Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why did you send a fire engine when I called for an ambulance to get medical help?

A. Sometimes a fire engine or fire truck will arrive first because it is the closest emergency equipment to the scene. While waiting for the Advanced Life Support (ALS) unit to get to the scene, these EMTs and Paramedics will render whatever aid is necessary. Additional personnel on the scene results in better patient care while reducing potential injuries to the fire department personnel. Along with basic medical equipment, fire engines are equipped with automatic defibrillators, a device used to monitor the heart and deliver an electrical charge to correct a life-threatening heart rhythm. Teamwork is an essential part of emergency operations, and all of the personnel on the emergency scene are trained to function as a lifesaving team.

Q. How do I make my home and family safer?

A. There are so many things we all can do to improve safety. A few examples are:

• Learn CPR
• Get a fire extinguisher and become familiar with the proper techniques for use
• Make a fire exit plan for your home
• Practice exit drills with the entire family!
• Learn first aid.

Q. What information should I give the call taker when I call 9-1-1?

A. What type of emergency do you have, the location of the emergency, .... Try to keep it short, but remember stay on the line until the call taker says you can hang up. Remember, stay calm! If they can't understand you, .... they can't send help.

Q. What can a Paramedic do for the sick or injured?

A. Paramedics can perform Advanced Life Support (ALS) in the field. ALS skills include EKG interpretation, defibrillation, intravenous access, life saving drug administration, and some minor surgical techniques.

Q. If my smoke detector goes off in the middle of the night, what should I do?

A. You should roll out of bed and crawl to the nearest exit and LEAVE THE BUILDING. Call 911 from a neighbor's phone and report that you have a fire. Sherman Firefighters can respond quickly and investigate the cause of the alarm. Today a home can burn down in less than 4 minutes -- you may be unable to escape a burning home in less than one minute. Don't take chances! Get out as quickly as possible and do not go back in.

Q. Can I become a Sherman fireman?

A. For information on how to become a Sherman Firefighter please contact the Civil Service Director in Human Resources at 903-892-7224.