Here are recent Fire Chief's columns from
The Arizona Republic
City
of Phoenix Public Information Office - News Clippings - azcentral.com
- April 4, 2009
Complete information helps operators determine response
April brings a change in our weather and in the type of emergencies firefighters respond to. So, now is a good time to review the 9-1-1 system and how first responders are able to deliver service on these calls throughout the metropolitan Phoenix area. When someone dials 9-1-1, it goes to a public service answering point known as a PSAP. Most PSAPs go to the local police department. For us, typically it would be the Phoenix Police Department. Then we would ask the nature of your emergency and whether it is a medical or fire situation. Then the call would be transferred to a fire department operator.
Some questions may seem redundant, but once the address and phone number are verified, and your emergency is determined, the appropriate first responders are sent on their way. We are trying to do this in a very compressed time frame so that we can get help to your home as soon as possible. Remember, the 9-1-1 operator has already sent fire trucks and/or police officers to your location, but may very well keep you on the line to gather additional insight as to what is happening on the scene.
Many times calls will come to us that may seem like they are insignificant. For example, someone might report that a car has backed into a pole. Once on scene, however, we might find that the driver is a 70-year-old male who went into cardiac arrest in a parking lot before striking a pole with his car. It seems that more times than not the initial information that we receive on 9-1-1 calls does not line up with the actual emergency or crisis that we find at the scene. It’s important for us to get as much information as we can so that we are able to send the appropriate first responders.
You can help us by knowing your address, your medications and medical history, and any additional information that may be helpful to our firefighter paramedics who arrive on the scene. One other easy way for you to help us make these calls is by pulling to the right when you hear sirens and see lights. We have been revamping our emergency fleet to create a full service paramedic engine response that does not duplicate resources and is reactive to the system. Your help in providing accurate information and working with us on the surface streets will make our new model of delivering service that much more efficient. Really, this is all about saving lives and helping people as safely and as quickly as we can.
This season, we have seen a steep increase in mountain rescues. Remember, there are some basic common sense things that will keep you out of harms way. Watch your step and follow these simple suggestions:
- Have a hiking plan. Tell someone where and when you’ll be hiking and when you are finished, especially if you are not headed directly home.
- Don’t do more than you are able. Know your limitations.
- Have the essentials. Wear the appropriate footwear. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Bring a quart of water for short hikes and more for longer hikes. Bring a hat and sunblock.
- Stay on the trail. Most injuries and rescues occur off the trail. Phoenix city ordinance prohibits trailblazing.
- Never hike alone. Bring a cell phone in case you need to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Keep those things in mind, and remember to watch children around water. I know I’m going to. Be safe!
Send comments to Bob Khan at firechief.pfd@phoenix.gov or call (602) 26-CHIEF.