Why does the Fire Department send a ladder truck on motor vehicle accidents and other first aid calls?

The Boardman Fire Department has three stations. There is a pumper truck in the Lockwood and Shields Station, there is a pumper truck with a short ladder on top at the South Ave. Station, and the main fire station on Boardman-Poland Rd. has a pumper truck and a ladder/aerial truck. The Fire Department’s first goal is to send the closest truck to a medical emergency so as to provide care to a victim as soon as possible. When we are able to make a choice between a pumper truck and the larger ladder truck, the smaller truck is sent. From time to time, the call requires additional manpower and the ladder truck may be sent, or it will be sent when the pumper truck is tied up on another serious call.

As for automobile accidents, they often present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials. Also, Boardman firefighters are trained First Responders. Therefore, they can assist with patient care or assist in extricating (removing) trapped occupants of the vehicle.

Posted in: Fire Department Procedures