FAQs • City of Lebanon • CivicEngage

Why does the fire department respond to emergency medical calls?: The fire department responds to emergency medical calls to reduce response time in an effort to get medical personnel on the scene as quickly as possible. Many times the fire department arrives on scene prior to the ambulance.

The fire department currently has a number of Paramedics assigned to fire apparatus and once we arrive on scene can provide the same level of medical treatment as the ambulance. In addition many medical emergencies require additional personnel.

In critical situations timely treatment of patients is paramount. With additional personnel on scene treatment can be performed at a quicker pace and advanced treatments such as IV’s, intubations, and medication administration can be performed simultaneously. Also many patients must be moved from difficult locations such as upper floors or down narrow hallways. It is important to note that additional personnel on scene can make these situations easier on the patient and emergency personnel.

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Fire Department

1. Why does the fire department respond to emergency medical calls?: The fire department responds to emergency medical calls to reduce response time in an effort to get medical personnel on the scene as quickly as possible. Many times the fire department arrives on scene prior to the ambulance.

The fire department currently has a number of Paramedics assigned to fire apparatus and once we arrive on scene can provide the same level of medical treatment as the ambulance. In addition many medical emergencies require additional personnel.

In critical situations timely treatment of patients is paramount. With additional personnel on scene treatment can be performed at a quicker pace and advanced treatments such as IV’s, intubations, and medication administration can be performed simultaneously. Also many patients must be moved from difficult locations such as upper floors or down narrow hallways. It is important to note that additional personnel on scene can make these situations easier on the patient and emergency personnel.

2. What are the training and education requirements necessary to work for the City of Lebanon Fire Department?: To work for the City of Lebanon Fire Department persons must possess several certifications and licenses.

In addition to the standard requirements for employment with the City of Lebanon firefighters must also possess and maintain an Missouri Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license, with a Paramedic license being the preferred level of medical training. Paramedics must also be certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Additionally Firefighters must also possess Haz-Mat Awareness, Operations, and Technician training, CPR certification, International Trauma Life Support, and successfully complete and be certified in a Missouri Firefighter 1 and 2 course.

3. Why does the fire department drive their large fire apparatus everywhere?: The fire department drives our apparatus at all times due to the nature of our services. Fire Department personnel respond to a variety of incidents; motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, vehicle fires, structure fires, extrications, technical rescues, and hazardous material releases.

These incidents may occur at any time and frequently one right after the other. The fire department responds to hundreds of back-to-back and simultaneous calls each year. Personnel must be prepared and equipped to respond and handle any of these incidents at all times.