EMS Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions with some information that you might not know about your Emergency Medical Services:

• Q: Why does a fire truck come when I call an ambulance?
  A: Some communities, including Stafford County, send a fire engine and an ambulance to life-threatening emergencies just to be sure that the public gets the fastest and most effective response possible. Having both fire and EMS crews on the scene ensures that there are enough trained people to handle any emergency situation.



• Q: How is EMS different from the fire department?
  A: In Stafford County, there may be a difference or there may not be a difference depending on which part of the county where your emergency exists. For example, if you live in the Falmouth area, emergencies are typically handled by the Falmouth Fire Department (Company 1) which happens to include EMS. If your emergency occurs just down the road in our White Oak community, fire emergencies are typically handled by the White Oak Fire Department and medical emergencies are typically handled by us, the White Oak Volunteer Rescue Squad. Nearly identical in name, but totally separate in fact. However, you need to know that regardless of the link between fire and EMS, all Stafford County Fire and Rescue agencies have banded together to provide a seamless emergency response system that is geared toward the safety and welfare of everyone who lives, works, or plays in Stafford County.



• Q: Will the ambulance transport me where I want to go?
  A: Ambulance transport is regulated by state and local laws as well as by our local EMS physician medical director, who oversees ambulance operations in our community. Unless local protocols indicate otherwise, ambulance crews transport patients to the nearest emergency room. In most cases in our area, that means Mary Washington Hospital.



• Q: How much will it cost?
  A: As with any public service, there is a cost associated with ambulance transport. Many of these costs are paid for by taxes and property assessments. The EMS agencies in Stafford County do not currently charge patients for treatment and transport.



• Q: Can ambulances break traffic laws?
  A: Ambulances in our community are not granted unrestricted right of way. In most cases, emergency vehicles must obey all signs and signals. For example, they must stop at a red light or stop sign before proceeding through an intersection. Sometimes, emergency vehicles operate contrary to traffic control devices when responding to an emergency. Sometimes, they exceed posted speed limits. However, even during these times, emergency vehicle operators must drive with due regard for public safety.



• Q: What is the difference between an EMT and a paramedic?
  A: EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician. EMT's have over 100 hours of training in basic life support. EMT's may perform CPR, artificial ventilation, oxygen administration, basic airway management, defibrillation using an AED, spinal immobilization, vital signs and bandaging/splinting. Paramedics have over 1000 hours of training in advanced life support and may perform all the basic emergency medical skills as well as advanced airway management such as endotrachial intubation. They may obtain electrocardiographs (ECG's), start intravenous lines and administer numerous types of potentially life-saving medications.