emt truck has everything they need.....just wondering !!!

[champion6]

It's Standard Operating Procedure here.

You may have seen the fire truck following the EMT truck, but in most instances, the fire truck arrives at the scene BEFORE the EMT truck. This is because there are more fire stations and fire trucks than there are EMT garages and trucks. The fire fighters are trained to provide first-responder services to victims and this greatly improves the outcomes of emergency situations.

So, it's not a waste ... it's a benefit to all of us!

[TheVillageChicken]

I always thought it was because the fire truck is a govt entity mandated to respond and the EMT truck is a contractor trying to make some money.

[skip0358]

can someone explain to me why the fire truck follows the emt trucks for an emergency call??? NO FIRE..maybe a heart attack etc...of what use is a fire truck??? seems llike aot of wasted gas and time for them to follow every call...anyone know why?????
i would think the emt truck has everything they need.....just wondering !!!

In most cases the Fire Truck arrives first. They are equipped with all needed medical equipment to access the patient, provide immediate care and in most cases have the patient ready for transport. The Ambulance may be at the hospital, on another call or responding from a greater distance. Also they use the Fire Truck incase there is a Fire call on the way back from the Ambulance call.

[marianne237]

In one case that I know of, it worked out to the advantage of "gawkers", when one of them had a heart attack while watching. Without the extra firemen/emt's being there, this second emergency could have been fatal. I personally am very glad that we have some of the finest emergency personnel you could ask for.

[Ruthtomnorma3]

I too am glad we have the ENT /firemen's service.....
We have been here a year in May.....my Husband has had the service several times...4..
All were in record time with superior support....

They even had to CALM me one time.... :)

[DEWRDW]

I too am glad we have the ENT /firemen's service.....
We have been here a year in May.....my Husband has had the service several times...4..
All were in record time with superior support....

They even had to CALM me one time.... :)

The fire truck and EMT both coming together is not unique TV - this is the way it was done in southern Florida as well!

[Lovey2]

The fire truck and EMT both coming together is not unique TV - this is the way it was done in southern Florida as well!

Absolute fact...and as stated, often the Fire Personnel got there first. Happened with me and I was grateful they arrived as quickly as they did. By the time the EMS got there, I was taken care of.

[DonH57]

It's been that way just about everywhere we've lived. When we lived in Massachusetts our town police were always dispatched to an emergency and were usually first to arrive. I'm impressed by the EMS services here in the villages.

[NotGolfer]

Again....as the others have said this is standard operating procedure and not some "government" thing to get more $$$. They did it this way up north, where we moved here from. One of my brothers in law works for a 911 service in the state of WA....he said that one has the EMT's and the other's the first responders. Which ever one comes first can stabilize the patient until the others get there. I don't remember which one comes first...at any rate we all should be happy that TV has very good emergency personnel.

I too had to be cared for by them....the firemen leave once they see they aren't needed. The ambulance is for further care and transporting to a hospital.

[TraceyMooreRN]

If someone was in cardiac arrest--do you know how many people it actually takes to save that life? I can tell you first hand--a group! More than the 2 on the EMS truck. So- if there is a code, be thankful someone other than the 2 person EMS truck arrived. Even after that, the fire truck usually follows to the hospital--since more staff is required on the ambulance.

Lifting power? Try picking up an unresponsive 300 pound patient with two people?

Security--drama in the house. Two people assisting victim-another gathering information and helping calm down the family or control the scene. When a loved one is in distress, people get emotional. Sometimes more often than less interfere with the initial response efforts of EMS due to grief/anxiety/stress.

[DangeloInspections]

If someone was in cardiac arrest--do you know how many people it actually takes to save that life? I can tell you first hand--a group! More than the 2 on the EMS truck. So- if there is a code, be thankful someone other than the 2 person EMS truck arrived. Even after that, the fire truck usually follows to the hospital--since more staff is required on the ambulance.

Lifting power? Try picking up an unresponsive 300 pound patient with two people?

Security--drama in the house. Two people assisting victim-another gathering information and helping calm down the family or control the scene. When a loved one is in distress, people get emotional. Sometimes more often than less interfere with the initial response efforts of EMS due to grief/anxiety/stress.

