Show All Answers

1. Why do we have so many, or so few, firefighters showing up at a house fire?

To safely and efficiently ensure all occupants are evacuated from the home and to extinguish the fire requires many simultaneous tasks to be accomplished. Local experience, along with state and national standards have developed recommendations for the number of fire firefighting apparatus/equipment and staffing needed to perform the various tasks at a fire.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 Standard recommends a minimum of 14 to 16 firefighters to safely make an interior attack of a fire in a two story, 2,000 square foot, single family home without a basement. Larger structures typically require more apparatus and personnel.

Northbrook Fire Department maintains a minimum staffing level of 16 firefighters on duty every day. Through our Paid-On-Call firefighter program, and our pre-arranged intergovernmental automatic aid agreements, we can quickly enhance our initial response to any fire and also provide coverage in our vacated fire stations. At most house fires in Northbrook we average 24 to 25 firefighters responding.

2. Will you take me to the hospital of my choice during an emergency?

Transport decisions are based upon your condition at the time of the call, your preference, your best interest, the closest appropriate facility and medical direction from the hospital.

3. Why does a fire truck come to my house when I called for an ambulance?

The first reason has to do with having enough staffing to take care of the patient. In Northbrook all of our firefighters are cross-trained as paramedics. There are two cross-trained firefighter/paramedics on the ambulance and typically three personnel on the fire truck/engine. Many times when someone is very sick they need advanced life support (ALS) care. ALS treatment includes starting Intravenous (IV) fluids, monitoring cardiac rhythms, providing oxygen, administering medications, possibly performing CPR, and/or defibrillating a patient. National standards recommend four personnel for ALS incidents.

The next reason to have extra personnel from the fire truck/engine has to do with helping to safely move the patient to the ambulance. Most people that are so sick that they need an ambulance need to be carried on a cot. If the bedroom is on the second floor, or if there are steps outside the house, it may take more than two people to safely get the patient down the steps.

The third reason for sending a fire truck/engine on an ambulance call is if the closest ambulance is busy and unavailable. Again, the people on the fire truck/engine are also paramedics and carry the same ALS medical equipment as an ambulance, and they can begin care before the ambulance arrives.

4. What should I do after dialing 911 for a medical emergency?

Stay on the line for medical instructions from the dispatcher. Turn porch lights on if dark outside. Unlock or open the front door. Have someone waiting outside. Lock up your pets.

5. What should I do if there is a fire in my home?

Exit immediately and do not attempt to save belongings. Get everyone outside and stay together. Call 911 from a neighbor's house.