FIRE DEPARTMENT - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What services are provided by the Carlsbad Fire Department?

In 2006, the Fire Department responded to approximately 7,000 calls for service.

68% were Emergency Medical Service calls related to potential life-threatening medical emergencies and/or rescues.
26% were service calls and false alarms
3% were responses to hazardous conditions, such as chemical spills
3% were fire-related

How fast can the Fire Department respond to my house in an emergency?

In 2006, Carlsbad's average response time was 5 minutes, 28 seconds

If all of Carlsbad's firefighters are busy, who will respond to my emergency?

Carlsbad has agreements with surrounding agencies to respond to emergencies without regard for jurisdictional boundaries. The closest, available and most appropriate apparatus will be dispatched to your emergency, allowing for the efficient and effective allocation of fire resources. In 2006, to meet increasing demand for EMS services, the City Council approved the addition of a third 24-hour ambulance staffed with Paramedic/Firefighters. Further, all Carlsbad firefighters are paramedics and fire trucks are equipped to respond to medical emergencies and arrange for a private ambulance transport, should the need arise.

Who determines how much money goes to fund the Fire Department?

The City of Carlsbad, like any other City, must balance competing priorities with limited resources. The process begins in January with the Council goal-setting workshop, which includes a review of the 10-year forecast. This forecast gauges the City's ability to pay for additional services, programs and staff. The final budget is a balance between City priorities, goals, department requirements and the economic realities of the present and foreseeable future.

The City Council must weigh all the City needs, including those of the Fire Department, to ensure that the high quality of life Carlsbad residents enjoy is adequately funded and that the City continues to meet citizen expectations.

How do we know if the Fire Department is doing a good job?

The City uses a performance measurement process which represents the feedback loop between organizational effort and achieving desired outcomes. The City's annual State-of-Effectiveness Report contains the performance measures in all service delivery areas as well as the results of the annual Citizens' Survey.

The Carlsbad Fire Department's performance measures focus on three areas: response time, cost and customer satisfaction.

What is a firefighter's work schedule like?

Firefighters provide emergency services protection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in what is called "continuous staffing". The minimum work schedule is a total of 56 hours per week.

Why do I get a fire engine when all I called for was an ambulance?

A fire engine can sometimes arrive quicker than an ambulance. Each fire engine is staffed with trained paramedics that can quickly assess potential life-threatening situations. Sometimes additional firefighters are needed to assist in the treatment and care patients.

What do firefighters do while waiting to respond to calls?

Firefighters have many duties including equipment maintenance and mandatory training on a broad variety of response skills.

Why do I sometimes see firefighters at the grocery store shopping?

When firefighters come to work, they are assigned to a specific engine for 24 hours. The people assigned to this unit must stay together and remain ready to respond throughout their entire shift. Since each shift is 24 hours long, they will eat 2-3 meals together. It is more efficient to prepare and serve meals for the entire unit than for each individual to make their own meal plans. By shopping together, they also remain ready to respond if called.

If I call for an ambulance, can I request a specific hospital?

Yes. When possible we try to honor your request. Sometimes a decision is made and one is transported to the closest hospital to help save lives.

Why do I see fire engines and ambulances from other cities in our city?

Carlsbad enjoys a cooperative agreement with neighboring cities. We now send the closest available unit to calls regardless of the city. The reverse is also true, we are sometimes sent to calls in those cities.

I saw firefighters giving medical care to a person the other day. I was asked to step back. I just wanted to see what was going on. Why did they ask me to step back?

There are privacy laws in California and the fire service. Every patient has a right and expectation of medical confidentiality and it is up to us to try our best to preserve this right. We understand that it is human nature to want to see what's going on. We ask your cooperation in helping us stay committed in protecting our patient's legal rights.

Firefighters must take whatever reasonable steps possible to respect patient's privacy. In addition, we cannot divulge medical information to anyone not directly involved in the chain of patient care.

Can we build a fire on the beach?

No. Fires of any kind are prohibited on any beach in Carlsbad. Fires in fire rings are prohibited due to safety reasons.

May I call 911 from my cell phone?

Yes, but depending on your location, there may be a delay in getting the proper responder on the line. In some areas, cell phone calls are sent to the Highway Patrol and are then routed to the proper agency. A determination of your exact location is essential for the dispatcher. Try to be aware of your surroundings and describe such to the dispatcher when possible.

How often should I change the batteries in my smoke alarm?

We recommend changing the batteries twice a year. Smoke alarms older than 10 years should be replaced.