Great Post Tracey.....you said it well. As a career firefighter/Medic/Instructor, I have been on literally thousands of EMS calls....for all of the reasons Tracey stated. It takes two people to do CPR, someone to spike the bag, someone to push the Epi, etc, someone to get the meds the person takes together, someone to Intubate, someone to record everything done, etc on the PCR, someone to move furniture, bring in the guerney, help load the HUGE patient, someone to calm down the hysterical family, etc,etc.

In a 55+ community, I would think folks would consider good fire/EMS one of the most important factors in living here. Statistically, you WILL need all of the above in the future, probably more then once. Thank GOD we have them...they are never paid enough or appreciated enough.

It was a great career....I loved my work. Sometimes I earned my whole pay in 5 minutes. No two days were the same and I know I made a difference in many lives.

We had a politician once who wanted to cut our Fire Department and called us "parasites living off of the taxpayer." She went into cardiac arrest one night at a council meeting. We got there in under 2 minutes, performed Advanced life support, and she lived to continue her quest to cut our jobs.......oh well. I made it to retirement, moved to Florida and now I get to see many of you good folks. Life is good, and whenever I see a FF or a Medic, I thank them for their service.

Oh...we should also thank the RN's and ER folks...they put up with a lot also.

Respectfully, Frank D.

[oldyeller]

When you call 911 the operator asks you a number of questions to determine the nature of the call. These question help determine what type of emergency the crews are responding to and also what type of response is needed. A nose bleed may require one first responder while a multiple vehicle accident requires quite a different response.
The ambulances primary use is to transport the patient to the hospital. Depending on the type of emergency and whether the patient needs or wants transport to a hospital the first responder may be able to handle the problem. If transport is not needed the ambulance can be released to respond to another emergency while the fire truck remains assisting the patient and vice versa. They both carry life saving equipment for emergency medical issues ranging from minor emergencies such as nose bleeds or broken limbs to the more serious coronary, respiratory and trauma emergencies. The first crew on scene asses the patient�s condition, takes vitals and starts treatment. If it is determined the patient needs to be transported to the hospital the truck crew will assist the ambulance in preparing the patient for transport and in the case of a serious problem may ride with the ambulance to the hospital. With emergencies you can�t wait for help, it needs to be there when you need it. In the case of a coronary it takes one person to do compressions, one person to secure and maintain an airway, another to start an IV and two others to help with the equipment and prepare the patient for transport. Traumas also require an abundance of staffing that needs to be on scene when they are needed. With multiple trauma patients the staffing issues are doubled to say nothing of the other issues that may need attention. With an emergency there is no such thing as to much help, if they are not needed you can always cancel them but when you need HELP you need it NOW!

[getdul981]

Having been on a volunteer lifesaving crew for several years, I would have appreciated any and all help I could get when it comes to lifting and carrying a patient. More personnel are always helpful. Many times there were only 2 or 3 people on a call. Too often there was only 1 and then you really had to call for help. The fire department was paid and we were all volunteers. No assistance from them. I'm glad the times have changed in that respect.

[beachx4me]

can someone explain to me why the fire truck follows the emt trucks for an emergency call??? NO FIRE..maybe a heart attack etc...of what use is a fire truck??? seems llike aot of wasted gas and time for them to follow every call...anyone know why?????
i would think the emt truck has everything they need.....just wondering !!!

So many great answers here, hope you realize your tax dollars are not being wasted and there really is a reason for what you see. Different calls require different responses, plus nowadays firefighters are cross trained to do many things including being medics, instead of being basic emergency medical technicians.

With the advances of fire prevention you see a lot less on the fire side, and departments are seeing their EMS calls increase greatly. Plus here the medics appear to be pretty busy.

Plus, you will likely see the medic wagon follow the engine to a fire also, there is a regulation that says if you have two firefighters on the inside you have to have two on the outside. "Two in, two out".

So there is a method to the FD madness!!

[Mallory]

My recollection from prior threads on this subject is that paramedics are employed by The Villages Public Safety Department, are typically first responders, and are housed at the fire stations. EMTs are employed by the contracted emergency transport companies and are not housed at the fire stations.

