Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is the difference between an “Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)” and a “Paramedic?”
A: An EMT is trained in basic life support emergency medical procedures such as CPR, oxygen therapy, splinting of fractures, spinal immobilization, bleeding control and the use of semi-automatic defibrillators. A Paramedic is an EMT with additional training in advanced life support procedures such as cardiac rhythm interpretation, intravenous drug therapy, pharmacology, and advanced airway maintenance. All full-time firefighters are trained as EMTs. Five Washington Township firefighters are trained as paramedics. Unfortunately, current New Jersey law does not allow the fire department to provide Advanced Life Support services to our residents. Only paramedics who are employed by certain designated hospitals are permitted to utilize their advanced training in New Jersey.
Q: How many ambulances does the Washington Township Fire Department have?
A: The Washington Township Fire Department currently operates two ambulances. One ambulance is always staffed 24 hours a day by two full-time EMT/firefighters. The other ambulance is kept as a reserve in case the first ambulance is in need of repair or maintenance.
Q: Why do you send a fire engine on some Emergency Medical calls?
A: Our fire engine is equipped with much of the same basic equipment as the ambulance including cardiac defibrillator, oxygen, and splints. Four EMT trained firefighters staff the fire engine 24 hours a day. The fire engine responds to all motor vehicle accidents and all potentially life threatening emergencies such as unconsciousness, heart attacks, respiratory difficulty, trauma and seizures. This crew can render aid at an emergency if they arrive prior to the ambulance and assist the ambulance crew as needed by performing CPR, assessing vital signs or preparing the patient for transport to the hospital. Additionally, the fire engine will respond to any EMS calls that occur when the Fire Department’s ambulance crew is committed to another emergency. In this case they will render necessary medical treatment until the arrival of the next closest ambulance.
Q: How do I schedule a fire or EMS related educational program?
A: There are many different types of educational programs that we can present that meet the needs of various different age groups. For further information please call the Fire Department at (609) 259-7814 or visit our web site at http://www.wtfd.org
Q: Does the Washington Township Fire Department accept volunteers?
A: Yes. The Washington Township Fire Department is considered a “combination” fire department. We have 24 full-time career firefighters and approximately 15 active volunteers. The fire department is always looking for ambitious, self-motivated people willing to give something back to the community. If you would like to consider becoming a volunteer firefighter call us at (609) 259-7814 or stop in at the firehouse any time. We are located at 1149 Route 130 in Robbinsville. All training and equipment will be provided free of charge.
Q: Is the Washington Township Fire Department hiring full-time firefighters?
A: Any future openings for career positions within the fire department will be advertised in local newspapers (Trenton Times, Messenger Press, etc.). All full-time firefighters must have a high school diploma and be New Jersey certified as Firefighter 1 and Emergency Medical Technician prior to application. Applicants are required to pass a written exam and physical agility test as well as a fire apparatus-driving test. Candidates for career positions are then ranked by their scores and are offered positions as they become available. Extra points are awarded to candidates who are certified as New Jersey Fire Inspectors.
Q: Does the fire department perform vehicle rescue?
A: Yes. The Washington Township Fire Department has a full complement of tools necessary to extricate and rescue any person who may become entrapped in a vehicle as a result of a serious motor vehicle accident. The Washington Township Fire Department is responsible for many busy highways and local roadways including Route 130, Route 33, Interstate 195 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Washington Township Firefighters train constantly in order to maintain proficiency in this highly technical skill.