We provide Advanced Life Support EMS out of each of our six Fire stations that are strategically located in the community to provide a rapid response to 911 emergencies. The typical response to a 911 medical emergency will include three Fire Rescue personnel responding on an Advanced Life Support vehicle equipped with the latest diagnostic medical equipment available in the pre-hospital industry. In addition to our Rescue/Ambulances, all Fire Engines are also Advanced Life Support equipped. Emergency Cardiac Care, once only available in the hospital, is now commonplace pre-hospital via the Pembroke Pines emergency response vehicles.

The Rescue Division provides extensive continuing education in basic and advanced life support care to all of our emergency response personnel. We are taking advantage of every technological breakthrough available to ensure that our level of medical response is unparalleled.

In 2004, our Fire Rescue personnel responded to 17,693 calls for emergency medical assistance. We treated 14,409 patients and transported 10,296 to area hospitals. Transport fees in excess of 2.4 million dollars were collected to help lower the cost of providing this essential service to the taxpayers of Pembroke Pines.

 Our commitment to the community extends beyond emergency response to educating the public in recognition of medical emergencies and basic life support skills.

We provide CPR and 911 awareness classes to community groups and other individuals in the community interested in improving their ability to help in a medical emergency at home. In addition, CPR and first aid classes are provided to school teachers, day care workers, security guards and healthcare workers in doctor’s offices.

The Rescue Division has championed the effort to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all City facilities to ensure the fastest response possible to heart attack victims. We have also trained countless individuals and groups on the use of AEDs on patients in cardiac arrest prior to the arrival of Fire Rescue personnel.

The ability of the public to recognize an emergency and call 911, administer CPR and apply an AED will help to improve the survival of patients who suffer a heart attack. All of this is being made possible due to the efforts of the Rescue Division and the Fire Department as a whole to educate the public on what to do in case of a medical emergency. This community response combined with the Advanced Life Support administered by Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue personnel provides the highest level of emergency medical care available.