Fire / EMS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a fire truck respond on ambulance calls?
An engine company responds along with a rescue unit on calls that are reported to be of a critical nature. Such calls include heart attacks, over doses, severe trauma, and calls in which a person is either unconscious or having difficulty in breathing. This is done to provide additional manpower at scenes where history has shown it is needed most. An engine company also responds, when due to a delayed response of the rescue, they are the closest unit to the scene.

Why does a fire truck respond to automobile accidents?
All Charlotte County Fire/EMS engine companies carry complete extrication equipment (such as the Jaws of Life) and respond for the possibilities of extrication and to contain any fire or other hazards that may be present. The engine crews are also there to provide additional manpower for patient treatment if needed.

Are the crews on the fire trucks trained for medical emergencies?
All engine and ladder companies with Charlotte County Fire/EMS are trained to either the basic or advanced life support level. Five out of eleven engine companies are advanced life support units and thus carry identical equipment as the rescue units.

Why are some trauma patients not transported to the closest hospital?
Patients who are deemed to be within the State trauma alert criteria are required, by law, to be transported to a trauma center. Patients are usually flown to the closest trauma center (Lee Memorial Hospital) when it is advantageous to do so due to driving time. Patients are also sent to a trauma center when the paramedic in charge feels it is in the patient’s best interest to do so.

Why do I see firefighters checking businesses?
All commercial buildings in Charlotte County are inspected for code violations on a yearly basis. All engine, rescue and ladder companies perform these inspections. The company officers are responsible for inspections in their area and units are always in service for emergency calls. These inspections are required per the Charlotte County Charter and are handled through the department’s fire prevention office.

What is the Special Operations Team?
The special operations team is a group of 22 specially trained firefighters. The team operates out of fire station-12 and is under the command of Deputy Chief Vern Riggall. The team and their specially designed apparatus respond county wide on all incidents that require their expertise. These incidents include, hazardous material incidents, trench rescue, confined space rescue and high angle rescue. The team also responds as a heavy rescue on all large scale extrication incidents. For more information on the team contact Deputy Chief Vern Riggall at 941-743-1368 or stop by station-12 and speak with team members directly.

Who do I contact if I have questions or need to schedule a fire apparatus for a presentation?
The Charlotte County Fire Departments public information official is Dee Hawkins. Dee can be reached at (941) 743-1368

Who do I contact in regards to a possible fire hazard or safety concern?
Contact Charlotte County Fire Department fire prevention office at (941) 743-1367 or stop by any county fire station.

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