Why does a fire engine respond when I called for an ambulance?

 Boaz  firefighters are trained emergency technicians who, because of their close   proximity, usually arrive first and are able to render aid until the Ambulance Service arrive. They then provide support to the paramedics while they care for the patient. This system provides the quickest response possible and enough personnel to efficiently provide care and manage the scene. Boaz Fire Department carries an automatic external defibrillator, allowing firefighters to administer electrical stimulation to a patient in cardiac arrest. The success of this procedure depends on administering the shock as soon as possible.

What should I do when an emergency vehicle is approaching while I'm driving

State laws, and common sense, dictate that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if you car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are planning on turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you. You are not required to slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles that are responding in the opposite direction on a divided freeway or highway.  Do not tailgate, "draft", or follow a responding apparatus closely.  Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of a collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.

How do I get a copy of a fire report?

Contact Station 1 at (256) 593-8488 or Stop by Station 1 located at 201 Brown Street.

When should I call 9-1-1 for help for a medical problem?

Anytime you are confronted with an acute medical situation that you do not understand, or feel that someone may have suffered a significant injury. If in doubt, call 9-1-1. Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics will respond to assess the situation and determine the best course of treatment and transportation to the hospital if necessary. Many medical conditions can be referred to your own private physician, or handled by your own transportation to the emergency room or clinic. We recommend attending a basic First Aid course that teaches basic patient assessment, CPR, and basic patient treatments. This enables the lay person to properly treat minor medical problems without having to rely on E.M.S.

Can I get my blood pressure taken at the firehouse?

Yes, blood pressure screening is available at the fire stations. This service is normally provided between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and no appointment is needed.

Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Boaz  Fire Department responds with adequate resources when they are reacting for a citizen in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late. We have learned from experience that it is better to have too much help than not enough.

A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks almost simultaneously.  Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, and accountability.

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?

Sometimes 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 the situation was under control or that a single unit could handle the emergency. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

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.

Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?

Two reasons.  First, automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials.   Second, Boaz firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics.  They provide patient care and perform extrication of trapped occupants of the vehicle.

Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof of a building on fire? 

This is called "venting the roof." 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 made in the roof, and the building is “vented,” the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It increases the victim’s chance for survival and makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. 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 go ahead of the fire on a roof and cut holes to access the attic to stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

Why do firefighters break windows in a building that is on fire?

Dangerous superheated gases need to be ventilated to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire.   By venting the window (horizontal ventilation) of a room that is on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire within that room of origin.  Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of the house.  Breaking the window really prevents a great deal more damage than it appears to cause.  Replacing broken glass is much less expensive than repairing structural damage from the fire.