Community Commentary:

This is a response to a letter written Thursday by Bruce Philpott (“Trimming fire staff will save city money,” Community Commentary):

The Glendale Fire Department takes great pride in the quality of service we provide to the community in all areas of public safety, including fire prevention, public education, disaster preparedness and the mitigation of emergencies. We are constantly looking for new ways to improve our operations without compromising the public’s safety. Philpott presents a very inaccurate description of the operations of the Glendale Fire Department in relation to emergency medical and fire response.

Philpott is correct when he states that emergency medical calls have risen over the past 10 years. However, it is important to note that they have not become any less complex in nature. Our fire engines do not respond as “backup” to our rescue ambulances. To do so would imply that they are not really needed at medical emergencies.

All Glendale firefighters are trained in basic life-saving emergency medical practices; at a minimum, they are all required to be emergency medical technicians. During most medical emergencies, an engine company arrives at the scene before the ambulance. Basic life support, which may include CPR, cardiac defibulation or control of bleeding, begins with the first contact by Glendale firefighters. The strategic placement of Glendale’s nine fire stations throughout the community includes nine engine companies, three truck companies and five ambulances. At least five engine companies are staffed daily with firefighter paramedics to provide advanced life support before the arrival of the ambulance.

Medical responses are very technical in nature, and each of our firefighters contributes to the successful outcome of each emergency. There are no “backup” roles during medical emergencies. At the most complex medical emergencies, the six personnel who currently respond may not be enough to meet all patient care needs.

Philpott is also incorrect when he states that firefighters cannot enter a structure until the second engine arrives on scene at an emergency. A fire company staffed with four firefighters allows it to arrive at fire emergencies and start an aggressive interior fire attack without having to wait for the next arriving fire company. This action is part of the Glendale Fire Department’s fire company standard operating procedures.