Texas | ecil89 - 12/13/2025 13:08
You’re so right about those of us in rural America depending on volunteer departments. I recently joined ours and 2 things were really eye opening. There are way more calls than I expected. Sure most are minor but someone still has to show up. The other is just how short staffed these volunteer departments are. There are really only about 8 of us who show up regularly and between work and other engagements only 3 or 4 can generally make a call. Most of us are at least 5 minutes from the station so best case scenario it’s 10 minutes by the time we drive there get gear in and jump in the truck. I actually joined because I had a combine fire a few years back and was so grateful someone came to help but also surprised it took nearly 20 minutes for someone to get there. In hindsight that’s was a pretty quick response.
Long story short I know this forum can get kinda backed up with VFD chatter but we are trying and if you’re able bodied it’s a great way to help your community.
We are probally at least best 20 minutes . Im 7 miles from station . My gear is in a bag , ( all of it ) . Throw in truck and roll . I have started off totally alone . Everyone else at work 30 miles away . You can fight grass / crops alone .
best advice i can give is find out who is mutual aid and if you are going alone . Get on that radio and get you some help .
Ill run lift assist and medical alone . I am not an EMT , i just try to do what i can until the paramedics get there .
Guys that been on a while can sure help you a bunch .
DO NOT ever go in a structure alone . Im not to 100% say id let someone die in one . But way aginst policy .
I run a ton of mutual aid calls , the sherrfs department dispatches us, and all around here .
We all get along good .
My son is fully educated FF /EMT . He has taught me a bunch .
|
Tommy - Hybrid Vehicle Video
