Many different departments and districts have different ways of dispatching units as well as the number or types of units. This section will cover how SRVFPD dispatches their units to different calls. If you are confused about any of the apparatus or units mentioned, see the apparatus section.
Medical emergencies make up the majority of calls SRVFPD receives, well over 70%. In SRVFPD, medical emergencies are handled by the nearest available engine and ambulance. One mistake people often make is that instead of private ambulances like NorCal or AMR, the district's own ambulances are first dispatched to handle the emergency and if needed, transport the victim to a hospital. However, if the medical emergency takes place in a remote area or hard to access places, then the response will usually be one battalion chief, one engine, one ambulance, one air ambulance (Like REACH), and one CHP helicopter.
Lift assists are not as urgent as medical emergencies, and are when someone is not able to move. The usual response for this is one engine. However, if the call is near a station with an available truck, then that truck will be dispatched instead of the engine. In addition, if it becomes serious, units on scene can request an ambulance.
Structure fires are on the rarer side of calls. The first response for a call classified as a structure fire is Two Battalion Chiefs, One Command personnel, Four Engines, One Truck, One ambulance, and a Tactical Radio Channel (Usually TAC 2).
Although both are usually classified as Gas Leaks, they are different. Gas Odor calls are when someone reports smelling gas, and the response for that is one engine and one hazmat unit. Actual Gas Leak calls happen when someone confirms there is a gas leak, such as when they hit a gas pipe while working, and the response is Two engines, one battalion chief, and one hazmat unit.
Fire alarms can occur in two different places: commercial buildings and residential buildings. For fire alarms in residential buildings, such as houses, the response is one engine. For a fire alarm in a commercial building, like restraunts, shops, or apartments, the response is one engine and one truck.
Public service calls and hazardous condition calls can be anything from a tree on the road to a bird inside a house. The usual response for these calls are one engine. However, if the call is near a station with an available truck, the truck will be dispatched instead of the engine. Depending on the type of call and situation, additional units may be dispatched, such as extra engines, trucks, EMS, command, or specialized units
The usual response for a traffic collision is one engine and one ambulance. An expanded traffic collision is when the scene is more complex or dangerous, such as rollovers. The usual response for this is one engine, one truck, one battalion chief, and one ambulance. Additional units can be dispatched depending on the needs, such as heavy rescue or additional ambulances.
The usual response for vegetation fires is composed of offroading engines, two battalion chiefs, water tenders, command personnel, Calfire dozers, handcrews, and air support, and a tactical radio channel ( Usually TAC 2). Note: Specific details cannot currently be provided and will be updated when more information is available.
Sheared hydrants are when a fire hydrant is hit, usually by a car, and is spraying water uncontrollably. The usual response for this is one engine. However, if the call is near a station with an available truck, then that truck will be dispatched instead of the engine.
Outside Fires are when a fire is not considered a vegetation fire, such as maybe a small brush or a singular tree on fire. The usual response for these calls are one engine. However, if the call is near a station with an available truck, the truck will be dispatched instead of the engine. Depending on the type of call and situation, additional units may be dispatched, such as extra engines, trucks, EMS, command, or specialized units.
Vehicle fires are when a vehicle, usually cars or trucks, catch fire. The usual response for these calls are one engine. However, if the call is near a station with an available truck, the truck will be dispatched instead of the engine. Depending on the type of call and situation, additional units may be dispatched, such as extra engines, trucks, EMS, command, or specialized units.
Odor investigations are when someone reports a wierd smell, usually smoke or something burning. The usual response for these calls are one engine. However, if the call is near a station with an available truck, the truck will be dispatched instead of the engine. Depending on the type of call and situation, additional units may be dispatched, such as extra engines, trucks, EMS, command, or specialized units