How we roll: A fire engine to every call? Fire department resource allocation and firefighter support in the United States

Emergency service departments in the United States face changing mission requirements, budget constraints and a demanding work environment.  This study examined the perceptions of fire chiefs, officers and firefighters who attended the National Professional Development Symposium on the use of a tiered approach when responding to calls, the continued increase in medical calls, and mental health services available to fire service personnel. Regarding the question on sending a fire engine to every call or using a lighter vehicle for medical or non-fire type of calls, most respondents indicated that they currently use or would consider using a tiered approach to vehicle and crew dispatch. This idea has future implications regarding the vehicle mix of fire stations as administrators seek to meet the needs of the public most effectively.  Survey responses also noted the need for mental health services arguing that care seeking firefighters should have the option of getting mental health services within the station or at an external location.  Calls involving babies or young children were overwhelming cited as the most difficult. Additionally, 95% of respondents indicated a belief that most firefighters suffer from PTSD.  Recommendations include: A larger scale survey and analysis of first responder perceptions based on this study. Identifying “best practices” of the most effective tiered response approaches to deploying emergency services resources to calls. Studying Mental Health services combating PTSD to identify best practices.  Lastly, emergency services administrators should consider changes to the “vehicle mix” when equipping or reequipping stations.