Fire Engines Photos

FDNY's EMS operations have a separate staffing and command structure, as well as their own garages.

Unlike many other fire departments here, the integration of EMS under fire department control was relatively recent. As a result, EMS workers and firefighters are separate assignments, and ambulances are not housed in fire stations.

In order to improve response times, the new FDNY protocols included positioning several free ambulances at strategic places on the streets, instead of having all units in the garages.

In recent years, FDNY has however adopted a protocol which is also in use in Chicago and other cities. Engine Companies in areas where ambulance response times are often protracted carry a basic EMS kit and respond along with an ambulance, on the theory that the engine will probably get to the incident address sooner. Such EMS engines often attend medical emergencies amounting to around 50% to 70% of their runs.

Unlike many US departments, FDNY do not automatically dispatch an ambulance to all structure fires. The EMTs are, however, equipped with similar but buff-colored turnouts for use at fires and other incidents where protective clothing may be needed.

Added by on 23 August 2014.

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