Fire Chief Defends Use of Fire Truck for Medical Calls

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the operational efficiency of the Panama City Fire Department, particularly regarding the use of fire trucks and the department's fireboat capabilities.

A council member raised concerns about the appropriateness of deploying a large fire truck, specifically a seven-story ladder truck, for medical calls, given that the majority of the city's buildings are two stories or less. The member questioned whether smaller vehicles could be utilized for medical emergencies to reduce wear and tear on larger equipment. The fire chief responded that while fire engines typically respond to medical calls, the ladder truck may occasionally be used if other frontline apparatus are unavailable. However, he emphasized that this is a rare occurrence, as the department's structure requires a minimum of four medically trained personnel to ensure safety and effective response.

The conversation then shifted to the fireboat operated by the Panama City Fire Department. The council member inquired about the potential for coordination among various agencies, such as the Coast Guard and local fishing authorities, to streamline water rescue operations and possibly eliminate redundancy. The fire chief clarified that the Panama City Fire Department is unique in the region, being the only agency with a fireboat capable of extinguishing vessel and shore fires. This responsibility was assumed in the mid-2000s at the request of Port Panama City, and the fireboat now covers all navigable waterways in the area.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the fire department in balancing resource allocation and operational demands, particularly in a city with diverse emergency response needs.