Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a fire truck come to my house when I called for an ambulance?
The first reason has to do with having enough staffing to take care of the patient. All of our firefighters are also trained as paramedics. There are two firefighter/paramedics on the ambulance and typically three personnel on the fire truck/engine. Many times when someone is very sick they need advanced life support (ALS) care. ALS treatment includes starting Intravenous (IV) fluids, monitoring cardiac rhythms, providing oxygen, administering medications, possibly performing CPR, and/or defibrillating a patient. National standards recommend four personnel for ALS incidents.
The next reason to have extra personnel from the fire truck/engine has to do with helping to safely move the patient to the ambulance. Most people that are so sick that they need an ambulance need to be carried on a cot. If the bedroom is on the second floor, or if there are steps outside the house, it may take more than two people to safely get the patient down the steps.
The third reason for sending a fire truck/engine on an ambulance call is if the closest ambulance is busy and unavailable. Again, the people on the fire truck/engine are also paramedics and carry the same ALS medical equipment as an ambulance, and they can begin care before the ambulance arrives.
The next reason to have extra personnel from the fire truck/engine has to do with helping to safely move the patient to the ambulance. Most people that are so sick that they need an ambulance need to be carried on a cot. If the bedroom is on the second floor, or if there are steps outside the house, it may take more than two people to safely get the patient down the steps.
The third reason for sending a fire truck/engine on an ambulance call is if the closest ambulance is busy and unavailable. Again, the people on the fire truck/engine are also paramedics and carry the same ALS medical equipment as an ambulance, and they can begin care before the ambulance arrives.
When I call for an ambulance, why do I sometimes see an ambulance from another town?
The District has mutual aid agreements with many neighboring towns so that calls are handled expeditiously. During the course of a day it is not unusual for two or three calls for an ambulance to come in at the same time. If all of Bensenville's ambulances are busy, one from the next available town will be dispatched. The mutual aid agreements work both ways; therefore, Bensenville ambulances can be dispatched to the other municipalities.
What should I do if there is a fire in my home?
Exit immediately, do not attempt to save belongings. Get everyone outside and stay together. Call 911 from a neighbor's house.
What should I do after dialing 911 for a medical emergency?
Stay on the line for medical instructions from the dispatcher. Turn porch lights on if dark outside. Unlock/open the front door. Have someone waiting outside. Lock up pets.
When I see an emergency vehicle approaching while I am driving, should I always pull over to the right and stop?
State law dictates that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if your car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are planning on turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you. Do not tailgate, "draft", or follow a responding apparatus closely. Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.
The alarm on my carbon monoxide detector just went off. What do I do?
Check the unit and batteries for proper functioning. If they appear to be working properly, contact the fire department immediately. Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless gas. Over exposure can result in death. It is a good idea to have the Health Department check the carbon monoxide levels in your home, even when there is no obvious problem. A good time for this test is the beginning of each heating season.
It may appear that by breaking windows or cutting holes in roofs cause more damage than the actual fire. However, internal building fires create a lot of heat and smoke and firefighters must remove the heat and smoke before they can get close enough to put out the fire. Heat and smoke rise, so cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in planned locations force smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the building from below. This is called “ventilation.” This also improves visibility and lowers heat conditions for the firefighters inside, allowing them to quickly and safely extinguish the fire. Heat and smoke can cause extensive damage; ventilation will actually reduce overall damage to a building and contents.
Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
Blood pressure testing is done at either fire station between the hours of 7:30am and 7:30pm.
Station 107: 500 S. York Road, Bensenville
Station 108: 700 Foster Avenue, Bensenville
Station 107: 500 S. York Road, Bensenville
Station 108: 700 Foster Avenue, Bensenville
Why do we have so many, or so few, firefighters showing up at a house fire?
To safely and efficiently ensure all occupants are evacuated from the home and to extinguish the fire requires many simultaneous tasks to be accomplished. Local experience, along with state and national standards have developed recommendations for the number of fire firefighting apparatus/equipment and staffing needed to perform the various tasks at a fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 Standard recommends a minimum of 14-16 firefighters to safely make an interior attack of a fire in a two story, 2000 square foot, single family home without a basement. Larger structures typically require more apparatus and personnel.
Will you take me to the hospital of my choice during an emergency?
Transport decisions are based upon your condition at the time of the call, your preference, your best interest, the closest appropriate facility and medical direction from the hospital.