HOW DO I?

Units are dispatched according to information received by 9-1-1 Dispatch Center. Many times the type of situation found upon arrival is very different from the situation dispatched. Part of responding to an emergency situation is being prepared to deal with the worst case scenario. Discovering that we need more units upon arrival is often too late. Experience has taught us that it’s better to have too much help than not enough.

Automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, undeployed airbags and the presence of hazardous materials. If any occupants are trapped, they will begin the extrication (removal) process. Since all of our firefighters are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics, they can start assessing an injured person’s condition and assist in providing treatment before the arrival of ambulance personnel. Additionally, all fire apparatus carry extrication tools.

Our firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics. With our stations nearby, we can often arrive before the ambulance and begin life-saving techniques. The Sun City Fire and Medical Department strives to staff a minimum of two paramedics on every apparatus. Thus, when a fire engine shows up for a medical emergency, the paramedics have arrived. It is the department policy to send a "company" on all life-threatening calls - heart attacks, trouble breathing, possible strokes, vehicle accidents, etc. The "company" may be an engine or aerial ladder; it depends on the type of call.  This personnel provides life-saving interventions/treatment. All of our staff on these companies are state certified to at least the Emergency Medical Technician level; some are paramedics.

State law 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 your 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 highway.

• Do not tailgate, "draft", or follow a responding apparatus closely. Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.

Sun City Fire and Medical participates in an automatic aid agreement with cities all over the Valley. When you call 9-1-1, your call and location is entered into a computer at the Phoenix Fire Department’s Alarm Room. Every fire engine, ladder truck, ambulance, chief’s vehicle, etc. is tracked by a Global Positioning System (GPS). The computer will take the information from your call, locate the unit closest to your emergency and dispatch that unit, regardless of the fire department or the city. It is not uncommon to see Peoria fire apparatus in Sun City or vise versa.

Fire in a building creates a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. In many instances, firefighters must remove this heat and smoke before they can get close enough to extinguish the fire. The reduced heat and improved visibility allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire. Heat and smoke rise, so cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in strategic locations allows the smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the structure from below. We call this "ventilation."

When a hole is made in the roof, dark smoke and dangerous superheated gases escape because heat and smoke rise. This makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. Another reason is to see how far the fire has progressed.

One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread in the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading. By venting the window of a room that’s on fire, it helps to contain the fire to the room of origin. Otherwise, heated gases spread throughout the inside of a structure. Breaking a window really prevents more damage than it appears to cause.

Yes, on a case-by-case basis, the Sun City Fire and Medical Department welcomes the opportunity to use structures set for demolition to aid in training. The Department cannot take on any responsibility for removing debris, etc. after the training is complete. Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office with information.

Our fire services are paid through property taxes. Residents are not charged for fire protection services. If you require emergency transportation via ambulance or helicopter, those entities will charge for the services they render. Ground ambulance rates are set by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Air Ambulance rates are not regulated by any government agency.

EMS reports are free. Reports can only be requested by the persons involved in the incident, by the parent or legal guardian (with proof of guardianship) of a minor or by subpoena. A signed and notarized medical release form (signed by client or guardian) must accompany a written request by an attorney. Picture ID is required if picking up a report in person. EMS reports are available approximately seven days after the incident.

Fire reports are public information, with some restrictions, and are free. They must be requested in writing or in person to the Human Resource's Office at 18602 N. 99^th Ave., Sun City, AZ 85373. Other information that is also required when requesting these reports includes the date of the incident, location and incident number. Fire reports are available 10 to 20 working days after a fire.

Property Searches regarding hazardous materials records checks, underground storage tanks, previous sites, etc. are at no cost per address. An exact address must be provided. We cannot locate records using parcel numbers. You must submit your request in writing and address it to the Fire Marshal's Office at 18602 N. 99^th Ave., Sun City, AZ 85373.

Please click this link to learn more information about the proper disposal of medical waste.  www.azdeq.gov and https://www.fda.gov

The Fire Department will only respond to bee emergencies if people or animals are being actively stung. If so, please call 911. Otherwise, contact a local beekeeper.