Fire Stations + Apparatus
Rescue
There are 6 Rescue Companies strategically located in the cities neighborhoods with Firefighter/EMT crews of 2. These apparatus may be known as ambulance companies in other departments. Rescues are an advanced life support apparatus with equipment to perform life saving treatment and transport of patients.
Treatment may include:
- administering appropriate intravenous drug therapy
- cardiac monitoring
- airway management
- applying trauma wound dressing
- stabilization of bodily injuries
Performing life saving interventions includes, but is not limited to, all aspects of pre-hospital advanced life support per RI EMS Protocols.
Engine Company
There are 14 Engine companies strategically located in the cities neighborhoods with Firefighter/EMT crews of 3 or 4. These apparatus are also known as "Pumpers" because they not only carry water to a fire scene but receive water from hydrants and then pump water through hose to fire nozzles of all sizes.
Engine operations at a fire may include:
- search and rescue
- pump operation
- establishing a water supply to another engine or fire protective systems
- positioning of fire hose for fire attack and hydraulic ventilation
- establishing or supplying heavy water stream for exposure protection
- overhaul
It is not expected that one company perform all of these operations. When there is a report of a fire, 3 Engines are initially sent to begin necessary operations. Beside fires, engine companies respond to a wide array of calls from car accidents to building alarms. Engine companies are also dispatched with a rescue company for life threatening conditions with advanced life support equipment and are able to begin life saving treatment on patients until a Rescue arrives to treat and transport.
Ladder Company
There are 8 Ladder companies strategically located in the cities neighborhoods with Firefighter/EMT crews of 3 or 4. These apparatus are also known as a "Tower Ladder", an "Aerial" or a "Hook and Ladder."
Ladder operations at a fire may include:
- search and rescue
- horizontal and vertical ventilation
- forcible entry
- laddering a building
- checking for fire extension
- ladder pipe operation
- salvage and overhaul.
It is not expected that one company perform all of these operations. When there is a report of a fire, 2 Ladders are initially sent to begin necessary operations. Beside fires, ladder companies respond to a wide array of calls from gas leaks to car rollovers. Ladder companies may also be dispatched with a rescue company for life threatening conditions with basic life support equipment and are able to begin basic life saving measures on patients until a Rescue arrives to treat and transport.
Special Hazards
A single specialty piece of apparatus located at the center of the city with a 4 member crew. Special Hazards responds to all reports of fire and performs operations of search and rescue, forcible entry, and assists in laddering a building. Special equipment, such as, air bags, hydraulic jacks or shears, monitors will be deployed as needed. Besides fires, Special Hazards responds to a wide array of calls from rope rescues to extrications, Hazardous Material to confined space incidents, trench rescue to industrial accidents.
FAQs
How many Fire and EMS calls does Providence Fire Department respond to each year?
Providence Firefighters/EMT's responded to approximately 43,000 calls in 2009. A majority of the calls were in response to requests for medical aid.
Are there always Firefighter/EMT's at the fire station?
NO. Firefighters do work 24 hours a day 365 days a year but they may not be in quarters if they are on the scene of an emergency or on official business.
What is a typical workday for a Firefighter/EMT's?
A Firefighter/EMT works 48 hours per week on a schedule of two 10 hour day shifts and two fourteen hour night shifts known as a "tour". During the tour the commanding Officer assigns fire station duties to the crew for that day. Duties include, cleaning of the station and apparatus, equipment maintenance, district and hydrant inspection. Daily in-service training to sharpen our skills is a priority and involves classroom instruction and hands-on training at the fire station and/or the Department Training Division. The dispatching of an apparatus to an emergency or non-emergency incident may interrupt assigned duties or training. These may include but are not limited to heart, respiratory and diabetic attacks, as well as, other medical emergencies. Responding to car accidents and Hazardous Material incidents, residential, commercial, vehicle and trash fires, and many other types of calls for assistance are all part of our day.
Why do Firefighters break windows and cut holes in the roof at a fire?
Cutting holes and breaking windows is done to ventilate and remove the buildup of blazing heat, smoke and toxic gases which enables an aggressive fire attack resulting in less damage to the property.
What about the holes made to walls and ceilings inside a house?
Firefighters will first make a small inspection hole to expose any hidden fires. If evidence of fire is found the area involved will be opened and thoroughly extinguished to avoid further fire spread.
Why doesn't the Rescue leave immediately when a patient is placed in the apparatus?
Performing some life saving measures while the vehicle is moving is not possible. Before transport we perform a patient assessment, attempt to stabilize the patient and obtain essential patient information. During transport we monitor the patient, reassess, continue necessary treatment and communicate with the receiving emergency room medical staff for further instructions, receive permission to administer advanced medications or notify the staff of the patient's condition.
Why does a Fire Engine or Ladder come when I called for a Rescue?
When we receive a call for cardiac or respiratory arrest, stroke, choking, car accident, major traumas, maternity or other time critical emergencies we send the closest apparatus for a quicker response and more manpower to begin treatment. These are serious medical calls that may simultaneously require CPR, establishing an airway, cardiac monitoring, administering medications, stabilizing and dressing wounds, and transport to an emergency room.
Why do the police come when I call for a Rescue?
Police are dispatched in situations when there may be a concern for the safety of fire department personnel and civilians.