Dual Deployment of Ambulances and Fire Trucks

During the early takeover of ambulance service from Williamson County by the Georgetown Fire Department, the public was told that after an initial period, undefined, dual deployment of fire trucks and ambulances would cease. Evidently that has not happened 2 years after the takeover and no change is planned at this time.

Citizens are questioning this practice. Statesman

I asked as to whether having the both and EMS and fire engine unit leaving from the same station and driving to the same location is excessive. But Sullivan informed me that most of the time, as in any other city, more than one emergency situation at a time must be attended to. So if an EMS isn’t available because it’s tending to another site, a fire engine can drive on over to start care before the next EMS can make its way.

And what about the financial aspect? Do these extra units cost more money? Our reader implied that sending two units instead of one is a waste of funds and resources. I went back to Sullivan for his input. 

“If we don’t need to send more people, we won’t,” he said. “But we have to have these fire engines and firefighters anyways. They’re our first responders.” 

Sullivan said the firefighters are already compensated for their hard work with their salaries and the cost of fire stations are already borne by the city. There is a marginal increase in cost because the department pays for more gas when more vehicles are sent out, but Sullivan said it doesn’t actually cost more to send out two units. 

If you believe that there is only a marginal cost to send two vehicles and teams for every 911 call, then, I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale!

Most, if not all personnel, are trained as paramedics! They get paid a higher salary than basic fire fighters. They require more training and refreshment training that is more expensive. 

Then there are the legacy costs to the city. Since benefits are related to their salary while working, the higher costs continue through retirement.

And if you think fire trucks are not expensive, view the prior post on the $1.4M ladder truck the city is purchasing. Since the number of emergency calls far surpass the fire calls, the fire trucks are wearing out as the same rate as the ambulances - approximately five years.