FAQs

Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions here

Why does the fire engine respond when there is a call requesting help for a medical problem?

During a medical emergency, seconds count. All fire department personnel are trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and may arrive in an Aid Unit designed or a fire engine. The firefighters can immediately initiate appropriate medical care and in more complicated medical emergencies, fire department paramedics will simultaneously be dispatched. Our department is committed to providing the highest level of care possible and this means getting our emergency personnel to you, as quickly as possible.

Our apparatus serve a multitude of purposes and are designed to address all potential risks that exist in our community (medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, structure fires, rescue and other calls for service). In the event of a subsequent fire call, personnel can respond immediately without needing to return to the fire station for the appropriate equipment.

Why do so many fire department personnel show up at a medical call?

The Thurston Communications 9-1-1 Call Center uses a criteria-based dispatching system to determine the appropriate types and numbers of resources to send on a medical emergency. For the most life threatening calls, such as a cardiac arrest, a combination of a fire engine, medic unit and an aid unit will respond.

In these circumstances, there are a number of critical tasks that need to be accomplished immediately, including:

• Airway maintenance
• Cardiac compressions
• Oxygen therapy
• Defibrillation
• Administration of IV medications
• Scene safety
• Documentation
• Care of the family

Cardiac arrest survival rates in Lacey Fire District 3 are over 40%, which is significantly higher than the national cardiac arrest survival rate of less than 15%.

What do firefighters do during their shift?

A firefighter’s day begins 7:30 a.m. at “tailboard”; a briefing between the off-going and oncoming shifts. After the morning briefing, our crews perform a comprehensive check of their equipment and apparatus to ensure that it is ready for emergency response. Firefighters then have scheduled activities including training, equipment and station maintenance, public education presentations, building safety inspections, and physical conditioning.

More importantly, our personnel respond to more than 17,000 requests for emergency service annually, or more than 46 calls every 24 hours.

What is my fire insurance rating?

The Washington Survey & Rating Bureau (WSRB) has classified our fire protection rating as Class 3 if your home is located within 1,000 feet of a hydrant.  In areas where hydrants are not readily available, the protection class rating is a Class 5.

This rating is used in determining your fire insurance rates. Learn more by accessing the WSRB website here, or check with your insurance company to assist you to find the fire protection rating is assigned to your property.

What is the relationship between Lacey Fire District 3 and Thurston County Medic One?

In partnership with Thurston County Medic One, Lacey Fire District 3 is one of three fire service agencies in Thurston County that provides advanced life support paramedic services throughout the County.  For more information about Thurston County Medic One view their website here.

What if I have more questions about Lacey Fire District 3?

Please reach out to us directly with any questions you may have.