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Fire Territory

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1. Why do I always see a fire truck with the ambulance?

Not all emergency medical responses include a fire engine. Ambulances are staffed with one paramedic/firefighter and one Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/firefighter. There are a variety of situations that demand additional manpower or equipment:

• Additional equipment
• Extra manpower for lifting
• Forcible entry necessary
• Life-threatening illness or injury
• Plainfield Ambulance is out of service on another call
• Supervisor needed
• Unknown call

2. Instead of the big fire truck, why don't you send them in a smaller vehicle?

Our fire engines have been designed to be multipurpose vehicles. They are equipped with Emergency Medical Service (EMS) supplies and equipment similar to an ambulance. For a department of our size and the number of emergency calls, it would actually cost more to operate a small rescue unit and a fire engine. In addition, it would increase response times to other emergencies, and diminish our efficiency.

3. Why do I get a bill for ambulance service when I pay taxes?

Similar to your water or sewer bill, your taxes only fund part of the service. User fees are used to shift some of the costs to those who use the service the most.

4. Why does Plainfield need a 100-foot aerial ladder truck when there are only a few buildings that are that height?

Depending on the distance away from the building, our 100-foot ladder may only reach the roof of a 75-foot building. In addition, during defensive operations, the master water stream from the aerial ladder is most effective when directed from above the fire. Thirdly, we use it in a variety of rescue situations in which the 100-foot length is critical.

5. Why do firefighters work 24 hours at a time?

The 24 hours on shift, 48 hours off shift schedule takes advantage of the special Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules for firefighters. It allows us to provide a true 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year service with fewer employees and less cost to the taxpayer.

6. Why does the fire truck and all four firefighters need to go to the grocery store?

The crew of firefighters spends the entire 24 hours together. They respond as a crew to all emergencies in which they are dispatched. On most occasions, a fire engine crew was on their way back from an emergency call, a training exercise, or a pre-plan of a local business. It is rare that they would leave the firehouse just to run one simple errand.

7. I had a small fire in my house, why were there so many fire trucks?

The first 20 minutes of any fire is the most crucial. We generally say that we need 25 firefighters on the scene to safely accomplish all the necessary tasks in the first 20 minutes. Should something go wrong we will need even more manpower. It’s a proven fact that an aggressive and organized initial fire attack saves lives and property.

8. I saw a minor fender bender and the fire department sent three or four trucks and at least 10 people. Why?

The call taker at the 911 dispatch center enters the information given by the caller. The response code that is entered is based on the caller’s account of the event. One person’s perception of the event may be quite different from another. Sometimes, the injuries and the number of patients may not be apparent to the passerby. Other times, we are not sure what the situation is so we error on the side of caution.

9. How many firefighters are women?

At the Plainfield Fire Territory, 10% of the firefighters are women. This is almost 3 times the national average. Plainfield ranks in the top 16% of fire service organizations across the country in the employment of women firefighters. Less than 3% of our applicants are women.

10. I live in the Plainfield Fire Territory. Why did a fire truck from a different community arrive at my home before a Plainfield truck?

View the following reasons why a firetruck from a different town might show up to the scene of a fire:

• The closest Plainfield truck was busy on another call
• Every effort is made to assure the closest appropriate resources are dispatched to an emergency regardless of political boundaries
• In a few areas of the territory, another fire station is actually closer than a Plainfield station
• The Plainfield truck may have been returning from another call and not been on station
• Road conditions - traffic, weather, etc

11. There was a fire in my neighborhood, why did the police department arrive first?

The fire department is always dispatched first. In some situations, police officers are notified that there is a fire in their area. Fire crews are generally at the station when they receive a dispatch. It takes time to don protective equipment and drive time to arrive on the scene. Police officers are generally on the street and their cars are far more nimble than a large fire truck.

12. I live in an area without fire hydrants. How will the fire department handle that situation if I have a fire?

Those areas have predetermined responses that include water tankers from neighboring communities. In addition, each of the Plainfield fire engines carries 1000 gallons of water. Many fire engines carry less than 500 gallons of water. In an effort to be more efficient, we have chosen to carry more water on our fire engines instead of the expense of operating a separate water tanker.

13. How do I apply to be a Plainfield Firefighter?

When we anticipate the need, we open an application process. The announcement is made on this website, facebook and the Government Jobs website.

14. What are the minimum qualifications to become a firefighter?

You must provide proof of the following:

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)
• Must be at least age 21 but not 36 at the time of employment
• Obtain a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card
• Pass aptitude testing
• Pass Police and Firefighters’ Pension Fund Medical and Mental Evaluation
• U.S. Citizenship
• Valid Indiana Operators License

15. Where are EMT courses offered?

Most major hospitals offer courses from time to time. Some universities will have courses. We are affiliated as an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) provider with Hendricks Regional Health. Visit the Hendricks Regional Health website for future class offerings.

16. Do paramedics have an advantage in this process?

Due to the lack of licensed paramedics in Indiana, persons who are a licensed Paramedic (EMT-P) are preferred applicants.

17. Do certified firefighters have an advantage in the process?

Generally speaking, Yes. Any relevant education and/or experience will add credibility to the application. Call the Fire Territory Headquarters at 317-839-6939 for more information.

18. What is CPAT?

It is the Candidate Physical Agility Test. The course is designed to simulate tasks a firefighter would perform.

19. How do I obtain a CPAT card?

Tests are performed and cards are issued by Emergency Services Education Center (ESEC). Visit the ESEC website for more information or call them at 317-270-5703.