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1. Why does a Fire Engine respond with an ambulance on medical calls?

Fire Engines assist ambulance crews on calls for several reasons. Certain types of medical calls require additional personnel as mandated by our Medical Control Doctor. Heart attacks, strokes, gunshot wounds, major accidents, and many other medical calls require additional personnel for effective medical treatment. 

2. Are Fire Engines staffed with medically trained personnel?

All Garland Fire Department personnel are trained and certified to a minimum level of Emergency Medical Technician. All fire engines are staffed with at least one Paramedic.

3. What is the difference between a fire engine and a fire truck?

A fire engine is designed to carry 500 gallons of water and pumps water from a hydrant - generally 1,500 gallons per minute. A fire truck is designed to carry ladders, special rescue equipment, and other special fire fighting equipment along with an elevating ladder. Garland operates seven fire engines. 

Quints

We also operate five quints. A quint is like a fire truck in that it carries an elevating ladder and all of the equipment of a fire truck, but also carries up to 500 gallons of water and can pump water from the hydrant like a fire engine. A quint can do the job of both. Quints are much more expensive than an engine or truck.

4. How many firefighters does each fire apparatus respond on incident calls?

The Garland Fire Department (GFD) requires minimum staffing of at least three firefighters on each piece of fire apparatus. If for some reason this requirement cannot be met, that apparatus will be shut down until sufficient staffing levels can be met. GFD maintains needed staffing levels 24 hours a day.