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1. What types of calls do the different fire and rescue units respond to?

The BCFD responds to all types of calls - structure fires, vehicle fires, brush fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, etc. Each apparatus is designed to accomplish a specific task

2. Why does the fire engine and the rescue unit respond together on calls?

The BCFD has 6 firefighters on a crew, 2 on the engine and 2 on each of the 2 rescue units. The majority of our calls take the manpower of more than 2 crew members. For instance, on a structure fire, we might need 2 firefighters to go into the burning structure to look for victims and 2 more firefighters dedicated to putting out the fire with a hose line. The remaining 2 personnel - the captain and engineer - are needed to stay outside to direct and pump water from the engine into the structure.

On an emergency medical call, such as a cardiac arrest, we perform several jobs at once - chest compressions for CPR, rescue breathes, placement of a breathing tube into the lungs, starting an IV to administer cardiac medications, control the heart monitor and administer shocks, if needed, and finally, prepare the backboard and gurney for transporting the patient to the hospital.

3. Do you rescue pets / animals?

Not generally, however, there are occasions where pets have been rescued along with their owner. We do not want to risk injuring our firefighters unnecessarily. If your cat is up the tree, it will come down when it gets hungry.

4. Who do I call to get a fire or EMS emergency response?

In an emergency, call 911, whether it is a fire or medical emergency. 911 emergency calls go directly to the Public Safety Dispatch Center where trained personnel will determine the nature of your emergency and will send the correct type of assistance.

5. Can I call 911 from my cell phone?

Yes, however you may be connected to another jurisdiction. If it is a life-threatening emergency, the 911 operator will be able to transfer you to the proper dispatch center, so be sure to tell them immediately what city you are in. You may be able to contact your wireless service provider and request that your 911 calls be connected directly to the Boulder City Public Safety Dispatch Center.

6. When I encounter an emergency vehicle while I'm driving, what should I do?

Safely, and with your turn signal on, pull to the right of the roadway and stop. If you are sitting at a stoplight or stop sign, remain where you are and let the emergency vehicle make its way through the intersection.

7. Do you provide EMS and / or fire service to the Lake Mead Recreation Area?

It is essential that there is adequate coverage for emergencies within the primary response district for the Boulder City Fire Department which is the incorporated area of Boulder City including the Eldorado Valley.

We do have a mutual aid agreement in place for fire assistance if mutual aid is requested through the NPS Dispatch center and may respond to the Park on requests for assistance in structure fires and to conduct vehicle extrication procedures. BCFD does not provide 1st response emergency medical services into the Park.

8. Do you provide EMS and / or fire service to Hoover Dam?

As with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Reclamation (Hoover Dam) has a mutual aid agreement in place. However, in the case of emergency medical calls for assistance to Hoover Dam, BCFD is a 1st responder.

9. Who maintains / paints the hydrants?

The City of Boulder City Public Works department maintains the city’s public hydrants. There are some privately-owned hydrants in Boulder City in some neighborhoods that must be maintained by the property owner. If you want to report a leaking or damaged hydrant, please contact the Boulder City Public Works Dept. at 702-293-9200 or BCFD at 702-293-9228. Public Works Page

10. Who provides the special event coverage by EMS and fire personnel at football games and Bootleg Canyon events?

When possible, off-duty personnel may apply to work special events. However, due to manpower shortages, some events may have to contract with a private ambulance service for coverage. The special event organizers are responsible for paying all personnel

11. Does the city have an Emergency Operations Plan?

Yes. Boulder City has an Emergency Operations Plan and also attends Emergency Management meetings to coordinate with Clark County and other entities in Southern Nevada in the event of an emergency or disaster. The city’s plan is not available for public dissemination. However, BCFD encourages all citizens to develop an emergency preparedness plan and supply kit for themselves and their families.