What happens when you call 911 in Groton for a medical emergency...

Common Question: Why is the Fire Department here when I called for an ambulance?

  If it's for a fire you will get the fire department of course..but if it's for a medical emergency you will get the fire department, (one fire truck with two or three firefighters)  one ambulance, one police officer,and depending on severity a paramedic unit.The reason for the fire department responding to a medical emergency is that we are certified as the FIRST RESPONDER for the Poquonnock Bridge Fire District in Groton.PBFD was the first department in S.E.Connecticut back in the early 1980's to become First Responder certified. This is part of an  EMS system to get someone on scene to assess the injury or medical emergency and then to treat and stabilize the victim as quick as possible and prepare them for transport to the hospital.Here at Poquonnock Bridge Fire District we are a paid professional department with firefighters on duty 24/7 x 365 days a year.All firefighters are certified EMT's and all apparatus have automatic defibulator's and other advanced EMS equipment to sustain or revive someones life.We also carry advanced rescue equipment (Hydraulic Extrication Equipment, Heavy Lift Air Bags, Heavy Duty Jacks & Stabilizers) for use at motor vehicle accidents which are numerous in our response area including I-95.(Refer to RESPONSE AREA in colume to left of screen)

 Fire Departments are strategically located in neighborhoods across Groton and can be there much quicker than the ambulance services.Also, with almost 8000 medical calls in Groton a year there are many times ambulances are delayed due to high call volume or are returning from L&M Hospital in New London.