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1. Is it necessary for the Fire Department to bring the big fire truck and all those fire fighters to a medical call when they're not really needed?

The answer is simple - we do need them. Our standard response to any medical call involving chest pain, cardiac arrest, auto wrecks, unconscious people in Station 1’s district, and all medical calls in Station 2’s district within the City is to send an engine to assist on these calls.

These engine companies are the same ones that respond to all fires in the City. We do not have enough bodies available to separate firefighting assignments from medical assignments. We do not have enough vehicles to divide them into firefighting vehicles and medical vehicles.

2. Why do you cut holes in the roof when a house is on fire?

One of the keys to successfully extinguishing a fire inside a building is to ventilate. Ventilation is the process by which byproducts of the fire (heat, smoke, and gasses) are removed from the structure so an interior attack can be made. Only firefighters or those who have experienced a fire first-hand can appreciate the untenable conditions inside a burning building.

Despite simulated fires seen in the movies or on television, the reality is that firefighters enter smoke-filled structures virtually blind and highly vulnerable to high temperatures, which can soar past 1,000 degrees at the ceiling.

Even with all our protective gear on and our air packs, firefighters cannot survive long when exposed to such extreme temperatures. Therefore it is imperative that the worst of the smoke and heat be removed in order for firefighting operations to be done properly.

3. How can I find out if my ambulance claim has been submitted to my insurance company?

If we did not obtain your insurance information at the time of the ambulance call, we will send an insurance information form along with your first bill. If you want us to bill your insurance, please fill out, sign, and return the insurance information form. Including a copy of your insurance card (front and back) is optional, but suggested. If you do not have access to a copy machine, stop by our office at 312 East Fifth Street and we will be glad to make copies of your cards.

Depending on what insurance you have, we might be able to take your insurance information over the phone. We will bill your insurance company for you, but the bill still remains your responsibility until it is paid in full.