Our communications center dispatches calls using “run strings”. Communications personnel dispatch calls based off of 911 information received. They then enter apparatus into the CAD based off of the run strings and districts to alert appropriate fire and EMS units.
Madison Township has multiple run strings due to the size of our area, and having two fire stations. We do have run codes such as “transport only” or “injury check out” which get an ambulance only. Most all of our other medical run codes get a fire apparatus with the ambulance.
We do this for a few reasons. With today’s ever changing world sending two people alone to medical calls can be dangerous. If you note the photo below, imagine you and your partner alone trying to assist and remove a patient from these conditions. Stairs are always difficult, most people don’t build their homes expecting to get an ambulance cot in and out. A 175 pound patient on a cot that is 36-48″ above the ground can be a challenge, many times it takes four people to move it off of porches or steps and across grass or gravel to maintain stability. Moving a patient from upper floors to ground level many times takes 3-4 people to do it safely.
OK, so why not a smaller vehicle? Good question.
Our main reason, we feel it is important to keep the vehicles that can handle ALL emergencies on the road as much as possible. Utilizing smaller vehicles such as SUV’s limit our capabilities to respond to fires. Example, if the smaller unit completes an EMS call and a fire is dispatched, they would have to respond back to the fire station, swap rigs, and respond to the fire. This could cost valuable response time.
Due to budget constraints Madison Township has very limited staffing therefore we must keep fire apparatus available as much as possible.
