The Go To…
March is here. Which means, only 2-3 more blizzards before spring is really here!
When someone has an emergency, they call 911. Perceived or actual emergency is another story, but the calls are still dealt with by a dispatcher. They don’t hear it enough, so, thank you dispatchers.
Once determined, based off the information received, location, and availability, an appropriate agency is notified to respond. Who is the most frequently notified agency? Of course, it varies.
Every emergency response agency is realizing that we should be and need to be as ready as possible for the incident we are responding to. What is our primary function and our alternative capability and ability to assist?
“That’s not my job,” and “That’s not what I signed up to do,” is not the ethical motto we use.
When it all started out, fire departments used to just fight fires. Then as the need evolved, added rescue. Then HAZMAT. Then EMS. The requests increased and the necessity and availability of personnel shifted.
Now, response has morphed into, law enforcement carries AEDs and basic EMS supplies; FDs carry traffic control signs, AEDs, EMS supplies and EMTs of all levels; Training with EMS personnel so we can properly assist the patients while performing rescue operations.
Because we have determined who is available, capable to provide initial service, and thinking like a victim. Working together for best response to the people in need.
When people need help, and they hear the sirens coming in the distance, they don’t care who it is, they’re just thinking help is on the way.
As fire departments, we are making ourselves more viable to the general public. As fulltime departments, that is more likely to accommodate and available for a change in emergency response needs and increase in call volume. For volunteer services, it can become a potential challenge and burden. But when there is a crisis and people need help, the go to is usually the fire department.
If you want to be the best responder you can be, put yourself in the position of the victim. Put your training and response mindset as if it was your friends and family that is calling for your help. Let’s face it, for most of us, that’s who we are responding to.
Just remind yourself, if that was you or your family member waiting for help, would you rather have too many people show up to help?
The legislative session was still going when I wrote this article. There have been a coupe bills passed already concerning EMS and ambulance driving requirements. Take a look at them if your community has an ambulance service and your department members are ever asked to drive.
The bill for another state fire grant opportunity was introduced and a bill for possible vehicle registration reduction for volunteer firefighters and EMTs. We’ll keep you posted on who everything turns out in the April edition.
Speaking of April. The SDFA President position is up for election this year at State Fire School. If you or someone you know is interested in running for SDFA President, submit your letter of intent to run, or, an acceptance letter of nomination to any of the SDFA Board members or the nominating committee members listed on the notice in the paper or our website. Letters must be submitted and received by April 29, 2026.
I would like to thank all the departments that have submitted their memberships to the SDFA. It is never too late to submit your membership. If your department would still like to be members, you can send in your membership payment and roster, and still receive the basic coverage and benefits of the SDFA.
The high school scholarship applications are due on March 15th. Check our website for the application guide.
Spring District fire schools and wildland trainings are being held around the state. Whether for new or review. Go check them out.
And as I have done for several years going into March and celebrating the Irish heritage of the fire service, Thank you to all the Fir Na Tine. Which means, Men of Fire, in Gaelic. And Fir bhean, which is lady of fire.
Stay safe,
Charlie Kludt
SDFA President