Emergency Response

RSFFPD Notice of Privacy Practices (pdf)

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District employs 33 full-time firefighters, including 9 firefighter/paramedics. Firefighters respond to fires, medical aid requests, traffic collisions and a variety of other public assistance calls.

An engine company, or crew, is made up of a Company Officer (a.k.a. Captain), an Engineer, and a Firefighter/Paramedic; some engine companies have an additional Firefighter, making them a four-person crew. Despite their titles, each person in the engine company is capable of performing firefighting duties and basic life support (BLS); paramedics perform advanced life support (ALS) duties, as well.

Engine companies are divided into three Divisions (A, B, C). While on duty, each Division works a full 24-hour shift. See the 2008 Firefighter Shift Calendar (pdf).

Engine companies work from 8 a.m. until they are relieved at 8 a.m. the next day. This means they must eat their meals and sleep at the fire station. During their 24-hour day, firefighters' number one priority is to provide emergency assistance, yet emergency calls often do not fill an entire work day. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., if they aren't responding to calls, firefighters are required to complete numerous duties, including:

• Maintenance and repairs of fire apparatus and staff vehicles.
  
  
• General fire station housekeeping and maintenance.
  
  
• Two hours of job-specific training per shift. Training activities include drills on medical skills, fire suppression, rescue tactics, fire prevention inspection practices and more.
  
  
• One hour of physical training/conditioning.
  
  
• Special projects like fire hose testing, fire hydrant maintenance and the engine company fire inspection program.
  
  
• Community education presentations and public relations activities as assigned.

From 5 p.m. until relieved the next morning, firefighters remain available for emergency response and are permitted to relax or spend time studying at their respective stations.