[Shimpy]

I've always wondered the same thing. Thanks to the many responses I understand why and am grateful for all the help we can get.

[spk7951]

My recollection from prior threads on this subject is that paramedics are employed by The Villages Public Safety Department, are typically first responders, and are housed at the fire stations. EMTs are employed by the contracted emergency transport companies and are not housed at the fire stations.


Staffing on The Villages fire apparatus is both EMT's and Paramedics. Rural Metro ambulance service supposedly has one EMT and one Paramedic on each ambulance.

[billalexander]

I understand that the fire stations may be located closer and can get there before the EMT, but I still don't understand why they need to run an expensive fire truck and four or five men, that takes the fire truck away from the station when they might be needed for a fire call, which is equally important. Why not have one fireman with EMT ability respond in a small truck or SUV. I am the first that would want the best care in an emergency situation, but it looks like it could be delivered cheaper and just as well by considering cheaper options. I realize it is standard procedure, but following the lead of everyone else may not be the best option. Just my thoughts.

[Buffalo Jim]

Like many of my fellow Villagers I have lived in many communities both large and small and in different States . My observation is that it has always been standard protocol for a special fire crew with a special emergency vehicle to be called to any emergency along with an ambulance service .

During my career I recall several emergencies where a co-worker collapsed . In each case the fire crew beat the ambulance to the scene and provided the initial first aid .
It seems to me a bit strange that writers on this site would feel that the well trained and equipped fire staff should not be part of the response team .

Some feel that it is a " waste of funds " others feel that it may take the fire crew away from a possible fire . Yet we all seem to understand that there are far more non-fire emergencies here in our community than the type of serious emergencies which happen often several times each day such as medical and accidents of all types .

So if I follow the recent threads it would seem that some Villagers feel that we should do as follows "
1] Eliminate Community Watch
2] Eliminate the Fire Professionals as First Responders to accidents and medical emergencies .
3] Some have even questioned the cost and necessity of the beautiful and seasonal flower plantings we all enjoy .

Very often the argument they put forward comes under the general heading of " Wasted Expense ".
Again I suggest that we should consider the Math . These expenses are spread over 45,000 homes . So if we eliminated all of the above what would one save annually ?

Let`s pick a number say $3 Million annually which I believe would be on the high side . Using the $3 Million estimated savings to eliminate each of the above services I reference would amount to $66.00 per homeowner annually or a grand total of $5.50 per month .
Now when you or a loved one has an unfortunate medical emergency and is laying in pain or has slipped into unconsciousness will that savings have been worth it ? Do you feel that you would wish that the well trained and equipped fire rescue team were at your door ?

Would you prefer not to have an Official looking Community Watch vehicle driving down your street several times each day and while you sleep ?

Would you prefer to save about $5 to $10 per year over being able to enjoy the beautiful and well attended flower plantings which add such joy and character to our special community ?

Whats next that some would propose to eliminate ?
The regular mowing and care of the grass and shrubs and trees which line our many road-ways ?

I have been reading such complaints and suggestions to eliminate something or other in order to avoid " wasting money " since I moved here 3 years ago . Yet I do not recall a single person who demonstrated the true math as to what the resulting savings might be at the homeowner level .

Many people constantly " carp " about the Developer . However from where I sit I say " thank God " that he / they still strive to keep high standards which make our community a beautiful and relatively safe place to live .

Further I am also certain that nearly 100% of the people who have chosen to live here did so because of the unique offerings and beautiful surroundings . I would go as far as to say that the many who complain proudly show off this community to their family and guests .

