FAQs • Why do I sometimes see a fire engine following the am

Why do I sometimes see a fire engine following the ambulance?: Fire engines respond with ambulances to provide extra personnel or equipment at the emergency scene. The information obtained from the 911 call helps determine if the engine might be needed. Depending on the patient’s needs or location 2 people aren’t always enough to provide the best care. Sometimes the engine crew arrives to find out that they are not needed. If this is the case they return to service for the next call. Better to be there and not needed, than be needed and not there.

Fire Department

1. Why doesn’t Zionsville Fire Department have a Dalmatian dog?: While we don’t have a live Dalmatian dog, we do have the ever so famous Sparky the Fire Dog Mascot. You will see him around the Town at different events and also at numerous public education events.

2. Why doesn’t Zionsville Fire Department have a fire pole?: We currently only have 1 2-story fire station and we chose not to put a pole in it due to the cost of installation ($30,000 - $50,000) and the safety issues that come along with it.

3. Why do the firefighters leave the trucks running after they get out of them when they are not on station?: The trucks are left running so that important electronics such as cardiac monitors can stay charged and so that the trucks that use diesel fuel will not freeze up in the winter.

4. How can I get one of the green reflective address signs?: If you live in the Zionsville Fire Department (ZFD) service area, simply call the ZFD Headquarters office at 317-873-5358 and we will have 1 made for you. There is currently no fee for this.

5. How can I get a copy of a fire report?: There is a small fee for a fire report unless you are the home owner, then there is no fee. To get a copy of a fire report bring a written request to the Zionsville Fire Department Headquarters office located at:
1100 W Oak Street
Zionsville, IN 46077

6. Where do I discard expired fire extinguishers?: We recommend you call a local fire extinguisher company.

7. Where do I recharge/refill my fire extinguisher?: Not all fire extinguishers are rechargeable/refillable. We recommend you call a local fire extinguisher company to find out if yours is.

8. I would like to have a recreational fire on my property, is this allowed?: Please read through the Open Burn Regulations.

9. I would like to burn leaves on my property, is this allowed?: No, burning of leaves is not permitted.

10. I would like to burn clean wood products on my property, is this allowed?: Please read through the Open Burn Regulations.

11. How do I schedule a tour of the fire station?: Please call 317-873-5358 to schedule a tour with your preferred date and time and approximate number of children and adults to attend.

12. Who do I call if I have questions regarding my EMS bill?: Please call our billing department at 317-870-6700.

13. Why do I sometimes see a fire engine following the ambulance?: Fire engines respond with ambulances to provide extra personnel or equipment at the emergency scene. The information obtained from the 911 call helps determine if the engine might be needed. Depending on the patient’s needs or location 2 people aren’t always enough to provide the best care. Sometimes the engine crew arrives to find out that they are not needed. If this is the case they return to service for the next call. Better to be there and not needed, than be needed and not there.

14. Who decides what hospital that I go to?: You do. If you require care and transport it is always your choice as to what hospital you are transported to. Based on the type of illness or injury that you might have we may suggest a location that focuses on that specialty. We will inform you as to why we may suggest that specific hospital, but the final decision is always yours.

15. Are all of the firefighters also EMTs?: All of the Zionsville firefighters are cross trained as either EMTs or Paramedics. There may be some days when the firefighter will be assigned to the ambulance, and other days when they are assigned to the fire engine. Sometimes depending on the amount of calls they may do both in the same shift.

16. What is the difference between an EMT and a paramedic?: The news media tends to use the titles EMT or Paramedic interchangeably. Both are certifications that are provided by the State. Although they are both trained to provide treatment in an emergency there are some significant differences. An EMT course is around 180 hours taught over about 3 months.

The course specializes in training to provide basic life support care. This includes bandaging, splinting, basic airway support, CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators. A Paramedic Course is an additional approximately 14 month intensive program. This additional training allows the paramedic to perform advanced procedures such as inserting a breathing tube, starting IV lines and giving several different medications. ZFD staffs minimally 1 paramedic and 1 EMT on the ambulance.