Do I need Smoke Detectors?
Yes Smoke Detectors are required in all residences. Inspection and
certification by the Fire Department is only required at the time the
property is sold/re-financed. With the proven value of Smoke Detectors in
saving lives and protecting property at such a low cost, it's hard to imagine
anyone not having and maintaining them. The East Bridgewater Fire Department
will assist any resident in the placement and maintenance information on home
smoke detectors. The department also sponsors a program to provide and
install Smoke Detectors for residents in need including the elderly,
handicapped and those with financial need.
My Smoke Detector is going off, but I don't see anything - should I bother
calling the fire Department?
Yes After assuring safe evacuation. Smoke Detectors are sensitive to
products of combustion in sizes and amounts often not seen by the human eye.
That is why they work so well. Never hesitate to call.
Do I need Carbon Monoxide(CO) Detectors?
Yes CO Detectors are required in all residences. Inspection and
certification by the Fire Department is only required at the time the
property is sold/re-financed. With the proven value of CO Detectors in
saving lives and protecting property at such a low cost, it's hard to imagine
anyone not having and maintaining them. The East Bridgewater Fire Department
will assist any resident in the placement and maintenance information on home
CO detectors.
My CO Detector is going off, but I don't see or smell anything - should I bother
calling the fire Department?
Yes After assuring safe evacuation. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, tasteless
invisible gas. CO Detetors are very sensitive and designed to alert occupants
prior to CO reaching deadly levels. If you detectors go off, Call the Fire
Department and evacuate the home. Be sure to notify the Fire Department if
anyone in the home is experiencing flu like symptoms. The Fire Department has
specailized equipment to detect and measure amounts of CO in your home.
Please DO NOT open doors and windows before the Fire Department arrives,
it makes it difficult to determine the cause of any CO that may be present.
Never hesitate to call.
I had a little fire, but I'm pretty sure it's out - should I call the Fire
Department?
Yes Again, fire can be sneaky and hide very well. We know where to look
and have equipment such as the Thermal Imaging Camera to find it. Always
call just to be sure.
What about outdoor burning?
Outdoor burning is regulated by the Department of Environmental
Protection which allows outdoor burning of brush, cane, forestry debris, etc.
during an annual period usually from January 15th to May1st under the
supervision and control of the Fire Department. Required permits are issued
each year on request, which include the rules as to hours, procedures,
requirements, and prohibited items.
How about campfires?
Campfires are allowed year round on a case-by-case basis following a site
inspection and assurance of adult supervision.
I don't feel well or I'm only hurt a little. I really don't want to go to
the hospital. Can you just check me out? Should I call?
Yes, please do call, but…except for very minor injuries or illnesses we
are going to generally recommend transportation to the hospital for
definitive care. We are equipped and trained to identify, stabilize, and
treat serious and life-threatening conditions, and to provide safe
transportation to definitive care. This is done strictly under Physician
direction and control. We are not trained, equipped, nor authorized to
provide care without definitive evaluation and follow-up care. Still, we
emphasize, please call! If you even think you might need an ambulance, you
probably do.
The East Bridgewater Fire Department Emergency Medical Service is the
local entry point into the Emergency Medical System which includes Emergency
Ambulance Response, safe transportation to the appropriate medical facility,
Aero Medical transport etc. Emergency Medical Technicians administer care in
accordance with training provided by and under the direction and control of
competent medical authority. Like the practice of medicine in general, the
Emergency Medical Services system has come a long way since it's inception
and the success rate in terms of patient care and recovery speaks for itself.
How much is this ambulance ride going to cost?
By vote of Town Meeting and the Board of Selectmen, Emergency Medical
Services are billed in accordance with current government guidelines.
Insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and automobile policies will
generally cover emergency medical treatment and emergency ambulance
transportation. Insurance coverage and ability/inability to pay is never a
concern to the East Bridgewater Fire Department. We are here to help you
whenever needed.
I'm seen in a Boston Hospital, can you take me there?
Not usually. In an emergency, treating physicians will normally advise
their patients to be transported to a near-by facility to be evaluated,
treated, and then transferred to the usual hospital only if necessary in
consultation with them. In an extremely unusual and serious situation, and
only by a physician's direct order and under that physician's direct
supervision, we will transport a patient to a special facility.
This policy is truly in the patient's best interest. Emergency care is
obtained quicker and non-emergent direct transportation can be arranged,
maintaining the two dedicated emergency ambulances to meet the needs of the
entire town population.
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