Personally I do not look forward to the time when the Developer turns everything over to be managed by elected representatives of the community . I could easily predict that the standards will be forced downward for the sake of " savings " of a few dollars per month per homeowner ---- what $10 to $20 per month ? But at what cost to the attraction , general quality of life and yes even resale value of our homes ?
Many have commented on this forum in the past as to why they were attracted to purchase a home in the Villages . Many compared the surroundings of other near-by retirement communities to the Villages and indicated that none-other compared .
I would suggest that we attempt to take a realistic view of how much would be saved in what amounts to HOA fees vs what we would be giving up .
Thanks for your time . Please let the angry , misdirected and irrational snipping commence . Best Wishes to All and a Huge Thank-you to the Developer . Buffalo Jim ,

[Buffalo Jim]

Like many of my fellow Villagers I have lived in many communities both large and small and in different States . My observation is that it has always been standard protocol for a special fire crew with a special emergency vehicle to be called to any emergency along with
an ambulance service .
During my career I recall several emergencies where a co-worker collapsed . In each case the fire crew beat the ambulance to the scene and provided the initial first aid .
It seems to me a bit strange that writers on this site would feel that the well trained and equipped fire staff should not be part of the response team .
Some feel that it is a " waste of funds " others feel that it may take the fire crew away from a possible fire . Yet we all seem to understand that there are far more non-fire emergencies here in our community than the type of serious emergencies which happen often several times each day such as medical and accidents of all types .
So if I follow the recent threads it would seem that some Villagers feel that we should do as follows "
1] Eliminate Community Watch
2] Eliminate the Fire Professionals as First Responders to accidents and medical emergencies .
3] Some have even questioned the cost and necessity of the beautiful and seasonal flower plantings we all enjoy .
Very often the argument they put forward comes under the general heading of " Wasted Expense ".
Again I suggest that we should consider the Math . These expenses are spread over 45,000 homes . So if we eliminated all of the above what would one save annually ?
Let`s pick a number say $3 Million annually which I believe would be on the high side . Using the $3 Million estimated savings to eliminate the above services would among to $66.00 per homeowner annually of a grand total of $5.50 per month .
Now when you or a loved one has an unfortunate medical emergency and is laying in pain or has slipped into unconsciousness will that savings have been worth it ? Do you feel that you would wish that the well trained and equipped fire rescue team were at your door ?
Would you prefer not to have an Official looking Community Watch vehicle driving down your street several times each day and while you sleep ?
Would you prefer to save about $5 to $10 per year over being able to enjoy the beautiful and well attended flower plantings which add such joy and character to our special community ?
Whats next that some would propose to eliminate ? The regular mowing and care of the grass and shrubs and trees which line our many road-ways ?
I have been reading such complaints and suggestions to eliminate something or other in order to avoid " wasting money " since I moved here 3 years ago . Yet I do not recall a single person who demonstrated the true math as to what the resulting savings might be at the homeowner level .
Many people constantly " carp " about the Developer . However from where I sit I say " thank God " that he / they still strive to keep high standards which make our community a beautiful and relatively safe place to live .
Further I am also certain that nearly 100% of the people who have chosen to live here did so because of the unique offerings and beautiful surroundings . I would go as far as to say that the many who complain proudly show off this community to their family and guests .
Personally I do not look forward to the time when the Developer turns everything over to be managed by elected representatives of the community . I could easily predict that the standards will be forced downward for the sake of " savings " of a few dollars per month per homeowner ---- what $10 to $20 per month ? But at what cost to the attraction , general quality of life and yes even resale value of our homes .
Many have commented on this forum in the past as to why they were attracted to purchase a home in the Villages . Many compared the surroundings of other near-by retirement communities to the Villages and indicated that none-other compared .
I would suggest that we attempt to take a realistic view of how much would be saved in what amounts to HOA fees vs what we would be giving up .
Thanks for your time . Please let the angry , misdirected and irrational snipping commence . Best Wishes to All and a Huge Thank-you to the Developer . Buffalo Jim

[DangeloInspections]

I understand that the fire stations may be located closer and can get there before the EMT, but I still don't understand why they need to run an expensive fire truck and four or five men, that takes the fire truck away from the station when they might be needed for a fire call, which is equally important. Why not have one fireman with EMT ability respond in a small truck or SUV. I am the first that would want the best care in an emergency situation, but it looks like it could be delivered cheaper and just as well by considering cheaper options. I realize it is standard procedure, but following the lead of everyone else may not be the best option. Just my thoughts.

Dear Bill,
Your question is one we used to hear a lot during my career. A few reasons are that one person alone is not much more of a help. Also, taking that one FF away from a truck now hurts the efficiency of that truck. If there IS a fire call during an EMS response, they are free to "break away" as a fully operational unit to respond to any other fire or MVA call, etc.

Trucks need to be run, streets learned, and a unit to work well needs to stay together. The small savings you would get running a smaller truck cripples the response time for that larger truck. And as posted earlier, to increase chances of an EMS survival oftentimes you need that many hands.

The older I get the more valuable good Fire/EMS means to me. My taxes are still WAY lower then they ever were in NY, and I think I am worth it.

Hope that helps!

Respectfully, Frank

[Challenger]

Like many of my fellow Villagers I have lived in many communities both large and small and in different States . My observation is that it has always been standard protocol for a special fire crew with a special emergency vehicle to be called to any emergency along with
an ambulance service .
During my career I recall several emergencies where a co-worker collapsed . In each case the fire crew beat the ambulance to the scene and provided the initial first aid .
It seems to me a bit strange that writers on this site would feel that the well trained and equipped fire staff should not be part of the response team .
Some feel that it is a " waste of funds " others feel that it may take the fire crew away from a possible fire . Yet we all seem to understand that there are far more non-fire emergencies here in our community than the type of serious emergencies which happen often several times each day such as medical and accidents of all types .
So if I follow the recent threads it would seem that some Villagers feel that we should do as follows "
1] Eliminate Community Watch
2] Eliminate the Fire Professionals as First Responders to accidents and medical emergencies .
3] Some have even questioned the cost and necessity of the beautiful and seasonal flower plantings we all enjoy .
Very often the argument they put forward comes under the general heading of " Wasted Expense ".
Again I suggest that we should consider the Math . These expenses are spread over 45,000 homes . So if we eliminated all of the above what would one save annually ?
Let`s pick a number say $3 Million annually which I believe would be on the high side . Using the $3 Million estimated savings to eliminate the above services would among to $66.00 per homeowner annually of a grand total of $5.50 per month .
Now when you or a loved one has an unfortunate medical emergency and is laying in pain or has slipped into unconsciousness will that savings have been worth it ? Do you feel that you would wish that the well trained and equipped fire rescue team were at your door ?
Would you prefer not to have an Official looking Community Watch vehicle driving down your street several times each day and while you sleep ?
Would you prefer to save about $5 to $10 per year over being able to enjoy the beautiful and well attended flower plantings which add such joy and character to our special community ?
Whats next that some would propose to eliminate ? The regular mowing and care of the grass and shrubs and trees which line our many road-ways ?
I have been reading such complaints and suggestions to eliminate something or other in order to avoid " wasting money " since I moved here 3 years ago . Yet I do not recall a single person who demonstrated the true math as to what the resulting savings might be at the homeowner level .
Many people constantly " carp " about the Developer . However from where I sit I say " thank God " that he / they still strive to keep high standards which make our community a beautiful and relatively safe place to live .
Further I am also certain that nearly 100% of the people who have chosen to live here did so because of the unique offerings and beautiful surroundings . I would go as far as to say that the many who complain proudly show off this community to their family and guests .
Personally I do not look forward to the time when the Developer turns everything over to be managed by elected representatives of the community . I could easily predict that the standards will be forced downward for the sake of " savings " of a few dollars per month per homeowner ---- what $10 to $20 per month ? But at what cost to the attraction , general quality of life and yes even resale value of our homes .
Many have commented on this forum in the past as to why they were attracted to purchase a home in the Villages . Many compared the surroundings of other near-by retirement communities to the Villages and indicated that none-other compared .
I would suggest that we attempt to take a realistic view of how much would be saved in what amounts to HOA fees vs what we would be giving up .
Thanks for your time . Please let the angry , misdirected and irrational snipping commence . Best Wishes to All and a Huge Thank-you to the Developer . Buffalo Jim

I am dreading "Build Out" when the inmates will be in charge.:MOJE_whot:

[Buffalo Jim]

I am dreading "Build Out" when the inmates will be in charge.:MOJE_whot:

Challenger : It will quickly become very ugly --- a giant unrelenting food fight --
the tyranny of a very vocal minority which will result in a constant downward spiral of the quality of the Villages Life-style .